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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For The Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 20152016
OR
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number: 1-4639
CTS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 Indiana   35-0225010 
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification Number)
       
1142 West Beardsley Avenue, Elkhart, IN2375 Cabot Drive, Lisle, IL
 (Address of principal executive offices)
 
4651460532
 (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 574-523-3800630-577-8800
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common stock, without par value New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes ¨     No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.    Yes ¨    No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes x     No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    x Yes     ¨ No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.     ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer x
 
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if smaller reporting company)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes o     No    x
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of CTS Corporation, based upon the closing sales price of CTS common stock on June 28, 2015,30, 2016, was approximately $637,000,000.$584,000,000. There were 32,575,15432,762,494 shares of common stock, without par value, outstanding on February 19, 2016.21, 2017.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
(1)Portions of the Proxy Statement to be filed for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on or about May 19, 201618, 2017 are incorporated by reference in Part III.
 



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CTS CORPORATION 1


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

PART I

Item 1.  Business
CTS Corporation ("CTS", "we", "our", "us" or the "Company") is a global manufacturer of sensors, electronic components, and actuators. CTS was established in 1896 as a provider of high-quality telephone products and was incorporated as an Indiana corporation in February 1929. Our principal executive offices are located in Elkhart, Indiana.Lisle, Illinois.
We design, manufacture, and sell a broad line of sensors, electronic components, and actuators primarily to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") for the transportation, communications,industrial, medical, information technology, defense and aerospace, medical, industrial, and information technologycommunications markets. Our vision is to be a leading provider of sensing and motion devices as well as connectivity components, enabling an intelligent and seamless world. These devices are categorized by their ability to Sense, Connect or Move. Sense products provide vital inputs to electronic systems. Connect products allow systems to function in synchronization with other systems. Move products ensure required movements are effectively and accurately executed. We are committed to achieving our vision by continuing to invest in the development of products and technologies within these categories.
We operate manufacturing facilities located throughoutin North America, Asia, and Europe. Sales and marketing are accomplished through our sales engineers, independent manufacturers' representatives, and distributors.
On October 2, 2013, CTS sold its Electronics Manufacturing Solutions ("EMS") business to Benchmark Electronics, Inc. ("Benchmark") for approximately $75 million in cash. The sale of EMS has allowed CTS to sharpen its focus on its remaining business. The 2013 amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) related to EMS have been reported separately as discontinued operations.
See the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes included in Part II, Item 8 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for financial information regarding the Company.

PRODUCTS BY MAJOR MARKETS
Our products perform specific electronic functions for a given product family and are intended for use in customer assemblies. Our major products consist principally of automotive sensors and actuators used in passenger or commercial vehicles;vehicles, electronic components used in communications infrastructure, information technology and other high-speed applications, switches, and potentiometers supplied to multiple markets;markets, and fabricated piezoelectric materials and substrates used primarily in medical, industrial, defense and aerospace, and information technology markets.


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The following table provides a breakdown of net sales by industry as a percent of consolidated net sales from continuing operations:sales:
Major Industry201620152014
(as a % of consolidated net sales)201520142013

Industry  
Transportation67%66%66%67%
Industrial17%
Medical7%3%2%
Information Technology4%5%6%
Defense and Aerospace4%5%4%
Communications3%4%6%2%3%4%
Information Technology5%6%
Medical3%2%
Industrial14%13%
Defense and Aerospace5%4%
Other3%
% of consolidated net sales100%100%
The following table identifies major products by industry. Products are sold to several industry OEMs and through distributors.
Product DescriptionTransportationCommunicationsITMedicalIndustrial
Defense
and
Aerospace
Other
SENSEl  llll
(Controls, Pedals, Piezo Sensing Products, Sensors, Switches, Transducers)      
CONNECT llllll
(EMI/RFI Filters, Capacitors, Frequency Control, Resistors, RF filters)      
MOVEl l l l
(Piezo Microactuators, Rotary Actuators, Thermal)      


MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION
Sales and marketing to OEMs is accomplished through our sales engineers, independent manufacturers' representatives, and distributors. We maintain sales offices in China, Germany, Japan, Scotland, Singapore, India, Taiwan, and the United States. Approximately 90% of 20152016 net sales were attributable to our sales engineers.
Our sales engineers generally service the largest customers with application-specific products. The sales engineers work closely with major customers in designing and developing products to meet specific customer requirements.
We utilize the services of independent manufacturers' representatives for customers not serviced directly by our sales engineers. Independent manufacturers' representatives receive commissions from CTS.us. During 2015,2016, approximately 5% of net sales were attributable to independent manufacturers' representatives. We also use independent distributors. Independent distributors purchase products from CTSus for resale to customers. In 2015,2016, independent distributors accounted for approximately 5% of net sales.





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RAW MATERIALS
We utilize a wide variety of raw materials and purchased parts in our manufacturing processes. The following are the most significant raw materials and purchased components:
Conductive inks and contactors, passive electronic components, integrated circuits and semiconductors, certain rare earth elements ("REEs"), ceramic components,powders, plastic components, molding compounds, printed circuit boards and assemblies, quartz blanks and crystals, wire harness assemblies, copper, brass, silver, gold, aluminum, and steel-based raw materials and components.
These raw materials and parts are purchased from several vendors, and, except for certain semiconductors, REEs, and conductive inks, we do not believe we are dependent upon one or a limited number of vendors. Although we purchase all of our semiconductors, REEs, and conductive inks from a limited number of vendors, alternative sources are available.

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

PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, AND LICENSES
We maintain a program of obtaining and protecting U.S. and non-U.S. patents relating to products that we have designed and manufactured, as well as processes and equipment used in our manufacturing technology. We were issued 1117 new U.S. patents and 127 non-U.S. patents in 20152016 and currently hold 155167 U.S. patents and 133118 non-U.S. patents. We have 10 registered U.S. trademarks, 2220 registered foreign trademarks and two4 international trademark registrations. We have licensed the right to use several of our patents. In 2015,2016, license and royalty income was less than 1% of net sales.

MAJOR CUSTOMERS
Sales to our 15 largest customers as a percentage of total net sales were as follows:
 Year Ended December 31,
 201520142013
Total of 15 largest customers / net sales61.4%60.9%59.8%
 Years Ended December 31,
 201620152014
Total of 15 largest customers / net sales63.1%61.4%60.9%

Our net sales to significant customers as a percentage of total net sales were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
201520142013201620152014
Honda Motor Co.10.7%10.8%8.4%10.7%10.8%
Toyota Motor Corporation10.1%8.4%6.3%10.4%10.1%8.4%
CTSWe sells automotive parts to both Honda and Toyota for certain vehicle platforms under purchase agreements that have no volume commitments and are subject to purchase orders issued from time to time.
No other customer accounted for 10% or more of total net sales during these periods.
CTS continuesWe continue to broaden itsour customer base. Changes in the level of our customers' orders have, in the past, had a significant impact on our operating results. If a major customer reduces the amount of business it does with us, or substantially changes the terms of that business, there could be an adverse impact on our operating results.

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

ORDER BACKLOG
Order backlog, representsas previously disclosed, is comprised of firm open purchase orders CTS haswe have received from its customers. Orderour customers and generally represents 1 to 2 months of sales. Our business is a mix of purchase order based business, shorter-term contracts, and multi-year awards, such as with customers who serve the automotive end-market.  As such, order backlog maydoes not provide an accuratea meaningful indication of present or future revenue levels for CTS. Typically, the period between receipt of orders and expected delivery is relatively short. However, large orders from major customers may include backlog covering an extended period of time. Production scheduling and delivery for these orders could be changed or canceled by the customer on relatively short notice.sales.  
The following table shows order backlog of January 31, 2016 and January 25, 2015.
(in thousands)January 31, 2016January 25, 2015
Order backlog$65,584
$61,783
Order backlog as of the January month-end will generally be recognized into revenue during the same fiscal year.

COMPETITION
We compete with many domestic and foreign manufacturers principally on the basis of product features, price, technology, quality, reliability, delivery, and service. Most of our product lines encounter significant global competition. The number of competitors varies from product line to product line. No one competitor competes with us in every product line, but many competitors are larger and more diversified than us.we are.
Some customers have reduced or plan to reduce their number of suppliers, while increasing thetheir volume of their purchases. Customers demand betterlower cost and higher quality, reliability, and delivery standards from us as well as from our competitors. These trends create opportunities for us, but also increase the risk of loss of business to competitors. We are subject to competitive risks that are typical within the electronics industry, including in some cases short product life cycles and technical obsolescence.
We believe we compete most successfully in custom engineered products manufactured to meet specific applications of major OEMs.

NON-U.S. REVENUES AND ASSETS
Our net sales to external customers originating from non-U.S. operations as a percentage of total net sales were as follows:
 Year Ended December 31,
 201520142013
Net sales from non-U.S. operations to external customers38%42%45%
 Years Ended December 31,
 201620152014
Net sales from non-U.S. operations to external customers30%38%42%



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Our percentages of total assets at non-U.S. locations were as follows:
 Year Ended December 31,
 201520142013
Total assets at non-U.S. operations46%43%42%
 Years Ended December 31,
 201620152014
Total assets at non-U.S. operations48%46%43%
A substantial portion of these assets, other than cash and cash equivalents, cannot readily be liquidated. We believe the business risks to our non-U.S. operations, though substantial, are normal risks for global businesses. These risks include currency controls and changes in currency exchange rates, longer collection cycles, political and transportation risks, economic downturns and inflation, government regulations, and expropriation. Our non-U.S. manufacturing facilities are located in Canada (closed in 2015), China, Czech Republic, India, Mexico, (Maquiladora) and Taiwan.
See Note 1819 "Geographic Data" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further geographic information .information.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
A summary of amounts spent for research and development activities is as follows:
Year Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)201520142013201620152014
Research and development$22,461
$22,563
$23,222
$24,040
$22,461
$22,563
Ongoing research and development activity is primarily focused on expanded applications, new product development, and current product and process enhancements.
We believe a strong commitment to research and development is required for growth. Most of our research and development activities relate to developing new, innovative products and technologies to meet the current and future needs of our customers. We provide our customers with full systemsengineering support to ensure quality and reliability through all phases of design, launch, and manufacturing to meet or exceed customer requirements. Many such research and development activities benefit one or a limited number of customers or potential customers. All research and development costs are expensed as incurred.


EMPLOYEES
We employed 2,8832,796 people at December 31, 2015,2016, with 74.3%74.2% of these employees located outside the U.S. We employed 2,9482,883 people at December 31, 2014.2015. Approximately 190 CTS150 employees at one location in the United States were covered by two collective bargaining agreements as of December 31, 2015. One agreement, which covers 163 employees, is2016. Both agreements are scheduled to expire in 2018 and the other, which covers 27 employees, is scheduled to expire in 2016.upon completion of our 2016 Restructuring Plan activities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We are incorporated in the State of Indiana. Our principal corporate office is located at 1142 West Beardsley Avenue, Elkhart, Indiana 46514.2375 Cabot Drive, Lisle, IL 60532.
Our internet address is www.ctscorp.com. We make available free of charge through our website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The information contained on or accessible through our website is not part of this or any other report we file or furnish to the SEC, other than the documents that we file with the SEC that are incorporated by reference herein.
Further, a copy of this annual report on Form 10-K is located at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling

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the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding our filings at www.sec.gov.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
Executive Officers.    The following serve as executive officers of CTS as of February 24, 2016.2017. The executive officers are expected to serve until the next annual meeting of the Board of Directors, scheduled to be held on or about May 19, 2016,18, 2017, at which time the election of officers will be considered again by the Board of Directors.
Name Age Positions and Offices
Kieran O'Sullivan 5354 President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
Ashish Agrawal 4546 Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Luis Francisco Machado 5354 Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Kieran O'Sullivan - 5354 - President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board -Board. Mr. O'Sullivan joined CTS on January 7, 2013. Before joining CTS, Mr. O'Sullivan served as Executive Vice President of Continental AG's Global Infotainment and Connectivity Business and led the NAFTA Interior Division, having joined Continental AG, a global automotive supplier, in 2006. Mr. O'Sullivan is a member of the board of directors and the compensation, audit and risk committees of LCI Industries, a supplier of components for manufacturers of recreational vehicles, manufactured homes and for the related aftermarkets of those industries.
Ashish Agrawal - 4546 - Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. On November 11, 2013, Mr. Agrawal was elected Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for CTS. Mr. Agrawal joined CTS in June 2011 as Vice President, Treasury and Corporate Development, and was elected as Treasurer on September 1, 2011. Before joining CTS, Mr. Agrawal was with Dometic Corporation, a manufacturer of refrigerators, awnings and air conditioners, as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 2007. Prior to that, Mr. Agrawal was with General Electric Co. in various positions since December 1994.
Luis Francisco Machado - 5354 - Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Mr. Machado joined CTS in August 2015. Before joining CTS, Mr. Machado was Senior Vice President, Legal and Assistant Secretary at L Brands, Inc. since August 2010 and Associate General Counsel, Corporate and Assistant Secretary of Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company since February 2006.
Information with respect to Directors and Corporate Governance may be found in our definitive proxy statement to be delivered to shareholders in connection with our 20162017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors
The following are certain risk factors that could affect our business, financial condition and operating results. These risk factors should be considered in connection with evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in any other reports filed or furnished by us, because these factors could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those projected in theany such forward-looking statements. Before you invest in us, you should know that making such an investment involves some risks, including the risks described below. The risks that are highlighted below are not the only ones that we face. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or operating results could be negatively affected.

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

We depend on a small number of customers for a large portion of our business, and changes in the level of our customers' orders have, in the past, had a significant impact on our results of operations. Our 15 largest customers represent a substantial portion of our sales from continuing operations. If a major customer significantly delays, reduces, or cancels the level of business it does with us, there could be an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Such an adverseresults, this effect would likely be material if one of our largest customers significantly reduces its level of business.material. Significant pricing and margin pressures exerted by a keymajor customer could also materially adversely affect our operating results. In addition, we generate significant accounts receivable from sales to our major customers. If one or more of our largestmajor customers were to become insolvent or otherwise unable to pay or were to

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delay payment for services, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected.

Negative or unexpected tax consequences could adversely affect our results of operations.

We operate globally and changes in tax laws could adversely affect our results.  The international tax environment continues to change as a result of both coordinated actions by governments and unilateral measures enacted by individual countries.  Additionally, comprehensive tax reform may occur in the U.S.  Both could significantly impact our effective tax rate, tax liabilities and our ability to utilize deferred tax assets.

Adverse changes in the underlying profitability and financial outlook of our operations in several jurisdictions could lead to changes in our valuation allowances against deferred tax assets and other tax accruals that could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
Several countries in which we operate provide tax incentives to attract and retain business. These tax incentives expire over various periods and are subject to certain conditions with which we expect to comply. Our taxes could increase if certain tax incentives are not renewed upon expiration, or tax rates applicable to us in such jurisdictions are otherwise increased. In addition, acquisitions or divestitures may cause our effective tax rate to increase.

We base our tax accounting positions upon the anticipated nature and conduct of our business and upon our understanding of the tax laws of the various countries in which we have assets or conduct activities. However, our tax accounting positions are subject to review and possible challenge by taxing authorities and to possible changes in law, which may have a retroactive effect. We cannot determine in advance the extent to which some jurisdictions may require us to pay taxes or make payments in lieu of taxes.

We may be unable to compete effectively against competitors.

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

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

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

We may experience difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful development, introduction and marketing of new products or product enhancements and our new products or product enhancements may not adequately meet the requirements of the marketplace or achieve market acceptance. If we are unable, for technological or other reasons, to develop and market new products

or product enhancements in a timely and cost-effective manner, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected.

Our customers may cancel their orders, change production quantities or locations or delay production.

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

In addition, customers may require that manufacturing of their products be transitioned from one of our facilities to another to achieve cost reductions and other objectives. Such transfers may result in inefficiencies and costs due to

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

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

We sell products to customers in cyclical industries that have experienced economic and industry downturns. The markets for our products have softened in the past and may again soften in the future. We may face reduced end-customer demand, underutilization of our manufacturing capacity, changes in our revenue mix and other factors that could adversely affect our results of operations in the near-term. We cannot predict whether we will achieve profitability in future periods.
Because we
We derive a substantial portion of our revenues from customers in the automotive, computer and communications industries weand are susceptible to trends and factors affecting those industries.
Net sales
Sales to the automotive, computer and communications industries represent a substantial portion of our revenues. Factors negatively affecting these industries and the demand for their products also negatively affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Any adverse occurrence, including among others, industry slowdown, recession, political instability, costly or constraining regulations, budget cuts or reduced government budgets and spending, armed hostilities, terrorism, excessive inflation, prolonged disruptions in one or more of our customers' production schedules or labor disturbances, that results in significanta decline in the volume of sales in these industries, or in an overall downturn in the business and operations of our customers in these industries, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Also, the automotive industry isThese industries are generally unionized and some of our customers have experienced labor disruptions in the past. Furthermore, the automotive industry isthese industries are highly cyclical in nature and sensitive to changes in general economic conditions, consumer preferences and interest rates. Some of our automotive customers have experienced financial distress. The failure of one or more automotive manufacturers that we serve may result in the failure to receive payment in full for products sold in the past and an abrupt cancellation in demand for certain products. Weakness in auto demand, the insolvency of automobile manufacturers that we serve or their suppliers, and constriction of credit markets may negatively and materially affect our facility utilization, cost structure, financial condition, and operating results.

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

Despite our quality control and quality assurance efforts, defects may occur in the products we manufacture due to design or manufacturing errors or component failure. Product defects could result in delayed shipments and reduced demand for our products. We may be subject to increased costs due to warranty claims on defective products. Product defects could result in product liability

claims against us where defects cause, or are alleged to cause, property damage, bodily injury or death. As we grow our business in the automotive and medical device manufacturing markets, the risk of exposure to product liability litigation increases. We may be required to participate in a recall involving products which are, or are alleged to be, defective. We carry insurance for certain legal matters involving product liability; however, we do not have coverage for all costs related to product defects and the costs of such claims, including costs of defense and settlement, may exceed our available coverage. Accordingly, our results of operations, cash flow and financial position could be adversely affected.

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We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates that may adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

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

Our operating results vary significantly from period to period.

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

We face risks relating to our international operations.

Because we have significant international operations, our operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected by economic, political, health, regulatory and other factors existing in foreign countries in which we operate. Our international operations are subject to inherent risks, which may materially adversely affect us, including: political and economic instability in countries in which our products are manufactured; expropriation or the imposition of government controls; changes in government regulations; export license requirements; trade restrictions; earnings repatriation and expatriation restrictions; exposure to different legal standards, including related to intellectual property; health conditions and standards; currency controls; fluctuations in exchange rates; increases in the duties and taxes we pay; inflation or deflation; greater difficulty in collecting accounts receivable and longer payment cycles; changes in labor conditions and difficulties in staffing and managing our international operations; limitations on insurance coverage against geopolitical risks, natural disasters and business operations; and communication among and management of international operations. In addition, these same factors may also place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to some of our foreign competitors.
In addition, we
We may face risks associated with violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") and similar anti-bribery laws. The FCPA and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Our Code of Ethics mandates compliance with these anti-bribery laws. We operate in many parts of the world where strict compliance with anti-bribery laws may conflict with local customs and practices. We cannot assure you that our internal controls and procedures always will protect us from the detrimental actions by our employees or agents. If we are found to be liable for FCPA violations (either due to our own acts or our inadvertence or due to the acts or inadvertence of others), we could suffer from criminal or civil penalties or other sanctions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Furthermore, we may face public
Public health or safety concerns, conditions, or restrictions that impact the availability of labor or the movement of goods in some of the countries in which we operate that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

We may restructure our operations, which may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
In 2013, we
We have announced and initiated the June 2013 Plan which is torestructuring plans designed to revise and consolidate certain operations for the purpose of improving our cost structure. The implementation of this plan resultedstructure at various times in the elimination of approximately 350 positions within our global operations. During the fourth quarter of 2014, CTS management amended the June 2013 Plan. The amendment added the elimination of approximately 130 additional positions and additional cost to settle CTS' U.K. pension plan. The positions eliminated will be spread globally throughout CTS businesses. The above actions were substantially complete in 2015.

10 CTS CORPORATION

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In 2014, we initiated a restructuring plan to consolidate our Canadian operations into other existing CTS facilities. These restructuring actions resulted in the elimination of approximately 120 positions in 2015.
recent past. We may incur restructuring and impairment charges in the future

if circumstances warrant. IfAdditionally, if we are unsuccessful in implementing restructuring plans, we may experience disruptions in our operations and higher ongoing costs, which may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

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

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

We may explore acquisitions that complement or expand our business as well as divestitures of various business operations. We may not be able to complete these transactions, and these transactions, if executed, may pose significant risks and may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

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

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

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

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

We believe that patents will continue to play an important role in our business. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in securing patents for claims in any pending patent application or that any issued patent

CTS CORPORATION 11

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will provide us with any competitive advantage. We also cannot provide assurance that the patents will not be challenged by third parties or that the patents of others will not materially adversely affect our ability to do business.

We may become involved in litigation in the future to protect our intellectual property or because others may allege that we infringed on their intellectual property. These claims and any resulting lawsuit could subject us to liability for damages and invalidate our intellectual property rights. If an infringement claim is successfully asserted by a holder of intellectual property rights, we may be required to cease marketing or selling certain products, pay penalties and spend significant time and money to develop a non-infringingnon-

infringing product or process or to obtain licenses for the technology, process or information from the holder. We may not be successful in the development of a non-infringing alternative, or licenses may not be available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all, in which case we may lose sales and profits. In addition, any litigation could be lengthy and costly and could materially adversely affect us even if we are successful in the litigation.

We may experience shortages and increased costs of raw material and required electronic components.

Unanticipated raw material or electronic component shortages may prevent us from making scheduled shipments to customers. Our inability to make scheduled shipments could cause us to experience a shortfall in revenue, increase our costs and adversely affect our relationship with affected customers and our reputation as a reliable supplier. We may be required to pay higher prices for raw materials or electronic components in short supply and order these raw materials or electronic components in greater quantities to compensate for variable delivery times. We may also be required to pay higher prices for raw materials or electronic components due to inflationary trends regardless of supply. We are also dependent on our suppliers' ability to supply and deliver raw materials on a timely basis at negotiated prices. Any delay or inability to deliver raw materials by our suppliers may require that we attempt to mitigate such failure or fail to make deliveries to our customers on a timely basis. As a result, raw material or electronic component shortages, and price increases, or failure to perform by our suppliers could adversely affect our operating results for a particular period due to the resulting revenue shortfall andand/or increased costs.

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

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

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

Our operations are regulated by a number of federal, state, local and foreign environmental, health, and safety (“EHS”) laws and regulations that govern, among other things, the discharge of hazardous materials into the air and water as well asemissions, worker protection, and the handling, storage and disposal of thesehazardous materials. Compliance with environmentalEHS laws and regulations is a major consideration for us because we use hazardous materials in our manufacturing processes. If we violate environmentalEHS laws orand regulations, we could be held liable for substantial fines, damages,penalties, and costs of mandated remedial actions. Our environmental permits could also be revoked or modified, which could require us to cease or limit production at one or more of our facilities, thereby materially adversely affecting our business, financial condition and operating results. EnvironmentalEHS laws and requirementsregulations have generally become more stringent over time and could continue to do so, imposing greater compliance costs and increasing risks and penalties associated with any violation, which also could materially affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
In addition, because we are a generator of hazardous wastes we may be subject to financial exposure for costs, including costs of investigation and any remediation, associated with contaminated sites at which hazardous substances from our operations have been stored, treated or disposed of. We may also be subject to exposure for such costs at sites that we currently own or operate or formerly owned or operated. Such exposure may be joint and several, so that we may be held responsible for more than our share of the contamination or even for the entire contamination.
We have been notified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state environmental agencies and, in some cases, generator groups of potentially responsible parties, that we are or may be a potentially responsible party regarding hazardous substancesliable for environmental contamination at several sites either owned,currently and formerly owned or operated by CTS currently or in the past,us, including sites designated as National Priorities List sites under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Superfund sites.program. Superfund liability is joint and several and we may be held responsible for more than our share of contamination at a site. Although we estimate our potential environmental liability with respect to environmental violations or alleged violations and other environmental liabilities and reservesreserve for such matters, we cannot assure you that our reserves will be sufficient to cover the actual costs that we incur as a result of these matters.

Future events, such as the notification of potential liability at new sites, the discovery of additional contamination or other information concerning past releases of hazardous substanceschanges to an approved remedy at our manufacturingexisting sites, (or at siteschanges to which we have sent wastes for disposal), changes in

12 CTS CORPORATION

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existing EHS environmental laws and regulations or their interpretation, and more rigorous effortsregulatory action by regulatorygovernment authorities, may require additional expenditures by us, to modify operations, install pollution control equipment, clean contaminated sites or curtail our operations. These expenditureswhich could have a negative impact on our operations.

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




Our indebtedness may adversely affect our financial health.

Our debt consists of borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Our indebtedness could, among other things: increase our vulnerability to general economic and industry conditions, including recessions; require us to use cash flow from operations to service our indebtedness, thereby reducing our ability to fund working capital, capital expenditures, research and development efforts and other expenses; limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industries in which we operate; place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that have less indebtedness; or limit our ability to borrow additional funds that may be needed to operate and expand our business. Moreover, an increase in interest rates could increase our interest expense.

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

Our revolving credit facility requires us to deliver quarterly financial statements, annual financial statements, auditors certifications and compliance certificates. Additionally, the revolving credit facility contains restrictions limiting our ability to: dispose of assets; incur certain additional debt; repay other debt or amend subordinated debt instruments; create liens on assets; make investments, loans or advances; make acquisitions or engage in mergers or consolidations; engage in certain transactions with our subsidiaries and affiliates; and repurchases stock or make dividend payments above a certain amount.

The restrictions contained in our credit facility could limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions or meet capital needs or could otherwise restrict our activities or business plans. These restrictions could adversely affect our ability to finance our operations, make strategic acquisitions, fund investments or other capital needs or engage in other business activities that could be in our interest.

Further, our ability to comply with our loan covenants may be affected by events beyond our control that could result in an event of default under our credit facility, or documents governing any other existing or future indebtedness. A default, if not cured or waived, may permit acceleration of our indebtedness. In addition, our lenders could terminate their commitments to make further extensions of credit under our credit facility. If our indebtedness is accelerated, we cannot be certain that we will have sufficient funds to pay the accelerated indebtedness or that we will have the ability to refinance accelerated indebtedness on terms favorable to us or at all.
New regulations
Regulations related to conflict minerals could adversely impact our business.

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

Ineffective internal control over our financial reporting may harm our business.

We are subject to the ongoing internal control provisions of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 ("Sarbanes-Oxley"). Our controls necessary for continued compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley may not operate effectively or at all times and may result in a material weakness. The identification of material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting could indicate a lack of proper controls to generate accurate financial statements. Further, the effectiveness

CTS CORPORATION 13

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of our internal controls may be impacted if we are unable to retain sufficient skilled finance and accounting personnel, especially in light of the increased demand for such personnel among publicly traded companies.







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

Natural disasters occurring at any of our locations may lead to disruption in our capability to supply product to our customers. In some cases, it may not be possible for us to find an alternate manufacturing location for certain product lines, further impacting our capability to recover from such a disruption.
Increased
We could face risks to our systems, networks and production including increased IT security threats and more sophisticated and targeted computer crime could pose a risk to our systems, networks and products.crime.

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

14 CTS CORPORATION

Table Additionally, any updates to or implementation of Contentssystems may cause delays or disruptions in our processes or production which could adversely affect our results.


Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.
Item 2.  Properties
As of February 24, 2016,2017, we had manufacturing facilities, administrative, research and development and sales offices in the following locations:
Manufacturing Facilities
Square
Footage
Owned/Leased 
Square
Footage
Owned/Leased 
Albuquerque, New Mexico102,800
Leased 102,800
Leased 
Bolingbrook, Illinois30,600
Leased 
Elkhart, Indiana319,000
Owned 319,000
Owned 
Haryana, India19,400
Leased 19,400
Leased 
Hopkinton, Massachusetts32,000
Owned 32,000
Owned 
Juarez, Mexico114,200
Leased 114,200
Leased 
Kaohsiung, Taiwan75,900
Owned(1)75,900
Owned(1)
Matamoros, Mexico51,000
Owned 51,000
Owned 
Nogales, Mexico64,000
Leased 64,000
Leased 
Ostrava, Czech Republic67,600
Leased 67,600
Leased 
Tianjin, China225,000
Owned(2)225,000
Owned(2)
Zhongshan, China112,600
Leased 112,600
Leased 
Total manufacturing1,183,500
  1,214,100
  

(1) Ground lease through 2017; restrictions on use and transfer apply.
(1)Ground lease through 2017; restrictions on use and transfer apply.
(2)Land Use Rights Agreement through 2050 includes transfer, lease and mortgage rights.
(2) Land Use Rights Agreement through 2050 includes transfer, lease and mortgage rights.
Non-Manufacturing Facilities
Square
Footage
Owned/LeasedDescription
Brownsville, TexasN/A
OwnedLand
Brownsville, Texas10,000
LeasedWarehouse
El Paso, Texas22,400
LeasedOffice and warehouse
Elkhart, Indiana93,000
OwnedIdle facility
Farmington Hills, Michigan1,800
LeasedSales office
Glasgow, Scotland75,00018,600
OwnedLeasedAdministrative offices and research
Lisle, Illinois37,300
LeasedAdministrative offices and research
Lisle, Illinois105,925
LeasedAdministrative offices and research (possession in late 2017)
Malden, Massachusetts3,600
LeasedAdministrative offices and research
Nagoya, Japan800
LeasedSales office
Sandwich, IllinoisN/A
OwnedLand
Singapore5,600
LeasedSales office
Streetsville, Ontario, Canada112,000
OwnedIdle facility
Yokohama, Japan1,400
LeasedSales office
Total non-manufacturing352,900300,425
  
We regularly assess the adequacy of our manufacturing facilities for manufacturing capacity, available labor, and proximity to our markets and major customers. Management believes our manufacturing facilities are suitable and adequate, and have sufficient capacity to meet our current needs. The extent of utilization varies from plant to plant and with general economic conditions. We also review the operating costs of our facilities and may from time-to-time relocate a portion of our manufacturing activities in order to reduce operating costs and improve asset utilization and cash flow.

CTS CORPORATION 15


Item 3.  Legal Proceedings
From time to time we are involved in litigation with respect to matters arising from the ordinary conduct of our business, and currently certain claims are pending against us. In the opinion of management, based upon presently available information, either adequate provision for anticipated costs have been accrued or the ultimate anticipated costs will not materially affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
See NOTE 9 "Contingencies" in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures
        Not applicable.

16 CTS CORPORATION


PART II
Item 5.  Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
CTSOur common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CTS." On February 19, 2016,21, 2017, there were approximately 1,153 common1,099 shareholders of record.
CTS'Our quarterly dividend was $0.04 per share, or an annual rate of $0.16 per share, for the years ended December 31, 20152016, and 2014.2015. The declaration of a dividend and the amount of any such dividend is subject to earnings, anticipated working capital, capital expenditures, other investment requirements, theour financial condition, of CTS, and any other factors considered relevant by the Board of Directors.
Per Share Data (Unaudited)
 DividendsNet Earnings DividendsNet Earnings
High(1)
Low(1)
DeclaredBasicDiluted
High(1)
Low(1)
DeclaredBasicDiluted
2016 
 
 
 
 
4th quarter$24.80
$16.35
$0.04
$0.25
$0.25
3rd quarter19.79
17.10
0.04
0.11
0.11
2nd quarter19.09
15.06
0.04
0.44
0.44
1st quarter17.39
12.87
0.04
0.24
0.24
2015 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




4th quarter
$20.25
$16.86
$0.04
$(0.42)$(0.42)
3rd quarter
19.49
17.85
0.04
(0.15)(0.15)
2nd quarter
19.45
17.15
0.04
0.58
0.57
1st quarter
18.22
15.30
0.04
0.19
0.19
2014 
 
 




4th quarter
$19.15
$15.58
$0.04
$0.21
$0.21
3rd quarter
19.27
16.18
0.04
0.24
0.24
2nd quarter
21.65
16.29
0.04
0.19
0.19
1st quarter
21.35
17.45
0.04
0.15
0.15
4th quarter$20.25
$16.86
$0.04
$(0.42)$(0.42)
3rd quarter19.49
17.85
0.04
(0.15)(0.15)
2nd quarter19.45
17.15
0.04
0.58
0.57
1st quarter18.22
15.30
0.04
0.19
0.19

(1) The market prices of CTS common stock presented reflect the highest and lowest sales prices on The New York Stock Exchange for each quarter of the last two years.
(1)The market prices of CTS common stock presented reflect the highest and lowest sales prices on The New York Stock Exchange for each quarter of the last two years.
As shown in the following table, we repurchaseddid not repurchase stock during the threetwelve months ended December 31, 2015:2016:
(in thousands, except share data)
(a)
Total Number of
Shares
Purchased
(b)
Average Price
Paid per Share
(c)
Total Value
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Plans or
Program
(d)
Maximum Value of
Shares That May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs(1)
Balance at September 27, 2015 
 
 
$20,018
September 28, 2015 – October 25, 201550,000
$19.00
$950
$19,068
October 26, 2015 – November 22, 201550,000
$18.57
$929
$18,139
November 23, 2015 – December 31, 201532,500
$18.02
$585
$17,554
(in thousands, except share data)
(a)
Total Number of
Shares
Purchased
(b)
Average Price
Paid per Share
(c)
Total Value
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Plans or
Program
(d)
Maximum Value of
Shares That May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs(1)
Balance at December 31, 2015 
 
 
$17,554
January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2016
$
$
$17,554
(1) In April 2015, the Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $25 million of our common stock in the open market. The authorization has no expiration.

(1)In April 2015, CTS' Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $25 million of its common stock in the open market. The authorization has no expiration.
















Shareholder Performance Graph
The following graph shows a five-year comparison of the cumulative total shareholder return on CTS CORPORATION 17

Tablecommon stock with the cumulative total returns of Contentsa general market index and a peer group index (S&P 500 and Dow Jones Electrical Components & Equipment Industry Group). The graph tracks the performance of a $100 investment in the Company's common stock and in each of the indexes (with the reinvestment of all dividends) on December 31, 2011.

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data
Five-Year Summary
(Amounts in thousands, except percentages and per share amounts)
2015% of Sales2014% of Sales2013% of Sales2012% of Sales2011% of Sales2016% of Sales2015% of Sales2014% of Sales2013% of Sales2012% of Sales
Summary of Operations 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales from continuing operations$382,310
100.0
$404,021
100.0
$409,461
100.0
$304,481
100.0
$279,857
100.0
$396,679
100.0
$382,310
100.0
$404,021
100.0
$409,461
100.0
$304,481
100.0
Cost of goods sold255,201
66.8
274,058
67.8
288,108
70.4
212,965
70.0
190,634
68.1
256,251
64.6
255,201
66.8
274,058
67.8
288,108
70.4
212,965
70.0
Gross Margin127,109
33.2
129,963
32.2
121,353
29.6
91,516
30.0
89,223
31.9
140,428
35.4
127,109
33.2
129,963
32.2
121,353
29.6
91,516
30.0
Insurance recovery from business interruption





(637)(0.2)









(637)(0.2)
Selling, general and administrative expenses57,430
15.0
59,136
14.6
69,989
17.1
63,071
20.7
54,136
19.3
61,624
15.5
59,586
15.6
61,051
15.1
71,646
17.5
63,071
20.7
Research and development expenses22,461
5.9
22,563
5.6
23,222
5.7
20,918
6.9
19,990
7.2
24,040
6.1
22,461
5.9
22,563
5.6
23,222
5.7
20,918
6.9
Non-recurring environmental expense14,541
3.8










14,541
3.8






Restructuring and impairment charges14,564
3.8
5,941
1.5
10,455
2.5
3,437
1.1
2,389
0.9
3,048
0.8
14,564
3.8
5,941
1.5
10,455
2.5
3,437
1.1
Gain on sale-leaseback





(10,334)(3.4)

Gain on sale of assets(11,450)(2.9)(2,156)(0.6)(1,915)(0.5)(1,657)(0.4)(10,334)(3.4)
Operating earnings from continuing operations18,113
4.7
42,323
10.5
17,687
4.3
15,061
4.9
12,708
4.5
63,166
15.9
18,113
4.7
42,323
10.5
17,687
4.3
15,061
4.9
Other (expense) income - net(5,852)(1.5)(2,975)(0.7)376
0.1
(617)(0.2)(392)(0.1)
Other (expense) income(5,921)(1.5)(5,852)(1.5)(2,975)(0.7)376
0.1
(617)(0.2)
Earnings before income taxes from continuing operations12,261
3.2
39,348
9.8
18,063
4.4
14,444
4.7
12,316
4.4
57,245
14.4
12,261
3.2
39,348
9.8
18,063
4.4
14,444
4.7
Income tax expense from continuing operations5,307
1.4
12,826
3.2
16,066
3.9
952
0.3
1,053
0.4
22,865
5.8
5,307
1.4
12,826
3.2
16,066
3.9
952
0.3
Earnings from continuing operations6,954
1.8
26,522
6.6
1,997
0.5
13,492
4.4
11,263
4.0
34,380
8.7
6,954
1.8
26,522
6.6
1,997
0.5
13,492
4.4
(Loss)/earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
 
(5,926) 
6,841
 
9,704
 

 
 

 
(5,926) 
6,841
 
Net earnings (loss)$6,954
 $26,522
 
$(3,929) 
$20,333
 
$20,967
 
$34,380
 $6,954
 
$26,522
 
$(3,929) 
$20,333
 
Retained earnings - beginning of year$380,145
 
358,997
 
367,800
 
352,205
 
335,524
 
$381,840
 
380,145
 
358,997
 
367,800
 
352,205
 
Dividends declared(5,259) 
(5,374) 
(4,874) 
(4,738) 
(4,286) 
(5,241) 
(5,259) 
(5,374) 
(4,874) 
(4,738) 
Retained earnings - end of year$381,840
 
$380,145
 
$358,997
 
$367,800
 
$352,205
 
$410,979
 
$381,840
 
$380,145
 
$358,997
 
$367,800
 
Net earnings (loss) per share: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations$0.21
 
$0.79
 
$0.06
 
$0.40
 
$0.33
 
$1.05
 
$0.21
 
$0.79
 
$0.06
 
$0.40
 
Discontinued operations
 

 
(0.18) 
0.20
 
0.28
 

 

 

 
(0.18) 
0.20
 
Total$0.21
 
$0.79
 
$(0.12) 
$0.60
 
$0.61
 
$1.05
 
$0.21
 
$0.79
 
$(0.12) 
$0.60
 
Diluted: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations$0.21
 
$0.78
 
$0.06
 
$0.39
 
$0.32
 
$1.03
 
$0.21
 
$0.78
 
$0.06
 
$0.39
 
Discontinued operations
 

 
(0.18) 
0.20
 
0.28
 

 

 

 
(0.18) 
0.20
 
Total$0.21
 
$0.78
 
$(0.12) 
$0.59
 
$0.60
 
$1.03
 
$0.21
 
$0.78
 
$(0.12) 
$0.59
 
Average basic shares outstanding (000s)32,959
 
33,618
 
33,601
 
33,922
 
34,321
 
32,728
 
32,959
 
33,618
 
33,601
 
33,922
 
Average diluted shares outstanding (000s)33,484
 
34,130
 
34,249
 
34,523
 
35,006
 
33,251
 
33,484
 
34,130
 
34,249
 
34,523
 
Cash dividends per share (annualized)$0.160
 
$0.160
 
$0.145
 
$0.140
 
$0.125
 
$0.160
 
$0.160
 
$0.160
 
$0.145
 
$0.140
 
Capital expenditures (1)
$9,723
 
$12,949
 
$13,982
 
$16,323
 
$20,307
 
$20,500
 
$9,723
 
$12,949
 
$13,982
 
$16,323
 
Depreciation and amortization$16,254
 
$16,971
 
$21,169
 
$19,615
 
$17,548
 
$18,992
 
$16,254
 
$16,971
 
$21,169
 
$19,615
 
Financial Position at Year End 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets$251,979
 
$240,401
 
$236,269
 
$309,558
 
$283,386
 
$215,707
 
$245,954
 
$240,401
 
$236,269
 
$309,558
 
Current liabilities101,351
 
79,982
 
95,120
 
115,040
 
124,237
 
98,129
 
94,620
 
79,982
 
95,120
 
115,040
 
Current ratio2.5 to 1
 
3.0 to 1
 
2.5 to 1
 
2.7 to 1
 
2.3 to 1
 
2.2 to 1
 
2.5 to 1
 
3.0 to 1
 
2.5 to 1
 
2.7 to 1
 
Working capital150,628
 
160,419
 
141,149
 
194,518
 
159,149
 
117,578
 
151,334
 
160,419
 
141,149
 
194,518
 
Inventories24,600
 
27,887
 
32,226
 
81,752
 
92,540
 
28,652
 
24,600
 
27,887
 
32,226
 
81,752
 
Net property, plant and equipment69,872
 
71,414
 
74,869
 
93,725
 
84,860
 
82,111
 
69,872
 
71,414
 
74,869
 
93,725
 
Total assets484,133
 
456,926
 
480,265
 
561,190
 
480,815
 
517,697
 
483,373
 
456,926
 
480,265
 
561,190
 
Long-term debt90,700
 
75,000
 
75,000
 
153,500
 
74,400
 
89,100
 
90,700
 
75,000
 
75,000
 
153,500
 
Long-term obligations, including long-term debt101,128
 
87,155
 
88,416
 
178,392
 
93,281
 
101,686
 
107,099
 
87,155
 
88,416
 
178,392
 
Shareholders' equity281,654
 
289,789
 
296,729
 
267,758
 
263,297
 
317,882
 
281,654
 
289,789
 
296,729
 
267,758
 
Common shares outstanding (000s)32,548
 
33,392
 
33,559
 
33,433
 
34,066
 
32,762
 
32,548
 
33,392
 
33,559
 
33,433
 
Equity (book value) per share$8.65
 
$8.68
 
$8.84
 
$8.01
 
$7.73
 
$9.70
 
$8.65
 
$8.68
 
$8.84
 
$8.01
 
Stock price range20.25-15.30
 
21.65-15.58
 
20.10-9.33
 
11.22-7.06
 
12.39-7.14
 
12.87-24.80
 
15.30-20.25
 
15.58-21.65
 
9.33-20.10
 
7.06-11.22
 


(1)Includes capital expenditures to replace property, plant and equipment damaged in casualties of $2,859 and $4,733 in 2012 and 2011

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

18 CTS CORPORATION


Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
CTS Corporation ("CTS", "we", "our", or "us" or the "Company") is a globalleading designer and manufacturer of electronic componentsproducts that Sense, Connect and sensors used primarily in the transportation, communications, defense and aerospace, medical, industrial, and information technology markets.
CTS'Move. Our vision is to be a leading provider of sensing and motion devices as well as connectivity components, enabling an intelligent and seamless world. CTS provides components and modules for electronic systems thatThese devices are organized under the categories ofcategorized by their ability to Sense, Connect or Move. Our Sense products provide vital inputs to electronic systems. Our Connect products allow systems to function in syncsynchronization with other systems. Our Move products ensure required movements are effectively and accurately executed. CTS isWe are committed to achieving our vision by continuing to invest in the development and supply of products and technologies that Sense, Connect,within these categories.
We manufacture sensors, electronic components, and Moveactuators in North America, Europe, and Asia, and supply them to fulfill its vision.OEMs and distributors serving the transportation, industrial, medical, information technology, defense and aerospace, and communications markets.
There is an increasing proliferation of sensing and motion products inapplications within various markets served by CTS, including automotive, industrial and other applications.we serve. In addition, the increasing connectivity of various devices to the internet results in greater demand for communication bandwidth usage, and data storage, requirements create opportunitiesincreasing the need for CTS and itsour connectivity product portfolio. The Company'sproducts. Our success is dependent on itsthe ability to execute this strategy. CTS isour strategy to support these trends. We are subject to challenges including periodic market softness, competition from other suppliers, changes in technology, and the ability to add new customers, launch new products or penetrate new markets.
Results of Operations: Fourth Quarter 20152016 versus Fourth Quarter 20142015
(Amounts in thousands, except percentages and per share amounts):
The following table highlights changes in significant components of the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) for the quarters ended December 31, 20152016, and December 31, 2014:2015:
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended December 31, Percent of Net Sales
December 31,
2015
December 31,
2014
Percent
Change
Percent of
Net Sales –
2015
Percent of
Net Sales –
2014
20162015
Percent
Change
20162015
Net sales$93,282
$100,378
(7.1)100.0
100.0
$101,584
$93,282
8.9
100.0
100.0
Cost of goods sold (1)
63,128
67,352
(6.3)67.7
67.1
65,723
63,128
4.1
64.7
67.7
Gross margin30,154
33,026
(8.7)32.3
32.9
35,861
30,154
18.9
35.3
32.3
Selling, general and administrative expenses13,805
15,783
(12.5)14.8
15.7
15,165
15,917
(4.7)14.9
17.1
Research and development expenses6,083
5,798
4.9
6.5
5.8
5,626
6,083
(7.5)5.5
6.5
Restructuring and impairment charges9,335
1,135
722.5
10.0
1.1
873
9,335
(90.6)0.9
10.0
Loss (gain) on sale of assets51
(2,112)(102.4)0.1
(2.3)
Total operating expenses29,223
22,716
28.6
31.3
22.6
21,715
29,223
(25.7)21.4
31.3
Operating earnings931
10,310
(91.0)1.0
10.3
14,146
931
1,419.4
13.9
1.0
Other (expense) income(1,610)(1,553)3.7
(1.7)(1.6)
(Loss) earnings before income tax(679)8,757
(107.8)(0.7)8.7
Other expense, net(2,775)(1,610)72.4
(2.7)(1.7)
Earnings (loss) before income tax11,371
(679)(1,774.7)11.2
(0.7)
Income tax expense12,974
1,793
623.6
13.9
1.8
3,061
12,974
(76.4)3.0
13.9
Net (loss) earnings$(13,653)$6,964
(296.1)(14.6)6.9
Net earnings (loss)$8,310
$(13,653)(160.9)8.2
(14.6)
Diluted earnings per share: 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Diluted net (loss) earnings per share$(0.42)$0.21
 
 
 
Diluted net earnings (loss) per share$0.25
$(0.42) 
 
 
(1)Cost of goods sold includes restructuring-related charges of $0 in 2016 and $187 in 2015 and $531 in 2014.2015.
Sales of $93,282$101,584 in the fourth quarter of 2015 decreased $7,0962016 increased $8,302 or 7.1%8.9% from the fourth quarter of 2014.2015. Sales to automotive markets decreased $3,933 partlyend-markets increased $3,487. Higher sensor and actuator volumes were partially offset by an unfavorable foreign exchange impact. Sales to other end-markets increased $4,815 including sales from the single crystal acquisition. Changes in foreign exchange rates reduced sales by $1,049 year-over-year due to lower volumes of older automotive productsthe U.S. Dollar appreciating compared to the Chinese Renminbi and partly due to foreign currency impact of approximately $1,600. Other sales were $3,163 lower in the fourth quarter of 2015 driven by weak demand in communications and HDD markets.Euro.
Gross margin as a percent of sales was 35.3% in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to 32.3% in the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to 32.9% in the fourth quarter of 2014.2015. The decreaseincrease in gross margin was largely relatedresulted from cost savings from continued efficiency gains, material and labor productivity projects, savings from restructuring projects, favorable mix, and the addition of sales from the single crystal acquisition. In addition, foreign exchange rates had a favorable impact on manufacturing costs due to lower volumes.the strengthening of the U.S. Dollar compared to the Mexican Peso.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $13,805$15,165 or 14.8%14.9% of sales in the fourth quarter of 20152016 versus $15,783$15,917 or 15.7%17.1% of sales in the comparable quarter of 2014.2015. The decrease wasis primarily dueattributable to continued efficiency gains from restructuring projects, cost containment efforts, and timing of certain expenses.

CTS CORPORATION 19

Table The fourth quarter of Contents2016 includes added costs as a result of the single crystal acquisition, including amortization of intangibles.

Research and development expenses were $5,626 or 5.5% of sales in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to $6,083 or 6.5% of sales in the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to $5,798 or 5.8% of sales in the comparable quarter of 2014.2015. The increase wasdecrease is related to continued investment in new products to drive organic growth.timing of certain expenses. Research and development expenses are focused on expanded applications of existing products, and new product development, as well asand enhancements for current productproducts and process enhancements.processes.
Restructuring and impairment charges in the fourth quarter of 2016 totaled $873 for severance and other costs in connection with our 2016 restructuring plan. These costs in the fourth quarter 2015 totaled $9,335 and consisted of a non-cash charge for unamortized losses related to the windup of CTS’our U.K. pension plan in the amount of $8,280 and other costs incurred in connection with CTS'our previously announced 2013 and 2014 restructuring plans. The fourth quarter 2014 restructuring charges totaled $1,135 and consisted primarily of accruals related to the consolidation of CTS’ Canadian operation in Streetsville, Ontario into other CTS facilities and costs in other locations related to the 2013 and 2014 restructuring plans.
Operating earnings were $14,146 or 13.9% of sales in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to $931 or 1.0% of sales in the fourthcomparable quarter of 2015 compared to $10,310 or 10.3% of sales in the comparable quarter of 2014 as a result of the items discussed above.
Other (expense) income and expense items are summarized in the following table:
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended December 31,
December 31,
2015
December 31,
2014
20162015
Interest expense$(673)$(563)$(956)$(673)
Interest income719
827
223
719
Other (expense) income, net(1,656)(1,817)
Total other (expense) income$(1,610)$(1,553)
Other expense(2,042)(1,656)
Total other expense, net$(2,775)$(1,610)
Interest expense increased slightly in the fourth quarter of 2016 versus 2015 versus 2014due to higher interest rates, higher commitment fees as a result of higher borrowingsincreasing the revolving credit facility from $200,000 to $300,000, and amortization of a slightly higher interest rate.contingent earnout liability associated with our Filter Sensing Technologies acquisition. Interest income declined slightly due to the impact of lower interest rates on higher cash balances in China. Other expense in the fourth quarter of 20152016 and 20142015 was driven by foreign currency translation losses, asmainly due to the appreciation of the U.S. Dollar appreciated during the quarter compared to the Chinese Renminbi.
 Three Months Ended
 
December 31,
2015
December 31,
2014
Effective tax rate(1,910.8)%20.5%
 Three Months Ended December 31,
 20162015
Effective tax rate26.9%(1,910.8)%

The effective income tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2016 was 26.9%, which includes the impact of restructuring charges, one-time items, the tax impact of non-recurring stock compensation changes, and adjustments to valuation allowances. The effective income tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2015 was (1,910.8%), which includesincluded the impact of restructuring charges and one-time items. In the fourth quarter of 2015, CTSwe determined that as a result of changes in the business, the foreign earnings of itsour Canadian and U.K. subsidiaries were no longer permanently reinvested. Therefore,reinvested and a provision for the expected taxes on repatriation of those earnings was recorded. In addition, although CTS planswe plan to permanently reinvest the earnings of itsour Chinese operations outside the U.S., CTS haswe determined that itwe will not maintain those earnings in China in order to mitigate future currency risk. As a result of these changes, CTSwe recorded a tax expense of $7,461. CTSWe recorded additional discrete tax items related to valuation allowances, foreign earnings, and other discrete items in the fourth quarter of 2015, which increased income tax expense by $4,912. Since the shutdown of manufacturing facilities in the U.K. and Canada, CTS doeswe do not anticipate generating future profits in these countries. Therefore, the change in permanent reinvestment assertion for these two countries is not expected to have an ongoing impact on the Company's effective tax rate. CTS willWe continue to record tax expense for withholding taxes (currently 10%) on earnings in China that are not anticipated to be maintained in China. This

Net earnings were $8,310, or $0.25 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to a net loss of $(13,653), or $(0.42) per diluted share, in the comparable quarter of 2015.




Results of Operations: Years Ended December 31, 2016, versus Year Ended December 31, 2015
(Amounts in thousands, except percentages and per share amounts):
The following table highlights changes in significant components of the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015:
 Years Ended December 31, Percent of Net Sales
 20162015
Percent
Change
20162015
Net sales$396,679
$382,310
3.8
100.0
100.0
Cost of goods sold (1)256,251
255,201
0.4
64.6
66.8
Gross margin140,428
127,109
10.5
35.4
33.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses61,624
59,586
3.4
15.5
15.6
Research and development expenses24,040
22,461
7.0
6.1
5.9
Non-recurring environmental expense
14,541
N/M


Restructuring and impairment charges3,048
14,564
(79.1)0.8
3.8
Gain on sale of assets(11,450)(2,156)431.1
(2.9)(0.6)
Total operating expenses77,262
108,996
(29.1)19.5
28.5
Operating earnings63,166
18,113
248.7
15.9
4.7
Other expense, net(5,921)(5,852)1.2
(1.5)(1.5)
Earnings before income tax57,245
12,261
366.9
14.4
3.2
Income tax expense22,865
5,307
330.8
5.7
1.4
Net earnings34,380
6,954
394.4
8.7
1.8
Diluted earnings per share: 
 
 
 
 
Diluted net earnings per share$1.03
$0.21
 
 
 
(1)Cost of goods sold includes restructuring related charges of $0 in 2016 and $631 in 2015.
N/M = not meaningful
Sales of $396,679 for the year ended December 31, 2016, increased $14,369, or 3.8% from 2015. Sales to automotive end-markets increased $5,198. Higher sensor volumes were partially offset by an unfavorable foreign exchange impact. Sales to other end-markets increased $9,171 including the addition of sales from our single crystal acquisition. Sales of components for high-density disk drives ("HDD") declined 30% year-over-year. Changes in foreign exchange rates reduced sales by $2,746 year-over-year as the U.S. Dollar appreciated compared to the Chinese Renminbi and other currencies.
Gross margin as a percent of sales was 35.4% in 2016 versus 33.2% in 2015. The increase in gross margin resulted from cost savings from continued efficiency gains, material and labor productivity projects, savings from restructuring projects, favorable mix, and the addition of sales from our single crystal acquisition. In addition, foreign exchange rates had a favorable impact on manufacturing costs primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. Dollar against the Mexican Peso.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $61,624, or 15.5% of sales for the year ended December 31, 2016, versus $59,586 or 15.6% of sales in the comparable period of 2015. Expenses in 2016 include added costs as a result of our single crystal acquisition, including amortization of intangibles. In addition, we paid an early termination fee related to a leased facility in Lisle, Illinois in anticipation of a move in the 2017/2018 time frame to another leased facility in the same area, which will consolidate the Bolingbrook and Lisle, Illinois sites into one facility and reduce ongoing expenses.
Research and development expenses were $24,040 or 6.1% of sales in 2016 compared to $22,461 or 5.9% of sales in 2015. The increase was related to continued investment in new products to drive organic growth and expenses from our single crystal acquisition. Research and development expenses are focused on expanded applications of existing products, new product development, and enhancements for current products and processes.
A non-recurring environmental charge of $14,541 was recorded in the third quarter of 2015 related to a site in Asheville, North Carolina. The charge recorded included both the interim remediation costs we proposed, which was accepted by the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), and anticipated future remediation and monitoring costs.
Restructuring and impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2016, totaled $3,048 and consisted largely of severance, production line move and legal costs in connection with the 2016 restructuring plan. Restructuring and impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2015, totaled $14,564 and consisted largely of a non-cash charge for unamortized losses related to

the windup of our U.K. pension plan in the amount of $8,280 as well as severance and other costs incurred in connection with the 2013 and 2014 restructuring plans.
The 2016 gain on sale of assets of $11,450 is driven principally by a gain on the sale of our former manufacturing facility in Canada in June 2016.
Operating earnings were $63,166, or 15.9% of sales in 2016, compared to $18,113, or 4.7% of sales in 2015 as a result of the items discussed above.
Other income and expense will increaseitems are summarized in the Company's ongoing effective tax rate. following table:
 Years Ended December 31,
 20162015
Interest expense$(3,702)$(2,628)
Interest income1,305
3,073
Other expense(3,524)(6,297)
Total other expense, net$(5,921)$(5,852)
Interest expense increased in the year ended December 31, 2016, versus the comparable period in 2015 as a result of higher average debt balances related to our single crystal acquisition, higher interest rates, higher commitment fees as a result of increasing the revolving credit facility from $200,000 to $300,000, and amortization of a contingent earnout liability associated with our Filter Sensing Technologies acquisition. Interest income decreased due to lower cash balances in China. Other expense, net in the year ended December 31, 2016, was driven by foreign currency translation losses, mainly due to the appreciation of the U.S. Dollar compared to the Chinese Renminbi. Other expense, net in the year ended December 31, 2015, was also driven by foreign currency translation losses, mainly due to the appreciation of the U.S. Dollar compared to the Renminbi and the Euro.
 Years Ended December 31,
 20162015
Effective tax rate39.9%43.3%
The effective income tax rate in 2016 was 39.9%, which includes the impact of restructuring charges and one-time items. The tax rate in 2016 reflects an increase in valuation allowances recorded against certain state net operating losses and tax credits and the revaluation of U.S. deferred taxes as a result of the June 2016 restructuring activities discussed in Note 7, "Costs Associated with Exit and Restructuring Activities", in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The rate also reflects an increase in the valuation allowance on certain non-U.S. losses as a result of changes in the expectation of our ability to utilize those losses, changes in the mix of earnings by jurisdiction, our decision to no longer permanently reinvest the earnings of our Canadian and U.K. subsidiaries, tax expense for the fourth quarter of 2014withholding taxes on earnings in China that are not anticipated to be maintained in China, and various other discrete items. The effective income tax rate in 2015 was 20.5%43.3%, which included the impact of restructuring charges and one-time items. Tax adjustmentsIn 2015, we determined that as a result of changes in the business, the foreign earnings of our Canadian and U.K. subsidiaries were no longer permanently reinvested. Therefore, a provision for the expected taxes on repatriation of those earnings was recorded. In addition, although we plan to permanently reinvest the earnings of our Chinese operations outside the U.S., we have determined that we will not maintain those earnings in China in order to mitigate future currency risk. As a result of these changes, we recorded a tax expense of $7,461. We recorded a benefit of $16,305 related to restructuring decreased the rate by 1.3% in the fourth quarter of 2014. Discrete tax items reduced the rate by 8.4%. The 2014 effective rate reflected a change in the mixtreatment of foreign taxes for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We also recorded additional discrete tax items in 2015 which increased income tax expense by $10,157 related to uncertain tax positions on certain foreign taxes, valuation allowances, foreign earnings, by jurisdiction.and other discrete items.

