Not only that, but Adobe reported $2.5 billion in positive free cash flow for the quarter, twice last year's $1.2 billion, and 36% more than reported net income. By these metrics, the quarter looked exceptionally strong, and earnings quality at Adobe was very good.

Shares in the creative software company were sliding Thursday. The economic slowdown could hit its bottom line.

Adobe’s decline was mainly due to its disappointing forward guidance. Q2 revenue forecast came in at $5.77–$5.82 billion vs. the consensus of $5.8 billion. Investors were likely spooked as the lower end of the guidance still implies a chance of Adobe missing expectations.