UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 3, 2016 CTS CORPORATION (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) Indiana (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) 1-4639 35-0225010 (Commission File Number) (1.R.S. Employer Identification No) 1142 W. Beardsley Ave. Elkhart, Indiana (Address of principal executive offices) 46514 (Zip Code) Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (574) 523-3800 Not Applicable (Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report) Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2.): ritten communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) Act (17 CFR 240.14a12) 2(b) under the Exchange Act ( 17 CFR 240. l 4d2(b)) Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4( c)) Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure. The investor presentation included as Exhibit 99.1 to this report may be presented at meetings with investors, analysts, and others, in whole or in part and possibly with modifications, during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016. The investor presentation includes financial information not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, as required by Regulation G, is available within Exhibit 99.1 and on our website at www.ctscorp.com. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures provide investors additional ways to view our operations which we believe provide a more complete understanding of our business than could be obtained absent these disclosures. We believe the non-GAAP financial measures also provide investors a useful tool to assess shareholder value. By filing this Current Report on Form 8-K and furnishing the information contained herein, the Company makes no admission as to the materiality of any information in this report that is required to be disclosed solely by reason of Regulation FD. The information contained in the investor presentation is summary information that is intended to be considered in the context of the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings and other public announcements that the Company may make, by press release or otherwise, from time to time. The Company undertakes no duty or obligation to publicly update or revise the information contained in this report, although it may do so from time to time as its management believes is warranted. Any such updating may be made through the filing of other reports or documents with the SEC, through press releases or through other public disclosure. The information presented in Item 7.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K and Exhibit 99.1 shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, unless the Company specifically states that the information is to be considered “filed” under the Exchange Act or specifically incorporates it by reference into a filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act. Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits. Exhibit 99.1 Description Investor Presentation dated May 3, 2016 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this r eport to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. Date: May 3, 2016 CTS CORPORATION By: /s/ Ashish Agrawal Ashish Agrawal Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Investor Presentation May 2016 Safe Harbor Statement This presentation 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 businesses in which CTS operates; unanticipated issues in integrating acquisitions; the results of actions to reposition our businesses; 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; unanticipated developments that could occur with respect to contingencies such as litigation and environmental matters as well as any product liability claims; 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 CTS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K. We undertake no obligation to publicly update our forwardlooking statements to reflect new information or events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof, including market or industry changes. 