The net loss was $13,653Net earnings were $34,380 or $0.42$1.03 per diluted share infor the fourth quarter of 2015year ended December 31, 2016, compared to net earnings of $6,964$6,954 or $0.21 per diluted share in the comparable quarterperiod of 2014.2015.



20 CTS CORPORATION



Table of Contents



Results of Operations: YearYears Ended December 31, 2015, versus Year Ended December 31, 2014
(Amounts in thousands, except percentages and per share amounts):
The following table highlights changes in significant components of the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) for the years Endedended December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014:
Year Ended Years Ended December 31, Percent of Net Sales
December 31,
2015
December 31,
2014
Percent
Change
Percent of
Net Sales –
2015
Percent of
Net Sales –
2014
20152014Percent
Change
20152014
Net sales$382,310
$404,021
(5.4)100.0
100.0
$382,310
$404,021
(5.4)100.0
100.0
Cost of goods sold (1)255,201
274,058
(6.9)66.8
67.8
255,201
274,058
(6.9)66.8
67.8
Gross margin127,109
129,963
(2.2)33.2
32.2
127,109
129,963
(2.2)33.2
32.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses57,430
59,136
(2.9)15.0
14.6
59,586
61,051
(2.4)15.6
15.1
Research and development expenses22,461
22,563
(0.5)5.9
5.6
22,461
22,563
(0.5)5.9
5.6
Non-recurring environmental expense14,541

N/M
3.8

14,541

N/M
3.8

Restructuring and impairment charges14,564
5,941
145.1
3.8
1.5
14,564
5,941
145.1
3.8
1.5
Gain on sale of assets(2,156)(1,915)12.6
(0.6)(0.5)
Total operating expenses108,996
87,640
24.4
28.5
21.7
108,996
87,640
24.4
28.5
21.7
Operating earnings18,113
42,323
(57.2)4.7
10.5
18,113
42,323
(57.2)4.7
10.5
Other (expense) income(5,852)(2,975)96.7
(1.5)(0.7)
Other expense, net(5,852)(2,975)96.7
(1.5)(0.7)
Earnings before income tax12,261
39,348
(68.8)3.2
9.8
12,261
39,348
(68.8)3.2
9.8
Income tax expense5,307
12,826
(58.6)1.4
3.2
5,307
12,826
(58.6)1.4
3.2
Net earnings6,954
26,522
(73.8)1.8
6.6
6,954
26,522
(73.8)1.8
6.6
Diluted earnings per share: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted net earnings per share$0.21
$0.78
 
 
 
$0.21
$0.78
 
 
 
(1)Cost of goods sold includes restructuring related charges of $631 in 2015 and $1,935 in 2014.
N/M = not meaningful
Sales of $382,310 for the year ended December 31, 2015, decreased $21,711 or 5.4% from 2014. Sales to automotive markets declined $14,941 partly due to lower volumes of older automotive products and partly due to an unfavorable currency impact of approximately $7,800. Other sales were down $6,770 driven by weak demand in communications and HDD markets.
Gross margin as a percent of sales was 33.2% in 2015 versus 32.2% in 2014. The increase in gross margin resulted from cost savings from continued efficiency gains, material and labor productivity projects, and savings from restructuring projects. CTSWe realized a substantial portion of anticipated savings from the shift of production from Canada to lower cost locations. In addition, foreign exchange rates had a favorable impact on manufacturing costs as the U.S. Dollar appreciated against various local currencies in countries in which CTS haswe have manufacturing operations.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $57,430$59,586 or 15.0%15.6% of sales for the year ended December 31, 2015, versus $59,136$61,051 or 14.6%15.1% of sales in the comparable period of 2014. The decrease was attributable to restructuring actions, cost containment efforts, and the timing of certain expenses.
Research and development expenses were $22,461 or 5.9% of sales in 2015 compared to $22,563 or 5.6% of sales in 2014. The decrease was driven by a re-prioritization of spending on specific projects and timing of projects. Research and development expenses are primarily focused on expanded applications of existing products and new product development as well as current product and process enhancements.
A non-recurring environmental charge of $14,541 was recorded in the third quarter of 2015 related to a site in Asheville, North Carolina. The charge recorded included both the interim remediation costs we proposed, by CTS andwhich were accepted by the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”)EPA, and anticipated future remediation costs and monitoring for a final site-wide remediation.costs.
Restructuring and impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2015, totaled $14,564 and consisted largely of a non-cash charge for unamortized losses related to the windup of CTS’our U.K. pension plan in the amount of $8,280 as well as severance and other costs incurred in connection with the 2013 and 2014 restructuring plans. Restructuring

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charges for the year ended December 31, 2014, totaled $5,941 and consisted primarily of severance costs related to the consolidation of CTS’our Canadian operation into other CTS facilities, lease impairment costcosts in the U.K., asset impairment costs related to the sale of theour Carol Stream facility, and costs in other locations related to the 2013 and 2014 restructuring plans.

Operating earnings were $18,113, or 4.7% of sales in 2015, compared to $42,323, or 10.5% of sales in 2014 as a result of the items discussed above.
Other income and expense items are summarized in the following table:
Year EndedYears Ended December 31,
December 31,
2015
December 31,
2014
20152014
Interest expense$(2,628)$(2,326)$(2,628)$(2,326)
Interest income3,073
2,786
3,073
2,786
Other (expense) income, net(6,297)(3,435)
Total other expense$(5,852)$(2,975)
Other expense(6,297)(3,435)
Total other expense, net$(5,852)$(2,975)

Interest expense increased in the year ended December 31, 2015, versus the comparable period in 2014 as a result of higher borrowings in 2015. The higher borrowings were primarily to fund share buybacks in 2015. Interest income increased primarily due to higher cash balances. Other expense in the years ended December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, was primarily due to the unfavorable foreign exchange impact related to the appreciation of the U.S. Dollar compared to the Chinese Renminbi and the Euro.
 Year Ended
 
December 31,
2015
December 31,
2014
Effective tax rate43.3%32.6%
 Years Ended December 31,
 20152014
Effective tax rate43.3%32.6%
The effective income tax rate in 2015 was 43.3%, which included the impact of restructuring charges and one-time items. In 2015, CTSwe determined that as a result of changes in the business, the foreign earnings of itsour Canadian and U.K. subsidiaries were no longer permanently reinvested. Therefore, a provision for the expected taxes on repatriation of those earnings was recorded. In addition, although CTS planswe plan to permanently reinvest the earnings of itsour Chinese operations outside the U.S., CTS haswe have determined that itwe will not maintain those earnings in China in order to mitigate future currency risk. As a result of these changes, CTSwe recorded a tax expense of $7,461. CTSWe recorded a benefit of $16,305 related to thea change in the treatment of foreign taxes for U.S. federal income tax purposes. CTSWe recorded additional discrete tax items in 2015, which increased income tax expense by $10,157 related to uncertain tax positions on certain foreign taxes, valuation allowances, foreign earnings, and other discrete items. The effective tax rate in 2014 was 32.6%, which included the impact of restructuring charges and one-time items. Tax adjustments related to restructuring increased the rate by 2.9% in 2014. Discrete tax items reduced the rate by 1.6%. The 2014 effective rate reflected higher profits, primarily from a change in the mix of earnings by jurisdiction.
Net earnings were $6,954 or $0.21 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to earnings of $26,522 or $0.78 per diluted share in the comparable period of 2014.

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Results of Operations: Year Ended December 31, 2014 versus Year Ended December 31, 2013
(Amounts in thousands, except percentages and per share amounts):
The following table highlights changes in significant components of the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) for the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 Year Ended   
 December 31,
2014
December 31,
2013
Percent
Change
Percent of
Net Sales –
2014
Percent of
Net Sales –
2013
Net sales$404,021
$409,461
(1.3)100.0
100.0
Cost of goods sold (1)274,058
288,108
(4.9)67.8
70.4
Gross margin129,963
121,353
7.1
32.2
29.6
Selling, general and administrative expenses59,136
69,989
(15.5)14.6
17.1
Research and development expenses22,563
23,222
(2.8)5.6
5.7
Restructuring and impairment charges5,941
10,455
(43.2)1.5
2.5
Total operating expenses87,640
103,666
(15.5)21.7
25.3
Operating earnings42,323
17,687
139.3
10.5
4.3
Other (expense) income(2,975)376
N/M
(0.7)0.1
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes39,348
18,063
117.8
9.8
4.4
Income tax expense12,826
16,066
(20.2)3.2
3.9
Earnings from continuing operations26,522
1,997
N/M
6.6
0.5
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes
(5,926)N/M

(1.5)
Net earnings (loss)$26,522
$(3,929)N/M
6.6
(1.0)
Diluted earnings per share: 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations$0.78
$0.06
 
 
 
Diluted loss per share from discontinued operations$
$(0.18) 
 
 
Diluted net earnings (loss) per share$0.78
$(0.12) 
 
 
(1)Cost of goods sold includes restructuring related charges of $1,935 in 2014 and $1,317 in 2013.
N/M = not meaningful
Sales of $404,021 for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased $5,440 or 1.3% from 2013. Sales to automotive markets increased $2,783. Other sales were $8,223 lower driven by lower shipments of electronic components, mainly frequency, filter and HDD products, which were partially offset by higher shipments of piezo products. Sales in 2013 included a special order of $5,491 to an automotive customer. Excluding this special order, sales in 2014 were approximately equal to sales in 2013.
Gross margin as a percent of sales was 32.2% in 2014 versus 29.6% in 2013. The increase in gross margin resulted from cost savings from restructuring actions, productivity improvements, product mix and favorable foreign exchange impact.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $59,136 or 14.6% of sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 versus $69,989 or 17.1% of sales in the comparable period of 2013. The decrease is attributable to restructuring actions, cost containment efforts in 2014, costs for CTS’ CEO transition of $4,138 in 2013, and lower pension expense in 2014 compared to 2013. These reductions were partially offset by an increase in selling and marketing expenses to drive growth initiatives.
Research and development expenses were $22,563 or 5.6% of sales in 2014 compared to $23,222 or 5.7% of sales in 2013. The decrease was driven by higher non-recurring engineering funding from customers, timing of projects, cost reductions related to restructuring actions, and a repositioning of CTS’ spending on various projects. Research and development expenses are primarily focused on expanded applications of existing products and new product development as well as current product and process enhancements.

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Restructuring and impairment charges declined in the year ended December 31, 2014 versus 2013. Charges for the year ended December 31, 2014 totaled $5,941 and consist primarily of severance costs related to the consolidation of CTS’ Canadian operation in Streetsville, Ontario into other CTS facilities, severance costs in China, Mexico and the U.K. and at CTS’ corporate office, lease impairment costs in the U.K. as well as asset impairment costs related to the sale of the Carol Stream facility. Restructuring charges for the year ended December 31, 2013 totaled $10,455 and consist primarily of severance, asset impairments, legal and administrative costs related to the June 2013 Restructuring Plan (“June 2013 Plan”). The June 2013 Restructuring Plan consolidated our U.K. manufacturing facility into the Czech Republic facility, consolidated our Carol Stream, Illinois manufacturing facility into the Juarez, Mexico facility, discontinued manufacturing at our Singapore facility and restructured our corporate office.
Operating earnings were $42,323 or 10.5% of sales in 2014 compared to $17,687 or 4.3% of sales in 2013 as a result of the items discussed above.
Other income and expense items are summarized in the following table:
 Year Ended
 
December 31,
2014
December 31,
2013
Interest expense$(2,326)$(3,264)
Interest income2,786
1,901
Other income, net(3,435)1,739
Total other income (expense)$(2,975)$376
Interest expense decreased in the year ended December 31, 2014 versus the comparable period in 2013 as a result of lower borrowings enabled by the proceeds from the EMS divestiture in the fourth quarter of 2013. Interest income increased primarily due to higher cash balances. Other expense in the year ended December 31, 2014 is primarily due to the unfavorable foreign exchange impact related to the appreciation of the U.S. Dollar compared to the Chinese Renminbi and the Euro. In 2013, the U.S. Dollar depreciated compared to these currencies, driving a considerable foreign exchange gain.
 Year Ended
 
December 31,
2014
December 31,
2013
Effective tax rate32.6%89.0%
The effective income tax rate in 2014 was 32.6%, which includes the impact of restructuring charges and one-time items. Tax adjustments related to restructuring increased the rate by 2.9% in 2014. Discrete tax items reduced the rate by 1.6%. The 2014 effective rate reflects higher profits, primarily from a change in the mix of earnings by jurisdiction. The 2013 effective tax rate was 89.0% and reflects $10,800 of tax expense related to a $30,000 cash repatriation from Singapore to the U.S. as a result of the Singapore restructuring and tax expense of $1,000 for the write-off of deferred tax assets in the U.K. related to the June 2013 Restructuring Plan. A $1,632 discrete tax benefit is also included in 2013 associated with the retroactive application of the U.S. research tax credit signed into law during January 2013 and granting of the China high technology incentive tax credit in the first quarter of 2013. In 2014, CTS recognized a $594 tax benefit in its 2014 tax provision due to U.S. tax extender legislation.
Net earnings from continuing operations were $26,522 or $0.78 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to earnings from continuing operations of $1,997 or $0.06 per diluted share in the comparable period of 2013.
The loss from discontinued operations in 2013 represents the results from the CTS EMS business, which was divested in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
(Amounts in thousands, except percentages and per share amounts):
Cash and cash equivalents were $113,805 at December 31, 2016, and $156,928 at December 31, 2015, and $134,508 at December 31, 2014, of which $156,310$112,736 and $131,152,$156,310, respectively, were held outside the United States. The increasedecrease in cash and cash equivalents of $43,123 was driven by a payment for a business acquisition in the amount of $73,063, capital expenditures of $20,500, dividends paid of $5,234, and other net cash outflows of $3,824, which were partially offset by cash generated from operations which exceededof $47,202 and proceeds from the cash used for investing and financing activities.

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assets of $12,296. Total debt as of December 31, 20152016, and December 31, 20142015, was $90,700$89,100 and $75,000,$90,700, respectively. Total debt as a percentage of total capitalization, defined as the sum of notes payable and long-term debt as a percentage of total debt and shareholders’ equity, was 22.1% at December 31, 2016, compared to 24.4% at December 31, 2015 compared to 20.6% at December 31, 2014.2015.
Working capital decreased by $9,791$33,756 from December 31, 20142015, to December 31, 2015,2016, primarily due to a $22,420 increasethe aforementioned $43,123 decrease in cash and cash equivalents, andpartially offset by a $28,549$8,049 increase in accrued liabilities.accounts receivable, net.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $38,624$47,202 during the year ended December 31, 2015.2016. Components of net cash provided by operating activities included net earnings of $6,954;$34,380, depreciation and amortization expense of $16,254;$18,992, and other net changes totaling $24,399 for non-cash items such as equity-based compensation, restructuring-related charges, amortizationtotaling $2,998 (gains on sales of retirement benefits, non-recurring environmental expense,assets and foreign currency hedges, deferred income taxes, restructuring charges, stock-based compensation, and gain on sale of assets;pension and a net cash use due to changes in current assets and current liabilities of $8,983. Theother post-retirement plan adjustments), which were offset by net changes in current assets and liabilities were due to a net decrease in various accrued and other liabilities which were partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable, inventory and other current assets.of $9,168.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 20152016, was $9,130$81,267, which consisted of $9,723includes $20,500 of capital expenditures, $1,878$12,296 in proceeds from the sale of fixed assets, and $1,285$73,063 paid for the acquisition of Filter Sensing Technologies, net of cash acquired and a working capital adjustment to be paid in 2016.business acquisition.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 20152016, was $7,302. The primary drivers for the cash outflow from financing activities were $18,088 paid to purchase shares of CTS common stock and $5,291$8,643, which includes $5,234 of dividend payments, which were partially offset by$1,600 of net proceedspayments on long-term debt, and $1,809 of $15,700.taxes paid on behalf of equity award participants.
Capital Resources
CTS hasWe have an unsecured revolving credit facility; which has an extendeda term through January 10, 2020.
Long-term debt was comprised of the following:
As ofAs of December 31,
December 31,
2015
December 31,
2014
20162015
Revolving credit facility due in 2020$90,700
$75,000
$89,100
$90,700
Weighted-average interest rate1.5%1.5%1.9%1.5%
Amount available$106,985
$122,535
$208,735
$106,985
Total credit facility$200,000
$200,000
$300,000
$200,000
Standby letters of credit$2,315
$2,465
$2,165
$2,315
Commitment fee percentage per annum0.25%0.25%0.25%0.25%
On August 10, 2015, we entered into a new five-year credit agreement (“Revolving Credit Facility”) with a group of banks in order to support our financing needs.  The Revolving Credit Facility originally provided for a credit line of $200,000. On May 23, 2016, we requested and received a $100,000 increase in the aggregate revolving credit commitments under our existing credit agreement, which increased the credit line from $200,000 to $300,000. 
The revolving credit facilityRevolving Credit Facility requires, among other things, that CTSwe 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 revolving credit facility.  CTS wasRevolving Credit Facility.  We were in compliance with all debt covenants at December 31, 2015.2016. 
CTS usesWe use interest rate swaps to convert the line of credit’sRevolving Credit Facility’s variable rate of interest into a fixed rate on a portion of the debt.our debt balance. In the second quarter of 2012, CTSwe entered into four separate interest rate swap agreements to fix interest rates on $50,000 of long-term debt for the periods January 2013 to January 2017. In the third quarter of 2012, CTSwe entered into four separateadditional interest rate swap agreements to fix interest rates on $25,000 of long-term debt for the periods January 2013 to January 2017. In the third quarter of 2016, we entered into three additional forward-starting interest rate swap agreements to fix interest rates on $50,000 of long-term debt for the periods August 2017 to August 2020. The difference to be paid or received under the terms of the swap agreements iswill be recognized as an adjustment to interest expense for the related line of credit when settled.
During the year ended December 31, 2015, CTS repurchased 984,382 shares of its common stock at a total cost of $18,088 or an average price of $18.37 per share.

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Generally, CTS'our practice and intention is to reinvest the earnings of itsour non-U.S. subsidiaries in those operations.outside the U.S. However, CTSwe determined during 2015 that as a result of changes in the business, the foreign earnings of itsour subsidiaries in Canada and the U.K. were no longer permanently reinvested. Therefore, a provision for the expected taxes on repatriation of those earnings was recorded at that time. Any repatriation may not result in significant cash income tax payments as the taxable event would likely be offset by the utilization of the then available tax credits, resulting in no significant net cash taxes being incurred. CTS doesWe do not provide for U.S. income taxes on undistributed earnings of itsour foreign subsidiaries that are intended to be permanently reinvested.
We have historically funded our capital and operating needs primarily through cash flows from operating activities, supported by available credit under our credit agreements.Revolving Credit Facility. We believe that cash flows from operating activities and available borrowings under our current credit agreementsRevolving Credit Facility will be adequate to fund our working capital, capital expenditures and debt service requirements for at least the next twelve months. However, we may choose to pursue additional equity and debt financing or repatriate cash held in foreign locations to provide additional liquidity or to fund acquisitions.





Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Management prepared the consolidated financial statements of CTS under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These principles require the use of estimates, judgments, and assumptions. We believe that the estimates, judgments, and assumptions we used are reasonable, based upon the information available.
Our estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts in our financial statements. The following accounting policies comprise those that we believe are the most critical in understanding and evaluating CTS'our reported financial results.
Revenue Recognition
Product revenue is recognized once four criteria are met: (1) we have persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists; (2) delivery has occurred and title has passed to the customer, which generally happens at the point of shipment, provided that no significant obligations remain; (3) the price is fixed and determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured.
Product Warranties
Provisions for estimated warranty expenses related to our automotive products are made at the time products are sold. These estimates are established using a quoted industry rate. We adjust our warranty reserve for any known or anticipated warranty claims as new information becomes available. We evaluate our warranty obligations at least quarterly and adjust our accruals if it is probable that future costs will be different than our current reserve. Over the last three years, product warranty reserves have ranged from 0.5% to 0.7% of total sales. We believe our reserve level is appropriate considering the quality of our products.
Accounts Receivable
We have standardized credit granting and review policies and procedures for all customer accounts, including:
Credit reviews of all new significant customer accounts,
Ongoing credit evaluations of current customers,
Credit limits and payment terms based on available credit information,
Adjustments to credit limits based upon payment history and the customer's current credit worthiness,creditworthiness,
An active collection effort by regional credit functions, reporting directly to the corporate financial officers, and
Limited credit insurance on the majority of our international receivables.
We reserve for estimated credit losses based upon historical experience and specific customer collection issues. Over the last three years, accounts receivable reserves have been approximatelyranged from 0.2% to 0.3% of total accounts receivable. We believe our reserve level is appropriate considering the quality of the portfolio. While credit losses have historically been within expectations and the reserves established, we cannot guarantee that our credit loss experience will continue to be consistent with historical experience.
Inventories
We value our inventories at the lower of the actual cost to purchase or manufacture using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method, or the current estimated marketnet realizable value. We review inventory quantities on hand and record a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based on forecasts of product demand and production requirements.
Over the last three years, our reserves for excess and obsolete inventories have ranged from 12.5%17.6% to 20.1% of gross inventory. We believe our reserve level is appropriate considering the quantities and quality of the inventories.

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Retirement Plans
Actuarial assumptions are used in determining pension income and expense and our pension benefit obligation. We utilize actuaries from consulting companies in each applicable country to develop our discount rates, that matchmatching high-quality bonds currently available and expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension benefit in order to provide the necessary future cash flows to pay the accumulated benefits when due. After considering the recommendations of our actuaries, we have assumed a discount rate, expected rate of return on plan assets, and a rate of compensation increase in determining our annual pension income and expense and the projected benefit obligation. During the fourth quarter of each year, we review our actuarial assumptions in light of current economic factors to determine if the assumptions need to be adjusted. Changes in the actuarial assumptions could have a material effect on our results of operations.

Valuation of Goodwill
Goodwill of a reporting unit is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently, if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Examples of such events or circumstances include:include, but are not limited to, the following:
Significant decline in market capitalization relative to net book value,
Significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate,
Adverse action or assessment by a regulator,
Unanticipated competition,
More-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of,
Testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit, and
Allocation of a portion of goodwill to a business to be disposed.
If CTS believeswe believe that one or more of the above indicators of impairment have occurred, we performsperform an impairment test. The performance of the test involves a two-step process. The first step of the impairment test involves comparing the fair values of the applicable reporting units with their aggregate carrying values, including goodwill. We generally determine the fair value of our reporting units using two valuation methods: "Income Approach — Discounted Cash Flow Method" and "Market Approach — Guideline Public Company Method". The approach defined below is based upon our last impairment test conducted as of December 31, 2015.October 1, 2016.
Under the "Income Approach — Discounted Cash Flow Method", the key assumptions considerinclude sales, cost of sales, and operating expenses projectedexpense projections through the year 2020.2021. These assumptions were determined by management utilizing our internal operating plan and assuming growth rates for revenues, operating expenses, and gross margin assumptions. The fourth key assumption under this approach is the discount rate, which is determined by looking at current risk-free rates, current market interest rates and the evaluation of risk premium relevant to the business segment. If any of our assumptions relative to growth rates were to change or were incorrect, our fair value calculation may change, which could result in impairment.
Under the "Market Approach — Guideline Public Company Method", we identified eight publicly traded companies including CTS, which we believe have significant relevant similarities.similarities to CTS. For these eight companies, we calculated a range of EBITDA multiples derived from the mean ratio of invested capitalenterprise value to revenuesEBITDA and invested capitalcompared these multiples to EBITDA.the corresponding multiples for each of our reporting units. Similar to the Incomeincome approach discussed above, sales, cost of sales, operating expenses and their respective growth rates were the key assumptions utilized.utilized in developing projected EBITDA levels for each of our reporting units. The market prices of CTS and the other guideline companycompany's shares are also key assumptions. If these market prices increase, the estimated market value would increase. If the market prices decrease, the estimated market value would decrease.assumptions as they are used to calculate enterprise value.
The results of these two methods are weighted based upon management's determination. The Market approach is based upon historical and current economic conditions, which might not reflect the long-term prospects or opportunities for CTS' businessour reporting units being evaluated.

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If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit's fair value, we perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of impairment loss, whichif any. This involves comparing the implied fair value of the affected reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying value of that goodwill.
There have not been any significant changes to our impairment testing methodology other than updates to the assumptions to reflect the current market environment. As discussed above, key assumptions used in the first stepBased upon our latest assessment, we determined that our goodwill was not impaired as of the goodwill impairment test were determined by management utilizing the internal operating plan. The key assumptions utilized include forecasted growth rates for revenues and operating expenses as well as a discount rate which is determined by looking at current risk-free rates of capital, current market interest rates and the evaluation of a risk premium relevant to the business segment. CTSOctober 1, 2016. We will monitor future results and will perform a test if indicators trigger an impairment review.
We test the impairment of goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Based upon our latest assessment, we determined that our goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2015.





Valuation of Long-LivedOther Intangible and Other IntangibleLong-Lived Assets
We evaluate the impairment of identifiable intangibles and other long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors considered that may trigger an impairment review consist of:of, but are not limited to, the following:
Significant decline in market capitalization relative to net book value,
Significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results,
Significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business,
Significant negative industry or economic trends,
Significant decline in CTS' stock price for a sustained period, and
Significant decline in market capitalization relative to net book value.trends.
If CTS believeswe believe that one or more of the above indicators of impairment have occurred, andwe perform a recoverability test by comparing the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to the sum of the undiscounted cash flow test failedflows expected to result from the use and the eventual disposition of the asset or asset group. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value. No indicators of impairment were identified as of December 31, 2016.
Environmental and Legal Contingencies
U.S. GAAP requires a liability to be recorded for contingencies when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required to determine the existence of a liability as well as the amount to be recorded. We regularly consult with attorneys and consultants to determine the relevant facts and circumstances before we record a liability. Changes in laws, regulatory orders, cost estimates, participation of other parties, timing of payments, input of attorneys and consultants, or other circumstances may have a material impact on the case of amortizable assets, it measures impairment based on projected discounted cash flows using a discount rate that incorporates the risk inherent in the cash flows.recorded liability.
Income Taxes
CTS identified, evaluated, and measured the amount ofOur income tax benefits to be recognized for all of our income tax positions. Included inexpense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management’s best estimate of current and future taxes to be paid. We are subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are required in the determination of the consolidated income tax expense.
Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements, which will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets in the jurisdiction from which they arise, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. The assumptions about future taxable income require the use of significant judgment and are consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses.
The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations in a multitude of jurisdictions across our global operations. ASC 740 states that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, on the basis of its technical merits.  We record unrecognized tax benefits as liabilities in accordance with ASC 740 and adjust these liabilities when our judgment changes as a result of the evaluation of new information not previously available. Because of the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from our current estimate of the unrecognized tax benefit liabilities. These differences will be reflected as increases or decreases to federal, state and foreign net operating losses. CTS intends to utilize these net operating loss carryforwards to offset future income taxes.tax expense in the period in which new information is available.
CTS'Our practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as part of income tax expense.
CTS earnsWe earn a significant amount of itsour operating income outside of the U.S., which is generally deemed to be permanently reinvested in foreign jurisdictions. However, CTSwe determined during 2015 that as a result of changes in the business, the foreign earnings of itsour subsidiaries in Canada and the U.K. were no longer permanently reinvested. Therefore, a provision for the expected taxes on repatriation of those earnings was recorded. CTS doesWe do not intend to repatriate funds beyond the amount from itsour Canadian and U.K. subsidiaries; however, should CTSwe require more capital in the U.S. than is generated by our domestic operations, CTSwe could elect to repatriate funds held in foreign jurisdictions or raise capital in the U.S. through debt or equity issuances. Repatriation would result in a higher effective tax rate. Borrowing in the U.S. would result in increased interest expense.






