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CTS Announces Third Quarter Results

    ELKHART, Ind.--Oct. 18, 2001--CTS Corporation today announced results for the third quarter of 2001.
    Third quarter sales were $131.2 million compared to $222.1 million for the third quarter of 2000. Sales for the first nine months of 2001 were $451.9 million compared to the $633.1 million for the first nine months of 2000. Reported results for the third quarter of 2001, including restructuring-related one-time charges, were a net loss of $2.9 million ($0.10 per share) compared to net income of $21.3 million ($0.76 per share) for the third quarter of 2000. For the first nine months of 2001, including restructuring and related one-time charges, a net loss of $18.4 million ($0.66 per share) was recorded compared to net income of $61.0 million ($2.13 per share) for the first nine months of 2000. Restructuring and related one-time charges were $0.6 million after-tax, or $0.02 per share in the third quarter of 2001, and $16.7 million after-tax, or $0.60 per share, for the first nine months.
    "Third quarter revenues were softer than anticipated as a result of weaker than expected European automotive markets and the continuing, though moderating, erosion in the telecommunication infrastructure and computing areas of our business. In contrast, we saw a gradual pickup in orders for manufactured components for handsets, primarily we believe, as a result of inventory burn-off," said Donald K. Schwanz, CTS' President and Chief Executive Officer.
    "As a result of increasing softness in the world economy, coupled with the impact of the September 11 terrorist attack, we now expect fourth quarter sales to more closely approximate the third quarter, and a full-year loss in the range of $0.20 to $0.30 per share, excluding restructuring and related one-time charges. In this challenging business climate, we remain focused on reducing our cost of operations while developing new sources of revenue. Our previously announced restructuring actions to reduce breakeven and improve efficiency remain on track and are expected to provide significant benefits in 2002," added Schwanz.

    General Comments:

-- Total debt at $207 million decreased by $22 million from the second quarter.
-- Cash flow from operations was $12.9 million in the third quarter and $37.0 million for the first nine months.
-- EBITDA, excluding restructuring and related one-time charges, was $15.1 million in the third quarter (12% of sales), and $48.7 million (11% of sales) for the first nine months.



THIRD QUARTER RESULTS - SEGMENT DISCUSSION
(Dollars in millions)
                                Third Quarter 2001  Third Quarter 2000
                                 Net   Operating(a)   Net   Operating
                                 Sales   Earnings/   Sales  Earnings
                                          (Loss)
Electronic Components          $   70.2   $ (1.2)  $  127.8  $  22.2
Electronic Assemblies              61.0      1.1       94.3      9.1
                       Total   $  131.2   $ (0.1)  $  222.1  $  31.3

(a) Excluding restructuring-related one-time charges

    Electronic Components: The electronic components segment sales in the third quarter of 2001 decreased $57.6 million, or 45%, from the third quarter of 2000, primarily as a result of the softness in the demand for handset and communication infrastructure components. Segment operating earnings were adversely affected by the sales declines.
    Electronic Assemblies: The electronic assemblies segment sales decreased $33.3 million, or 35%, from the third quarter of 2000, primarily as a result of a decline in the integrated interconnect systems used in mass data storage systems for the computer equipment market. Operating earnings were unfavorably impacted by the lower sales volume.

    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 September 11 terrorist attack, the U.S. response to the attack, and the general 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


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

                         Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended
                        --------------------   -------------------
                     September 30, October 1, September 30, October 1,
                          2001        2000        2001        2000
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
Net sales               $ 131,153   $ 222,052   $ 451,864   $ 633,129

Costs and expenses:
 Cost of goods sold       102,551     159,294     359,819     443,030
 Selling, general and 
  administrative 
  expenses                 19,669      21,716      62,383      69,008
 Research and 
  development expenses      8,118       8,237      25,386      24,059
 Amortization of 
  intangibles               1,701       1,513       5,071       3,803
 Restructuring and 
  impairment charge             -           -      14,011           -
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
Operating earnings(loss)     (886)     31,292     (14,806)     93,229

Other expenses (income):
 Interest expense           2,673       3,160       9,272       9,427
 Other                        294      (1,473)        410      (1,688)
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
   Total other expenses     2,967       1,687       9,682       7,739
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
   Earnings(loss) before 
    income taxes           (3,853)     29,605     (24,488)     85,490

Income tax expense 
 (benefit)                   (963)      8,290      (6,122)     23,938
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
Earnings (loss) from 
 continuing operations     (2,890)     21,315     (18,366)     61,552

