CTS CORP

Previous wording

In addition, our customers may request 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 short-term inefficiencies and costs due to resulting excess capacity and overhead at one facility and capacity constraints and the inability to fulfill all orders at another. In addition, we make key decisions based on our estimates of customer requirements, including determining the levels of orders that we will seek and accept, production schedules, component procurement commitments, personnel needs and other resource requirements. Changes in demand for our customers’ 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 margin if customer orders are delayed or canceled. On occasion, customers may 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,

Current wording

In addition, our customers may request 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 short-term inefficiencies and costs due to resulting excess capacity and overhead at one facility and capacity constraints and the inability to fulfill all orders at another. In addition, we make key decisions based on our estimates of customer requirements, including determining the levels of orders that we will seek and accept, production schedules, component procurement commitments, personnel needs and other resource requirements. Changes in demand for our customers’ 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 margin if customer orders are delayed or canceled. On occasion, customers may 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 and operating levels or to structural costs.

Previous wording

We compete around the world in various geographic regions and product markets. Global economic and political conditions affect our business and the businesses of our customers and suppliers. Recessions, economic downturns, price instability, inflation, slowing economic growth and social and political instability in the markets where we compete could negatively affect our revenues and financial performance, and adversely impact our ability to grow or sustain our business. For example, current macroeconomic and political instability caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict (as discussed below), global supply chain disruptions and inflation have adversely impacted and could continue to adversely impact our business and financial results.

Current wording

We compete around the world in various geographic regions and product markets. Global economic and political conditions affect our business and the businesses of our customers and suppliers. Recessions, economic downturns, price instability, increased tariffs, inflation, slowing economic growth and social and political instability in the markets where we compete could negatively affect our revenues and financial performance, and adversely impact our ability to grow or sustain our business. These uncertainties could impact the expected cash flows to be generated by an asset or group of assets and may result in an impairment of those assets. For example, current macroeconomic and political instability caused by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine (which we refer to as the "Russia-Ukraine conflict"), global supply chain disruptions and inflation have adversely impacted and could continue to adversely impact our business and financial results.

Previous wording

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine (which we refer to as the “Russia-Ukraine conflict”) has adversely affected the global economy, and the geopolitical tensions and conflicts it generates may continue to negatively impact our operations. It has resulted in heightened economic sanctions from the U.S., the U.K., the European Union (the "E.U.") and the international community. Even though we have no physical assets in Russia, the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, supply chain, availability of critical supplies, intellectual property, partners, or customers. Further escalation of geopolitical tensions related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including increased trade barriers or restrictions on global trade, could result in, among other things, broader impacts that expand into other markets, cyberattacks, supply chain and logistics disruptions, and volatility in foreign exchange rates, interest rates and financial markets, any of which may adversely affect our business and supply chain. More broadly, there could be additional negative impacts to our financial results if the Russia-Ukraine conflict worsens, including, among other potential impacts, economic recessions in certain neighboring countries or globally due to inflationary pressures, including with respect to energy and supply chain cost increases or shortages, or the geographic proximity of the conflict relative to the rest of Europe. Similar geopolitical tensions and political and/or armed conflicts, including tensions between the U.S. and China, China and Taiwan, and the conflict between Israel and Palestine could adversely impact our employees, financial performance, and global operations, including by, among other things, jeopardizing the safety of our employees and facilities, disrupting our and our partners’ production, supply chain and logistics and communications, and causing market volatility, which could adversely impact our sales and/or amplify or affect many of our other risks described elsewhere in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Current wording