28 CTS CORPORATION

Table of Contents

Contractual Obligations
CTS'Our contractual obligations as of December 31, 20152016, were:
Payments due by periodPayments due by period
Total20162017-20182019-20202021-beyondTotal20172018-20192020-20212022-beyond
Long-term debt, including interest$97,869
$2,165
$2,798
$92,906
$
$94,433
$1,748
$2,810
$89,875
$
Operating lease payments12,959
3,370
5,148
3,294
1,147
14,001
4,635
5,053
1,787
2,526
Retirement obligations6,726
781
1,577
1,369
2,999
6,955
1,009
1,501
1,385
3,060
Total$117,554
$6,316
$9,523
$97,569
$4,146
$115,389
$7,392
$9,364
$93,047
$5,586
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements, except for operating leases, that have a material current effect or are reasonably likely to have a material future effect on our financial condition or changes in our financial condition.
Management believes that existing capital resources and funds generated from operations are sufficient to finance anticipated capital requirements.
Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains statements that are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, any financial or other guidance, statements that reflect our current expectations concerning future results and events, and any other statements that are not based solely on historical fact. Forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations, certain assumptions and currently available information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof and are based on various assumptions as to future events, the occurrence of which necessarily are subject to uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are made subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those presented in the forward-looking statements. Examples of factors that may affect future operating results and financial condition include, but are not limited to: changes in the economy generally and in respect to the business in which CTS operates; unanticipated issues in integrating acquisitions; the results of actions to reposition our business; rapid technological change; general market conditions in the automotive, communications, and computer industries, as well as conditions in the industrial, defense and aerospace, and medical markets; reliance on key customers; unanticipated natural disasters or other events; the ability to protect our intellectual property; pricing pressures and demand for our products; and risks associated with our international operations, including trade and tariff barriers, exchange rates and political and geopolitical risks. Many of these and other risks and uncertainties are discussed in further detail in Item 1A. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. We undertake no obligation to publicly update our forward-looking statements to reflect new information or events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof, including market or industry changes.
*****


CTS CORPORATION 29


Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
(in thousands)
Our cash flows and earnings are subject to fluctuations resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We manage our exposure to these market risks through internally established policies and procedures and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. Our policies do not allow speculation in derivative instruments for profit or execution of derivative instrument contracts for which there are no underlying exposures. We do not use financial instruments for trading purposes and we are not a party to any leveraged derivatives. We monitor our underlying market risk exposures on an ongoing basis and believe that we can modify or adapt our hedging strategies as needed.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to risk of changes in interest rates on our revolving credit facility. There was $90,700$89,100 and $75,000$90,700 outstanding under our revolving credit facility at December 31, 20152016, and 2014,2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2015,2016, we had $75,000$50,000 in a forward starting interest rate swapsswap that fix thefixes interest costcosts on that portion of our debt.debt starting August 1, 2017. The remaining portion of $15,700$50,000 is exposed to interest rate risk for the first seven months of the year and the remaining portion of $39,100 is exposed to interest rate risk for the entire year. Therefore, at December 31, 20152016, a one percentage point increase in interest rates would increase interest expense by approximately $157.$700.
Foreign Currency Risk
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks. Our significant foreign subsidiaries are located in Canada (operations ceased in 2015), China, Czech Republic, Mexico, Scotland, Singapore and Taiwan. As of December 31, 2015,2016, we did not have anyhad $11.6 million outstanding foreign currency forward exchange contracts.contracts to hedge our exposure against the Mexican Peso.
In the normal course of business, our financial position is routinely subjected to a variety of risks, including market risks associated with interest rate movements, currency rate movements on non-U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities.
Commodity Price Risk
Many of our products require the use of raw materials that are produced in only a limited number of regions around the world or are available from only a limited number of suppliers. Our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected if we have difficulty obtaining these raw materials, the quality of available raw materials deteriorates, or there are significant price increases for these raw materials. For periods in which the prices of these raw materials are rising, we may be unable to pass on the increased cost to our customers, which would result in decreased margins for the products in which they are used. For periods in which the prices are declining, we may be required to write down our inventory carrying cost of these raw materials, since we record our inventory at the lower of cost or market.net realizable value.

30 CTS CORPORATION


Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Shareholders
CTS Corporation

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of CTS Corporation (an Indiana corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”)Company) as of December 31, 2015,2016, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015,2016, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015,2016, and our report dated February 24, 2016,2017, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.


/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP            
Chicago, Illinois
February 24, 20162017




CTS CORPORATION 31




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Shareholders
CTS Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CTS Corporation (an Indiana corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”)Company) as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, (loss), comprehensive earnings, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015.2016. Our audits of the basic consolidated financial statements included the financial statement scheduleschedules listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and financial statement scheduleschedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement scheduleschedules based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of CTS Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20152016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule,schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presentspresent fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

As described in note 1 of the consolidated financial statements, the Company has adopted new accounting guidance in 2016 and 2015, related to the presentation of deferred income taxes and accounting for stock-based compensation.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015,2016, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 24, 20162017, expressed an unqualified opinion.



/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP            
Chicago, Illinois
February 24, 20162017



32 CTS CORPORATION


CTS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss)
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
201520142013201620152014
Net sales$382,310
$404,021
$409,461
$396,679
$382,310
$404,021
Cost of goods sold255,201
274,058
288,108
256,251
255,201
274,058
Gross Margin127,109
129,963
121,353
140,428
127,109
129,963
Selling, general and administrative expenses57,430
59,136
69,989
61,624
59,586
61,051
Research and development expenses22,461
22,563
23,222
24,040
22,461
22,563
Non-recurring environmental expense14,541



14,541

Restructuring and impairment charges14,564
5,941
10,455
3,048
14,564
5,941
Gain on sale of assets(11,450)(2,156)(1,915)
Operating earnings18,113
42,323
17,687
63,166
18,113
42,323
Other (expense) income: 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense(2,628)(2,326)(3,264)(3,702)(2,628)(2,326)
Interest income3,073
2,786
1,901
1,305
3,073
2,786
Other (expense) income(6,297)(3,435)1,739
Total other (expense) income(5,852)(2,975)376
Earnings from continuing operations before taxes12,261
39,348
18,063
Other expense(3,524)(6,297)(3,435)
Total other expense, net(5,921)(5,852)(2,975)
Earnings before taxes57,245
12,261
39,348
Income tax expense5,307
12,826
16,066
22,865
5,307
12,826
Earnings from continuing operations6,954
26,522
1,997
Discontinued operations 
 
 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

(5,926)

Net earnings (loss)
$6,954
$26,522
$(3,929)
Net earnings (loss) per share: 
 
 
Basic: 
 
 
Continuing operations$0.21
$0.79
$0.06
Discontinued operations

(0.18)

Net earnings (loss) per share
$0.21
$0.79
$(0.12)
Diluted: 
 
 
Continuing operations$0.21
$0.78
$0.06
Discontinued operations

(0.18)

Diluted net earnings (loss) per share
$0.21
$0.78
$(0.12)
Net earnings$34,380
$6,954
$26,522
Net earnings per share: 
 
 
Basic1.05
0.21
0.79
Diluted1.03
0.21
0.78
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding32,959
33,618
33,601
32,728
32,959
33,618
Effect of dilutive securities525
512
648
523
525
512

Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding
33,484
34,130
34,249
33,251
33,484
34,130

Cash dividends declared per share
$0.160
$0.160
$0.145
$0.16
$0.16
$0.16
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

CTS CORPORATION 33


CTS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings
(in thousands)

Year Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
201520142013201620152014
Net earnings (loss)$6,954
$26,522
$(3,929)
Net earnings$34,380
$6,954
$26,522
Other comprehensive earnings (loss): 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in fair market value of hedges, net of tax157
(40)384
553
157
(40)
Changes in unrealized pension cost, net of tax6,809
(21,062)37,738
6,412
6,809
(21,062)
Cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax(1,738)(1,234)585
(1,154)(1,738)(1,234)
Other comprehensive earnings (loss)$5,228
$(22,336)$38,707
$5,811
$5,228
$(22,336)
Comprehensive earnings$12,182
$4,186
$34,778
$40,191
$12,182
$4,186
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


34 CTS CORPORATION


CTS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
December 31,December 31,
2015201420162015
ASSETS 
 
 
 
Current Assets 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents$156,928
$134,508
$113,805
$156,928
Accounts receivable, net54,563
56,894
62,612
54,563
Inventories, net24,600
27,887
28,652
24,600
Other current assets15,888
21,112
10,638
9,863
Total current assets251,979
240,401
215,707
245,954
Property, plant and equipment, net69,872
71,414
82,111
69,872
Other Assets 
 
 
 
Prepaid pension asset33,779
32,099
46,183
33,779
Goodwill33,865
32,047
61,744
33,865
Other intangible assets, net34,758
36,592
64,370
34,758
Deferred income taxes58,544
43,120
45,839
63,809
Other assets1,336
1,253
1,743
1,336
Total other assets162,282
145,111
219,879
167,547
Total Assets$484,133
$456,926
$517,697
$483,373
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities 
 
 
 
Short-term notes payable$1,006
$
Accounts payable$40,299
$43,343
40,046
40,299
Accrued payroll and benefits7,147
11,283
11,369
7,147
Accrued expenses and other liabilities53,905
25,356
45,708
47,174
Total current liabilities101,351
79,982
98,129
94,620
Long-term debt90,700
75,000
89,100
90,700
Long-term pension obligations2,703
3,049
7,006
7,230
Other long-term obligations7,725
9,106
5,580
9,169
Total Liabilities202,479
167,137
199,815
201,719
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9) 
Shareholders' Equity 
 
 
 
Common stock300,909
299,892
302,832
300,909
Additional contributed capital41,166
39,153
40,521
41,166
Retained earnings381,840
380,145
410,979
381,840
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(99,005)(104,233)(93,194)(99,005)
Total shareholders' equity before treasury stock624,910
614,957
661,138
624,910
Treasury stock(343,256)(325,168)(343,256)(343,256)
Total shareholders' equity281,654
289,789
317,882
281,654
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity$484,133
$456,926
$517,697
$483,373
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

CTS CORPORATION 35


CTS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
201520142013201620152014
Cash flows from operating activities: 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)$6,954
$26,522
$(3,929)
Net earnings$34,380
$6,954
$26,522
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization16,254
16,971
21,169
18,992
16,254
16,971
Equity-based compensation3,195
2,660
4,219
Stock-based compensation2,738
3,195
2,660
Restructuring, impairment, and restructuring-related charges6,915
5,941
11,899
3,048
6,915
5,941
Restructuring loss on pension settlement8,280



8,280

Amortization of retirement benefit adjustments2,544
5,722
8,138
Pension and other post-retirement plan income(1,599)(2,451)(2,290)
Non-recurring environmental expense14,541



14,541

Deferred income taxes(8,920)4,900
12,568
10,297
(8,920)4,900
Loss on sale of EMS business

1,229
Gain on sale of assets(2,156)(1,915)(1,657)(11,450)(2,156)(1,915)
Gain on foreign currency hedges, net of cash received(36)

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and divestitures: 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable1,036
4,356
(6,075)(7,120)1,036
4,356
Inventories2,225
3,437
(2,511)(2,290)2,225
3,437
Other assets4,090
(5,672)931
(289)4,090
(5,672)
Accounts payable(5,126)(2,692)4,716
537
(5,126)(2,692)
Accrued payroll and benefits1,876
(3,012)(8,124)
Accrued expenses(9,270)(18,922)733
(2,597)(5,731)(9,872)
Income taxes payable5,264
262
(15)966
5,264
262
Other liabilities(2,502)(721)232
52
(2,502)(721)
Pension and other post-retirement plans(4,700)(8,426)(14,076)(303)295
(414)
Total adjustments31,670
5,901
41,500
12,822
32,197
6,827
Net cash provided by operating activities38,624
32,423
37,571
47,202
39,151
33,349
Cash flows from investing activities: 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures(9,723)(12,949)(13,982)(20,500)(9,723)(12,949)
Proceeds from sale of assets1,878
4,951
1,768
12,296
1,878
4,951
Proceeds from sale of EMS business

75,000
Payment for acquisitions, net of cash acquired(1,285)

(73,063)(1,285)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities(9,130)(7,998)62,786
Net cash used in investing activities(81,267)(9,130)(7,998)
Cash flows from financing activities: 
 
 
 
 
 
Payments of long-term debt(1,343,500)(1,030,200)(3,864,500)(2,458,400)(1,343,500)(1,030,200)
Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt1,359,200
1,030,200
3,786,000
2,456,800
1,359,200
1,030,200
Payments of short-term notes payable(164)(810)(2,218)
(164)(810)
Proceeds from borrowings of short-term notes payable164
810
2,218

164
810
Purchase of treasury stock(18,088)(8,002)(6,208)
(18,088)(8,002)
Dividends paid(5,291)(5,374)(4,874)(5,234)(5,291)(5,374)
Exercise of stock options64
1,204
2,722

64
1,204
Excess tax benefit on equity-based compensation313
297
117

313
297
Taxes paid on behalf of equity award participants(1,809)(527)(926)
Other
(3,132)177


(3,132)
Net cash used in financing activities(7,302)(15,007)(86,566)(8,643)(7,829)(15,933)
Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents228
722
1,006
(415)228
722
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents22,420
10,140
14,797
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents(43,123)22,420
10,140
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year134,508
124,368
109,571
156,928
134,508
124,368
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$156,928
$134,508
$124,368
$113,805
$156,928
$134,508
Supplemental cash flow information: 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest$2,415
$2,113
$3,104
$2,939
$2,415
$2,113
Cash paid for income taxes, net$6,779
$7,994
$6,431
$10,471
$6,779
$7,994
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities





Purchase of assets with short-term notes payable$1,006
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


36 CTS CORPORATION


CTS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
(in thousands)
Common
Stock
Additional
Contributed
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Earnings/(Loss)
Treasury
Stock
Total
Common
Stock
Additional
Contributed
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Earnings/(Loss)
Treasury
Stock
Total
Balances at January 1, 2013$291,512
$40,008
$367,800
$(120,604)$(310,958)$267,758
Net loss

(3,929)

(3,929)
Changes in fair market value of hedges, net of tax


384

384
Changes in unrealized pension cost, net of tax


37,738

37,738
Cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax


585

585
Cash dividends of $0.145 per share

(4,874)

(4,874)
Acquired 419,190 shares for treasury stock



(6,208)(6,208)
Issued shares on exercise of options — net2,722
31



2,753
Issued shares on vesting of restricted stock units2,930
(4,744)


(1,814)
Tax benefit on vesting of restricted stock units
117



117
Stock compensation
4,219



4,219
Balances at December 31, 2013$297,164
$39,631
$358,997
$(81,897)$(317,166)$296,729
Balances at January 1, 2014$297,164
$39,631
$358,997
$(81,897)$(317,166)$296,729
Net earnings

26,522


26,522


26,522


26,522
Changes in fair market value of hedges, net of tax


(40)
(40)


(40)
(40)
Changes in unrealized pension cost, net of tax


(21,062)
(21,062)


(21,062)
(21,062)
Cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax


(1,234)
(1,234)


(1,234)
(1,234)
Cash dividends of $0.16 per share

(5,374)

(5,374)

(5,374)

(5,374)
Acquired 460,496 shares for treasury stock



(8,002)(8,002)



(8,002)(8,002)
Issued shares on exercise of options — net1,328
(124)


1,204
1,328
(124)


1,204
Issued shares on vesting of restricted stock units1,400
(3,311)


(1,911)1,400
(3,311)


(1,911)
Tax benefit on vesting of restricted stock units
297



297

297



297
Stock compensation
2,660



2,660

2,660



2,660
Balances at December 31, 2014$299,892
$39,153
$380,145
$(104,233)$(325,168)$289,789
$299,892
$39,153
$380,145
$(104,233)$(325,168)$289,789
Net earnings

6,954


6,954


6,954


6,954
Changes in fair market value of hedges, net of tax


157

157



157

157
Changes in unrealized pension cost, net of tax


6,809

6,809



6,809

6,809
Cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax


(1,738)
(1,738)


(1,738)
(1,738)
Cash dividends of $0.16 per share


(5,259)

(5,259)

(5,259)

(5,259)
Acquired 984,342 shares for treasury stock



(18,088)(18,088)



(18,088)(18,088)
Issued shares on exercise of options — net64




64
64




64
Issued shares on vesting of restricted stock units953
(1,495)


(542)953
(1,495)


(542)
Tax benefit on vesting of restricted stock units
313



313

313



313
Stock compensation
3,195



3,195

3,195



3,195
Balances at December 31, 2015$300,909
$41,166
$381,840
$(99,005)$(343,256)$281,654
$300,909
$41,166
$381,840
$(99,005)$(343,256)$281,654
Net earnings

34,380


34,380
Changes in fair market value of hedges, net of tax


553

553
Changes in unrealized pension cost, net of tax


6,412

6,412
Cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax


(1,154)
(1,154)
Cash dividends of $0.16 per share


(5,241)

(5,241)
Issued shares on vesting of restricted stock units1,923
(3,307)


(1,384)
Stock compensation
2,662



2,662
Balances at December 31, 2016$302,832
$40,521
$410,979
$(93,194)$(343,256)$317,882
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

CTS CORPORATION 37


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except for share and per share data)
NOTE 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of Business: CTS Corporation ("CTS", "we", "our", "us" or the "Company") is a global manufacturer of sensors, electronic components, and sensors. CTS designs, manufactures, assembles, and sells a broad line of electronic components and sensors. CTS operatesactuators. We operate manufacturing facilities located throughout North America, Asia and Europe and services major markets globally.
On October 2, 2013, CTS sold its Electronics Manufacturing Solutions ("EMS") business to Benchmark Electronics, Inc. ("Benchmark") for $75,000 in cash. The sale of EMS, along with the announcement of the June 2013 Restructuring Plan ("June 2013 Plan") has allowed CTS to sharpen its focus on its Components and Sensors business. Due to the sale, the 2013 amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) related to EMS have been reported separately as Discontinued operations. Refer to NOTE 17, "Discontinued Operations."
CTS consists of one reportable business segment. Prior to the sale of the EMS segment, CTS had two reportable segments: 1) Components and Sensors and 2) EMS. The 2013 segment reporting has been updated to conform to the current period's presentation of one reportable business segment.
Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CTS and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Fiscal Calendar: Through 2015, CTSBeginning in 2016, we began using a calendar period end. Prior to 2016, we operated on a 4 week/ 4 week/ 5 week fiscal quarter, and each fiscal quarter ended on a Sunday. The fiscal year always beginsbegan on January 1 and endsended on December 31. CTS'Our fiscal calendar resulted in some fiscal quarters being either greater than or less than 13 weeks, depending on the days of the week on which those dates fall in. During the 2015 fiscal year, CTS' quarter end dates were as follows:fell.
March 29
June 28
September 27
December 31

Beginning in 2016, CTS began using a calendar period end.
Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") 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 reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents: All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: Accounts receivable consists primarily of amounts due to CTS from normal business activities. CTS maintainsWe maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated uncollectible accounts receivable. CTSOur reserves for estimated credit losses based upon historical experience and specific customer collection issues. Accounts are written off against the allowance account when they are determined to be no longer be collectible.
Concentration of Credit Risk: Financial instruments that potentially subject CTSus to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents. CTS'Our cash and cash equivalents, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. Cash and cash equivalents are deposited primarily in banking institutions with global operations. CTS hasWe have not experienced any losses in such accounts. CTS believes it isWe believe we are not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.
Trade receivables subject CTSus to the potential for credit risk with major customers. CTS sells itsWe sell our products to customers principally in the automotive, communications, computer,transportation, industrial, medical, industrial, andinformation technology, defense and aerospace, and communications markets, primarily in North America, Europe, and Asia. CTS performsWe perform ongoing credit evaluations of itsour customers to minimize credit risk. CTS doesWe do not require collateral. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on management's estimates of the collectability of its accounts receivable after analyzing historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit worthiness,creditworthiness, and current economic trends. Uncollectible trade receivables are charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts when all reasonable efforts to collect the amounts due have been exhausted.

38 CTS CORPORATION


Our net sales to significant customers as a percentage of total net sales were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
201520142013201620152014
Honda Motor Co.10.7%10.8%8.4%10.7%10.8%
Toyota Motor Corporation10.1%8.4%6.3%10.4%10.1%8.4%
We sell pedal and sensor automotive parts to Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corporation for certain vehicle platforms under purchase agreements that have no volume commitments and are subject to purchase orders issued from time to time.
No other customer accounted for 10% or more of total net sales during these periods.
Inventories: CTS values itsWe value our inventories at the lower of the actual cost to purchase or manufacture or the current estimated marketnet realizable value using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. CTS reviewsWe review inventory quantities on hand and recordsrecord a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based on forecasts of product demand and production requirements.
Retirement Plans: CTS hasWe have various defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans. CTS'Our policy is to annually fund the defined benefit pension plans at or above the minimum required by law. CTS:We: 1) recognizesrecognize the funded status of a benefit plan (measured

(measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation) in CTS'our Consolidated Balance Sheets; 2) recognizesrecognize the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit/cost as a component of Other comprehensive income;earnings; and 3) measuresmeasure defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the date of our fiscal year-end. See NOTE 5, "Retirement Plans" for further information.
Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization is computed primarily over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets using the straight-line method. Useful lives for buildings and improvements range from 10 to 45 years. Machinery and equipment useful lives range from 3 to 8 years. Depreciation on leasehold improvements is computed over the lease term or estimated useful lives of the assets. Amounts expended for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Upon disposition, any related gains or losses are included in operating earnings.
Income Taxes: DeferredWe account for income taxes are recognized forunder the future tax effectsasset and liability method, which requires the recognition of temporary differences between financial and income tax reporting based on enacted tax laws and rates. CTS maintains valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets ifand liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, we determine deferred tax assets and liabilities on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities by using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
We recognize deferred tax assets to the extent that we believe that these assets are more-likely-than-not to be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes. In 2016, we elected to early adopt ASU 2015-17 "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes", on a retrospective basis allowing for all deferred tax items to be classified as non-current. The non-current deferred tax assets and non-current deferred tax liabilities were not netted since these items relate to different tax jurisdictions.
We record uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) we determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that some or allthe tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. CTS recognizestechnical merits of the benefit ofposition and (2) for those tax positions when a benefit is more likely than not (i.e. greater than 50% likely) to be sustained upon audit based on its technical merits. Recognized tax benefits are measured atthat meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is more-likely-than-notmore than 50 percent likely to be sustained, based on cumulative probability, in finalrealized upon ultimate settlement ofwith the position. CTS recognizesrelated tax authority.
We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits on the income tax matters as partexpense line in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of incomeOperations. Accrued interest and penalties are included on the related tax expense. liability line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
See NOTE 16,17, "Income Taxes" for further information.
Goodwill and OtherIndefinite-lived Intangible Assets: Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair values of the net assets acquired in a business combination.
We test the impairment of goodwill at least annually, or whenevermore frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The impairment evaluation utilizes a two-step test. The first step compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is equal to or greater than its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, then the second step of the impairment test is performed in order to determine if the implied fair value of the goodwill of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of that goodwill. Goodwill is impaired when the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. Impaired goodwill is written down to its implied fair value through a non-cash expense recorded in results of operations in the period the impairment is identified.
In 2015, we changed the date of our annual impairment test from the last day of our fiscal year to the first day of our fourth quarter. This change did not have a material effect on the results of our impairment test. We completed our annual impairment test during 20152016 and determined that our goodwill was not impaired as of the measurement date.
Goodwill of a reporting unit is tested forNo goodwill impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Examples of such events or circumstances include:
Significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate,
Adverse action or assessment by a regulator,
Unanticipated competition,


CTS CORPORATION 39


More-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of,
Testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit, and
Allocation of a portion of goodwill to a business to be disposed of.
There have not been any significant changes to our impairment testing methodology other than updating the assumptions to reflect the current market environment. CTS will monitor future results and will perform an impairment test if and when indicators trigger an impairment review.
Other intangible assets consist primarily of customer lists and relationships, patents and other intangibles. These assets arewas recorded at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated life. The weighted-average remaining amortization period for all of our intangible assets is 9.4 years. The weighted-average remaining amortization period for customer lists and relationships is 12.1 years and for the technologyyears ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and other intangibles is 5.2 years. 2014.
We also have acquired in-process research and development ("IPR&D") intangible assets that are treated as indefinite-lived intangible assets and therefore not subject to amortization until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts. If these efforts are abandoned in the future, the carrycarrying value of the IPR&D asset iswill be expensed. If the research and development efforts are successfully completed, the IPR&D will be reclassified as a finite-lived asset and amortized over its useful life.
No impairment was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Other Intangible Assets and Long-lived Assets: We account for long-lived assets (excluding indefinite-lived intangible assets) in accordance with the provisions of ASC 360. This statement requires that long-lived assets, which includes fixed assets and finite-lived intangible assets, be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If an impairment test is warranted, recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and the eventual disposition of the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount in which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
Intangible assets (excluding indefinite-lived intangible assets) consist primarily of customer lists and relationships, patents, technology, and other intangibles. These assets are recorded at cost and usually amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated lives. We assess useful lives based on the period over which the asset is expected to contribute to cash flows.
Revenue Recognition: Product revenue is recognized once four criteria are met: 1) CTS hasWe have persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists; 2) delivery has occurred and title has passed to the customer, which generally happens at the point of shipment provided that no significant obligations remain; 3) the price is fixed and determinable; and 4) collectability is reasonably assured.
Research and Development: Research and development ("R&D") costs include expenditures for planned search and investigation aimed at discovery of new knowledge to be used to develop new products or processes or to significantly enhance existing products or production processes. Research and developmentR&D costs also include the implementation of new knowledge through design, testing of product alternatives, or construction of prototypes. CTS expensesWe expense all research and developmentR&D costs as incurred, net of customer reimbursements for sales of prototypes and non-recurring engineering charges.
CTS createsWe create prototypes and tools related to R&D projects. A prototype is defined as a constructed product not intended for production. CTSproduction resulting in a commercial sale. We also incursincur engineering costs related to R&D activities. Such costs are incurred to support such activities to improve the reliability, performance and cost-effectiveness of our existing products and to design and develop innovative products that meet customer requirements for new applications. Furthermore, CTSwe may engage in activities that develop tooling machinery and equipment for itsour customers.
Costs of molds, dies and other tools used to make products sold for which CTS haswe have a contractual guarantee for lump sum reimbursement from the customer are capitalizedincluded in otherOther current assets. Costs for molds, dies, and other tools for which customerassets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets until reimbursement is assured consistsreceived from the customer. A summary of the following in the consolidated balance sheets:amounts to be received from customers is as follows:
 As of December 31,

20152014
Cost of molds, dies and other tools included in other current assets$3,969
$2,991
 December 31,

20162015
Cost of molds, dies and other tools included in Other current assets$2,837
$3,969
CTS may, from time to time, partially recover costs related to these activities from the customer. Any reimbursementsReimbursements received from customers are netted against such costs. A summary of amounts received from customers is as follows:
 Year Ended December 31,

201520142013
Reimbursements received from customers$1,861
$1,400
$2,087
 Years Ended December 31,

201620152014
Reimbursements received from customers$2,036
$1,861
$1,400
Financial Instruments: CTS usesWe use forward contracts to mitigate currency risk related to forecasted foreign currency revenue and costs. These forward contracts are designed as cash flow hedges. At least quarterly, we assess the effectiveness of these hedging relationships based on the total change in their fair value using regression analysis. In addition, we use interest rate swaps to convert a portion of itsour revolving credit facility's variable rate of interest into a fixed rate. As a result of the use of these derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to the risk that counterparties to derivative contracts will fail to meet their contractual obligations. To mitigate the counterparty credit risk, the Company has a policy of only entering into contracts with carefully selected major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors. CTS'factors and by using netting agreements. Our established policies and procedures for mitigating credit risk

40 CTS CORPORATION


on principal transactions include reviewing and establishing limits for credit exposure and continually assessing the creditworthiness of counterparties.
CTS estimates




We estimate the fair value of itsour financial instruments as follows:
Instrument Method for determining fair value
Cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable Cost, approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
Revolving credit facility The fair value of long-term debt approximates carrying value and was determined by valuing a similar hypothetical coupon bond and attributing that value to our credit facility.
Interest rate swaps and forward contracts The fair value of CTS'our interest rate swaps and forward contracts are measured using a market approach which uses current industry information.
Debt Issuance Costs: CTS hasWe have debt issuance costs related to itsour long-term debt that areis being amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the debt.
Equity-BasedStock-Based Compensation: CTS recognizesWe recognize expense related to the fair value of equity-basedstock-based compensation awards, consisting of restricted stock units ("RSUs"), cash-settled restricted stock units, and stock options, in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss).Earnings.
CTS estimatesWe estimate the fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant using 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 of an award, 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 CTS' common stock. The expected option term is derived from historical data of exercise behavior. Actual option terms can differ from the expected option terms as a result of different groups of employees exhibiting different exercise behavior. The dividend yield is based on historical dividend payments. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve 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 of the awards in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss).Earnings.
The grant date fair values of our service-based and performance-based RSUs are the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The grant date fair value of our market-based RSUs is determined by using a simulation, or Monte Carlo, approach. Under this approach, stock returns from a comparative group of companies are simulated over the performance period, considering both stock price volatility and the correlation of returns. The simulated results are then used to estimate the future payout based on the performance and payout relationship established by the conditions of the award. The future payout is discounted to the measurement date using the risk-free interest rate.
Both CTS'our stock options and RSUs primarily have a graded-vestinggraded vesting schedule. CTS recognizesWe recognize 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. See NOTE 14, "Equity-Based15, "Stock-Based Compensation" for further information.
In 2016, we elected to early adopt the provisions of ASU 2016-09. Pursuant to this adoption, we recorded excess tax benefits within income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2016, where previously these were recorded as increases or decreases to additional contributed capital. In addition, we have elected to account for forfeitures of awards as they occur. Both of these changes have been applied prospectively, and therefore no adjustments were made to prior periods. In accordance with the guidance, we retrospectively reported cash paid on behalf of employees for withholding shares for tax-withholding purposes as a financing activity in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Additionally, excess tax benefits were classified as an operating activity, applied prospectively. Adoption of this ASU did not result in a material change in our earnings, cash flows, or financial position.
Earnings Per Share: Basic earnings per share excludes any dilution and is computed by dividing net earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period.
Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if dilutive securities, such as stock options and unvested restricted stock units, were exercised or other contracts to issue common stock resulted in the issuance of common stock that shared in CTS' earnings.stock. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adding all potentially dilutive shares to the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the numerator. If the common stock equivalents have an anti-dilutive effect, they are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share.
CTS'Our antidilutive stock options and RSUs consist of the following:
Year Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
(units)201520142013201620152014
Antidilutive stock options and RSUs13,979

634
35,189
13,979

Foreign Currencies: The financial statements of CTS'our non-U.S. subsidiaries, except the United Kingdom ("U.K.") subsidiary, are remeasured into U.S. dollars using the U.S. dollar as the functional currency with all remeasurement adjustments included in the determination of net earnings.


