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CTS Announces Second Quarter Results and Updated Outlook for 2001

    ELKHART, Ind.--July 19, 2001--CTS Corporation today announced results for the second quarter of 2001.
    Second quarter sales were $143.7 million compared to $206.6 million for the second quarter of 2000. Sales for the first half of 2001 were $320.7 million compared to the $411.1 million for the first six months of 2000. Reported results for the second quarter of 2001, including restructuring and related one-time charges, were a net loss of $17.2 million ($0.62 per share) compared to net income of $20.5 million ($0.71 per share) for the second quarter of 2000. For the first half of 2001, a net loss of $15.5 million ($0.56 per share) was recorded compared to net income of $39.7 million ($1.37 per share) for the first six months of 2000.
    Excluding restructuring and related one-time charges, a net loss of $2.6 million, or $0.09 per share, was recorded for the second quarter of 2001. The restructuring and related one-time charges amounted to $14.6 million after-tax, or $0.53 per share. Net earnings in the second quarter of 2000 were $20.5 million, or $0.71 per share. For the first six months of 2001, excluding restructuring and related one-time charges, net earnings were $0.7 million, or $0.02 per share. The restructuring and related one-time charges for the first six months were $16.1 million after-tax, or $0.58 per share. During the first six months of 2000, the Company reported net earnings of $39.7 million, or earnings per share of $1.37.
    "As we have previously indicated, our approach under the current soft market conditions has been to size our operations appropriately to the current volume levels while at the same time positioning to operate more efficiently when our markets recover. In this regard, the restructuring, consolidation and cost reduction actions we announced in May are well along. The results of these programs are expected to positively affect our results of operations in the second half of the year, with the greatest impact in the fourth quarter," said Joseph P. Walker, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
    "We do not yet, however, have solid evidence that the second half of the year will bring a substantial recovery in demand levels. While there are indications of a bottoming in market conditions in North America, we see a weakening in Europe and the strength of the dollar as negative influences going forward. As a result, we are planning for third quarter sales being only marginally better than second quarter with seasonal demand providing further improvement in the fourth quarter. On these assumptions, we are planning earnings for the year to be $0.10 to $0.15 per share, excluding restructuring and related one-time charges," added Walker.
    "We are more encouraged as we look into 2002 by the continuing relative strength in consumer demand and the continued progress by our customers in reducing excess inventory positions. Although we are not planning for a significant recovery this year, as a result of the realignment of our operations, we expect improvements in market conditions to greatly enhance our profitability in 2002," Walker further added.

    General Comments:

-- The Company's results of operations for the second quarter of 2001 include a $19.4 million pre-tax charge ($14.6 million after-tax), or $0.53 per share, for restructuring and related one-time charges.
-- Cash flow from operations was $20.3 million in the second quarter and $24.1 million for the first six months; EBITDA, excluding restructuring and related one-time charges, was $12.1 million in the second quarter (8% of sales), and $33.6 million (10% of sales) for the first six months.



SECOND QUARTER RESULTS - SEGMENT DISCUSSION

(Dollars in millions)

                  Second Quarter 2001            Second Quarter 2000
                  -------------------            -------------------
                  Net      Operating (a)        Net         Operating
                  ---      -------------        ---         ---------
                 Sales    Earnings/(Loss)      Sales         Earnings
                 -----    ---------------      -----         --------

Electronic
 Components      $80.6        $(2.0)           $135.9          $27.0
Electronic
 Assemblies       63.1          1.7              70.7            4.3
      Total     $143.7        $(0.3)           $206.6          $31.3

(a) Excluding restructuring and related one-time charges


    Electronic Components: The electronic components segment sales in the second quarter of 2001 decreased $55.3 million, or 41%, from the second quarter of 2000, primarily as a result of the softness in the demand for wireless and other components. Segment operating earnings were adversely affected by the sales declines.
    Electronic Assemblies: The electronic assemblies segment sales decreased $7.6 million, or 11%, from the second quarter of 2000, primarily as a result of a decline in the RF integrated modules used in wireless handsets. Operating earnings were unfavorably impacted by the lower sales volume in the RF integrated modules.

    Statements about the Company's earnings outlook and its plans, estimates and beliefs concerning the future are forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, based on the Company's current expectations. Actual results may differ materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors which could affect the Company's operating results, liquidity and financial condition. We undertake no obligations to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. Factors that could impact future results include among others: the impact of the ongoing slowdown in the overall economy; the Company's successful execution of its restructuring, consolidation and cost reduction plans; pricing pressures and demand for the Company's products, especially if economic conditions worsen or do not recover in the key markets for the Company's products; and risks associated with our international operations, including trade and tariff barriers, exchange rates and political risks. Investors are encouraged to examine the Company's SEC filings, which more fully describe the risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's business.

    CTS Corporation is a leading designer and manufacturer of electronic components and assemblies for the communications, computer and automotive markets. The Company manufactures products in North America, Europe and Asia. The Company's stock is traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol "CTS." To find out more, visit the Company's website at www.ctscorp.com.


