CEO James Smith saw good news beyond the top line. In this week's earnings webcast, he said it was the first time in two years and all three units reported organic growth.

Smith described results as "better than expected" and it marks the continuing turnaround of the long-troubled Financial & Risk segment, which has been transitioning customers to new products.

Tax & Accounting revenue was $350 million, compared to $324 million a year earlier. The divisions EBIDTA rose to $103 million for the period just ended, an increase of 26 percent from $82 million a year earlier. Corporate business revenue was up 20 percent; the professional tax and accounting side, 7 percent. Recurring revenue, which represents 84 percent of the total, was up 4 percent; transaction revenue increased by 30 percent.

Company revenue of $2.78 billion was virtually unchanged from $2.77 billion on an IFRS basis. Net earnings, including results of discontinued operated, of $208 million in the most recently ended period, was down 41.1 percent from $350 million a year ago.