CTS CORPORATION 41


Foreign currency (loss) gainloss recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss) includes the following:
 Year Ended December 31,

201520142013
Foreign currency (loss) gain — continuing operations$(6,299)$(4,130)$1,625
Foreign currency (loss) gain — discontinued operations$
$
$(290)
 Years Ended December 31,

201620152014
Foreign currency losses $(3,714)$(6,299)$(4,130)
The assets and liabilities of CTS'our U.K. subsidiary are translated into U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate at period end, with the resulting translation adjustments made directly to the "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" component of shareholders' equity. Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss) accounts are translated at the average rates during the period.
Shipping and Handling: All fees billed to the customer for shipping and handling is classified as a component of net sales. All costs associated with shipping and handling is classified as a component of cost of sales.goods sold.
Sales Taxes: CTS classifiesWe classify sales taxes on a net basis in itsour consolidated financial statements.
ImpairmentReclassifications:Certain prior period reclassifications have been made in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as a result of Long-lived Assets and Long-lived Assetsincluding our other post-retirement benefit plan liabilities in Post-retirement obligations as well as the retrospective application of a new accounting pronouncement upon the adoption of ASU 2015-17 related to be Disposed of: CTS accounts for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisionspresentation of ASC 360. This statement requires that long-liveddeferred tax assets and certain identifiable intangibles be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate thatliabilities. The chart below quantifies the carrying amounteffects of an asset may not be recoverable. If an impairment test is warranted, recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and the eventual disposition of the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount in which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
CTS tests Goodwill for impairment annually and when an impairment triggering event occurs using a fair value approach at the reporting unit level. No goodwill impairment was recorded for the years endedthese reclassification adjustments on our December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.financial statements:
Generally, CTS amortizes the cost of finite-lived intangibles over a straight-line basis using their estimated useful lives except for the cost of customer list intangibles acquired in the Tusonix, Inc. ("Tusonix"), Fordahl S.A. ("Fordahl"), Valpey-Fisher Corporation ("Valpey-Fisher") and D&R Technologies, LLC ("D&R") acquisitions, which are amortized using a 150% double-declining balance method over their estimated useful lives. CTS assesses useful lives based on the period over which the asset is expected to contribute to CTS' cash flows. CTS reviews the carrying value of its intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred. If impaired, the asset is written down to fair value based on either discounted cash flows or appraised values.
  At December 31, 2015
Consolidated Balance Sheet Line Item As previously reported Reclassification adjustment As currently reported
Other current assets $15,888
 $(6,025) $9,863
Deferred income taxes $58,544
 $5,265
 $63,809
Accrued expenses and other liabilities $(53,905) $6,731
 $(47,174)
Long-term pension obligations $(2,703) $(4,527) $(7,230)
Other long-term obligations $(7,725) $(1,444) $(9,169)

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
ASU 2016-16 "Income Taxes (Topic 740) Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory"
In October 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-16, "Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory". This ASU is meant to improve the accounting for the income tax effect of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Currently, US GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for intra-entity asset transfers until the asset is sold to a third party. This ASU will now require companies to recognize the income tax effect of an intra-entity asset transfer (other than inventory) when the transaction occurs. This ASU is effective, for public companies, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted and is to be applied on a modified retrospective bases through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2016-15 "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments"
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments". This ASU reduces the diversity in reporting of eight specific cash flow issues due to accounting guidance that is unclear or does not exist. The eight issues relate to certain debt activities, business combination activities, insurance settlements and other various activities. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted and is to be applied retrospectively using a transition method for each period presented. An entity that elects early adoption of the amendment under this ASU must adopt all aspects of the amendment in the same period. This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2016-09 "Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvement to Employee Share Based Payment Accounting"
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” This ASU simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences of excess

tax benefits, forfeitures, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted. An entity that elects early adoption of the amendment under this ASU must adopt all aspects of the amendment in the same period. In 2016, we elected to early adopt the provisions of ASU 2016-09 as described in more detail in the Stock-Based Compensation section of Note 1 above. Adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material effect on our earnings, cash flows, or financial position.
ASU 2016-05 "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships"
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-05 "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships". This amendment clarifies that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument does not on its own require dedesignation of the hedging instrument under Topic 815, provided that all other hedge accounting criteria (including those in paragraphs 815-20-35-14 through 35-18) continue to be met. This update can be applied prospectively or retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years. This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2016-02 "Leases (Topic 842)"
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)". This amendment created a new Topic under the accounting standards codification to account for the provisions of the ASU. This amendment is meant to provide transparency and to improve comparability between entities. The ASU requires companies to record an asset and liability on the balance sheet for leases that were formerly designated as operating leases as well as leases designated as financing leases. The provisions of the ASU predominately change the recognition of leases for lessees, the provisions do not substantially change the accounting for lessors. This ASU will supersede the provisions of Topic 840 Leases.
The liability recorded for a lease is meant to recognize the lease payments and the asset as a right to use the underlying asset for the lease, including optional periods if it is reasonably certain the option will be exercised. Recording of the liability should be based on the present value of the lease payments. If a lease term is less than twelve months, a company is allowed to elect not to record the asset and liability. Expense related to these leases are to be amortized straight-line over the term of the lease.
Additionally, the provisions of this ASU provide additional guidance on separating lease terms from maintenance and other type of provisions that provide a good or service, accounting for sale-leaseback provisions, and leveraged leases.
Reporting in the cash flow statement remains virtually unchanged. Additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures are required.
These updates are required to be applied under a modified retrospective approach from the beginning of the earlier period presented. The modified approach provides optional practical expedients that may be elected, which will allow companies to continue to account for leases under the previous guidance for leases that commenced prior to the effective date.
The provisions of this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those periods. Early adoption is allowed. The provisions of this guidance are still being evaluated and the impact on our financial statements has not yet been determined.
ASU 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes”
In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")FASB issued ASU 2015-17, "Income Taxes Topic 740):740: Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes". The amendment requires Company'scompanies to begin classifying all deferred income taxes as non-current. The provisions are expected to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes and align the presentation of deferred income taxes with the International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 16, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods. The update can be applied prospectively or retrospectively. These provisionsIn 2016, we elected to early adopt ASU 2015-17, applying this standard retrospectively. Reclassifications to the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2015 are not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.
ASU 2015-16, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments”
In September 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-16, "Business Combinations (Topic 805) Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments of Inventory". The amendments clarify that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement periodshown in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The acquirer needs to record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effectReclassifications section of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income as a result of the change to the provisional amounts as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. This amendment requires an entity to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount

42 CTS CORPORATION


recorded in current period earnings by line item, as if the provisional adjustments had been recognized as of the acquisition date. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods. These provisions will not have a material impact on our financial statements.
ASU 2015-15, "Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements"
In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15: Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements. The amended guidance relates to guidance in ASU 2015-03 “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”to require entities to record debt issuance costs as a direct deduction of the related debt liability. ASU 2015-03 did not address debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements. This update allows entities to continue to record debt issuance costs as an asset and amortize the costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether the entity has borrowings against the line-of-credit arrangement. ASU 2015-15 will not impact our financial statements.
ASU 2015-14, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)"
In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14: Accounting for Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)" The amended guidance deferred the effective date of the ASU 2014-09 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers(Topic 606)" to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within that annual period. The impact on our financial statements related to ASU 2014-9 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)" has not yet been determined.Note 1 above.
ASU 2015-11. “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory”
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, "Inventory (Topic 330) Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory". The amendments clarify that an entity should measure inventory within the scope of this update at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling pricesprice in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Substantial and unusual losses that result from subsequent measurement of inventory should be disclosed in the financial statements. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual periods. The amendments are to be applied prospectively with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. These provisions areThis guidance is not anticipatedexpected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2015-08, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Pushdown Accounting - amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 115
In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-08, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Pushdown Accounting - amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 115”. This ASU amends various SEC paragraphs included in the FASB’s ASC to reflect the issuance of Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 115. SAB 115 rescinds portions of the interpretive guidance included in the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin series and brings existing guidance into conformity with ASU 2014-17, Pushdown Accounting, which provides an acquired entity with an option to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon occurrence of an event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity.
An acquired entity is not only able to apply this amendment to change in control events occurring after the effective date, but is also permitted to apply pushdown accounting as a change in accounting principle to its most recent change in control event that had occurred before the effective date of this new amendment. The decision to apply pushdown accounting to a specific change in control event, if elected by an acquiree, is irrevocable.
The amendment also amends the reporting for a bargain purchase option. The acquired entity would not report a gain in its income statement as a result of a bargain purchase. Rather, the acquiree shall recognize the bargain purchase gain recognized by the acquirer as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital.
This amendment is effective immediately. This amendment does not have a material impact on our financial statements.
ASU 2015-07, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)”
In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-07, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)”. This ASU permits a reporting entity, as a practical expedient, to measure the fair value of certain investments using the net asset value per share of the investment. This amendment applies

CTS CORPORATION 43


to reporting entities that elect to measure the fair value of an investment within the scope of paragraphs 820-10-15-4 through 15-5 using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient in paragraph 820-10-35-59. This amendment removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. It also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient. Rather, those disclosures are limited to investments for which the entity has elected to measure the fair value using that practical expedient.
The amendments will be effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. An entity should apply the amendments retrospectively to all periods presented. The retrospective approach requires that an investment for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient be removed from the fair value hierarchy in all periods presented in an entity’s financial statements. These provisions are not anticipated to have a material impact on our financial statements.
ASU 2015-04, “Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer’s Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets
In April 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-04, “Compensation -Retirement“Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer’s Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets”. The amended guidance permits companies to use a practical expedient, which allows an employer to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the month-end date that is closest to the employer’s fiscal year-end (alternative measurement date). An employer using this policy election must apply it consistently to all of its defined benefit plans.
In accordance with this ASU, an employer using the practical expedient is required to adjust the funded status for contributions and other significant events (as defined in paragraph 715-30-35-66) occurring between the alternative measurement date and its fiscal year-end. Paragraph 715-30-35-66 defines a significant event as: a plan amendment, settlement, or curtailment that calls for remeasurement. This ASU also allows employers the use of the practical expedient in interim remeasurements of significant events.
The employer would be required to disclose the election to use the practical expedient and the measurement date of the plan assets and obligations. Early application of this ASU is permitted. Entities must apply the guidance prospectively.
The guidance is effective for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The changes would be effective for employee benefit plans for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15,In 2016, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Thesewe adopted the provisions are not anticipated to have a material impact on our financial statements.
ASU 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”. The amended guidance require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this ASU. The amendments in this ASU are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years.
Early adoption of this ASU is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. Entities must apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented should be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. Upon transition, an entity is required to comply with the applicable disclosures for a change in an accounting principle. These provisions willand it did not have an impact on our financial statements.
ASU 2014-12, "Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period"
In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2014-12, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period.The amended guidance requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period should be treated as a performance condition.

44 CTS CORPORATION


Current U.S. GAAP does not contain explicit guidance on whether to treat a performance target that could be achieved after the requisite service period as a performance condition that affects vesting or as a nonvesting condition that affects the grant-date fair value of an award. The amendments in this update provide explicit guidance for those awards.
The amendments are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. Entities may apply the amendments either prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date, or retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. These provisions will not have a material impact on our financial statements.
ASU 2014-92014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)"
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-9, Revenue2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers.Customers (Topic 606)". The guidance in this ASU affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards (for example, insurance contracts or lease contracts). The new revenue recognition guidance more closely aligns U.S. GAAP with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.
To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps:
Step 1:Identify the contract(s) with a customer.
Step 2:Identify the performance obligations in the contract.
Step 3:Determine the transaction price.
Step 4:Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract.
Step 5:Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.
In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14: Accounting for Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)" The amended guidance deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-9 to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is effectivepermitted for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoptionthose fiscal years. In addition, four other ASUs have been issued amending and clarifying ASU 2014-09 and must be adopted concurrently.
ASU 2016-08 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)
ASU 2016-10 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing"
ASU 2016-12 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients"
ASU 2016-20 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Technical Corrections and Improvements"
This update can either be applied under a cumulative effect or retrospective method. The Company is not permitted. These provisionscontinuing to assess the potential effects of this guidance are still being evaluated. Thethe standard and the impact of ASU 2014-09 on CTS'our financial statements the impact has not yet been determined. The Company has not yet selected a transition method and plans to adopt ASU 2014-09 effective January 1, 2018.
Subsequent Events: CTS hasWe have evaluated subsequent events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued.



NOTE 2 — Accounts Receivable
The components of accounts receivable are as follows:
As ofAs of December 31,
December 31, 2015December 31, 201420162015
Accounts receivable, gross$54,696
$56,994
$62,782
$54,696
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts(133)(100)(170)(133)
Accounts receivable, net$54,563
$56,894
$62,612
$54,563
NOTE 3 — Inventories
Inventories consist of the following:
As ofAs of December 31,
December 31, 2015December 31, 201420162015
Finished goods$6,972
$11,728
$7,513
$6,972
Work-in-process6,828
7,297
9,596
6,828
Raw materials16,991
15,562
17,680
16,991
Less: Inventory reserves(6,191)(6,700)(6,137)(6,191)
Inventories, net$24,600
$27,887
$28,652
$24,600

CTS CORPORATION 45

Table of Contents

NOTE 4 — Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is comprised of the following:
As ofAs of December 31,
December 31, 2015December 31, 201420162015
Land$2,401
$3,044
$2,330
$2,401
Buildings and improvements65,731
67,269
63,621
65,731
Machinery and equipment191,212
185,999
213,198
191,212
Less: Accumulated depreciation(189,472)(184,898)(197,038)(189,472)
Property, plant and equipment, net$69,872
$71,414
$82,111
$69,872
Depreciation expense recorded in the Consolidated StatementStatements of Earnings (Loss) includes the following:
 201520142013
Continuing operations$12,219
$12,781
$12,322
Discontinued operations

3,162
 For the Years Ended
 201620152014
Depreciation expense$13,177
$12,219
$12,781
NOTE 5 — Retirement Plans
CTS hasWe have a number of noncontributory defined benefit pension plans ("pension plans") covering approximately 6% of itsour active employees. Pension plans covering salaried employees provide pension benefits that are based on the employees´ years of service and compensation prior to retirement. Pension Plansplans covering hourly employees generally provide benefits of stated amounts for each year of service.
CTS providesWe also provide post-retirement life insurance benefits for certain retired employees. Domestic employees who were hired prior to 1982 and certain domestic union employees are eligible for life insurance benefits upon retirement. CTS fundsWe fund life insurance benefits through term life insurance policies and intendsintend to continue funding all of the premiums on a pay-as-you-go basis.
CTS recognizesWe recognize the funded status of a benefit plan in itsour statement of financial position. The funded status is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the projected benefit obligation. CTSWe also recognizes,recognize, as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit/cost.
The measurement dates for the pension plans for CTS'our U.S. and non-U.S. locations waswere December 31, 20152016, and 2014.2015.
During 2013, a modification was made to the CTS Corporation Domestic Pension Plans freezing benefits for all salaried and non-bargaining unit hourly participants effective December 31, 2013. We recorded a curtailment charge of $651 for the year ended December 31, 2013 in conjunction with the freeze.
During 2014, CTSwe approved a plan to terminate the U.K. Limited Retirement Benefits Scheme ("the U.K. Plan"). The pension liability was settled in a purchased annuity. CTSWe completed the termination of the pension plan by the end of 2015, and a loss on settlement of this pension in the amount of $8,280 was recorded in restructuring and impairment charges in 2015.

46 CTS CORPORATION

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The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligation, plan assets, and the funded status of the pension plans for U.S. and non-U.S. locations plan at the measurement dates.
U.S.
Pension Plans
 
Non-U.S.
Pension Plans
U.S.
Pension Plans
 
Non-U.S.
Pension Plans
20152014 2015201420162015 20162015
Accumulated benefit obligation$256,924
$284,365
 $2,247
$16,168
$247,276
$256,924
 $2,295
$2,247
Change in projected benefit obligation: 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
Projected benefit obligation at January 1$284,365
$264,828
 $16,168
$16,028
$256,924
$284,365
 $2,796
$16,168
Service cost171
192
 63
83
87
171
 51
63
Interest cost11,258
12,214
 465
608
11,024
11,258
 46
465
Benefits paid(21,526)(19,021) (691)(1,024)(20,537)(21,526) (289)(691)
Actuarial (gain) loss(17,344)26,152
 (131)1,468
(222)(17,344) 229
(131)
Plan settlement

 (12,786)


 
(12,786)
Foreign exchange impact and other

 (292)(995)
Foreign exchange impact

 33
(292)
Projected benefit obligation at December 31$256,924
$284,365
 $2,796
$16,168
$247,276
$256,924
 $2,866
$2,796
Change in plan assets: 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
Assets at fair value at January 1$314,453
$314,211
 $15,128
$14,867
$289,315
$314,453
 $1,480
$15,128
Actual return on assets(3,723)13,961
 (538)(2,258)23,163
(3,723) 11
(538)
Company contributions111
5,302
 1,275
4,478
103
111
 303
1,275
Benefits paid(21,526)(19,021) (691)(1,024)(20,537)(21,526) (289)(691)
Plan settlement

 (13,437)


 
(13,437)
Foreign exchange impact and other

 (257)(935)
Foreign exchange impact

 18
(257)
Assets at fair value at December 31$289,315
$314,453
 $1,480
$15,128
$292,044
$289,315
 $1,523
$1,480
Funded status (plan assets less projected benefit obligations)$32,391
$30,088
 $(1,316)$(1,040)$44,768
$32,391
 $(1,343)$(1,316)
The measurement dates for the other post-retirement life insurance plan waswere December 31, 20152016, and 2014.2015. The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligation, plan assets, and the funded status of the other post-retirement life insurance plan at that measurement dates.
Other
Post-Retirement
Benefit Plan
Post-Retirement
Life Insurance Plan
2015201420162015
Accumulated benefit obligation$4,885
$5,194
$4,952
$4,885
Change in projected benefit obligation:

 




Projected benefit obligation at January 1$5,194
$4,916
$4,886
$5,194
Service cost5
4
3
5
Interest cost204
230
207
204
Benefits paid(172)(179)(165)(172)
Actuarial (gain) loss(345)223
Actuarial loss (gain)21
(345)
Projected benefit obligation at December 31$4,886
$5,194
$4,952
$4,886
Change in plan assets: 
 
 
 
Assets at fair value at January 1$
$
$
$
Actual return on assets



Company contributions172
179
165
172
Benefits paid(172)(179)(165)(172)
Other



Assets at fair value at December 31$
$
$
$
Funded status (plan assets less projected benefit obligations)$(4,886)$(5,194)$(4,952)$(4,886)

CTS CORPORATION 47


The components of the prepaid (accrued) cost of the domestic and foreign pension plans, net are classified in the following lines in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31:
U.S.Pension Plans Non-U.S. Pension PlansU.S.Pension Plans Non-U.S. Pension Plans
20152014 2015201420162015 20162015
Prepaid pension asset$33,779
$31,581
 $
$518
$46,183
$33,779
 $
$
Other accrued liabilities

 

Post-retirement obligations(1,388)(1,493) (1,316)(1,558)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities(317)
 

Long-term pension obligations(1,098)(1,388) (1,343)(1,316)
Net prepaid (accrued) cost$32,391
$30,088
 $(1,316)$(1,040)$44,768
$32,391
 $(1,343)$(1,316)
The components of the accrued cost of the other post-retirement benefitlife insurance plan, net are classified in the following lines in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31:
 Other
Post-Retirement
Benefit Plan
 20152014
Other accrued liabilities$(358)$(342)
Other long-term obligations(4,528)(4,852)
Total accrued cost$(4,886)$(5,194)
 Post-Retirement
Life Insurance Plan
 20162015
Accrued expenses and other liabilities$(387)$(360)
Long-term pension obligations(4,565)(4,526)
Total accrued cost$(4,952)$(4,886)
CTS hasWe have also recorded the following amounts to accumulated other comprehensive loss for the U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans, net of tax:
U.S.Pension Plans Non-U.S. Pension PlansU.S.Pension Plans Non-U.S. Pension Plans
Unrecognized
Loss
Prior
Service
Cost
Total Unrecognized
Loss
Unrecognized
Loss
Prior
Service
Cost
Total Unrecognized
Loss
Balance at January 1, 2014$79,218
$
$79,218
 $4,642
Amortization of retirement benefits, net of tax(3,523)
(3,523) (183)
Settlements and curtailments(106)
(106) 
Net actuarial gain20,605

20,605
 4,290
Foreign exchange impact


 (259)
Balance at January 1, 2015$96,194
$
$96,194
 $8,490
$96,194
$
$96,194
 $8,490
Amortization of retirement benefits, net of tax(2,871)
(2,871) (1,507)(3,956)
(3,956) (1,507)
Settlements and curtailments


 (5,355)


 (5,355)
Net actuarial gain4,150

4,150
 640
4,150

4,150
 640
Foreign exchange impact


 (629)


 (629)
Balance at December 31, 2015$97,473
$
$97,473
 $1,639
Balance at January 1, 2016$96,388
$
$96,388
 $1,639
Amortization of retirement benefits, net of tax(3,817)
(3,817) 85
Settlements and curtailments


 

Net actuarial (loss) gain(2,808)
(2,808) 12
Foreign exchange impact


 7
Balance at December 31, 2016$89,763
$
$89,763
 $1,743

CTS has alsoWe have recorded the following amounts to accumulated other comprehensive loss for other post-retirement benefitlife insurance plan, net of tax:
Unrecognized
(Gain) loss
Unrecognized
(Gain) loss
Balance at January 1, 2014$(755)
Balance at January 1, 2015$(517)
Amortization of retirement benefits, net of tax98
63
Net actuarial loss140
(215)
Balance at January 1, 2015$(517)
Balance at January 1, 2016$(669)
Amortization of retirement benefits, net of tax63
95
Net actuarial gain(215)14
Balance at December 31, 2015$(669)
Balance at December 31, 2016$(560)


48 CTS CORPORATION

Table of Contents

The accumulated actuarial gaingains and losses and prior service costs and credits included in other comprehensive income are amortized in the following manner: 

The component of unamortized net gains or losses related to our qualified pension plans is amortized based on the expected future life expectancy of the plan participants (estimated to be approximately 2120 years at December 31, 2015)2016), because substantially all of the participants in those plans are inactive.  The component of unamortized net gains or losses related to our other post-employment benefitpost-retirement

life insurance plan is amortized based on the estimated remaining future service period of the plan participants (estimated to be approximately 4 years at December 31, 2015)2016).   The Company uses a market-related value of plan assets approach reflecting changes in the fair value of plan assets over a five-year period.  The variance resulting from the difference between the expected and actual return on plan assets is included in the amortization calculation upon reflection in the market-related value of plan assets.
CTS expectsWe expect to recognize, on a pre-tax basis, approximately $5,994$5,931 of losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss in 20162017 related to itsour Pension Plans. CTS doesWe do not expect to recognize any significant such amounts ofrelated to the other post-retirement benefitlife insurance plan unrecognized amounts in 2016.The2017.
The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for those Pension Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of fair value of plan assets is shown below:
As of December 31,As of December 31,
2015201420162015
Projected benefit obligation$4,184
$4,612
$4,281
$4,184
Accumulated benefit obligation3,635
3,860
3,710
3,635
Fair value of plan assets1,480
1,562
1,523
1,480
Net pension (income) expense includes the following components:
Year Ended
December 31,

Year Ended
December 31,
Years Ended
December 31,

Years Ended
December 31,
U.S. Pension Plans
Non-U.S. Pension PlansU.S. Pension Plans
Non-U.S. Pension Plans
201520142013
201520142013201620152014
201620152014
Service cost$171
$192
$2,435

$63
$83
$110
$87
$171
$192

$51
$63
$83
Interest cost11,258
12,214
11,046

465
608
536
11,024
11,258
12,214

46
465
608
Expected return on plan assets(1)
(20,272)(20,833)(20,217)
(446)(677)(474)(18,976)(20,272)(20,833)
(26)(446)(677)
Amortization of unrecognized:

 
 



 
 
Prior service cost

498




Loss6,339
5,644
7,245

7,492
231
378
Amortization of unrecognized loss5,994
6,339
5,644

140
7,492
231
Additional cost due to early retirement
172
692

651




172


651

Curtailment loss

651











Net (income)/expense$(2,504)$(2,611)$2,350

$8,225
$245
$550
$(1,871)$(2,504)$(2,611)
$211
$8,225
$245
Weighted-average actuarial assumptions(2)
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Benefit obligation assumptions: 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Discount rate4.43%4.07%4.84%
1.63%3.13%3.85%4.16%4.43%4.07%
1.13%1.63%3.13%
Rate of compensation increase%%3.00%
2.00%0.48%0.56%0.00%0.00%0.00%
2.00%2.00%0.48%
Pension income/expense assumptions:

 
 



 




 
 





 
Discount rate4.07%4.84%4.06%
3.13%3.85%3.46%4.43%4.07%4.84%
1.63%3.13%3.85%
Expected return on plan assets(1)
7.00%7.50%7.75%
2.00%4.06%3.10%6.63%7.00%7.50%
1.63%2.00%4.06%
Rate of compensation increase%%3.00%
0.48%0.57%0.69%0.00%0.00%0.00%
2.00%0.48%0.57%
(1)Expected return on plan assets is net of expected investment expenses and certain administrative expenses.
(2)During the fourth quarter of each year, CTS reviews itswe review our actuarial assumptions in light of current economic factors to determine if the assumptions need to be adjusted.

