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Montreal Gazette

ISC Reports Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2026

Strong performance across the Saskatchewan Registries, driven by a buoyant real estate market Record quarterly revenue in Recovery Solutions division, driven by increased customer demand and market conditions Strong operating results supporting diluted EPS of $0.49 Capitalized terms that are used but not defined in this news release, including section references, have the meanings ascribed to those terms in Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2026. REGINA, Saskatchewan, May 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Information Services Corporation (TSX:ISC) (ISC or the Company) today reported on the Company’s financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. Commenting on ISC’s results, Shawn Peters, President and CEO stated, “ISC’s first quarter was defined by strong execution across the business. Registry Operations continued to perform well, with Saskatchewan Registries leading the way and benefiting from a favourable Saskatchewan real estate market. At the same time, our Recovery Solutions division delivered record results, demonstrating the resilience and consistency we have worked to build across the business. The strength of these results reflects the discipline of our operations and focus of our teams, positioning us well as we move through the year.” First Quarter 2026 Highlights Revenue was $61.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, an increase of 4 per cent when compared to $59.3 million in the first quarter of 2025. Revenue from the Saskatchewan Registries division in the Registry Operations segment saw growth as volumes were up in all registries showcasing the continued resilience of the Saskatchewan economy. The Land Registry saw the most significant increase due to an increase in average real estate values across the Saskatchewan market in addition to a first-quarter record in high-value property registrations. The growth was further supplemented by new revenue related to the digitization and redaction services provided to support MECP’s new digital records system. This was partially offset by a decrease in Technology Solutions revenue as a result of timing of the advancement of work on solution definition and implementation contracts. Net income was $9.2 million or $0.49 per basic share and $0.49 per diluted share for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, an increase compared to $7.5 million or $0.40 per basic share and diluted share in the first quarter of 2025. The increase was due to the adjusted EBITDA growth in the Registry Operations segment, as well as decreased interest expense as a result of lower interest rates and lower average long-term debt outstanding. Registry Operations saw the Land Registry benefit from increases in average real estate values across the Saskatchewan market combined with higher volumes and a first-quarter record in high-value property registrations. Partially offsetting this was an increase in professional and consulting expenses associated with the Strategic Review in addition to increased income tax expense as a result of higher net income before tax. See Section 7.3 “Strategic Review” for more information on the Strategic Review. Net cash flow provided by operating activities was $13.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, an increase of $7.9 million compared to the first quarter of 2025. Contributing to the increase was strength from Registry Operations as described above for net income in addition to an increase in non-cash working capital. Adjusted net income was $13.7 million or $0.73 per basic share and $0.73 per diluted share for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared to $11.4 million or $0.62 per basic share and $0.61 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2025. The increase reflects the continued strength in adjusted EBITDA contributed by the Registry Operations segment. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, was $24.3 million, an increase compared to $21.8 million in the first quarter of 2025 driven by strength in Registry Operations for the same reasons described above for net income. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 39 per cent, which was an increase compared to 37 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 as a result of the strong performance across the higher-margin Registry Operations segment. Adjusted free cash flow for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, was $17.0 million, compared to $15.2 million in the first quarter of 2025, due primarily to strong operating results from Registry Operations and lower net finance expense as described above. Voluntary prepayments of $3.0 million were made towards the Company’s secured syndicated credit facility (Credit Facility) during the quarter. The Company is focused on maintaining a long-term net leverage target of 2.0x – 2.5x. As at March 31, 2026, the Company had achieved a net leverage1 of 2.16x. Financial Position as at March 31, 2026 Cash of $21.4 million compared to $19.5 million as at December 31, 2025, an increase of $1.9 million. Total debt of $150.1 million compared to $153.1 million as at December 31, 2025. Subsequent Events On May 1, 2026, the Company through its wholly owned subsidiary, Reamined Systems