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has adversely affected the global economy, and the geopolitical tensions and conflicts it generates may continue to negatively impact our operations. It has resulted in heightened economic sanctions from the U.S., the U.K., the European Union (the "E.U.") and the international community. Even though we have no physical assets in Russia, the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, supply chain, availability of critical supplies, intellectual property, partners, or customers. Further escalation of geopolitical tensions related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including increased trade barriers or restrictions on global trade, could result in, among other things, broader impacts that expand into other markets, cyberattacks, supply chain and logistics disruptions, and volatility in foreign exchange rates, interest rates and financial markets, any of which may adversely affect our business and supply chain. More broadly, there could be additional negative impacts to our financial results if the Russia-Ukraine conflict worsens, including, among other potential impacts, economic recessions in certain neighboring countries or globally due to inflationary pressures, including with respect to energy and supply chain cost increases or shortages, or the geographic proximity of the conflict relative to the rest of Europe. Similar geopolitical tensions and political and/or armed conflicts, including tensions between the U.S. and China and China and Taiwan could adversely impact our employees, financial performance, and global operations, including by, among other things, jeopardizing the safety of our employees and facilities, disrupting our and our partners’ production, supply chain and logistics and communications, and causing market volatility, which could adversely impact our sales and/or amplify or affect many of our other risks described elsewhere in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Previous wording

The impacts of supply chain constraints and inflationary pressures could adversely impact our operating results.

Current wording

The impacts of supply chain constraints, increased tariffs and inflationary pressures could adversely impact our operating results.

Previous wording

Our business has been, and may continue to be, impacted by supply chain constraints, including as a result of raw materials and electronic component shortages, including, in particular, shortages of semiconductor chips and resin, longer lead times, port congestion, increased freight costs and the uncertain economic environment worldwide. These supply chain constraints have and may in the future 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. In addition, current proposed or future governmental policies (including tariffs) may increase the risk of inflation, which could further increase the costs of raw materials and other components for our business. The supply and price of our key raw materials and electronic components can be affected by a number of factors beyond our control, including market demand, inflation, alternative sources for suppliers, global geopolitical events, global or regional disease outbreaks or pandemics, trade agreements among producing and consuming nations and governmental regulations.

Current wording

Our business has been, and may continue to be, impacted by supply chain constraints, including as a result of raw materials and electronic component shortages, including, in particular, shortages of semiconductor chips and resin, longer lead times, port congestion, increased freight costs and the uncertain economic environment worldwide. These supply chain constraints have and may in the future 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 increased inflationary trends regardless of supply. In addition, current proposed or future governmental policies (including with respect to tariffs and other trade policies) have increased the risk of inflation, and have (and may continue to) increase the costs of raw materials and other components for our business. The supply and price of our key raw materials and electronic components can be affected by a number of factors beyond our control, including market demand, inflation, alternative sources for suppliers, global geopolitical events, global or regional disease outbreaks or pandemics, trade agreements among producing and consuming nations and governmental regulations.

Previous wording

CTS CORPORATION 10 results of operations and financial condition could be adversely impacted. If our competitors maintain or substantially lower their prices, we may lose customers or have to reduce prices. Our profitability may be impacted by prices that do not offset the inflationary pressures, which may impact our gross margin. Even if we are able to raise the prices of our products, we may not be able to sustain such price increases. Temporary or sustained price increases may also lead to a decrease in demand for our products as competitors may not adjust their prices which could lead to a decline in sales volume and loss of market share. Our projections may not accurately predict the volume impact of price increases, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Similarly, if the cost of goods continue to increase, our suppliers may seek price increases from us. If we are unable to mitigate the impact of these matters through price increases, cost savings to offset cost increases, hedging arrangements, or other measures, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely impacted. If our competitors maintain or substantially lower their prices, we may lose customers or have to reduce prices. Our profitability may be impacted by prices that do not offset the inflationary pressures, which may impact our gross margin. Even if we are able to raise the prices of our products, we may not be able to sustain such price increases. Temporary or sustained price increases may also lead to a decrease in demand for our products as competitors may not adjust their prices which could lead to a decline in sales volume and loss of market share. Our projections may not accurately predict the volume impact of price increases, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We sell products to customers in the aerospace and defense end market. A portion of these customers operate under contracts with the U.S. Government, which are vulnerable to termination at any time, for convenience or default. Some of the reasons for cancellation include, but are not limited to, budgetary constraints or re-appropriation of government funds, timing of contract awards, violations of legal or regulatory requirements, and changes in political agenda. If cancellations were to occur, it would result in a reduction in our revenue. Furthermore, significant reductions to defense spending could occur over the next several years due to government spending cuts, which could have a significant adverse impact on us. For example, delays in sales of products for defense applications and/or push-outs may adversely impact our results of operations, including quarterly earnings.