CTS CORPORATION 49


Net post-retirement expense includes the following components:
Other Post-Retirement
Benefit Plan
Post-Retirement
Life Insurance Plan
Year Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
201520142013201620152014
Service cost$5
$4
$7
$3
$5
$4
Interest cost204
230
223
207
204
230
Amortization of unrecognized:

 
 
Gain(101)(158)
Amortization of unrecognized gain(149)(101)(158)
Net expense$108
$76
$230
$61
$108
$76
Weighted-average actuarial assumptions (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit obligation assumptions: 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate4.43%4.07%4.84%4.10%4.43%4.07%
Rate of compensation increase0%0%0%0%0%0%
Pension income/post-retirement expense assumptions:

 
 




 
Discount rate4.07%4.84%4.06%4.43%4.07%4.84%
Rate of compensation increase0%0%0%0%0%0%
(1)During the fourth quarter of each year, CTS reviews itswe review our actuarial assumptions in light of current economic factors to determine if the assumptions need to be adjusted.
The discount rate utilized to estimate CTS'our pension and post-retirement obligations is based on market conditions at December 31, 2015,2016, and is determined using a model consisting of high quality bond portfolios that match cash flows of the plans' projected benefit payments based on the plan participants' service to date and their expected future compensation. Use of the rate produced by this model generates a projected benefit obligation that equals the current market value of a portfolio of high quality bonds whose maturity dates match the timing and amount of expected future benefit payments.
The discount rate used to determine 20152016 pension income and post-retirement expense for CTS'our pension and post-retirement plans is based on market conditions at December 31, 20142015, and is the interest rate used to estimate interest incurred on the outstanding projected benefit obligations during the period.
CTS utilizesWe utilize a building block approach in determining the long-term rate of return for plan assets. Historical markets are reviewed and long-term relationships between equities and fixed-income are preserved consistent with the generally accepted capital market principle that assets with higher volatility generate a greater return over the long term. Current market factors such as inflation and interest rates are evaluated before long-term capital market assumptions are determined. The long-term portfolio return is established via a building block approach with proper consideration of diversification and rebalancing. Peer data and historical returns are reviewed to ensure for reasonableness and appropriateness.
CTS´Our pension plan asset allocation at December 31, 20152016, and 2014,2015, and target allocation for 20162017 by asset category are as follows:
Target Allocations
Percentage of Plan Assets
at December 31,
Target Allocations
Percentage of Plan Assets
at December 31,
Asset Category2016 201520142017 20162015
Equity securities (1)
46%
39%60%28%
25%39%
Debt securities35%
41%25%60%
59%41%
Other19%
20%15%12%
16%20%
Total100%
100%100%100%
100%
(1)Equity securities include CTS common stock in the amounts of approximately $17,700 (6% of total plan assets) at December 31, 2016, and approximately $25,000 (9% of total plan assets) at December 31, 2015 and approximately $26,000 (8% of total plan assets) at December 31, 2014.2015.
CTS employs
We employ a total return onliability-driven investment approachstrategy whereby a mix of equitiesequity and fixed-income investments are used to maximizepursue a de-risking strategy which over time seeks to reduce interest rate mismatch risk and other risks while achieving a return that matches or exceeds the long-term return ofgrowth in projected pension plan assets for a prudent level of risk.liabilities.  Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities and funded status.  The investment portfolio primarily contains a diversified mix of equity and fixed-income investments.  The equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks. Other assets such as private equity are used modestly to enhance long-term returns while improving portfolio diversification.

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Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through quarterly investment portfolio reviews, annual liability measurements, and asset/liability studies at regular intervals.

The following table summarizes the fair values of CTS'our pension plan assets:
 As of December 31,
 20152014
Equity securities — U.S. holdings(1)
$56,696
$174,153
Equity securities — non-U.S. holdings(1)
11,028
14,050
Equity funds — International LP(1)

15,636
Equity funds — U.S. LP(1)

13,077
Equity funds - U.S. holdings(1)
17,522

Equity funds — non-U.S. holdings(2)
26,903

Corporate bonds(2)

47,417
Bond funds - government(10)
47,800

Bond funds - other(11)
69,617

Real estate(12)
10,006

Cash and cash equivalents(3)
7,417
5,889
Debt securities issued by U.S., state and local governments(5)

14,484
Partnerships(7)
13,360
11,239
Long/short equity-focused hedge funds(6)
5,255
5,367
International hedge funds(4)
25,191
11,679
Mortgage-backed securities(8)

3,796
Fixed annuity contracts(9)

12,475
Other asset-backed securities
319
Total fair value of plan assets$290,795
$329,581
 As of December 31,
 20162015
Equity securities - U.S. holdings(1)
$43,708
$56,696
Equity securities - non-U.S. holdings(1)
819
11,028
Equity funds - U.S. holdings(1)
28,052
17,522
Equity funds - non-U.S. holdings(1)

26,903
Bond funds - government(6)
22,237
47,800
Bond funds - other(7)
150,712
69,617
Real estate(8)
3,812
10,006
Cash and cash equivalents(2)
7,823
7,417
Partnerships(5)
12,862
13,360
Long/short equity-focused hedge funds(4)

5,255
International hedge funds(3)
23,542
25,191
Total fair value of plan assets$293,567
$290,795
The fair values at December 31, 2016, are classified within the following categories in the fair value hierarchy:
 Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Not LeveledTotal
Equity securities - U.S. holdings(1)
$43,708
$
$
$
$43,708
Equity securities - non-U.S. holdings(1)
819



819
Equity funds - U.S. holdings(1)

28,052


28,052
Equity funds - non-U.S. holdings(1)





Bond funds - government(6)

22,237


22,237
Bond funds - other(7)

150,712


150,712
Real estate(8) (9)



3,812
3,812
Cash and cash equivalents(2)
7,823



7,823
Partnerships(5)


12,862

12,862
International hedge funds(3) (9)



23,542
23,542
Total$52,350
$201,001
$12,862
$27,354
$293,567
The fair values at December 31, 2015, are classified within the following categories in the fair value hierarchy:
 Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Equity securities — U.S. holdings(1)
$56,696
$
$
$56,696
Equity securities — non-U.S. holdings(1)
11,028


11,028
Equity funds - U.S. holdings(1)

17,522

17,522
Equity funds - non-U.S. holdings(1)

26,903

26,903
Bond funds - government(10)

47,800

47,800
Bond funds - other(11)

69,617

69,617
Real estate(12)

10,006

10,006
Cash and cash equivalents(3)
7,417


7,417
Partnerships(7)


13,360
13,360
Long/short equity-focused hedge funds(6)


5,255
5,255
International hedge funds(4)


25,191
25,191
Total$75,141
$171,848
$43,806
$290,795

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The fair values at December 31, 2014 are classified within the following categories in the fair value hierarchy:
 Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Equity securities — U.S. holdings(1)
$174,153
$
$
$174,153
Equity securities — non-U.S. holdings(1)
14,048
2

14,050
Equity funds — International LP(1)

15,636

15,636
Equity funds — U.S. LP(1)

13,077

13,077
Corporate Bonds(2)

47,417

47,417
Cash and cash equivalents(3)
5,889


5,889
Debt securities issued by U.S. and U.K., state and local governments(5)

14,484

14,484
Partnerships(7)


11,239
11,239
Long/short equity-focused hedge funds(6)


5,367
5,367
International hedge funds(4)


11,679
11,679
Mortgage-backed securities(8)

3,796

3,796
Fixed annuity contracts(9)


12,475
12,475
Other asset-backed securities
319

319
Total$194,090
$94,731
$40,760
$329,581
 Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Not LeveledTotal
Equity securities - U.S. holdings(1)
$56,696
$
$
$
$56,696
Equity securities - non-U.S. holdings(1)
11,028



11,028
Equity funds - U.S.holdings(1)

17,522


17,522
Equity funds - non-U.S. holdings(1)

26,903


26,903
Bond funds - government(6)

47,800


47,800
Bond funds - other(7)

69,617


69,617
Real Estate(8) (9)



10,006
10,006
Cash and cash equivalents(2)
7,417



7,417
Partnerships(5)


13,360

13,360
Long/short equity-focused hedge funds(4) (9)



5,255
5,255
International hedge funds(3) (9)



25,191
25,191
Total$75,141
$161,842
$13,360
$40,452
$290,795
(1)Comprised of common stocks of companies in various industries. The Pension Plan fund manager may shift investments from value to growth strategies or vice-versa, from small cap to large cap stocks or vice-versa, in order to meet the Pension Plan's investment objectives, which are to provide for a reasonable amount of long-term growth of capital without undue exposure to volatility, and protect the assets from erosion of purchasing power.
(2)Comprised of investment grade securities of companies in various industries.short-term investment and money-market funds.

(3)Comprised of investment grade short-term investment funds.
(4)This fund allocates its capital across several direct hedge-fund organizations. This fund invests with hedge funds that employ "non-directional" strategies. These strategies do not require the direction of the markets to generate returns. The majority of these hedge funds generate returns by the occurrence of key events such as bankruptcies, mergers, spin-offs, etc. Investments can be redeemed at the Share Net Asset Value ("NAV") as of the last business day of each calendar quarter with at least a sixty-five day prior written notice to the administrator.
(5)Comprised of investment grade securities that are backed by the U.S., state or local governments.
(6)(4)The hedge fund manager utilizes fundamental research and invests in equities both long (seeking price appreciation) and short (expectation that the stock will fall) instruments. Investments can be redeemed at the Share NAV as of the last business day of each calendar quarter with at least a sixty-five day prior written notice to the administrator.
(7)(5)Comprised of partnerships that invest in various U.S. and international industries.
(8)Comprised of investment grade securities in which approximately $0 and $941 are backed by the U.S. government for the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and the remainder by commercial real estate.
(9)Comprised of fixed annuity contracts purchased at market value when plan participants retire.
(10)(6)Comprised of zero-coupon U.S. Treasury securities (“Treasury STRIPS”) with maturities greater than 20 years.
(11)(7)Comprised predominately of investment grade U.S. corporate bonds with maturities greater than 10 years and U.S. high-yield corporate bonds; emerging market debt (local currency sovereign bonds, U.S. dollar-denominated sovereign bonds and U.S. dollar-denominated corporate bonds); and U.S. bank loans.
(12)(8)Comprised of investments in securities of U.S. and non-U.S. real estate investment trusts (REITs), real estate operating companies and other companies that are principally engaged in the real estate industry and of investments in global private direct commercial real estate. Investments can be redeemed immediately following the valuation date with a notice of at least fifteen business days before valuation.
(9)Comprised of investments that are measured at fair value using the NAV per share practical expedient. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 820-10, these investments have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amount not leveled is presented to allow reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to total fund pension plan assets.
The pension plan assets recorded at fair value are measured and classified in a hierarchy for disclosure purposes consisting of three levels based on the observability of inputs available in the marketplace used to measure fair value as discussed below:
Level 1:  Fair value measurements that are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that the pension plan trustees have the ability to access for identical assets or liabilities. Market price data generally is obtained from exchange or dealer markets.
Level 2:  Fair value measurements based on inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets in active or inactive markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Certain of our pension assets valued by Level 2 inputs are comprised of partnership investments which are not exchange traded and are valued at their Net Asset Values ("NAV") which are considered observable inputs.
Level 3:  Fair value measurements based on valuation techniques that use significant inputs that are unobservable.

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The table below reconciles the Level 3 international hedge fund assets within the fair value hierarchy:
 Amount
Fair value of Level 3 hedge fund assets at December 31, 2013$10,958
Capital contributions
Realized and unrealized gain721
Fair value of Level 3 hedge fund assets at December 31, 2014$11,679
Capital contributions12,700
Realized and unrealized gain812
Fair value of Level 3 hedge fund assets at December 31, 2015$25,191
The table below reconciles the Level 3 long/short equity-focused hedge fund assets within the fair value hierarchy:
 Amount
Fair value of Level 3 hedge fund assets at December 31, 2013$11,147
Capital contributions
Capital distributions(6,178)
Realized and unrealized gain398
Fair value of Level 3 hedge fund assets at December 31, 2014$5,367
Capital contributions
Capital distributions(180)
Realized and unrealized gain68
Fair value of Level 3 hedge fund assets at December 31, 2015$5,255
The hedge fund manager reviews the net asset values of the underlying portfolio of hedge funds and also the hedge fund positions within the portfolio. If the positions cannot be exited within one year these funds are considered level 3 investments within the fair value hierarchy.
The table below reconciles the Level 3 partnership assets within the fair value hierarchy:
AmountAmount
Fair value of Level 3 partnership assets at January 1, 2014$9,010
Capital contributions2,570
Net ordinary gain attributable to partnership assets
Realized and unrealized gain1,733
Capital distributions(2,074)
Fair value of Level 3 partnership assets at December 31, 201411,239
Fair value of Level 3 partnership assets at January 1, 2015$11,239
Capital contributions2,808
2,808
Net ordinary gain attributable to partnership assets

Realized and unrealized gain754
754
Capital distributions(1,441)(1,441)
Fair value of Level 3 partnership assets at December 31, 2015$13,360
13,360
Capital contributions1,419
Net ordinary gain attributable to partnership assets
Realized and unrealized gain584
Capital distributions(2,501)
Fair value of Level 3 partnership assets at December 31, 2016$12,862
The partnership fund manager uses a market approach in estimating the fair value of the plan's Level 3 asset. The market approach estimates fair value by first determining the entity's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and then multiplying that value by an estimated multiple. When establishing an appropriate multiple, the fund manager considers recent comparable private company transactions and multiples paid. The entity's net debt is then subtracted from the calculated amount to arrive at an estimated fair value for the entity. The fund manager's goal is to provide a conservative estimate of the fair value of such assets and to utilize conservative estimates of multiples used in establishing such fair values.
TheOur former U.K. pension plan assets included fixed annuity contracts were purchased at market value when plan participants retire in order to provide these participants with the pension benefits under the rules of the pension plan. Once purchased, thesevalue. These annuities havehad no tradabletradeable value. Fair value has instead beenwas assessed asat the present value using certain actuarial assumptions, of the stream of expected payments.payments using certain actuarial assumptions. Accordingly, these fixed annuities are classified as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy.


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The table below reconciles the Level 3 fixed annuity contracts within the fair value hierarchy:
AmountAmount
Fair value of Level 3 fixed annuity contracts at January 1, 2014$1,620
Fair value of Level 3 fixed annuity contracts at January 1, 2015$12,475
Purchases11,530

Benefits paid(117)(12,475)
Net loss(558)
Fair value of Level 3 fixed annuity contracts at December 31, 201412,475
Fair value of Level 3 fixed annuity contracts at December 31, 2015
Purchases

Assets transferred due to termination of plan(12,475)
Net loss

Fair value of Level 3 fixed annuity contracts at December 31, 2015$
Fair value of Level 3 fixed annuity contracts at December 31, 2016$
CTS expectsWe expect to make $102$317 of contributions to the U.S. plans and $331$307 of contributions to the non-U.S. plans during 2016.

2017.
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:
U.S.
Pension
Plans
Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans
Other
Post-Retirement
Benefit Plan
U.S.
Pension
Plans
Non-U.S.
Pension
Plans
Post-Retirement
Life Insurance Plan
2016$16,326
$78
$358
201716,637
9
351
$16,411
$80
$387
201816,638
102
344
16,280
88
378
201916,780
104
336
16,390
92
369
202016,915
239
327
16,488
239
360
2021-202583,978
717
1,497
202116,504
91
350
2022-202580,563
711
1,596
Total$167,274
$1,249
$3,213
$162,636
$1,301
$3,440
Defined Contribution Plans
CTS sponsorsWe sponsor a 401(k) plan that covers substantially all of itsour U.S. employees. Contributions and costs are generally determined as a percentage of the covered employee's annual salary.
Expenses related to defined contribution plans include the following:
 Year Ended December 31,
 201520142013
401(k) and other plan expense$3,352
$3,719
$4,651
 Years Ended December 31,
 201620152014
401(k) and other plan expense$2,841
$3,352
$3,719

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NOTE 6 — Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
We evaluate finite-lived intangible assets for impairment if indicators of impairment exist. No indicators were identified for the years ended December 31, 2016, or December 31, 2015.
Other intangible assets consist of the following:
December 31, 2015As of December 31, 2016  
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Amount
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Amount
 Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Period (in years)
Other intangible assets: 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Customer lists / relationships$51,804
$(27,101)$24,703
$63,386
$(30,318)$33,068
 11.6
Patents10,319
(10,319)
10,319
(10,319)
 
Technology and other intangibles12,871
(5,016)7,855
36,715
(7,613)29,102
 11.0
In process research and development2,200

2,200
2,200

2,200
 
Other intangible assets, net$77,194
$(42,436)$34,758
$112,620
$(48,250)$64,370
 11.4
Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2015 
$4,035
 
Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 
$5,815
 
  

Amortization expense remaining for other intangible assets is as follows:
Amortization
expense
Amortization
expense
2016$3,724
20173,624
$6,064
20183,540
5,956
20193,532
5,947
20203,532
5,947
20215,868
Thereafter16,806
34,588
Total future amortization expense$34,758
$64,370

December 31, 2014As of December 31, 2015
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Amount
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Amount
Other intangible assets: 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer lists / relationships$51,804
$(24,415)$27,389
$51,804
$(27,101)$24,703
Patents10,319
(10,319)
10,319
(10,319)
Technology and other intangibles12,270
(3,757)8,513
12,871
(5,016)7,855
In process research and development690

690
2,200

2,200
Other intangible assets, net$75,083
$(38,491)$36,592
$77,194
$(42,436)$34,758
Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2015 
$4,035
 
Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 
$4,190
 
 
$4,190
 
Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 
$5,002
 
In 2016, a Step 1 goodwill test was performed by management with the assistance of a third-party valuation firm. As of December 31, 2016, it was concluded that the estimated implied fair value of goodwill exceeded the carrying value and accordingly, no goodwill impairment was required.
Changes in the net carrying value amount of goodwill were as follows:
 Total
Goodwill as of December 31, 2013$32,047
Impairment charge
Goodwill as of December 31, 201432,047
Increase from acquisition1,818
Goodwill as of December 31, 2015$33,865

 Total
Goodwill as of December 31, 2014$32,047
Increase from acquisitions1,818
Goodwill as of December 31, 201533,865
Increase from acquisition27,879
Goodwill as of December 31, 2016$61,744



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NOTE 7 — Costs Associated with Exit and Restructuring Activities
Restructuring and impairment charges are reported as a separate line within operating earnings in the Consolidated StatementStatements of Earnings (Loss).Earnings. Restructuring-related charges are recorded as a component of cost of goods sold. Total restructuring, impairment and restructuring-related charges were $15,195were:
 Years Ended December 31,
 201620152014
Restructuring-related charges$
$631
$1,935
Restructuring and impairment charges3,048
14,564
5,941
Total restructuring, impairment, and restructuring-related charges$3,048
$15,195
$7,876
In June 2016, we announced plans to restructure operations by phasing out production at the Elkhart facility by mid-2018 and transitioning it into a research and development center supporting our global operations ("June 2016 Plan"). Additional organizational changes will also occur in 2015, $7,876 in 2014various other locations. The cost of the plan is expected to be approximately $16,000 including severance and $11,700 in 2013 .other one-time benefit arrangements. We have recorded $3,048 of termination and other one-time benefit charges impacting approximately 230 employees as of December 31, 2016. Additional costs related to line movements, asset impairment and equipment charges, and other costs will be expensed as incurred. The total restructuring liability related to the June 2016 Plan was $1,739 at December 31, 2016.
Restructuring
The following table displays the planned restructuring and impairment charges were $14,564, $5,941associated with the June 2016 Plan as well as a summary of the actual costs incurred through December 31, 2016:
June 2016 PlanPlanned Costs Actual costs
incurred through
December 31,
2016
Workforce reduction$3,075
 $2,504
Equipment relocation7,925
 341
Asset impairment charge3,700
 
Other charges1,300
 203
Restructuring and impairment charges$16,000
 $3,048

Total restructuring and $10,455impairment charges for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014,June 2016 Plan were as follows:
 Years Ended December 31,

2016 2015
Restructuring and impairment charges$3,048
 $

Not included in restructuring and 2013, respectively. Restructuring-relatedimpairment charges, were $631, $1,935but directly attributable to the June 2016 Plan, is an increase in tax expense of $2,316 relating to increases in valuation allowances on deferred tax assets for state net operating losses and $1,245 fortax credits and the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.revaluation of U.S. deferred taxes as a result of a change in our expected future tax rate as discussed in Note 17 "Income Taxes".
During April 2014, CTSwe announced plans to restructure itsour operations and consolidate itsour Canadian operations into other existing CTS facilities as part of CTS'our overall plan to simplify itsour business model and rationalize itsour global footprint ("April 2014 Plan").
During the second quarter of 2015, CTS management revised the April 2014 Plan. The amendment added an additional $4,250 in planned costs. Additional administrative and legal costs are estimated to account for $1,300 of additional restructuring and impairment charges due to the extension of the timing of the plant shutdown. The remaining $2,950 in restructuring related charges are for additionalshutdown, equipment impairment and relocation costs, related to equipment relocation,administrative and legal costs, and training, travel and shipping costs to facilitate an effective transition.

These restructuring actions, which were substantially completed during 2015, resulted in the elimination of approximately 120 positions.






The following table displays the planned restructuring and restructuring-related charges associated with the April 2014 Plan, as well as a summary of the actual costs incurred through December 31, 2015:2016:
April 2014 PlanPlanned
Costs
Actual costs
incurred through
December 31,
2015
Planned
Costs
Actual costs
incurred through
December 31,
2016
Inventory write-down$850
$
$850
$
Equipment relocation1,800
444
1,800
444
Other charges1,400
113
1,400
113
Restructuring-related charges, included in cost of goods sold$4,050
$557
$4,050
$557
Workforce reduction$4,200
$4,423
$4,200
$4,423
Other charges, including pension termination costs1,700
3,413
1,700
3,413
Restructuring and impairment charges$5,900
$7,836
$5,900
$7,836
Total restructuring, impairment and restructuring-related charges$9,950
$8,393
$9,950
$8,393
Under the April 2014 Plan, there were no restructuring, impairment, and restructuring-related charges for the year ended December 31, 2016. Restructuring, impairment, and restructuring-related charges were $4,923 for the year ended December 31, 2015. Restructuring, impairment,2015 and restructuring-related charges were $3,470 for the year ended December 31, 2014. The total restructuring liability related to the April 2014 Plan was $423 at December 31, 2016
During June 2013, CTSwe announced a restructuring plan to simplify CTS'our global footprint by consolidating manufacturing facilities into existing locations. This Plan included (1) the consolidation of operations from the U.K. manufacturing facility into the Czech Republic facility, (2) the consolidation of operations from the Carol Stream, Illinois manufacturing facility into the Juarez, Mexico facility, and (3) the discontinuation of manufacturing at ourthe Singapore facility. Certain Corporate functions were consolidated or eliminated as a result of the June 2013 Plan and also as a result of the sale of CTS'our EMS business. These restructuring actions called for the elimination of approximately 350 positions.
During the fourth quarter of 2014, CTS management revised the June 2013 Plan. The amendment added an additional $4,000 in planned costs. Settlement of the U.K. pension plan was estimated to account for $2,000 of the added cost. The remaining $2,000 in restructuring and impairment charges were for severance costs that were estimated to result in the elimination of approximately 130 additional positions. The positions eliminated were spread globally throughout CTSour businesses.

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The following table displays the planned restructuring and restructuring-related charges associated with the June 2013 Plan, as well as a summary of the actual costs incurred through completion of the plan as of December 31, 2015:
June 2013 PlanPlanned
Costs
Actual costs
incurred through
December 31,
2015
Inventory write-down$800
$1,143
Equipment relocation900
1,792
Other charges100
702
Restructuring-related charges, included in cost of goods sold$1,800
$3,637
Workforce reduction$10,150
$9,615
Asset impairment charge3,000
4,139
Other charges, including pension termination costs7,650
10,205
Restructuring and impairment charges$20,800
$23,959
Total restructuring and restructuring-related charges$22,600
$27,596
Under the June 2013 Plan, total restructuring, impairment and restructuring-related charges incurredchargers were $10,272 $4,406, and $11,508 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2015 the restructuring-related charges were $125 and the restructuring and impairment charges were $10,147. For$4,406 for the year ended December 31, 2014,2014.
Actions under this plan were complete by the restructuring-related charges was $1,935end of 2015 and no liability remains related to the restructuring and impairment charges were $2,471. For the year endedJune 2013 Plan as of December 31, 2013, the restructuring-related charges were $1,053 and the restructuring and impairment charges were $10,455.2016.




The following table displays the restructuring liability activity for the period ended December 31, 2015:
June 2013 Plan and April 2014 PlanRestructuring Liability
Restructuring liability at January 1, 2015$3,904
Restructuring and restructuring-related charges15,195
Cost paid(18,273)
Restructuring liability at December 31, 2015$826
During December of 2012, CTS realigned its operations to suit its business needs ("December 2012 Plan"). These realignment actions resulted in the elimination of approximately 190 positions. These actions were completed as of March 31, 2013. Under the December 2012 Plan, total restructuring, impairment and restructuring-related charges incurred were $264 for the year ended December 31, 2013.2016:
June 2013 Plan and April 2014 Plan and June 2016 PlanRestructuring Liability
Restructuring liability at January 1, 2016$826
Restructuring charges3,048
Cost paid(1,729)
Other activities (1)
17
Restructuring liability at December 31, 2016$2,162
(1) Other activities includes currency translation adjustments not recorded through restructuring expense.
Total restructuring liability included in Other long-term obligations is $1,121 at December 31, 2016. The remaining liability of $1,041 is included in Accrued expenses and other liabilities at December 31, 2016.
NOTE 8 — Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
The components of accrued expenses and other liabilities are as follows:
As ofAs of December 31,
December 31, 2015December 31, 201420162015
Accrued product related costs$5,245
$5,216
$5,556
$5,245
Accrued income taxes8,845
3,346
9,826
8,845
Accrued property and other taxes1,838
2,547
1,917
1,838
Dividends payable1,302
1,336
1,309
1,302
Remediation reserves20,603
3,918
18,176
20,603
Deferred income tax6,731
9
Other accrued liabilities9,341
8,984
8,924
9,341
Total accrued expenses and other liabilities$53,905
$25,356
$45,708
$47,174

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NOTE 9 — Contingencies
Certain processes in the manufacture of CTS'our current and past products create by-products classified as hazardous waste by-products as currently defined by federal and state laws and regulations. CTS haswaste. We have been notified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state environmental agencies, and in some cases, generator groups that it is or may be aof potentially responsible party regarding hazardous substancesparties, that we are potentially liable for environmental contamination at several sites either owned, notcurrently and formerly owned or operated by CTS. Some sites, are Superfund sites such as in Asheville, North Carolina and Mountain View, California. CTS reservesCalifornia, are designated National Priorities List Superfund sites under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Superfund program. We reserve for probable remediation activities at these sites and for claims and proceedings against CTS with respect to other environmental matters. CTS recordsWe record reserves on aan undiscounted basis. In the opinion of management, based upon presently available information relating to all such matters, adequate provision for probable and estimable costs have been recorded. We do not have any known environmental obligations where a loss is probable or reasonably possible of occurring for which we do not have a reserve, nor do we have any amounts for which we have not reserved because the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated. Due to the inherent nature of environmental obligations, CTSwe cannot provide assurance that itsour ultimate environmental investigation and clean-up costs and liabilitiesliability will not materially exceed the amount of itsour current reserve. Our reserve and disclosures will be adjusted accordingly if additional information becomes available in the future.
A roll forward of remediation reserves on the balance sheet is comprised of the following:
Year Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
20152014201620152014
Balance at beginning of period$3,918
$5,116
$20,603
$3,918
$5,116
Remediation expense18,591
1,521
556
18,591
1,521
Remediation payments(1,906)(2,719)(2,983)(1,906)(2,719)
Balance at end of the period$20,603
$3,918
$18,176
$20,603
$3,918

Unrelated to the environmental claims described above, certain other legal claims are pending against CTSus with respect to matters arising out of the ordinary conduct of CTS’our business. Although the ultimate outcome of any potential litigation resulting from these claims cannot be predicted with certainty, and some may be disposed of unfavorably to CTS, management believes that adequate provision for anticipated costs have been established based upon all presently available information. Except as noted herein, we

do not believe we have any pending loss contingencies that are probable or reasonably possible of having a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
NOTE 10 — Leases
Minimum future obligations under all non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 20152016, are as follows:
Operating
Leases
Operating
Leases
2016$3,370
20172,973
$4,635
20182,175
3,224
20191,886
1,829
20201,408
1,204
2021583
Thereafter1,147
2,526
Total minimum lease obligations$12,959
$14,001
Rent expense for operating leases charged to operations was as follows :
 Year Ended December 31,
 201520142013
Rent expense$3,550
$4,300
$3,936
 Years Ended December 31,
 201620152014
Rent expense$5,694
$3,550
$4,300
Operating leases include a variety of properties around the world. These properties are used as manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and sales offices. Lease expirations range from 20162017 to 2026 with breaking periods specified in the lease agreements. Sublease income was $474$457 in 2015.2016. Future sublease income is $468$500 in 20162017, $487 in 2018, and $468 in 2017.$1,872 thereafter. Some of CTS'our operating leases include renewal options and escalation clauses.