Released by:     CTS Corporation              Telephone (219) 293-7511
                 905 West Boulevard North     FAX (219) 293-6146
                 Elkhart, IN 46514            www.ctscorp.com


Contact:         George T. Newhart, Vice President Investor Relations



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

                          Three Months Ended       Six Months Ended
                       ----------------------  ----------------------
                         July 1,     July 2,     July 1,      July 2,
                          2001        2000        2001         2000
                       ----------  ----------  ----------   ---------

Net sales               $ 143,723   $ 206,611   $ 320,711   $ 411,077

Costs and expenses:
  Cost of goods sold      120,845     142,096     257,268     283,736
  Selling, general
   and administrative
   expenses                19,340      24,060      42,714      47,292
  Research and
   development
   expenses                 7,488       7,955      17,268      15,822
  Amortization of
   intangibles              1,724       1,245       3,370       2,290
  Restructuring and
   impairment charge       14,011           -      14,011           -
                       ----------  ----------  ----------   ---------
Operating earnings
 (loss)                   (19,685)     31,255     (13,920)     61,937

Other expenses (income):
  Interest expense          3,233       3,085       6,599       6,267
  Other                       (20)       (248)        116        (215)
                       ----------  ----------  ----------   ---------
      Total other
       expenses             3,213       2,837       6,715       6,052
                       ----------  ----------  ----------   ---------

      Earnings (loss)
       before income
       taxes              (22,898)     28,418     (20,635)     55,885

Income tax expense
 (benefit)                 (5,725)      7,957      (5,159)     15,648
                       ----------  ----------  ----------   ---------

Earnings (loss) from
 continuing
 operations               (17,173)     20,461     (15,476)     40,237

Discontinued operations:
  Net loss from
   discontinued
   operations                   -           -           -        (529)

                       ----------  ----------  ----------   ---------

      Net earnings
       (loss)           $ (17,173)    $20,461   $ (15,476)    $39,708
                       ----------  ----------  ----------   ---------

Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic:
  Continuing
   operations              ($0.62)      $0.74      ($0.56)      $1.45
  Discontinued
   operations                   -           -           -       (0.02)
                        ---------  ----------  ----------   ---------
      Net earnings
       (loss)              ($0.62)      $0.74      ($0.56)      $1.43
                        ---------  ----------  ----------   ---------

Diluted:
  Continuing
   operations              ($0.62)      $0.71      ($0.56)      $1.39
  Discontinued
   operations                   -           -           -       (0.02)
                        ---------  ----------  ----------   ---------
      Net earnings
       (loss)              ($0.62)      $0.71      ($0.56)      $1.37
                        ---------  ----------  ----------   ---------

Cash dividends paid
 per share                  $0.03       $0.03       $0.06       $0.06

Average common shares
 outstanding:
  Basic                    27,697      27,786      27,684      27,771
 
  Diluted                  27,697      28,725      27,684      28,888




                   CTS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
            CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS - UNAUDITED
         Excluding Restructuring and Related One-Time Charges
                (In thousands except per share amounts)

                         Three Months Ended       Six Months Ended
                       ---------------------   ----------------------
                         July 1,     July 2,     July 1,     July 2,
                          2001        2000        2001        2000
                       ---------   ---------   ----------  ----------

Net sales              $ 143,723   $ 206,611    $ 320,711   $ 411,077

Costs and expenses:
  Cost of goods sold     115,442     142,096      249,765     283,736
  Selling, general
   and administrative
   expenses               19,340      24,060       42,714      47,292
  Research and
   development
   expenses                7,488       7,955       17,268      15,822
  Amortization of
   intangibles             1,724       1,245        3,370       2,290
  Restructuring and
   impairment charge           -           -            -           -
                       ---------   ---------    ---------   ---------
 

Operating earnings
 (loss) excluding
 restructuring and
 related one-time
 charges                    (271)     31,255        7,594      61,937

Other expenses (income):
  Interest expense         3,233       3,085        6,599       6,267
  Other                      (20)       (248)         116        (215)
                       ---------   ---------    ---------   ---------
      Total other
       expenses            3,213       2,837        6,715       6,052
                       ---------   ---------    ---------   ---------

      Earnings (loss)
       before income
       taxes excluding
       restructuring
       and related
       one-time
       charges            (3,484)     28,418          879      55,885

Income tax expense
 (benefit)                  (871)      7,957          220      15,648
                       ---------   ---------    ---------   ---------

Earnings (loss) from
 continuing operations
 excluding
 restructuring and
 related one-time
 charges                  (2,613)     20,461          659      40,237

Discontinued operations:
  Net loss from
   discontinued
   operations                  -           -            -        (529)

                       ---------   ---------    ---------   ---------

Net earnings  (loss)
 excluding
 restructuring and
 related one-time
 charges                $ (2,613)    $20,461        $ 659     $39,708
                       ---------   ---------    ---------   ---------

Earnings (loss) per
 share excluding
 restructuring and
 related one-time charges
Basic:
  Continuing
   operations             ($0.09)      $0.74        $0.02       $1.45
  Discontinued
   operations                  -           -            -       (0.02)
                       ---------   ---------    ---------   ---------
      Net earnings
       (loss)             ($0.09)      $0.74        $0.02       $1.43
                       ---------   ---------    ---------   ---------
Diluted:
  Continuing
   operations             ($0.09)      $0.71        $0.02       $1.39
  Discontinued
   operations                  -           -            -       (0.02)
                       ---------   ---------    ---------   ---------
      Net earnings
       (loss)             ($0.09)      $0.71        $0.02       $1.37
                       ---------   ---------    ---------   ---------

Cash dividends paid
 per share                 $0.03       $0.03        $0.06       $0.06

Average common shares
 outstanding:
  Basic                   27,697      27,786       27,684      27,771
     
  Diluted                 27,697      28,725       28,667      28,888