2 Our Company Ticker: CTS (NYSE) 2015 Sales: $382 Million Founded: 1896 Sales by Market: § Transportation – 68% § Industrial – 14% § Information Technology – 4% § Defense / Aerospace – 5% § Medical – 3% § Communications – 3% Other – 3% Business: CTS is a leading designer and manufacturer of sensors, actuators and electronic components. Locations: 12 manufacturing locations throughout North America, Asia and Europe. Number of Employees: ~3,000 Globally Sales by Region: § Americas – 55% § Asia – 32% § Europe – 13% Note: Sales by market and region based on trailing twelve months sales as of March 31, 2016 3 Our History - 120 Years of Innovation 4 Our New Identity CTS has been part of the future for 120 years. As technology has continued to move forward, we’ve been right alongside, engineering intelligent ways to meet people’s ever changing needs. Today is no different and we continue to reinvent ourselves by establishing a new identity. New visuals and graphics are representative of our renewed purpose, vision, promise and value proposition. Our Purpose: We’re here to enable an intelligent and seamless world. Our Vision: We aim to be a leading provider of sensing and motion devices as well as connectivity components, enabling an intelligent and seamless world. Our Promise: Your Partner in Smart Solutions Our Value Proposition: Sense. Connect. Move. To learn more, visit www.ctscorp.com 5 Our Products Accelerator Pedals Sensors Switches & Controls EMI/RFI Filters RF Filters Timing Components Micro Actuators Smart Actuators Torque Motor Actuator 6 Our Customers Ind. / Defense Medical Other Transportation New European OEM Communications Industrial / IT Distribution Industrial / IT Transportation 7 Diversify End Markets Targeted End Markets M Light Vehicles Industrial Medical Commercial Vehicles Comm./IT Aviation/Defense O AD 30-50% 20-30% 10-20% 10-20% 10-20% 5-15% C/IT CV M LV/CV DA LV I C I C/IT AD CV M EMS Divestiture Front End Refocus M AD IT/O LV I C I Organic Growth Innovation M&A LV/CV New Customers Regional Expansion Organic Projects M&A Legend: AD: Aviation/Defense C: Communications CV: Commercial Vehicles I: Industrial IT: Information Technology LV: Light Vehicles M: Medical O: Others 8 Organic Growth - Focusing on Our Value Proposition Develop next generation sensor products Expanded pedal applications Expanded switch and control product line Expanded piezo-ceramic applications and new technologies: Low power OCXO RF monoblock modules and ClearPlex Waveguide technology for telecom and military markets Broaden portfolio of distribution products Leverage current competencies to expand actuator portfolio Expanded piezo-ceramic applications and new technologies: § Naval sonar buoys § Industrial ultrasonic welding § Naval sonar buoys § Naval hydrophones § Miniature medical ultrasound New Products, New Applications, New Customers 9 Inorganic Growth - Targeted Acquisitions Expand Product Range Strengthen Customer Relationships Enhance Technology Portfolio Broaden Geographic Reach Disciplined approach to acquisitions: § § § § Returns in excess of cost of capital Accretive to earnings Maintain balance sheet strength Synergy opportunities 10 Channel Technologies Group, Advanced Materials Division (CTG-AM) Acquisition CTG-AM Overview § Founded in 1997 and located in Bolingbrook, IL § Is the industry leader for the design and manufacture of piezoelectric single crystals for use in the medical and defense industries § Is the leading large scale, vertically integrated manufacturer of single crystals, having invested heavily in refining proprietary production processes and equipment § Has existing long-term relationships with blue chip OEM customers Traditional Technology Single Crystal Technology 2D 3D or 4D Single crystal technology produces higher quality ultrasound images (right) compared to traditional technology (left) Single Crystal Applications § Materials are needed for high definition ultrasound imaging devices, currently the fastest-growing medical imaging market § Other applications include wireless pacemakers, implantable hearing aids and defense technologies, among