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In the fourth quarter of 2012, one of CTS'our foreign locations entered into a sale-leaseback transaction. As a result of this transaction, a deferred gain of approximately $4,500 was being amortized over the 6 year expected lease term. During 2015, CTSwe terminated the lease and recognized the remaining unamortized deferred gain into income. A gain of $2,108 was included in continuing operations in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2015.
NOTE 11 — Debt
Long-term debt was comprised of the following:
As ofAs of December 31
December 31, 2015December 31, 201420162015
Revolving credit facility due in 2020$90,700
$75,000
$89,100
$90,700
Weighted-average interest rate1.5%1.5%1.9%1.5%
Amount available$106,985
$122,535
$208,735
$106,985
Total credit facility$200,000
$200,000
$300,000
$200,000
Standby letters of credit$2,315
$2,465
$2,165
$2,315
Commitment fee percentage per annum0.25%0.25%0.25%0.25%
The revolving credit facility requires, among other things, that CTSwe 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 revolving credit facility. CTS wasWe were in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2015.2016. The revolving credit facility requires CTSus to deliver quarterly financial statements, annual financial statements, auditors certifications and compliance certificates within a specified number of days after the end of a quarter and year. Additionally, the revolving credit facility contains restrictions limiting CTS'our ability to dispose of assets; incur certain additional debt; repay other debt or amend subordinated debt instruments; create liens on assets; make investments, loans or advances; make acquisitions or engage in mergers or consolidations; engage in certain transactions with CTS'our subsidiaries and affiliates; and make stock repurchases and dividend payments. Interest rates on the revolving credit facility fluctuate based upon the London Interbank Offered Rate and the Company's quarterly total leverage ratio. CTS paysWe pay a commitment fee on the undrawn portion of the revolving credit facility. The commitment fee varies based on the quarterly leverage ratio.
CTS has
We have debt issuance costs related to itsour long-term debt that are being amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the debt. Amortization expense was approximately $163 in 2016, $175 in 2015, and $200 in 2014, and 2013, and was recognized as interest expense.
CTS usesWe use interest rate swaps to convert the line of credit'srevolving credit facility's variable rate of interest into a fixed rate on a portion of the debt. In the second quarter of 2012, CTSWe entered into four separate interest rate swap agreements to fix interest rates on $50,000 of long-term debt for the periods January 2013 to January 2017. In the third quarter of 2012, CTSwe entered into four separate interest rate swap agreements to fix interest rates on $25,000 of long-term debt for the periods January 2013 to January 2017. In the third quarter of 2016, we entered into three additional forward-starting interest rate swap agreements to fix interest rates on $50,000 of long-term debt for the periods August 2017 to August 2020. The difference to be paid or received under the terms of the swap agreements is recognized as an adjustment to interest expense for the related linerevolving credit facility when settled.
These swaps are treated as cash flow hedges and consequently, the changes in fair value were recorded in Other comprehensive earnings. Interest rate swaps activity recorded in other comprehensive earnings before tax included the following:
 Years Ended December 31,
 201620152014
Unrealized gain (loss)$593
$(516)$(510)
Realized gain reclassified to interest expense$928
$768
$488
Interest rate swaps included on the balance sheets are comprised of the following:
 As of December 31,

20162015
Other current assets$2
$
Other assets$751
$
Accrued expenses and other liabilities$
$791
Other long-term obligations$
$(23)

NOTE 12 — Derivatives
Our earnings and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We selectively use derivative financial instruments including foreign currency forward contracts and interest rate swaps to manage our exposure to these risks.
The use of derivative financial instruments exposes the Company to credit risk, which relates to the risk of nonperformance by a counterparty to the derivative contracts. We manage our credit risk by entering into derivative contracts with only highly rated financial institutions and by using netting agreements.
Foreign Currency Hedges
In January of 2016, we began using forward contracts to mitigate currency risk related to a portion of our forecasted foreign Euro denominated revenues and Mexican Peso denominated expenses. The currency forward contracts are designed as cash flow hedges and are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. At least quarterly, we assess the effectiveness of these hedging relationships based on the total change in their fair value using regression analysis. The effective portion of derivative gains and losses are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss until the hedged transaction affects earnings upon settlement, at which time they are reclassified to net sales and cost of goods sold. Ineffectiveness is recorded in Other expense in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. If it becomes probable that an anticipated transaction that is hedged will not occur by the end of the originally specified time period, we reclassify the gains or losses related to that hedge from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to other expense.
As of December 31, 2016, we were hedging a portion of our forecasted Peso expenses for the following twelve months and did not have any Euro cash flow hedges in place. We continue to monitor the Company’s overall currency exposure and may elect to add cash flow hedges in the future. At December 31, 2016, we had a net unrealized loss of $637 in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, of which $637 is expected to be reclassified to income within the next 12 months. The notional amount of foreign currency forward contracts outstanding was $11.6 million at December 31, 2016.



Interest Rate Swaps
We use interest rate swaps to convert the revolving credit facility’s variable rate of interest into a fixed rate on a portion of the debt balance. In the second quarter of 2012, we entered into four separate interest rate swap agreements to fix interest rates on $50,000 of long-term debt for the periods January 2013 to January 2017. In the third quarter of 2012, we entered into four additional interest rate swap agreements to fix interest rates on $25,000 of long-term debt for the periods January 2013 to January 2017. In the third quarter of 2016, we entered into three additional forward-starting interest rate swap agreements to fix interest rates on $50,000 of long-term debt for the periods August 2017 to August 2020. The difference to be paid or received under the terms of the swap agreements will be recognized as an adjustment to interest expense when settled.
These swaps are treated as cash flow hedges and consequently, the changes in fair value were recorded in other comprehensive earnings. Interest rate swaps activity recordedincome (loss). The estimated net amount of the existing gains or losses that are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that is expected to be reclassified into earnings before tax includedwithin the following:next twelve months is approximately $2. 

The location and fair values of derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016, are shown in the following table:
 For the Year Ended December 31,
 201520142013
Unrealized (loss) gain$(516)$(510)$289
Realized gain reclassified to interest expense$768
$488
$319
 As of December 31,

2016 2015
Foreign currency hedges reported in Accrued expenses and other liabilities$601
 $
Interest rate swaps reported in Accrued expenses and other liabilities$
 $791
Interest rate swaps reported in Other long-term obligations$
 $(23)
Interest rate swaps reported in Other current assets$2
 $
Interest rate swaps reported in Other assets$751
 $
The Company has elected to net its foreign currency derivative assets and liabilities in the balance sheet in accordance with ASC 210-20 (Balance Sheet, Offsetting). On a gross basis, there were no foreign currency derivative assets and foreign currency derivative liabilities were $601.
The effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings is as follows:
 Years Ended December 31,

2016 2015
Foreign Exchange Contracts:
 
Amounts reclassified from AOCI to earnings
 
Net sales$(124) $
Cost of goods sold111
 
Selling, general and administrative1
 
Total amounts reclassified from AOCI to earnings(12) 
Loss recognized in other expense for hedge ineffectiveness(1) 
Loss recognized in other expense for derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges(5) 
Total derivative loss on foreign exchange contracts recognized in earnings(18) 


 
Interest Rate Swaps:
 
Interest Expense$(928) $(768)
Total loss on derivatives recognized in earnings$(946) $(768)




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Interest rate swaps included on the balance sheets are comprised of the following:
 As of

December 31, 2015December 31, 2014
Accrued liabilities$791
$640
Other long-term obligations$(23)$380
NOTE 1213 — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Shareholders' equity includes certain items classified as accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCI") in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, including:
Unrealized gains (losses) on hedges relate to interest rate swaps to convert the line of credit'srevolving credit facility's variable rate of interest into a fixed rate.rate and foreign currency forward contracts used to hedge our exposure to changes in exchange rates affecting certain revenues and costs denominated in foreign currencies. These hedges are designated as cash flow hedges, and CTS haswe have deferred income statement recognition of gains and losses until the hedged transaction is settled. Amounts reclassified to income from AOCI for hedges are included in interest expense. Further information related to CTS'our interest rate swaps is included in NOTE 15, "Fair Value Measurements"12, "Derivatives".
Unrealized gains (losses) on pension obligations are deferred from income statement recognition until the gains or losses are realized. Amounts reclassified to income from AOCI are included in net periodic pension expense. Further information related to CTS'our pension obligations is included in NOTE 5, "Retirement Plans".
Cumulative translation adjustment relates to our non-U.S. subsidiaries that have designated a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar. CTS isWe are required to translate the subsidiary functional currency financial statements to dollars using a combination of historical, period-end, and average foreign exchange rates. This combination of rates creates the foreign currency translation adjustment component of other comprehensive income. Transfer of foreign currency translation gains and (losses) from AOCI to income are included in otherOther (expense) income.

The components of AOCI for 2016 are as follows:

 As of December 31, 2015Gain (Loss)
Recognized
in OCI
Gain (Loss)
reclassified
from AOCI
to income
As of December 31, 2016
Changes in fair market value of hedges: 
 
 
 
Gross$(768)$(56)$940
$116
Income tax expense (benefit)289
20
(351)(42)
Net(479)(36)589
74
Changes in unrealized pension cost: 
 
 
 
Gross(161,719)
10,101
(151,618)
Income tax expense (benefit)64,361

(3,689)60,672
Net(97,358)
6,412
(90,946)
Cumulative translation adjustment: 
 
 
 
Gross(1,279)(1,135)
(2,414)
Income tax expense (benefit)111
(19)
92
Net(1,168)(1,154)
(2,322)
Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income$(99,005)$(1,190)$7,001
$(93,194)
The components of AOCI for 2015 are as follows:
As of December 31, 2014Gain (Loss)
Recognized
in OCI
Gain (Loss)
reclassified
from AOCI
to income
As of December 31, 2015As of December 31, 2014(Loss) Gain
recognized
in OCI
Gain (Loss)
reclassified
from AOCI
to income
As of December 31, 2015
Changes in fair market value of hedges: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross$(1,020)$(516)$768
$(768)$(1,020)$(516)$768
$(768)
Income tax expense (benefit)384
194
(289)289
384
194
(289)289
Net(636)(322)479
(479)(636)(322)479
(479)
Changes in unrealized pension cost: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross(169,291)
7,572
(161,719)(169,291)
7,572
(161,719)
Income tax expense (benefit)65,124

(763)64,361
65,124

(763)64,361
Net(104,167)
6,809
(97,358)(104,167)
6,809
(97,358)
Cumulative translation adjustment: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross245
(1,524)
(1,279)245
(1,524)
(1,279)
Income tax expense (benefit)325
(214)
111
325
(214)
111
Net570
(1,738)
(1,168)570
(1,738)
(1,168)
Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income$(104,233)$(2,060)$7,288
$(99,005)$(104,233)$(2,060)$7,288
$(99,005)




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The components of AOCI for 2014 are as follows:
 As of December 31, 2013(Loss) Gain
recognized
in OCI
Gain (Loss)
reclassified
from AOCI
to income
As of December 31, 2014
Changes in fair market value of hedges: 
 
 
 
Gross$(998)$(510)$488
$(1,020)
Income tax expense (benefit)402
167
(185)384
Net(596)(343)303
(636)
Changes in unrealized pension cost: 
 
 
 
Gross(138,133)(37,043)5,885
(169,291)
Income tax expense (benefit)55,028
12,267
(2,171)65,124
Net(83,105)(24,776)3,714
(104,167)
Cumulative translation adjustment: 
 
 
 
Gross949
(704)
245
Income tax expense (benefit)855
(530)
325
Net1,804
(1,234)
570
Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income$(81,897)$(26,353)$4,017
$(104,233)
NOTE 1314 — Shareholders' Equity
Share count and par value data related to shareholders' equity are as follows:
As ofAs of December 31,
December 31, 2015December 31, 201420162015
Preferred Stock  
Par value per shareNo par valueNo par value
Shares authorized25,000,00025,000,000
Shares outstanding
Common Stock  
Par value per shareNo par valueNo par value
Shares authorized75,000,00075,000,000
Shares issued56,242,49956,101,70056,456,51656,242,499
Shares outstanding32,548,47733,392,06032,762,49432,548,477
Treasury stock  
Shares held23,694,02222,709,64023,694,022
CTS usesWe use the cost method to account for itsour common stock purchases. During the year ended December 31, 2015, CTS purchased 984,3822016, we did not purchase any shares of common stock for $18,088 under aour board-authorized share repurchase program. For the year ended December 31, 2014, CTS2015, we purchased 460,496984,382 shares of common stock for $8,002.$18,088. Approximately $17,554 is available for future purchases.
A roll forward of common shares outstanding is as follows:
As ofAs of December 31,
December 31, 2015December 31, 201420162015
Balance at beginning of the year33,392,060
33,558,864
32,548,477
33,392,060
Repurchases(984,382)(460,496)
(984,382)
Stock option issuances5,200
101,350

5,200
Restricted share issuances135,599
192,342
Restricted stock unit issuances214,017
135,599
Balance at end of period32,548,477
33,392,060
32,762,494
32,548,477


CTS CORPORATION 61


NOTE 1415 — Equity-BasedStock-Based Compensation
At December 31, 2015, CTS2016, we had 4 equity-basedfour stock-based compensation plans: the Non-Employee Directors' Stock Retirement Plan ("Directors' Plan"), the 2004 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan ("2004 Plan"), the 2009 Omnibus Equity and Performance Incentive Plan ("2009 Plan"), and the 2014 Performance & Incentive Plan ("2014 Plan"). Future grants can only be made under the 2014 Plan.
The 2009 Plan, and previously the 2004 Plan, provideprovided for grants of incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options to officers, key employees, and non-employee members of CTS'the Board of Directors. In addition, the 2014 Plan, the 2009 Plan and the 2004 Plan allow for grants of stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), performance shares, performanceperformance-based restricted stock units, and other stock awards.
The following table summarizes the compensation expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) related to equity-basedstock-based compensation plans:
For the Year Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
201520142013201620152014
Service-Based RSUs$1,944
$1,771
$2,879
$1,997
$1,944
$1,771
Performance-Based RSUs754
479
674
665
1,235
872
Market-Based RSUs497
410
666
Cash-settled awards$76
$16
$17
Total$3,195
$2,660
$4,219
$2,738
$3,195
$2,660
Income tax benefit$1,201
$1,000
$1,600
$1,029
$1,201
$1,000
CTSWe recorded a tax deduction related to RSUs that vested during the year ended December 31, 20152016 in the amount of $1,047.$1,829.
The following table summarizes the unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested RSUs by type and the weighted-average period in which the expense is to be recognized:
Unrecognized
compensation
expense at
December 31,
2015
Weighted-
average
period
Unrecognized
compensation
expense at
December 31,
2016
Weighted-
average
period
Service-Based RSUs$1,475
1.28 years$1,625
1.12 years
Performance-Based RSUs344
1.34 years1,231
1.73 years
Market-Based RSUs447
1.36 years
Total$2,266
 $2,856
1.38 years
CTS recognizesWe recognize 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 the status of these plans as of December 31, 2015:2016:
 2014 Plan2009 Plan2004 PlanDirectors' Plan
Awards originally available1,500,000
3,400,000
6,500,000
N/A
Stock options outstanding



RSUs outstanding298,882
540,247
78,947
33,974
Options exercisable



Awards available for grant1,113,383
540,247
78,947
33,974
 2014 Plan2009 Plan2004 PlanDirectors' Plan
Awards originally available to be granted1,500,000
3,400,000
6,500,000
N/A
     
Performance stock options outstanding320,000



Maximum potential RSU and cash settled awards outstanding609,511
212,849
78,947
25,985
Maximum potential awards outstanding929,511
212,849
78,947
25,985
RSUs and cash settled awards vested and released54,544



Awards available to be granted515,945



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 CTS'our 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.

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CTS estimatedWe estimate 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 wereare based on historical volatilities of CTS'our common stock. The expected option term was derived from historical data onof exercise behavior. The dividend

yield was based on historical dividend payments. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.
A summary of the status of stock options as of December 31, 2015 and changes during the year then ended, is presented below:
 Year Ended
 December 31, 2015
 OptionsWeighted-
Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of year5,200
$12.35
Exercised(5,200)$12.35
Expired
$
Forfeited
$
Outstanding at end of period
$
Exercisable at end of period
$

 Year Ended
 December 31, 2015
Intrinsic values of stock options exercised$33
Weighted average remaining contractual life0
Aggregate intrinsic values of options outstanding and options exercisable$
There arewere no unvestedoutstanding stock options at December 31, 2015.2016 or 2015 other than the performance-based stock options described below.
Performance-Based Stock Options
During 2015 and 2016, the Compensation committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee") granted a total of 320,000 performance-based stock options (including forfeitures). The Performance-Based Option Awards have an exercise price of $18.37, a term of five years and generally will become exercisable (provided the optionee remains employed by the Company or an affiliate) upon our attainment of at least $600,000 in revenues during any of our four-fiscal-quarter trailing periods (as determined by the Committee) during the term. We have not recognized any expense on these Performance-Based Option Awards for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, since the revenue target is not deemed likely to be attained based on our current forecast.
Service-Based Restricted Stock Units
Service-based RSUs entitle the holder to receive one share of common stock for each unit when the unit vests. RSUs are issued to officers, key employees and non-employee directors as compensation. Generally, the RSUs vest over a three-year period. RSUs granted to non-employee directors have historically vested one month after granted, except beginning in 2016 they vest one monthyear after granted. Upon vesting, the non-employee directors elect to either receive the stock associated with the RSU immediately, or defer receipt of the stock to a future date. The fair value of the RSUs is equivalent to the trading value of CTS'our common stock on the grant date.
A summary of the status of RSUs for the 2004 Plan, 2009 Plan and 2014 Planall Plans is presented below:
UnitsWeighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
UnitsWeighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2015517,965
$12.06
  
Outstanding at January 1, 2016505,170
$13.13
  
Granted166,725
17.31
  
195,266
15.07
  
Released(166,801)12.44
  
(102,967)14.27
  
Forfeited(46,693)17.20
  
(42,991)16.75
  
Outstanding at December 31, 2015471,196
$13.27
8.07$8,312
Releasable at December 31, 2015252,347
$10.66
19.69$4,451
Outstanding at December 31, 2016554,478
$13.37
21.8$12,420
Releasable at December 31, 2016303,233
$11.34
33.7$6,792

 For the Year Ended December 31,
 201520142013
Weighted-average grant date fair value$17.31
$9.00
$10.97
Intrinsic value of RSUs released$2,933
$5,670
$4,535


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 Years Ended December 31,
 201620152014
Weighted-average grant date fair value$15.07
$17.31
$9.00
Intrinsic value of RSUs released$1,520
$2,933
$5,670
A summary of the status of RSUs for the Director's Plan is presented below:
 UnitsWeighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding at January 1, 201533,974
$11.75



Granted

  
Released

  
Forfeited

  
Outstanding at December 31, 201533,974
$11.75
N/A$599
Releasable at December 31, 201533,974
$11.75
$
$599
A summary of the nonvested RSUs is presented below:
RSUsWeighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
RSUsWeighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2015234,142
$14.48
Nonvested at January 1, 2016218,849
$16.29
Granted166,725
17.31
195,266
15.07
Vested(135,325)14.10
(126,944)15.19
Forfeited(46,693)17.20
(35,926)16.75
Nonvested at December 31, 2015218,849
16.29
Nonvested at December 31, 2016251,245
15.81

 Year Ended December 31,
 201520142013
Fair value of RSUs vested$1,908
$2,055
$3,700
 Years Ended December 31,
 201620152014
Fair value of RSUs vested$1,928
$1,908
$2,055


Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units
CTS grantsWe grant performance-based restricted stock unit awards for("PSUs") to certain executives.executives and key employees. Units may beare usually awarded in the range from zero percent to 200% of the target amount. Vesting is subject to certificationa targeted number of the fiscal results of the year prior to the target year by CTS' independent auditors.shares. The award rate for the 2014-2016, 2015-2017, and 2016-2018 PSUs is dependent upon CTS'our achievement of either sales growth targets, or cash flow targets, as noted in the following table.

Performance-Based RSUs include the following components:
Grant DateTarget
Units
Vesting
Year
Vesting
Dependency
Units
Awarded
February 11, 201354,950
2016Sales growth
February 11, 201347,100
2016Cash flow
February 14, 201415,071
2017Sales growth
February 14, 201412,918
2017Cash flow
February, 5, 201524,150
2018Sales growth
February 5, 201520,700
2018Cash flow
Market-Based Restricted Stock Units
CTS grants market-based restricted stock unit awards for certain executives and key employees. Units may be awarded in the range from zero percent to 200% of the target amount. Vesting is subject to certification of the fiscal results of the year prior to the target year by CTS' independent auditors. The award rate will be determinedrelative total shareholder return ("RTSR") using a matrix based on athe percentile ranking of CTS total stockholder return withour stock price performance compared to a peer group total shareholder return over a three-year period.

64 CTS CORPORATION

Table These awards are weighted 35% for achievement of Contents

Awardsthe sales growth metric, 30% for achievement of the cash flow metric, and 35% for achievement of the RTSR metric. Other PSUs are tied exclusivelygranted from time to CTS' total stockholder return relative to peer group companies' total stockholder return rates.time based on other performance criteria.
Market-Based RSUs include the following components:A summary of PSUs for all Plans is presented below:
Grant DateTarget
Units
Vesting
Year
Number of
Peer Group
Companies
Units
Awarded
February 11, 201326,950
201620

February 11, 201332,500
201620

February 14, 201415,071
201715

February 5, 201524,150
201823

 UnitsWeighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2016249,560
$15.14
  
Granted108,650
13.56
  
Released(234,517)11.82
  
Forfeited(18,810)15.86
  
Added by performance factor97,017
$11.81
  
Outstanding at December 31, 2016201,900
$16.48
44.2$4,523
Releasable at December 31, 2016
$
$
The following table summarizes each grant of performance awards outstanding at December 31, 2016:
DescriptionGrant DateVesting
Year
Vesting
Dependency
Target
Units
 Outstanding
Maximum Number of Units to be Granted
2014-2016 Performance RSUsFebruary 14, 2014201735% RTSR, 35% sales growth, 30% cash flow43,060
86,120
2015-2017 Performance RSUsFebruary 5, 2015201835% RTSR, 35% sales growth, 30% cash flow62,000
124,000
2016-2018 Performance RSUsFebruary 16, 2016201935% RTSR, 35% sales growth, 30% cash flow92,840
185,680
Single Crystal Performance RSUsMarch 31, 20162019various4,000
8,000
    201,900
403,800
Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units
Cash-Settled RSUs entitle the holder to receive the cash equivalent of one share of common stock for each unit when the unit vests. These RSUs are issued to key employees residing in foreign locations as direct compensation. Generally, these RSUs vest over a three-year period. Cash-settled RSUs are classified as liabilities and are remeasured at each reporting date until settled. At December 31, 2016, and 2015, we had 12,074 and 7,958 cash-settled RSUs outstanding, respectively. At December 31, 2016, and 2015, liabilities of $170 and $94, respectively were included in Accrued expenses and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

NOTE 1516 — Fair Value Measurements
U.S. GAAP stipulatesThe table below summarizes the financial assets and liabilities that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment annually, or more frequent if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce thewere measured at fair value ofon a reporting unit below the carrying amount. As a first step, CTS evaluated certain qualitative factors suchrecurring basis as general market and macro-economic conditions, entity-specific events and overall past and projected financial performance of its business operations that could affect CTS' recorded goodwill. If it is determined in the first step that it is more-likely-than-not that goodwill may be impaired, then a two-step method is applied. A two-step method is used to measure the amount of an impairment loss. The first step requires CTS to determine the fair value of the reporting unit and compare that fair value to the net book value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined using various valuation techniques, including a discounted cash flow analysis-income approach and a market approach which uses current industry information. The second step requires CTS to determine the implied fair value of goodwill and measure the impairment loss as the difference between the book value of the goodwill and the implied fair value of the goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill must be determined in the same manner as if CTS had acquired those reporting units.
In 2015, a Step 1 goodwill test was performed by CTS' management with the assistance of a third-party valuation firm. As of December 31, 2015, it was concluded that2016 and the estimated implied fair value of goodwill exceededloss recorded during the carrying value and accordingly, no goodwill impairment was required.year ended December 31, 2016:
During the second quarter of 2013, CTS initiated the June 2013 Restructuring Plan, which impacted certain locations. This was considered a triggering event, and CTS performed an impairment analysis for the impacted intangibles and long-lived assets. The resulting intangible impairment loss related to customer-based intangibles. The fair value of these assets was measured and recorded using an income approach. Projected future cash flows related to these assets were used under this approach to determine their fair values. CTS recorded an impairment charge of approximately $3,770 for 2013. The impairment charge was recorded under "Restructuring and impairment charge" on CTS' Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss).
 Asset (Liability) Carrying
Value at
December 31,
2016
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
(Gain) loss for Year Ended
December 31,
2016
Interest rate swap — cash flow hedge$753
$
$753
$
$(928)
Foreign currency hedges$(601)$
$(601)$
$18


The table below summarizes the financial liability that was measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 and the loss recorded during the year ended December 31, 2015:
 Carrying
Value at
December 31,
2015
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Loss Year Ended
December 31,
2015
Interest rate swap — cash flow hedge$768
$
$768
$
$768
 Asset (Liability) Carrying
Value at
December 31,
2015
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Loss for
Year Ended
December 31,
2015
Interest rate swap — cash flow hedge$(768)$
$(768)$
$768
The table below summarizes the financial liability that was measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and the loss recorded during the year ended December 31, 2014:
 Carrying
Value at
December 31,
2014
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Loss for
Year Ended
December 31,
2014
Interest rate swap — cash flow hedge$1,020
$
$1,020
$
$488

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The fair value of CTS'our interest rate swaps wasand foreign currency hedges were measured using a market approach which uses current industry information.standard valuation models using market-based observable inputs over the contractual terms, including forward yield curves, among others. There is a readily determinable market for these derivative instruments, but the market is not active and these swapstherefore they are classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The table below provides a reconciliation of the recurring financial liabilityassets and liabilities related to interest rate swaps:swaps and foreign currency hedges:
Interest Rate
Swaps
Interest Rate
Swaps
Foreign Currency Hedges
Balance at January 1, 2014$(998)
Total gains for the period: 
Included in earnings488
Included in other comprehensive earnings(510)
Balance at January 1, 2015$(1,020)$(1,020)$
Total gains (losses) for the period: 
 


Included in earnings768
768

Included in other comprehensive earnings(516)(516)
Balance at December 31, 2015$(768)
Balance at January 1, 2016$(768)$
Settled in cash
54
Total gains (losses) for the period: 


Included in earnings928
(18)
Included in other comprehensive earnings593
(637)
Balance at December 31, 2016$753
$(601)
The estimated net amount that is expected to be reclassed into earnings as interest expense within the next twelve months for the interest rate swaps is approximately $800.
CTS'Our long-term debt consists of a revolving debt facility which is recorded at its carrying value. There is a readily determinable market for CTS'our revolving credit debt and it is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as the market is not deemed to be active. The fair value of long-term debt approximates carrying value and was determined by valuing a similar hypothetical coupon bond and attributing that value to our credit facility.
NOTE 1617 — Income Taxes
Earnings before income taxes consist of the following for the years ended December 31:following:
Years Ended December 31,
201520142013201620152014
U.S.$(141)$19,205
$(5,396)$25,746
$(141)$19,205
Non-U.S.12,402
20,143
23,459
31,499
12,402
20,143
Total$12,261
$39,348
$18,063
$57,245
$12,261
$39,348
Significant components of income tax provision/(benefit) are as follows for the years ended December 31:follows:
Years Ended December 31,
201520142013201620152014
Current: 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.$329
$945
$1,332
$(1,312)$329
$945
Non-U.S.12,482
6,981
4,804
13,729
12,482
6,981
Total Current12,811
7,926
6,136
12,417
12,811
7,926
Deferred: 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.(15,795)3,590
7,968
13,245
(15,795)3,590
Non-U.S.8,291
1,310
1,962
(2,797)8,291
1,310
Total Deferred(7,504)4,900
9,930
10,448
(7,504)4,900
Total provision for income taxes$5,307
$12,826
$16,066
$22,865
$5,307
$12,826

