Q3 2011 Hits and Misses
Graphic showing companies that surpassed, met or missed analyst estimates during the earnings season. Moran Zhang

We are now well into third quarter earnings season and, as of the middle of the week, 376 companies have released their results with the vast majority logging bottom- and top-line figures that met or beat expectations, according to a report provided by Goldman Sachs Global ECS Research.

While companies often meet or surpass estimates, each earnings season brings along its own fair share of earnings surprises that will push a stock up or weigh it down. Sometimes, the surprise is a difference of a few cents, but other times, it can truly be a market mover.

This past quarter, Information Technology and Utilities scored biggest by surpassing analyst forecasts, while Telecom Services took the hardest hit. Here's a look at the winners, and the losers, across ten sectors.