Discontinued operations:
 Net loss from 
  discontinued operations        -          -           -        (529)
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
   Net earnings(loss)   $  (2,890)  $  21,315   $ (18,366)  $  61,023
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
Earnings(loss) per share:
Basic:
 Continuing operations  $  (0.10)   $   0.77    $  (0.66)   $   2.22
 Discontinued operations       -           -           -       (0.02)
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
   Net earnings(loss)   $  (0.10)   $   0.77    $  (0.66)   $   2.20
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
Diluted:
 Continuing operations  $  (0.10)   $   0.76    $  (0.66)   $   2.15
 Discontinued operations      -            -           -       (0.02)
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
   Net earnings(loss)     ($0.10)   $   0.76      ($0.66)   $   2.13
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
Cash dividends paid 
 per share              $   0.03    $   0.03    $   0.09    $   0.09

Average common shares 
 outstanding:
 Basic                     28,495      27,748      27,955      27,764

 Diluted                   28,495      28,140      27,955      28,639


                   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        Nine Months Ended
                        --------------------     -------------------
                     September 30, October 1, September 30, October 1,
                          2001        2000        2001        2000
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
Net sales               $ 131,153   $ 222,052   $ 451,864   $ 633,129

Costs and expenses:
 Cost of goods sold       101,788     159,294     351,553     443,030
 Selling, general and 
  administrative
  expenses                 19,669      21,716      62,383      69,008
 Research and 
  development expenses      8,118       8,237      25,386      24,059
 Amortization of 
  intangibles               1,701       1,513       5,071       3,803
 Restructuring and 
  impairment charge             -           -           -           -
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
 Operating earnings 
  (loss) excluding
  restructuring and 
  related one-time 
  charges                    (123)     31,292       7,471      93,229

 Other expenses(income):
  Interest expense          2,673       3,160       9,272       9,427
  Other                       294      (1,473)        410      (1,688)
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
   Total other expenses     2,967       1,687       9,682       7,739
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
   Earnings (loss) before 
    income taxes 
    excluding
    restructuring and 
    related one-time 
    charges                (3,090)     29,605      (2,211)     85,490

Income tax expense 
 (benefit)                   (772)      8,290        (553)     23,938
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
Earnings (loss) from 
 continuing operations
 excluding restructuring 
 and related one-time 
 charges                   (2,318)     21,315      (1,658)     61,552

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

                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
Net earnings(loss) 
 excluding restructuring 
 and related one-time 
 charges                $  (2,318)  $  21,315   $  (1,658)  $  61,023
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
Earnings (loss) per 
 share excluding 
 restructuring and 
 related one-time 
 charges
Basic:
 Continuing operations    ($0.08)   $   0.77      ($0.06)   $   2.22
 Discontinued operations       -           -           -       (0.02)
    Net earnings(loss)    ($0.08)   $   0.77      ($0.06)   $   2.20
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
Diluted:
 Continuing operations    ($0.08)   $   0.76      ($0.06)   $   2.15
 Discontinued operations       -           -           -       (0.02)
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
    Net earnings (loss)   ($0.08)   $   0.76      ($0.06)   $   2.13
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
                       ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
Cash dividends paid 
 per share              $   0.03    $   0.03    $   0.09    $   0.09

Average common shares 
 outstanding:
 Basic                     28,495      27,748      27,955      27,764

 Diluted                   28,495      28,140      27,955      28,639


                            CTS Corporation
                 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

                                 Sept. 30,  Dec. 31   Oct. 1,
                                   2001      2000(a)   2000
                                  --------  --------  --------
                                (Unaudited)          (Unaudited)

Current Assets                    $198,771  $305,696  $281,586
Property, Plant & Equipment, net   246,636   224,861   194,679
Other Assets                       150,407   142,372   131,586
                                  --------  --------  --------
          Total Assets            $595,814  $672,929  $607,851
                                  ========  ========  ========



Current Liabilities               $126,429  $202,891  $178,341
Long-term Obligations              191,226   184,689   175,411
Deferred Income Taxes               32,553    34,612    27,263
Postretirement Benefits              4,429     4,380     4,364
Shareholders' Equity               241,177   246,357   222,472
                                  --------  --------  --------
          Total Liabilities and
           Shareholders' Equity   $595,814  $672,929  $607,851
                                  ========  ========  ========


(a) The balance sheet at December 31, 2000 has been derived from the
    audited financial statements at that date.