66 CTS CORPORATION


Significant components of the CTS'our deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31:are as follows:
As of December 31,
2015201420162015
Post-retirement benefits$1,837
$1,953
$1,798
$1,837
Inventory reserves1,797
1,567
1,834
1,797
Loss carry-forwards9,387
23,095
7,279
9,387
Credit carry-forwards35,082
16,903
22,743
35,082
Nondeductible accruals12,406
6,336
11,629
12,406
Research expenditures30,465
30,088
31,380
30,465
Equity compensation2,070
1,610
Stock compensation2,681
2,070
Foreign exchange loss2,522
1,009
1,780
2,522
Other1,231
2,537
648
1,231
Gross deferred tax assets96,797
85,098
81,772
96,797
Depreciation9,814
11,073
Depreciation and amortization9,960
9,814
Pensions11,868
9,462
16,024
11,868
Subsidiaries' unremitted earnings7,461

1,292
7,461
Gross deferred tax liabilities29,143
20,535
27,276
29,143
Net deferred tax assets67,654
64,563
54,496
67,654
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance(10,266)(12,938)(11,024)(10,266)
Total net deferred tax assets$57,388
$51,625
$43,472
$57,388
The current and long-term deferred tax assets and current and long-term deferred tax liabilities are as of December 31:follows below:
 20152014
Current deferred tax assets$6,025
$8,708
Current deferred tax liabilities(6,731)(8)
Total current deferred tax assets(706)8,700
Non-current deferred tax assets58,544
43,120
Non-current deferred tax liabilities(450)(195)
Total non-current deferred tax assets58,094
42,925
Total net deferred tax assets$57,388
$51,625
 As of December 31,
 20162015
Non-current deferred tax assets45,839
63,809
Non-current deferred tax liabilities(2,367)(6,421)
Total net deferred tax assets43,472
57,388
In 2016, we elected to early adopt ASU 2015-17 "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes", on a retrospective basis allowing for all deferred tax items to be classified as non-current. The current and non-current deferred tax assets and current and non-current deferred tax liabilities were not netted since these items relate to different tax jurisdictions. Current deferred tax assets, current deferred tax liabilities and non-currentNon-current deferred tax liabilities are included as componentsa component of other current assets, accrued expenses and other liabilities and otherOther long-term obligations, respectively, on CTS'our Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 20152016 and December 31, 2014.2015.
At each reporting date, CTS weighswe weigh all available positive and negative evidence to assess whether it is more-likely- than-notmore-likely-than-not that the Company's deferred tax assets, including deferred tax assets associated with accumulated loss carryforwards and tax credits in the various jurisdictions in which it operates, will be realized. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, CTSwe recorded deferred tax assets related to certain U.S. state and non-U.S. income tax loss carryforwards of $7,279 and $9,387, respectively, and U.S. and non-U.S. tax credits of $35,082. Such$22,743 and $35,082, respectively. The deferred tax assets expire in varying amounts from 2016 tovarious years primarily between 2017 and 2035.
Generally, CTS assesseswe assess if it is more-likely-than-not that itsour net deferred tax assets will be realized during the available carry-forward periods. However, CTS haswe have determined that valuation allowances of $10,266$11,024 and $12,938$10,266 should be provided for certain deferred tax assets at December 31, 20152016 and December 31, 2014,2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2015,2016, the valuation allowances relate to certain U.S. state and non-U.S. loss carry-forwards and certain U.S. state and non-U.S. tax credits that management does not anticipate will be utilized. The decreaseincrease in the valuation allowance from December 31, 20142015, to December 31, 20152016, is primarily due to the result of the expiration of certain carry-forwards partially offset by increasesJune 2016 restructuring activities and changes in the basis of management's judgment regarding realizability of the related assets.
No valuation allowance was recorded in 20152016 against the U.S. federal foreign tax credit carryforwards of $25,909,$19,375, which expire in varying amounts between 2019 and 2025, research and development tax credits of $7,577$4,311. which expire in varying amounts between 20162024 and 2035, and the alternative minimum tax credit carryforwardcarryforwards of $2,565,$882, which hashave no expiration. CTSWe assessed the anticipated

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realization of those tax credits utilizing future taxable income projections. Based on those projections, management believes it is more-likely-than-not that CTSwe will realize the benefits of these carryforwards.



The following table reconciles taxes at the United StatesU.S. federal statutory rate to the effective income tax rate from continuing operations for the years ended December 31:rate:
Years Ended December 31,
201520142013201620152014
Taxes at the U.S. statutory rate35.0 %35.0 %35.0 %35.0 %35.0 %35.0 %
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit(0.1)%0.7 %1.0 %1.4 %(0.1)%0.7 %
Non-U.S. income taxed at rates different than the U.S. statutory rate(16.7)%(7.6)%(9.9)%(7.5)%(16.7)%(7.6)%
Foreign source income, net of associated foreign tax credits6.9 %3.5 %60.9 %5.3 %6.9 %3.5 %
Benefit of tax credits(4.6)%(1.3)%(3.9)%(1.0)%(4.6)%(1.3)%
Non-deductible expenses1.3 %2.8 %(2.4)%0.7 %1.3 %2.8 %
Adjustment to valuation allowances37.8 %(0.4)%8.2 %3.8 %37.8 %(0.4)%
Benefit from prior period foreign tax credits(133.0)% % % %(133.0)% %
Change in unrecognized tax benefits59.5 % %0.7 %3.3 %59.5 % %
Impacts of unremitted foreign earnings60.8 % % %0.6 %60.8 % %
Other(3.6)%(0.1)%(0.6)%(1.7)%(3.6)%(0.1)%
Effective income tax rate43.3 %32.6 %89.0 %39.9 %43.3 %32.6 %
During 2015, CTS determined that it would change itswe changed our position regarding the U.S. federal tax treatment of foreign taxes paid. CTSWe claimed a foreign tax credit on itsour 2014 and 2015 U.S. federal income tax returnreturns and plans to filefiled amended tax returns for 2006 -through 2013 in order to claim non-USnon-U.S. taxes paid as a credit against income tax, rather than as a deduction. The filing of the amended returns reduced the deferred tax asset for federal loss carryforwards by $8,214, and increased itsour available foreign tax credit carryforward by $24,519, resulting in a net tax benefit of $16,305.$16,305, recorded in 2015.
In general, it is CTS’sour practice and intention to reinvest the earnings of itsour non-U.S. subsidiaries in those operations. However, during 2015, CTSwe determined that as a result of changes in the business, the foreign earnings of itsour subsidiaries in Canada and the U.K. were no longer permanently reinvested. Therefore, a provision for the expected taxes on repatriation of those earnings was recorded. In addition, although CTS planswe plan to permanently reinvest the earnings of itsour Chinese facilities outside the U.S., CTS haswe have determined that itwe will not maintain those earnings in China in order to mitigate future currency risk. As a result of these changes, CTSwe recorded a tax expense of $7,461 in 2015. Management intends to continue to permanently reinvest all other remaining current and prior earnings in jurisdictions located outside of the U.S. As of December 31, 2015,2016, no provision has been made for U.S. income taxes on approximately $116,192$133,074 of foreign earnings, which are permanently reinvested outside of the U.S. Upon distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, CTSwe would be subject to U.S. income taxes net of related foreign tax credits, state income taxes, and withholding taxes payable to the various foreign countries. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. tax liability is not practical because of complexities such as potential foreign tax credits, local restrictions on distributions, and treaty implications associated with the related calculation.
CTS recognizesWe recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position when it is more-likely-than-not, based on its technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. A tax position that meets the "more-likely-than-not"more-likely-than-not threshold is then measured to determine the amount of benefit recognized in the financial statements. As of December 31, 2015, CTS has2016, we have approximately $11,008$12,347 of unrecognized tax benefits, which if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. CTS doesWe do not anticipate any significant changes in itsour unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefits is provided below:
2015201420162015
Balance at January 1$3,890
$4,043
$11,008
$3,890
Increase related to current year tax positions1,406
40
1,088
1,406
Increase related to prior year tax positions5,728
5
251
5,728
Decrease as a result of lapse of statute of limitations(16)(114)
(16)
Decrease related to settlements with taxing authorities
(14)
Other decrease
(70)
Balance at December 31$11,008
$3,890
$12,347
$11,008

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CTS'Our continuing practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. As of December 31, 2016, and 2015, $1,772 and December 31, 2014, $1,206, and $0, respectively, of interest and penalties were accrued.
CTS isWe are subject to taxation in the U.S., various states, and in non-U.S. jurisdictions. CTS'Our U.S. income tax returns are primarily subject to examination from 20112012 through 2014,2015; however, U.S. tax authorities also have the ability to review prior tax years to the extent loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards are utilized. The open years for the non-U.S. tax returns range from 20072008 through 20142015 based on local statutes.
NOTE 17 — Discontinued Operations
On October 2, 2013, CTS completed the sale of its EMS business to Benchmark for approximately $75,000 in cash. Included in the transaction were five manufacturing facilities (Moorpark, California; Londonderry, New Hampshire; Bangkok, Thailand; Matamoros, Mexico and San Jose, California) and approximately 1,000 employees.
The Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss) of the EMS discontinued operations is as follows:
 Year Ended
 December 31, 2013
Net sales$155,055
Cost of goods sold142,589
Selling, general and administrative expenses11,617
Restructuring and impairment charge1,444
Operating loss(595)
Other expense, net(345)
Loss before income taxes(940)
Income tax benefit(162)
Loss from discontinued operations(778)
Loss on sale of EMS operations (net of tax of $3,923)(5,148)
Net loss from discontinued operations$(5,926)
Included in Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss) for discontinued operations was approximately $700 of amortization on net intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2013.
NOTE 18 - Business Acquisitions
On March 11, 2016, we acquired all of the outstanding membership interests in CTG Advanced Materials, LLC (“CTG-AM”), a privately-held company, for $73 million in cash plus a working capital adjustment. CTG-AM, formerly operated as H.C. Materials, is the market leading designer and manufacturer of single crystal piezoelectric materials, serving major original equipment manufacturers throughout the medical marketplace. These materials enable high definition ultrasound imaging (3D and 4D), as well as intravascular ultrasound applications. Other applications for these materials include wireless pacemakers, implantable hearing aids, and defense technologies.

With the CTG-AM acquisition, we gained technology and proprietary manufacturing methods that expand our offering of piezoelectric materials. This allows us to become the leading large-scale commercial producer of both single crystal materials and traditional piezoelectric ceramics.
The purchase price of $73,063, net of cash acquired of $4, has been allocated to the fair values of assets and liabilities acquired as of March 11, 2016.
The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:


Fair Values at March 11, 2016
Current assets
$4,215
Property, plant and equipment
6,173
Other assets
37
Goodwill
27,879
Intangible assets
35,427
Fair value of assets acquired
73,731
Less fair value of liabilities acquired
(668)
Net cash paid
73,063
Goodwill recorded in connection with this acquisition represents the value we expect to be created by combining the operations of the acquired business with our existing operations, including the expansion into markets within our existing business, access to new customers, and potential cost savings and synergies. Goodwill related to this acquisition is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
The following table summarizes the carrying amounts and weighted average lives of the acquired intangible assets:

Carrying Value
Weighted Average Amortization Period (in years)
Developed technology23,730

15.0
Customer relationships and contracts11,502

14.6
Other195

0.8
Total35,427

14.8

We incurred $804 in transaction related costs during the year ended December 31, 2016. These costs are included in selling, general, and administrative costs in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Results of operations for CTG-AM are included in our consolidated financial statements beginning on March 11, 2016. The amount of net sales and net loss from CTG-AM since the acquisition date that have been included in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings are as follows:

For the period March 11, 2016 through December 31, 2016
Net sales$12,299
Net earnings$1,357

The unaudited pro forma amounts below include CTG-AM's revenues and earnings that would have been included in our Consolidated Statement of Earnings had the acquisition date been January 1, 2015.

December 31, 2016 (Unaudited Proforma)December 31, 2015 (Unaudited Proforma)
Net sales$398,990
$395,495
Net earnings$34,321
$8,800



Earnings per share:

Basic$1.05
$0.27
Diluted$1.03
$0.26
The pro forma results have been prepared for informational purposes only and include adjustments to amortize acquired intangible assets with finite life, reflect additional interest expense on debt used to fund the acquisition, and to record the tax consequences of the pro forma adjustments. Included in the pro forma results are nonrecurring expenses for transaction costs of $804 and additional costs of goods sold of $1,151 for the year ended December 31, 2016.

On October 28 2015, CTSwe acquired Filter Sensing Technologies Inc. (“FST”), a privately-held company, for $1.9 million in cash, plus contingent consideration of $1.6 million. FST is a developer and designer of sensing technology for radio frequency measurement and control systems. This acquisition addsadded a cutting-edgeleading-edge sensing technology to CTS'our transportation portfolio and allows the Company to participate in a market that is expected to be $150-$300 million in size by 2025 as new filtering solutions gain traction.










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The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:
  Estimated Fair Values at October 28, 2015  Fair Values at October 28, 2015
Current assets  $555
  $555
Property, plant and equipment  29
  29
Goodwill  1,818
  1,818
In-process research and development intangible asset  2,200
  2,200
Other assets  8
  8
Fair value of assets acquired  4,610
  4,610
Less fair value of liabilities acquired  (1,205)  (1,205)
Less fair value of contingent consideration (1,550) (1,550)
Total cash purchase price  $1,855
Net cash paid  $1,855
Goodwill recorded in connection with the above acquisition is primarily attributable to know-how of the acquired workforce in relation to the technology being developed. Goodwill related to this acquisition is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
The FST acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting whereby the total purchase price is allocated to tangible and intangible assets and liabilities based on the fair market values on the date of acquisition. CTSWe determined the purchase price allocations based on estimates of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The allocations for goodwill and other intangible assets were based on historical experience and third party evaluation.









NOTE 19 — Geographic Data
Financial information relating to CTS'our operations by geographic area were as follows:
Net Sales from continuing operationsYear Ended December 31,
201520142013
Net SalesYears Ended December 31,
201620152014
United States$238,796
$234,323
$223,212
$276,033
$238,796
$234,323
Singapore8,379
11,510
13,812
6,668
8,379
11,510
United Kingdom

28,167
China55,825
61,683
72,509
59,506
55,825
61,683
Canada24,519
35,145
38,061

24,519
35,145
Czech Republic36,348
44,424
18,117
34,767
36,348
44,424
Other non-U.S.18,443
16,936
15,583
19,705
18,443
16,936
Consolidated net sales$382,310
$404,021
$409,461
$396,679
$382,310
$404,021
Sales are attributed to countries based upon the origin of the sale.
Long-Lived AssetsYear Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
20152014201320162015
United States$32,239
$33,048
$36,664
$42,488
$32,239
China30,937
31,782
33,277
33,013
30,937
United Kingdom1,042
1,055
2,004
569
1,042
Singapore218
80
117
Canada116
462
478
Taiwan
2,127
1,775
2,755
2,694
Thailand


Switzerland

19
Czech Republic2,634
2,029
Other non-U.S5,320
2,860
535
652
931
Consolidated long-lived assets$69,872
$71,414
$74,869
$82,111
$69,872

70 CTS CORPORATION

Table of Contents

NOTE 20 — Quarterly Financial Data
Quarterly Results of Operations
(Unaudited)
FirstSecondThirdFourthFirstSecondThirdFourth
2015 
 
 
 
Net sales$98,311
$100,071
$90,646
$93,282
Gross margin32,136
33,373
31,446
30,154
Operating earnings (loss)10,488
10,544
(3,850)931
Net earnings (loss)6,287
19,080
(4,760)(13,653)
Basic earnings (loss) per share$0.19
$0.58
$(0.15)$(0.42)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share$0.19
$0.57
$(0.15)$(0.42)
2014 
 
 
 
2016 
 
 
 
Net sales$100,706
$102,980
$99,957
$100,378
$96,705
$98,693
$99,697
$101,584
Gross margin30,615
33,823
32,499
33,026
$33,468
$34,457
$36,641
$35,861
Operating earnings10,845
9,945
11,223
10,310
$12,433
$24,097
$12,490
$14,146
Net earnings5,080
6,361
8,117
6,964
$7,863
$14,487
$3,720
$8,310
Basic earnings per share$0.15
$0.19
$0.24
$0.21
$0.24
$0.44
$0.11
$0.25
Diluted earnings per share$0.15
$0.19
$0.24
$0.21
$0.24
$0.44
$0.11
$0.25
2015 
 
 
 
Net sales$98,311
$100,071
$90,646
$93,282
Gross margin$32,136
$33,373
$31,446
$30,154
Operating earnings$10,488
$10,544
$(3,850)$931
Net earnings$6,287
$19,080
$(4,760)$(13,653)
Basic earnings per share$0.19
$0.58
$(0.15)$(0.42)
Diluted earnings per share$0.19
$0.57
$(0.15)$(0.42)


CTS CORPORATION 71


CTS CORPORATION
SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 Additions  Additions 
(in thousands)Balance at
Beginning
of Period
Charged/
(Credit)
to Expense
Charged
to Other
Accounts
DeductionsBalance
at End
of Period
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
Charged/
(Credit)
to Expense
Charged
to Other
Accounts
DeductionsBalance
at End
of Period
Year ended December 31, 2016
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$133
$44
$
$(7)$170
Year ended December 31, 2015
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$100
$33
$
$
$133
$100
$33
$
$
$133
Year ended December 31, 2014
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$130
$(38)$
$8
$100
$130
$(38)$
$8
$100
Year ended December 31, 2013:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$811
$(130)$(442)$(109)$130


72 CTS CORPORATION


Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures
Pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, management, under the direction of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this annual report. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2015.2016.
The report from Grant Thornton LLP on its audit of the effectiveness of CTS'our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015,2016, is included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading "Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" and is incorporated herein by reference. The Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, which can be found following the signature page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting for the yearquarter ended December 31, 20152016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.  Other Information
Not applicable.

CTS CORPORATION 73


PART III
Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Please see Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information about our executive officers, which is incorporated by reference herein. Information with respect to Directors and Corporate Governance may be found in our definitive proxy statement to be delivered to shareholders in connection with our 20162017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 11.  Executive Compensation
Information with respect to this item may be found in our definitive proxy statement to be delivered to shareholders in connection with our 20162017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table provides information about shares of CTS common stock that could be issued under all of CTS'our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2015:2016:
Plan Category
(a)
Number of Securities
to be Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options, RSUs, Warrants
and Rights
(b)
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options, RSUs, Warrants
and Rights
(c)
Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation Plans
(Excluding Securities
Reflected in Column(a))
(a)
Number of Securities
to be Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options, RSUs, Warrants
and Rights
(b)
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options, RSUs, Warrants
and Rights
(c)
Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation Plans
(Excluding Securities
Reflected in Column(a))
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders918,076
$13.27
1,732,577
1,221,307
$13.37
515,945
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders(1)
33,974

33,974
25,985


Total952,050
$13.27
1,766,551
1,247,292
$13.37
515,945

(1) In 1990, we adopted the Stock Retirement Plan for Non-Employee Directors. Prior to December 1, 2004, we annually credited an account for each non-employee director with 800 CTS common stock units. We also annually credited each deferred stock account with an additional number of CTS common stock units representing the amount of dividends which would have been paid on an equivalent number of shares of CTS common stock for each quarter during the preceding calendar year. As of December 1, 2004, this plan was amended to preclude crediting any additional CTS common stock units under the plan. Upon retirement, a participating non-employee director is entitled to receive one share of CTS common stock for each CTS common stock unit in his deferred stock account. On December 31, 2016, the deferred stock accounts contained a total of 25,985 CTS common stock units.
(1)In 1990, CTS adopted the Stock Retirement Plan for Non-Employee Directors. Prior to December 1, 2004, CTS annually credited an account for each non-employee director with 800 CTS common stock units. CTS also annually credited each deferred stock account with an additional number of CTS common stock units representing the amount of dividends which would have been paid on an equivalent number of shares of CTS common stock for each quarter during the preceding calendar year. As of December 1, 2004, this plan was amended to preclude crediting any additional CTS common stock units under the plan. Upon retirement, a participating non-employee director is entitled to receive one share of CTS common stock for each CTS common stock unit in his deferred stock account. On December 31, 2015, the deferred stock accounts contained a total of 33,974 CTS common stock units.
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
Information with respect to this item may be found in our definitive proxy statement to be delivered to shareholders in connection with our 20162017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information with respect to this item may be found in our definitive proxy statement to be delivered to shareholders in connection with our 20162017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Information with respect to this item may be found in our definitive proxy statement to be delivered to shareholders in connection with our 20162017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

74 CTS CORPORATION


PART IV
Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statements Schedules
(a) (1) Financial Statements
The following Consolidated Financial Statements of CTS Corporation and Subsidiaries are included herein:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Consolidated Statements of Earnings: Years ended December 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings: Years ended December 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014
Consolidated Balance Sheets: December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows: Years ended December 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity: Years Ended December 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(a) (2)Financial Statement Schedule:
Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
Other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto.
(a) (3) Exhibits
All references to documents filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, were filed by CTS, File No. 1-4639.
(2)(ii)Stock Purchase Agreement, dated October 2, 2013, between CTS Corporation and Benchmark Electronics, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 2013, filed with the SEC on October 29, 2013.**
 (3)(i) Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 1, 1998).
    
 (3)(ii) Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on February 8, 2010).
    
 (10)(a) Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 12, 2008).
(10)(b)Form of Director & Officer Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 18, 2015).
(10)(c)CTS Corporation Stock Retirement Plan for Non-Employee Directors, effective April 30, 1990, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 2003, filed with the SEC on April 23, 2003).*
    
 (10)(d)(b) Amendment to the CTS Corporation Stock Retirement Plan for Non-Employee Directors, dated as of December 1, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(j) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, filed with the SEC on March 4, 2005).
    
 (10)(e)(c) CTS Corporation Pension Plan (formerly known as the CTS Corporation Salaried Employees' Pension Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(t) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the SEC on February 14, 2003).*
    
 (10)(f)(d) Amendments to the CTS Corporation Pension Plan (formerly known as the CTS Corporation Salaried Employees' Pension Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 29, 2003, filed with the SEC on July 25, 2003).*
    
 (10)(g)(e) CTS Corporation 2004 Omnibus Long-term Incentive Plan and Incentive Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 10(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 26, 2004, filed with the SEC on October 19, 2004).*
    
 (10)(h)(f) Amendments to the CTS Corporation Pension Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(p) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2006).*
    
 (10)(i)(g) Amendments to the CTS Corporation Pension Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 2, 2006, filed with the SEC on April 26, 2006).*
    
(10)(j)Credit Agreement, dated as of November 18, 2010, by and among CTS Corporation, the Lenders named therein and Harris N.A. as L/C Issuer, and Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 22, 2010).
(10)(k)First amendment to Credit Agreements dated as of January 10, 2012, by and among CTS Corporation, the lenders name therein and Harris N.A. as L/C issuer and administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 11, 2012).

CTS CORPORATION 75


 (10)(l)(h) Credit Agreement Between CTS Corporation and BMO Harris Bank N.A. dated August 10, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 12, 2015).
    
 (10)(m)(i)Amendment to Credit Agreement between CTS Corporation and BMO Harris Bank N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 25, 2016).
(10)(j) Amendment No. 1 to the CTS Corporation 2004 Omnibus Long-term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(aa) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on May 15, 2007.
 (10)(n)Performance Share Agreement between CTS Corporation and Vinod M. Khilnani, dated August 1, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, filed with the SEC on October 24, 2007).*
   
 (10)(o)(k) Prototype Individual Excess Benefit Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(d) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, filed with the SEC on October 24, 2007).*
    
 (10)(p)(l) Amendments to the CTS Corporation Pension Plan (formerly known as the CTS Corporation Salaried Employees' Pension Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(bb) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed with the SEC on February 23, 2009).*
    
 (10)(q)(m) CTS Corporation 2009 Omnibus Equity and Performance Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 28, 2009).*
    
 (10)(r)(n) Form Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Shares) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 28, 2009).*
    
 (10)(s)(o) Form Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Cash) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 28, 2009).*
    
 (10)(t)(p) CTS Corporation Executive Severance Policy, effective as of September 10, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 27, 2009, filed with the SEC on October 28, 2009).*
    
 (10)(u)(q) Amendments to the CTS Corporation Pension Plan (formerly known as the CTS Corporation Salaried Employees' Pension Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(w) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the SEC on February 24, 2011).*
    
 (10)(v)(r) Letter Agreement dated February 19, 2010 by and among CTS Corporation, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc., Toyota Canada Inc. and Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Quarterly Report on form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 3, 2010, filed with the SEC October 27, 2010).
    
 (10)(w)(s) Prototype Change in Control Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(x) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the SEC on February 23, 2012).*
    
 (10)(x)(t) CTS Corporation Management Incentive Plan, approved by the shareholders on May 23, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed with the SEC on April 17, 2012).*
    
 (10)(y)2012-2013 Performance Restricted Stock Unit Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(bb) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on March 3, 2014).*
(10)(z)(u) CTS Corporation 2013-2015 CEO Performance Restricted Stock Unit Plan dated February 8, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(cc) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2014).*
    
 (10)(aa)CTS Corporation 2014 - 2016 Performance Restricted Stock Unit Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 2014, filed with the SEC on April 29, 2014).*
(10)(bb)CTS Corporation 2013 - 2015 Performance Restricted Stock Unit Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on April 25, 2013).*

76 CTS CORPORATION


(10)(cc)(v) First Amendment to the CTS Corporation Executive Severance Policy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on April 25, 2013).*
    
 (10)(dd)Separation Agreement for Thomas Kroll (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on January 7, 2014).*
(10)(ee)(w) CTS Corporation 2014 Performance and Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 22, 2014).*
    
 (10)(ff)Separation Agreement for Lawrence J. Lyng, dated September 4, 2014 (summarized in the Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on October 21, 2014).*
(10(gg)(x) Transition Agreement dated June 26, 2015, by and between CTS Corporation and Anthony Urban(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 1, 2015).
    
 (21) Subsidiaries.
    
 (23) Consent of Grant Thornton LLP.
    
 (31)(a) Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
    
 (31)(b) Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
    
 (32)(a) Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

    
 (32)(b) Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
    
 101.INS XBRL Instance Document
    
 101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
    
 101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
    
 101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
    
 101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
    
 101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document


*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
**Pursuant to Item 601(b) (2) of Regulation S-K, certain exhibits and schedules have been omitted and CTS agreeswe agree to furnish supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of any omitted exhibits upon request.


CTS CORPORATION 77


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 CTS Corporation
Date: February 24, 20162017By: 
/s/ Ashish Agrawal
   
Ashish Agrawal
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Date: February 24, 20162017By: 
/s/ Kieran O'Sullivan
   
Kieran O'Sullivan
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
    
Date: February 24, 20162017By: /s/ Robert A. Profusek
   
Robert A. Profusek
Lead Director
    
Date: February 24, 20162017By: 
/s/ Walter S. Catlow
   
Walter S. Catlow
Director
    
Date: February 24, 20162017By: 
/s/ Lawrence J. Ciancia
   
Lawrence J. Ciancia
Director
    
Date: February 24, 20162017By: 
/s/ Patricia K. Collawn
   
Patricia K. Collawn
Director
    
Date: February 24, 20162017By: 
/s/ Gordon Hunter
   
Gordon Hunter
Director
    
Date: February 24, 20162017By: 
/s/ William S. Johnson
   
William S. Johnson
Director
    
Date: February 24, 20162017By: 
/s/ Diana M. Murphy
   
Diana M. Murphy
Director
    


78 CTS CORPORATION


Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
CTS' management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including CTS' Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, CTS conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013 framework) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
In its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015,2016, management determined that its internal control over financial reporting werewas effective as of December 31, 2015.2016. Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited CTS' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015,2016, as stated in their report which is included herein.

CTS Corporation
Elkhart, IndianaLisle, IL
February 24, 20162017
 
  
/s/ Kieran O'Sullivan 
Kieran O'Sullivan
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
  
/s/ Ashish Agrawal 
Ashish Agrawal
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 

78 CTS CORPORATION 79