Current wording

We sell products to customers in the aerospace and defense end market. A portion of these customers operate under contracts with the U.S. Government, which are vulnerable to termination at any time, for convenience or default. Some of the reasons for cancellation include, but are not limited to, budgetary constraints or re-appropriation of government funds, timing of contract awards, violations of legal or regulatory requirements, and changes in political agenda. If cancellations were to occur, it would result in a reduction in our revenue. Furthermore, significant reductions to defense spending could occur over the next several years due to government spending cuts, which could have a significant adverse impact on us. Delays in sales of products for defense applications and/or push-outs may adversely impact our results of operations, including quarterly earnings.

Previous wording

TEWA, Ferroperm, Maglab, and SyQwest including their 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; 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 could 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 from acquired operations or realize other anticipated benefits of an acquisition and could adversely affect our business and operating results.

Current wording

On an ongoing basis we 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. For example, over the last few years, we have acquired TEWA Temperature Sensors SP. Zo.o. (“TEWA”), Meggitt A/S (a/k/a Ferroperm Piezoceramics A/S, “Ferroperm”), maglab AG ("Maglab"), and SyQwest, LLC ("SyQwest"). We may have difficulty finding suitable acquisition 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 newly acquired businesses such as TEWA, Ferroperm, Maglab, and SyQwest including their 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; 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 could 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 from acquired operations or realize other anticipated benefits of an acquisition and could adversely affect our business and operating results.

Previous wording

We have announced and initiated restructuring plans or capital projects at various times in the recent past designed to revise and consolidate certain aspects of our operations for the purpose of improving our cost structure and operational efficiency. We may incur restructuring and impairment charges in the future if circumstances warrant, which could be material. Additionally, if we are unsuccessful in implementing restructuring plans or in executing capital projects, we may experience disruptions in our operations and higher ongoing costs, which may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

Current wording

We have announced and initiated restructuring plans or capital projects at various times in the past designed to revise and consolidate certain aspects of our operations for the purpose of improving our cost structure and operational efficiency. We may incur restructuring and impairment charges in the future if circumstances warrant, which could be material. Additionally, if we are unsuccessful in implementing restructuring plans or in executing capital projects, we may experience disruptions in our operations and higher ongoing costs, which may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

Previous wording

We maintain high quality control and quality assurance processes. However, defects may occur in the products we manufacture due to design or manufacturing errors, supplier quality issues, 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.

Current wording

We maintain high quality control and quality assurance processes. However, defects may occur in the products we manufacture due to design or manufacturing errors, supplier quality issues, 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, 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, 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.

Previous wording

We have been notified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”), state environmental agencies and, in some cases, groups of potentially responsible parties, that we are potentially liable for environmental contamination at several sites currently and formerly owned or operated by us, including sites designated as National Priorities List sites under the EPA’s Superfund program. Superfund liability is joint and several and we may be held responsible for more than our share of contamination at a site. On February 8, 2023, we received a demand letter from the EPA seeking reimbursement of its past response costs and interest thereon in the amount of $9,955 relating to the CTS of Asheville, Inc. Superfund Site, from the three potentially responsible parties associated with the site, including the Company. See Note 11, "Contingencies," in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Although we estimate our potential environmental liability and reserve for such matters, including the Asheville site, we cannot assure you that our reserves will be sufficient to cover the actual costs that we incur as a result of these matters.