Inc. (Reamined), entered into a new agreement with Ontario’s Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement (the Ministry) to enhance the existing Property Tax Analysis System. The agreement includes a seven-year operating term, with extension options available at the sole discretion of the Ministry. On May 15, 2026, the Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.23 per Class A Share, payable on or before July 15, 2026, to shareholders of record as of June 30, 2026. ________________1 Net leverage is not a recognized measure under IFRS Accounting Standards, and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed and may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other companies. Refer to Section 8.8 “Non-IFRS financial measures” in the MD&A for a discussion on why we use this measure, the calculation of it and its most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards. Summary of First Quarter 2026 Financial Results (thousands of CAD; except earnings per share, adjusted earnings per share and where noted) Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 2025 Revenue Registry Operations $ 32,855 $ 29,464 Services 26,955 26,649 Technology Solutions1 1,996 3,188 Corporate and other 3 4 Total revenue $ 61,809 $ 59,305 Total expenses $ 45,474 $ 44,535 Adjusted EBITDA2 $ 24,254 $ 21,783 Adjusted EBITDA margin2 39.2 % 36.7 % Net income $ 9,162 $ 7,486 Adjusted net income2 $ 13,686 $ 11,427 Earnings per share (basic) $ 0.49 $ 0.40 Earnings per share (diluted) $ 0.49 $ 0.40 Adjusted earnings per share (basic)2 $ 0.73 $ 0.62 Adjusted earnings per share (diluted)2 $ 0.73 $ 0.61 Adjusted free cash flow2 $ 16,950 $ 15,175 1 Corporate and other and Inter-segment eliminations are excluded. Technology Solutions revenue included in the above chart is Third Party revenue. Please see Section 3.3 “ Technology Solutions” in the MD&A for more information.2 Adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share, basic, adjusted earnings per share, diluted, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin and adjusted free cash flow are not recognized as measures under IFRS Accounting Standards, do not have a standardized meaning prescribed and may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other companies. Refer to Section 8.8 “ Non-IFRS financial measures” in the MD&A for a discussion on why we use these measures, the calculation of them and their most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards. Refer to Section 2. “ Consolidated Financial Analysis” and Section 6.1 “ Cash flow” in the MD&A for a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards. First Quarter 2026 Results of Operations Total revenue was $61.8 million, up 4 per cent compared to Q1 2025. Registry Operations segment revenue was $33.1 million, up 12 per cent compared to Q1 2025. Land Registry revenue was $19.8 million, up compared to $17.5 million in Q1 2025. Personal Property Registry revenue was $3.1 million, consistent compared to $3.1 million in Q1 2025. Corporate Registry revenue was $4.0 million, consistent compared to $4.0 million in Q1 2025. Property Tax Assessment Services revenue was $4.3 million, up compared to $3.9 million in Q1 2025. Other Registries revenue was $1.7 million, up compared to Q1 2025. Services segment revenue was $27.0 million, up 1 per cent compared to Q1 2025. Regulatory Solutions revenue was $19.0 million, down compared to $19.5 million in Q1 2025. Recovery Solutions revenue was $5.3 million, up compared to $4.1 million in Q1 2025. Corporate Solutions revenue was $2.7 million, down compared to $3.0 million in Q1 2025. Technology Solutions revenue was $6.9 million, down 19 per cent compared to Q1 2025. Consolidated expenses were $45.5 million compared to $44.5 million for Q1 2025. Net income was $9.2 million or $0.49 per basic share and $0.49 per diluted share, compared to $7.5 million or $0.40 per basic share and $0.40 per diluted share in Q1 2025. Sustaining capital expenditures were $2.1 million, compared to $1.9 million in Q1 2025. OutlookThe following section includes forward-looking information, including statements related to our strategy, future results, including revenue and adjusted EBITDA, segment performance, the industries in which we operate, economic activity, growth opportunities, investments and business development opportunities. Refer to “Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information”. 2026 marks the third year of ISC’s growth plan to double the size of the Company by 2028, on a similar metrics basis and based on 2023 results. Our guidance for 2026 reflects our continued progress against that plan with organic growth in line with historical trends. In 2026, the continued strength of the Saskatchewan economy and a buoyant residential real estate market are expected to drive revenue growth in Registry Operations, leading to a continued, meaningful contribution to the bottom line on a consolidated basis. In Services, we anticipate revenue growth through organic growth in the Regulatory and Recovery Solutions divisions. This will mainly be derived from the expected onboarding of new customers across the segment. Further, we expect continued consumer delinquencies in the automotive market will positively impact the segment’s adjusted EBITDA profile, given the higher-margin profile of the Recovery Solutions division. Technology Solutions anticipates revenue growth