New York, February 3 (FinanceEnquiry.com) - After Acme Packet Inc. (NASDAQ: APKT), the maker of computer-networking technology, reported that its sales and profit fell short of analysts’ estimates and its stock dropped 15 percent in extended trading on Thursday. The Bedford, Massachusetts-based company reported that its fourth-quarter net income dropped 40 percent to $8.7 million or 12 cents a share, from $14.5 million or 21 cents a share.

The company also reported that its 4Q profit, excluding certain items, was 26 cents a share that missed analysts’ estimate of 28 cents a share. Its revenue of $83 million was up 18 percent, though it was lower than analysts’ projection of $85.7 million. The company’s CEO said that results were impacted by North American telecommunications service providers'  slower spending. He does not expect expenditures to be any better in the first half of 2012. He added that the major portion of the business normally comes in the second half of the year. Acme shares plunged to $26.15 in extended trading. Over the past 12 months, the stock has gone down by 54 percent of its value.