Current wording

We have been notified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”), state environmental agencies and, in some cases, groups of potentially responsible parties, that we are potentially liable for environmental contamination at several sites currently and formerly owned or operated by us, including sites designated as National Priorities List sites under the EPA’s Superfund program. Superfund liability is joint and several and we may be held responsible for more than our share of contamination at a site. See Note 11, "Commitments and Contingencies," in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Although we estimate our potential environmental liability and reserve 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.

Previous wording

Protectionist trade legislation in the United States, the E.U., the U.K., Canada, China or Mexico, such as a change in current tariff structures, export or import compliance laws, or other trade policies could adversely affect our supply chain, business and results of operations. Similarly, further changes to United States and foreign trade and tax policies, including heightened import restrictions, import and export licenses, new tariffs, trade embargoes, government sanctions, and trade barriers could have a similar impact. Increased tariffs could require us to increase our prices, which could decrease demand for our products. In addition, other countries may limit their trade with the United States or retaliate through their own restrictions and/or increased tariffs, which could affect our ability to export products and therefore adversely affect our sales. Many of these challenges, particularly tariffs, are present, or may arise in commerce with the E.U., China, and Mexico markets in which we operate and with which we do business. While we believe we have taken steps to mitigate their potential effects, our mitigation activities may prove to be ineffective or detrimental to our business. There exists substantial uncertainty as to whether such tariffs will be fully implemented or sustained. There can be no assurances that such tariffs will not be implemented or increased in the future, with the previously mentioned countries or additional countries with which we do business. The degree to which these changes in U.S. tariff structures or other trade policy affect our business and results of operations will be influenced by the specific details of the changes in tariffs or other trade policies, their timing and duration, and our effectiveness in deploying tools and strategies to address these issues.

Current wording

Protectionist trade legislation in the United States, the E.U., the U.K., Canada, China or Mexico, such as new or increased tariffs structures, export or import compliance laws, or other trade policies could adversely affect our supply chain, business and results of operations. Similarly, further changes to United States and foreign trade and tax policies, including heightened import restrictions, import and export licenses, new or increased tariffs, trade embargoes, government sanctions, and trade barriers could have a similar impact. Increased tariffs could require us to increase our prices, which could decrease demand for our products. In addition, other countries may limit their trade with the United States or retaliate through their own restrictions and/or new or increased tariffs, which could affect our ability to export products and therefore adversely affect our sales. Many of these challenges, particularly tariffs, are present, or may arise in commerce with the E.U., China, and Mexico markets in which we operate and with which we do business. While we believe we have taken steps to mitigate their potential effects, our mitigation activities may prove to be ineffective or detrimental to our business. There exists substantial uncertainty as to whether such tariffs will be fully implemented or sustained. There can be no assurances that such tariffs will not be implemented or increased in the future, with the previously mentioned countries or additional countries with which we do business. The degree to which these changes in U.S. tariff structures or other trade policy affect our business and results of operations will be influenced by the specific details of the changes in tariffs or other trade policies, their timing and duration, and our effectiveness in deploying tools and strategies to address these issues.

Previous wording

Risks Related to Technology and Data Privacy

Current wording

Risks Related to Technology, Cybersecurity and Data Privacy

Previous wording

From time to time, we and the service providers or other business partners that we depend on to host our data and support or provide our systems and business operations, are the target of, and periodically respond to, cybersecurity threats, including phishing and denial-of-service attacks, which, if successful, could result in a loss of business or customer information, systems interruption or the disruption of our operations, among other things. The techniques that are used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service or sabotage systems and data change frequently, have continued to increase in recent years and such efforts may be difficult to detect for long periods of time. As a result, we monitor our systems to protect our technology infrastructure and data. In addition, we further attempt to mitigate these risks by employing a number of other measures, including employee training, a breach response plan, and maintenance of backup and protective systems. Further, while we maintain insurance coverage that is intended to address certain aspects of cybersecurity risks, such insurance coverage may not cover all losses or all types of claims that arise. Notwithstanding these measures, our systems, networks, products and services remain potentially vulnerable to known or unknown cybersecurity threats, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business operations and financial performance. We have in the past been subject to cybersecurity incidents which have not had a material impact on our business or financial condition and expect that we will be subject to additional cybersecurity incidents in the future.

