ADOBE Systems Inc released better-than-expected preliminary earnings for the fourth quarter, but said it will cut 600 jobs, or 8 percent of its workforce, because of slower revenue growth.

The company said it expects earnings of 45 US cents to 46 cents per share, compared with 49 cents per share in the year-earlier period.

Excluding certain items, Adobe said it expects to earn 59 cents to 60 cents per share. Adobe said revenue should come in between US$912 million and US$915 million, up from US$911 million a year earlier.

"The global economic crisis significantly impacted our revenue during the fourth quarter," said Adobe Chief Executive Shantanu Narayen.

The company said it will cut 600 jobs across all locations and business units.

The layoffs will cost between US$44 million and US$50 million in charges, Adobe said.