others Acquisition Rationale § Increases CTS’ presence within the growing medical market, especially in high definition ultrasound imaging devices § Provides intellectual property, trade knowledge and manufacturing methods, creating significant barriers to entry and expanding CTS’ product and technology portfolio § Aligns with strategy around Sense, Connect and Move, complementing existing products 11 Filter Sensing Technologies (FST) Acquisition FST Overview RF Sensing – DPF/GPF Benefits § Start-up founded by two MIT Ph. D. graduates located in the Boston area § Highly accurate direct measurement of both soot and ash in DPF/GPF § Innovative sensing technology that uses a low power RF signal to measure soot and ash loading on Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) or Gasoline Particulate Filters (GPF) § Optimize DPF/GPF to improve efficiency and reduce ash maintenance § Suitable for aftertreatment systems in Passenger or Commercial Vehicles, diesel or gasoline. § Enable aftertreatment system cost reduction Acquisition Rationale § Disruptive sensing technology with potential to become a sensing platform § Entry point into aftertreatment applications in Transportation applications § Reduce fuel consumption by optimizing particulate filter regeneration § Potential to integrate on-board diagnostics function while providing significant value add § Extended filter component life and reduce warranty claims § Potential applications outside transportation § Leverages CTS core capabilities 12 Annual Financial Performance Trend ($ Millions except Adjusted Earnings Per Share) Sales Adjusted Earnings Per Share $1.06 $410 +2% to 14% +2% to 7% $409 $404 $382 $0.97 $390 $0.93 $0.95 2015 2016E $0.82 $305 $0.64 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016E 2012 2013 2014 Note 1: Sales are from continuing operations. Adjusted EPS is as reported. Note 2: 2016E represents guidance provided on May 3, 2016. 13 New Business Awards ($ Millions) 16% Growth $560 $484 $299 2Q-4Q $118 1Q 1Q Not Reported 2013 2014 2015 2016 14 Improved Cost Structure § Manufacturing locations § Reduced from 15 to 11, added 1 with March 2016 single crystal acquisition § Utilization of best cost manufacturing locations up from ~50% in 2013 to >80% by 2017 – ~70% at the end of 2015 § Shift SG&A spend – Increase Sales & Marketing, Optimize G&A § Improve presence in Europe and Asia § Increase customer intimacy § Lean corporate office § G&A best cost optimization § Continue to fund R&D for growth § Closer to customer § Best cost optimization 15 Capital Structure ($ Millions except percentages) Current Capital Structure Total Debt to Capitalization $157 $141 $135 $131 $124 Equity 67% $91 $75 $75 Bank Debt 33% ($200M Facility) 2013 2014 Cash Net Debt $(49) $(60) 2015 1Q 2016 Debt $(66) $10 Change in Cash/Debt in 1Q 2016 due to Single Crystal Acquisition 16 Target Capital Deployment – Disciplined Approach Operating Cash Flow 12-14% of Sales Return Capital to Shareholders Growth Investment ~4% of Sales Acquisitions 60-80% of Free Cash Flow Dividends & Buybacks 20-40% of Free Cash Flow Capital Structure Leverage = 1.0x - 2.5x EBITDA 17 Appendix CTS Competitors Controls Alps, BI Tech, Bourns, C&K, Diptronics, ECE, Elma, Grayhill, Tocos EMI/RFI Filters API Technologies, AVX, Corry Micronics, Ferroperm, Spectrum Conrols, Stelco Frequency Control Products Epson, Mtron, NDK, Rakon, Si Labs, Tai Tien, TEW, Vectron Pedals Bosch, Denso, Hella, KSR Piezoelectric Products Channel Technology Group, Exelis, Ibule, JFE, Morgan, Murata, NGK/Sumitomo, TDK, TRS RF Filters Partron, Shangshin Elecom, UBE Rotary Actuators Borg Warner, Continental, Delphi, Denso, Johnson Electric, Minebea, Mitsuba, Mitsubishi Electric, Valeo Sensors Alps, Bourns, Bosch, Continental, Delphi, Sensata, Stoneridge, TT (AB), Tyco Electronics (TE) Specialty Capacitors Kemet, Syfer Specialty Resistors BI Tech, Bourns, KOA Switches Alps, BI Tech, Bourns, C&K, Diptronics, ECE, Elma, Grayhill, Tocos Thermal Products Aavid Thermalloy, Wakefield Vette Transducers CTG-AM, Harris/Exelis 19 CTS Core Values 20 Financial Summary ($ Millions, except percentages and Adjusted Diluted EPS) 1Q 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 $96.7 $382.3 $404.0 $409.5 $304.5 $279.9 Depreciation and Amortization $4.0 $16.3 $17.0 $17.3 $13.5 $12.1 Adjusted EBITDA $17.8 $60.9 $66.5 $54.5 $28.6 $29.5 Adjusted EBITDA % of Sales 18.4% 15.9% 16.5% 13.3% 9.4% 10.5% Adjusted Diluted EPS (As Reported) $0.26 $0.93 $0.97 $0.82 $0.64 $0.67 Operating Cash Flow $0.4 $38.6 $32.4 $37.6 $41.7 $22.2 32.9% 24.4% 20.6% 20.2% 36.4% 22.0% Net Sales Total Debt / Capitalization Note 1: See Regulation G reconciliations from GAAP to Non-GAAP measures and adjustments. Note 2: All figures are from continuing operations except for Adjusted Diluted EPS (As Reported), Operating Cash Flow and Total Debt / Capitalization 21 Regulation G Schedules Adjusted EBITDA ($ Millions, except percentages) March 31 2016 2015 2015 2014 Full Year 2013 2011 Net earnings from continuing operations $ 7.9 $ 6.3 $ 7.0 $ 26.5 $ Depreciation and amortization expense Interest expense Tax expense $ $ $ 4.0 $ 0.8 $ 4.1 $ 4.1 0.6 2.7 $ $ $ 16.3 $ 2.6 $ 5.3 $ EBITDA from continuing operations $ 16.8 $ 13.7 $ 31.2 $ Charges (credits) to EBITDA from continuing operations: Restructuring, restructuring-related, and asset impairment charges Gain on sale-leaseback Non-recurring environmental charge Foreign currency loss CEO search costs, legal costs, and acquisition-related costs Total adjustments to reported operating earnings from continuing operations $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 0.8 0.8 $ $ $ $ $ $ 15.2 14.5 29.7 Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations $ 17.8 $ 14.5 $ 60.9 $ Sales from continuing operations $ 96.7 $ 98.3 $ 382.3 $ 404.0 $ 409.5 $ 304.5 $ 279.9 Adjusted EBITDA as a % of sales from continuing operations 0.2 0.8 1.0 18.4% 14.8% 15.9% $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 13.5 $ 11.3 17.0 $ 2.3 $ 12.8 $ 17.3 $ 3.3 $ 16.1 $ 13.5 $ 2.6 $ 1.0 $ 12.1 2.1 1.1 58.6 $ 38.6 $ 30.5 $ 26.5 $ 4.5 $ $ (10.3) $ $ $ $ $ $ 3.9 $ $ (1.9) $ 2.6 0.4 3.0 7.9 7.9 $ $ $ $ $ $ 66.5 $ 16.5% 2.0 2012 11.8 4.1 15.9 54.5 $ 13.3% 28.6 $ 9.4% 29.5 10.5% 22 Regulation G Schedules Adjusted Diluted EPS March 31 2016 2015 Full Year - From Continuing Operations 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.24 $ 0.19 $ 0.21 $ Tax affected charges (credits) to reported diluted earnings per share: Restructuring, restructuring-related, and asset impairment charges Gain on sale-leaseback CEO search costs, legal costs, and acquisition-related costs EMS divestiture Non-recurring environmental charge Foreign currency loss Tax impact of cash repatriation Tax asset write-off related to restructuring Tax impact of U.K. deferred tax asset write-off Increase in recognition of foreign valuation allowance Increase in recognition of uncertain tax benefits Change in treatment of certain foreign taxes $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 0.01 0.01 - $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 0.01 - $ 0.40 $ $ $ $ 0.27 $ $ 0.26 $ $ $ 0.10 $ 0.17 $ (0.48) Adjusted diluted earnings per share $ 0.26 $ 0.20 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 0.93 $ 0.78 $ 0.06 $ 0.18 0.01 - 0.28 0.07 0.31 0.03 - $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 0.97 $ Full Year - As Reported 2013 2012 2011 0.39 $ 0.32 $ (0.12) $ $ 0.10 $ $ (0.23) $ $ 0.09 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 0.05 0.01 - $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 0.28 0.07 0.25 0.31 0.03 - 0.38 $ 0.82 $ 0.75 $ 0.35 $ 0.59 $ 0.60 $ 0.19 $ $ (0.23) $ $ 0.09 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 0.06 0.01 - 0.64 $ 0.67 Total Debt to Capitalization ($ Millions, except percentages) March 31 2016 2015 Total shareholders' equity (B) $ 288.2 $ 293.1 $ 281.7 $ 289.8 $ 296.9 $ 267.8 $ 263.3 Total capitalization (A+B) $ 429.5 $ 376.3 $ 372.4 $ 364.8 $ 371.9 $ 421.3 $ 337.7 22.1% 90.7 $ 24.4% 75.0 $ 20.6% 75.0 $ 153.5 $ 2011 $ 141.3 $ 32.9% $ As of December 31 2014 2013 2012 Total debt (A) Total debt to capitalization 83.2 2015 20.2% 36.4% 74.4 22.0% 23