Current wording

From time to time, we and the service providers or other business partners that we depend on to host our data and support or provide our systems and business operations, are the target of, and periodically respond to, cybersecurity threats, including phishing and denial-of-service attacks, which, if successful, could result in a loss of business or customer information, systems interruption or the disruption of our operations, among other things. The techniques that are used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service or sabotage systems and data change frequently, have continued to increase in recent years and such efforts may be difficult to detect for long periods of time. As a result, we monitor our systems to protect our technology infrastructure and data. In addition, we further attempt to mitigate these risks by employing a number of other measures, including employee training, an incident response plan, and maintenance of backup and protective systems. Further, while we maintain insurance coverage that is intended to address certain aspects of cybersecurity risks, such insurance coverage may not cover all losses or all types of claims that arise. Notwithstanding these measures, our systems, networks, products and services remain potentially vulnerable to known or unknown cybersecurity threats, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business operations and financial performance. We have in the past been subject to cybersecurity events and incidents of varying degrees and expect that we will be subject to additional cybersecurity events and incidents in the future. To date however, none of the incidents or events have had a material impact on us.

Previous wording

Recent technological advances in artificial intelligence (“AI”) and machine-learning technology present new opportunities and also pose new risks. Our introduction of these technologies into our internal processes may result in new or expanded risks and liabilities. Such risks and liabilities include enhanced governmental or regulatory scrutiny, litigation, compliance issues, ethical concerns, confidentiality or security risks, as well as other factors that could adversely affect our business, reputation, and financial results. The utilization of AI could also result in loss of intellectual property and subject us to heightened risks related to intellectual property infringement or misappropriation. The use of AI can lead to unintended consequences, including generating content that is inaccurate, misleading or otherwise flawed, or that results in unintended biases and discriminatory outcomes, which could harm our reputation and expose us to risks related to inaccuracies or errors in the output of such technologies.

Current wording

Recent technological advances in artificial intelligence (“AI”) and machine-learning technology present new opportunities and also pose new risks. Our introduction of these technologies into our internal processes may result in new or expanded risks and liabilities. Such risks and liabilities include enhanced governmental or regulatory scrutiny, litigation, compliance issues, ethical concerns, confidentiality or security risks, as well as other factors that could adversely affect our business, reputation, and financial results. The utilization of AI could also result in loss of intellectual property and subject us to heightened risks related to intellectual property infringement or misappropriation. The use of AI can lead to unintended consequences, including generating content that is inaccurate, misleading or otherwise flawed, or that results in unintended biases and discriminatory outcomes, which could harm our reputation and expose us to risks related to inaccuracies or errors in the output of such technologies. Additionally, to the extent our competitors successfully adopt AI and experience enhanced efficiencies and/or reduced costs, we may be at a competitive disadvantage that could adversely impact our business operations or financial performance.

Previous wording

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 and tariffs; 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 with management of

Current wording

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 and tariffs; 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 with management of international operations. In addition, these same factors may also place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to some of our foreign competitors.