in 2026 to be driven by progress on several third-party contracts, including MECP, and the completion of other projects, as well as continued support for the enhancement of the Saskatchewan Registries. As in prior years, the key drivers of expenses in 2026 are expected to be wages and salaries, cost of goods sold, additional operating costs associated with enhancements to the Saskatchewan Registries and interest expense (the last two of which are excluded from adjusted EBITDA). As a result, in 2026, ISC expects revenue to be within a range of $273.0 million to $283.0 million and adjusted EBITDA to be in a range of $100.0 million to $107.0 million. In line with our historical performance, the Company also expects robust free cash flow in 2026, which will help to maintain our long-term net leverage target of 2.0x – 2.5x. Update on Strategic ReviewThe Board of Directors initiated a Strategic Review to examine options for the Company, including potential asset sales, acquisitions, or a sale of the Company. The work by the Special Committee, supported by independent advisors, is continuing, and its timely completion is a priority for the Special Committee and the Board. The Board recognizes that potential outcomes could result in significant strategic changes. Whatever the outcome, ISC remains fully committed to enhancing stakeholder value. ISC anticipates that the Government of Saskatchewan and Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan (CIC), as the Company’s largest shareholder, will consider any outcome of the Strategic Review, subject to provisions to protect the Province’s best interests and Saskatchewan jobs. Throughout the Strategic Review process, management continues to focus on delivering superior results driven by excellent customer service and prudent expense and capital management. ISC cautions that there can be no assurance that the Strategic Review will result in a transaction or, if atransaction is undertaken, as to its terms, timing or completion. The Company will communicate material developments with all shareholders when and if appropriate. Note to ReadersThe Board of Directors (the Board) of ISC is responsible for review and approval of this disclosure. The Audit Committee of the Board, which is comprised exclusively of independent directors, reviews and approves the fiscal year-end Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Financial Statements and recommends both to the Board for approval. The interim financial statements and MD&A are reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee. This news release provides a general summary of ISC’s results for the quarters ended March 31, 2026 and 2025. Readers are encouraged to download the Company’s complete financial disclosures. Links to ISC’s financial statements and related notes and MD&A for the period are available on our Investor Relations website at investors.isc.ca/investor-relations/financial-reports. Copies can also be obtained at sedarplus.ca by searching Information Services Corporation’s profile or by contacting ISC at investor.relations@isc.ca. All figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. Conference Call and WebcastAn investor conference call will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. ET to discuss the results. Those joining the call on a listen-only basis are encouraged to join the live audio webcast, which will be available on ISC’s investor website at investors.isc.ca/investor-relations/events. Participants who wish to ask a question on the live call may do so through the ISC investor website, or by registering at: Once registered, participants will receive the dial-in numbers and their unique PIN number. When dialing in, participants will input their PIN and be placed into the call. While not required, it is recommended that participants join 10 minutes before the start time. A replay of the webcast will be available approximately 24 hours after the event on ISC’s investor website at investors.isc.ca/investor-relations/events. Media are invited to attend on a listen-only basis. About ISC®Headquartered in Canada, ISC is a leading provider of registry and information management services for public data and records. Throughout our history, we have delivered value to our clients by providing solutions to manage, secure and administer information through our Registry Operations, Services and Technology Solutions segments. ISC is focused on sustaining its core business while pursuing new growth opportunities. The Class A Shares of ISC trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ISC. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws including, without limitation, those contained in the “Outlook” section hereof, including statements related to our strategy, future results, including revenue and adjusted EBITDA, segment performance, expenses, operating costs, capital expenditures, expectations regarding the industries in which we operate, growth opportunities, economic activity, investments, business development opportunities, our future financial position, results of operations, our ability to generate or supplement cash flow through additional borrowings that may be available to us through our Credit Facility and the Base Shelf Prospectus, the NCIB (including potential future share repurchases, the timing and methods of any such repurchases, and management’s intended capital allocation), the progress of the Strategic Review, the results thereof and the terms, timing, completion or effects of any transaction undertaken pursuant thereto. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s plans or expectations include, without limitation, risks related to changes in economic, market and business conditions, technological developments, shifts in customer demands and expectations, reliance on key customers and licences, dependence on key projects and clients, the ability to secure new business and manage fixed-price contracts, identification of viable growth opportunities, execution of the Company’s growth strategy, competition, termination risks and other risks disclosed from time to time in the Company’s filings, including those detailed in ISC’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2025 and ISC’s unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements and Notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, copies of which are filed on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking information in this release is made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, ISC assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances. Non-IFRS Performance MeasuresIncluded within this news release is reference to certain measures that have not been prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards, such as adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share, basic, adjusted earnings per share, diluted, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, free cash flow, adjusted free cash flow, net debt and net leverage. These measures are provided as additional information to complement IFRS measures by providing further understanding of our financial performance from management’s perspective, to provide investors with supplemental measures of our operating performance and thus highlight trends in our core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS financial measures. Management also uses non-IFRS measures to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period, prepare annual operating budgets and assess our ability to meet future capital expenditure and working capital requirements. Accordingly, these non-IFRS measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our financial information reported under IFRS Accounting Standards. Such measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS Accounting Standards and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Non-IFRS performance measure Why we use it How we calculate it Most comparable IFRS financial measure Adjusted net income Adjusted earnings per share, basic Adjusted earnings per share, diluted To evaluate performance and profitability while excluding non-operational and share-based volatility. We believe that certain investors and analysts will use adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share to evaluate performance while excluding items that management believes do not contribute to our ongoing operations. Adjusted earnings per share, basic, is also used as a component of determining short-term incentive compensation for employees. Adjusted net income: Net income add Share-based compensation expense, excluding ESPP, acquisitions, integration and other costs, effective interest component of interest expense, debt finance costs expensed to professional and consulting, amortization of the intangible asset associated with the right to manage and operate the Saskatchewan Registries, amortization of registry enhancements, interest on the vendor concession liability and the tax effect of these adjustments at ISC’s statutory tax rate Adjusted earnings per share, basic: Adjusted net income divided by weighted average number of common shares outstanding Adjusted earnings per share, diluted: Adjusted net income divided by diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding Net income Earnings per share, basic Earnings per share, diluted Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA margin To evaluate performance and profitability of segments and subsidiaries as well as the conversion of revenue while excluding non-operational and share-based volatility. We believe that certain investors and analysts use adjusted EBITDA to measure our ability to service debt and meet other performance obligations. We believe that certain investors and analysts use adjusted EBITDA margin to evaluate the performance of our business, as well as our ability to generate cash flows from ongoing operations. Adjusted EBITDA is also used as a component of determining short-term incentive compensation for employees. Adjusted EBITDA: Net income add (remove) Depreciation and amortization, net finance expense and income tax expense, share-based compensation expense, excluding ESPP, acquisition, integration and other costs, gain/loss on disposal of assets and asset impairment charges if significant Adjusted EBITDA margin: Adjusted EBITDA divided by Total revenue Net income Free cash flow To show cash available for debt repayment and reinvestment into the Company on a levered basis. We believe that certain investors and analysts use this measure to value a business and its underlying assets. Free cash flow with share-based compensation at target is also used as a component of determining short-term incentive compensation for employees. Net cash flow provided by operating activities deduct (add) Net