Tax and accounting had 13-percent revenue growth, 10 percent organic growth and a 10-percent rise in recurring revenue for the first quarter. The business was led by the corporate side, which had 14-percent organic growth. The professional part of that operation reported 10-percent organic growth. Operating profit for tax and accounting was $84 million for the most recently, up 22 percent from $69 million a year ago. First-quarter revenue was $348 million, compared to $317 million in last year's corresponding period.

By comparison, the next largest percent increase was the 4-percent rise in revenue in Intellectual Property & Science followed by a 1-percent increase for the much-larger Legal division.

The performance was strong enough that tax and accounting drew a rare question from an analyst during this week's earnings webcast, who wondered if the double-digit growth would be the norm, or it would go back to more typical single-digit increases. CFO Stephane Bello doubted the first-quarter rate could be sustained, but expressed confidence that the segment will stay strong. "I think this is a business that has the potential to growth in the high single digits," Bello said.

But the focus continued on the financial services business, whose performance cost the previous CEO, Tom Glocer his job.

Smith said, "The year is off to a good start." But he noted the financial and risk business revenue was off because "Performance this year reflects last year's negative sales." While the segment's revenue was off by 1 percent, sales were positive in America and Asia, but were pulled down by Europe.

The bottom line showed a big improvement as Thomson reported net income of $292 million, compared to a $17 million lost in last year's corresponding period. Revenue was $3.13 billion, down 1 percent from $3.18 billion after the effects of currency, but executives focused on the fact it was up 1 percent before currency.