Previous wording

CTS CORPORATION 18 our commercial and supply chain operations and our vendor or customer relationships could each be adversely impacted, and such events may make recruiting for future management positions more difficult. The labor market for many of our employees is very competitive, and wages and compensation costs continue to increase. Our ability to attract and retain key talent has been, and may continue to be, impacted by challenges in the labor market, particularly in the U.S., which has recently been experiencing wage inflation, labor shortages, and the impacts of remote work. If we face labor shortages and/or increased labor costs as a result of increased competition for employees, higher employee turnover rates, or increases in employee benefits costs, our operating expenses could increase, which could negatively impact our growth and results of operations. Labor shortages, and higher employee turnover rates could also lead to disruptions in our business. In addition, we must successfully integrate any new management personnel that we hire within our organization, or who join our organization as a result of an acquisition, in order to achieve our operating objectives, and changes in other key management positions may temporarily affect our financial performance and results of operations as new management becomes familiar with our business.

Current wording

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. Our future success depends on our ability to identify, attract, and retain qualified personnel on a timely basis. If we were to experience turnover of senior management or if a member of our senior management were to become ill or incapacitated, our stock price, our results of operations, our commercial and supply chain operations and our vendor or customer relationships could each be adversely impacted, and such events may make recruiting for future management positions more difficult. The labor market for many of our employees is very competitive, and wages and compensation costs continue to increase. Our ability to attract and retain key talent has been, and may continue to be, impacted by challenges in the labor market, particularly in the U.S., which has recently been experiencing wage inflation, labor shortages, and the impacts of remote work. If we face labor shortages and/or increased labor costs as a result of increased competition for employees, higher employee turnover rates, or increases in employee benefits costs, our operating expenses could increase, which could negatively impact our growth and results of operations. Labor shortages, and higher employee turnover rates could also lead to disruptions in our business. In addition, we must successfully integrate any new management personnel that we hire within our organization, or who join our organization as a result of an acquisition, in order to achieve our operating objectives, and changes in other key management positions may temporarily affect our financial performance and results of operations as new management becomes familiar with our business.

Previous wording

We may be subject to various legal and business challenges due to actions instituted by shareholder activists or an unsolicited third-party offer. Perceived uncertainties as to our future direction as a result of shareholder activism may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of the business or other instability and may affect our relationships with vendors, customers, prospective and current employees and others. Proposed or future laws and regulations may increase the chance we become the target of shareholder activist campaigns, including ESG-related actions. If shareholder activist campaigns are initiated against us, our response to such actions could be costly and time-consuming, which could divert the attention and resources of our Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and senior management from the pursuit of our business strategies, which could harm our business, negatively impact our stock price, and have an adverse effect on our business and financial results.

Current wording

We may be subject to various legal and business challenges due to actions instituted by shareholder activists or an unsolicited third-party offer. Perceived uncertainties as to our future direction as a result of shareholder activism may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of the business or other instability and may affect our relationships with vendors, customers, prospective and current employees and others. Proposed or future laws and regulations may increase the chance we become the target of shareholder activist campaigns, including environmental, social, and governance-related actions. If shareholder activist campaigns are initiated against us, our response to such actions could be costly and time-consuming, which could divert the attention and resources of our Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and senior management from the pursuit of our business strategies, which could harm our business, negatively impact our stock price, and have an adverse effect on our business and financial results.

Previous wording

In February 2024, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program that authorizes the Company to repurchase up to $100 million of its common stock. Any purchases will depend on a number of factors, including our evaluation of general market and economic conditions, our financial condition and the trading price of our common stock. The repurchase program may be extended, modified, suspended or discontinued at any time. A reduction in, or the completion of, our repurchase program could have a negative effect on our stock price. We can provide no assurance that we will repurchase our common stock at favorable prices, or at all.

Current wording

In November 2025, our Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to $100 million of its common stock. This program replaces the prior share repurchase program that was approved in February 2024. The program has no set expiration date and allows for repurchases from time to time in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The timing and actual amount of share repurchases, if any, will depend on a number of factors, including our evaluation of general market and economic conditions, our financial condition and the trading price of our common stock. The repurchase program may be extended, modified, suspended or discontinued at any time. A reduction in, or the completion of, our repurchase program could have a negative effect on our stock price. We can provide no assurance that we will repurchase our common stock at favorable prices, or at all.