change in non-cash working capital, net purchase of common shares, cash additions to property, plant and equipment, cash additions to intangible assets, interest received and paid as well as interest paid on lease obligations and principal repayments on lease obligations Net cash flow provided by operating activities Adjusted free cash flow To show cash available for debt repayment and reinvestment into the Company on a levered basis from continuing operations while excluding non-operational and share-based volatility. We believe that certain investors and analysts use this measure to value a business and its underlying assets based on continuing operations while excluding short-term non-operational items. Free cash flow deduct (add) Share-based compensation expense, excluding ESPP, acquisition, integration and other costs and registry enhancement capital expenditures Net cash flow provided by operating activities Net debt Net debt is a liquidity measure used to determine how well the Company can pay its debt obligations. We believe certain investors and analysts use this measure to determine how well the Company can pay its debt obligations if they were due immediately. The sum of long-term debt, the current and non-current portions of lease obligations and the current and non-current portions of the vendor concession liability deduct Cash Long-term debt Net leverage The net debt to the trailing 12-month adjusted EBITDA ratio is a non-IFRS ratio used by management to evaluate borrowing capacity and capital allocation strategies. We believe certain investors and analysts use this ratio to analyze the Company’s ability to service our debt obligations or obtain debt financing. Net debt divided by Trailing 12-month adjusted EBITDA N/A The following presents a reconciliation of adjusted net income to net income, a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income, a reconciliation of adjusted free cash flow to free cash flow to net cash flow provided by operating activities, and a reconciliation of long-term debt, vendor concession liability and lease obligations to net debt: Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income to Net Income Three Months Ended March 31, Pre-tax Tax1 After-tax (thousands of CAD) 2026 2025 2026 2025 2026 2025 Adjusted net income $ 19,018 $ 15,637 $ (5,332 ) $ (4,210 ) $ 13,686 $ 11,427 Add (subtract): Share-based compensation expense, excluding ESPP 295 657 (80 ) (177 ) 215 480 Acquisition, integration and other costs (2,394 ) (1,502 ) 646 406 (1,748 ) (1,096 ) Effective interest component of interest expense (65 ) (66 ) 18 18 (47 ) (48 ) Interest on vendor concession liability (1,719 ) (2,175 ) 464 587 (1,255 ) (1,588 ) Amortization of right to manage and operate the Saskatchewan Registries (2,314 ) (2,314 ) 625 625 (1,689 ) (1,689 ) Net income $ 12,821 $ 10,237 $ (3,659 ) $ (2,751 ) $ 9,162 $ 7,486 1 Calculated at ISC’s statutory tax rate of 27.0 per cent. Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income Three Months Ended March 31, (thousands of CAD) 2026 2025 Adjusted EBITDA $ 24,254 $ 21,783 Add (subtract): Share-based compensation expense, excluding ESPP 295 657 Acquisition, integration and other costs (2,394 ) (1,502 ) Depreciation and amortization (5,820 ) (6,168 ) Net finance expense (3,514 ) (4,533 ) Income tax expense (3,659 ) (2,751 ) Net income $ 9,162 $ 7,486 Adjusted EBITDA margin (% of revenue) 39.2 % 36.7 % Reconciliation of Adjusted Free Cash Flow to Free Cash Flow to Net Cash Flow Provided by Operating Activities Three Months Ended March 31, (thousands of CAD) 2026 2025 Adjusted free cash flow $ 16,950 $ 15,175 Add (subtract): Share-based compensation expense, excluding ESPP 295 657 Acquisition, integration and other costs (2,394 ) (1,502 ) Registry enhancement capital expenditures (729 ) (1,725 ) Free cash flow $ 14,122 $ 12,605 Add (subtract): Cash additions to property, plant and equipment 81 2 Cash additions to intangible assets 2,050 1,943 Interest received (112 ) (141 ) Interest paid 1,747 2,335 Interest paid on lease obligations 171 192 Principal repayment on lease obligations 580 532 Net purchase of common shares 3 – Net change in non-cash working capital1 (4,923 ) (11,694 ) Net cash flow provided by operating activities $ 13,719 $ 5,774 1 Refer to Note 17 to the Financial Statements for reconciliation. Reconciliation of Long-Term Debt, Vendor Concession Liability and Lease Obligations to Net Debt As atMarch 31, As atDecember 31, (thousands of CAD, except for ratios) 2026 2025 Long-term debt – principal component $ 151,000 $ 154,000 Vendor concession liability 86,877 85,158 Lease obligations1 11,910 12,497 Less: Cash 21,370 19,487 Net debt $ 228,417 $ 232,168 Trailing 12 months adjusted EBITDA $ 105,575 $ 103,104 Net leverage 2.16 x 2.25 x 1 At March 31, 2026, lease obligations include current lease obligations of $2.4 million (December 31, 2025 – $2.4 million) and long-term lease obligations of $9.5 million (December 31, 2025 – $10.1 million). Investor ContactJonathan HackshawSenior Director, Investor Relations & Capital MarketsToll Free:1-855-341-8363 in North America or 1-306-798-1137investor.relations@isc.ca Media ContactJodi BosnjakExternal Communications SpecialistToll Free:1-855-341-8363 in North America or 1-306-798-1137corp.communications@isc.ca The post ISC Reports Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2026 appeared first on Montreal Gazette.