We have crossed the halfway mark in the Q1 earnings season, with results from 209 members on the S&P 500 index, accounting for 52.4% of the benchmark index’s total market capitalization. Soft macroeconomic conditions have driven projections of an earnings decline for 10 of the 16 Zacks sectors. Tech sector earnings are expected to be down 6% in the first quarter, despite modest sales growth projection of 2.3% year-over-year.

However, the bar seems to have been set exceptionally low this time around, with first quarter of 2016 having seen record negative estimate revisions. Consequently, out of the 209 S&P 500 members that have released their quarterly results, about 75.6% have posted positive earnings surprises. (Data from the Zacks Earnings Trends report dated Apr 27, 2016)

Coming to the Technology sector, we have seen sub-standard reports from a number of sector bellwethers in the past few days, including Apple Inc. (AAPL -Analyst Report) and Twitter, Inc. (TWTR - Analyst Report). Overall, we now have Q1 results from 71.8% of the sector’s market capitalization in the S&P 500 index. Total earnings for these Tech companies are down 8.1% on 0.4% lower revenues year over year, with 73.1% beating EPS estimates and 50% beating revenue expectations.

Let’s have a look at how two tech players that are slated to report early next week are poised ahead of the scheduled announcements.

Pitney Bowes Inc. (PBI - Analyst Report) is one of the largest providers of mail processing equipment and integrated mail solutions across the world. Pitney Bowes has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter is pegged at 41 cents.

Pitney Bowes has had a choppy earnings history in recent times, with earnings beating estimates twice and missing twice in the trailing four quarters with an average negative surprise of 2.2%. Last quarter, it missed estimates by 11.1%.

Weakness in its production mail and software business, adverse currency translations and higher operating expenses are expected to hurt the company’s results. However, its recent acquisitions will likely boost the company’s top line. (Read more: Will Pitney Bowes Q1 Earnings Be a Disappointment?)

Harris Corporation (HRS - Analyst Report) provides communications equipment for voice, data and video applications. Harris has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter is pegged at $1.40.

The company has had an impeccable surprise history in recent times, and has surpassed estimates in each of the four trailing quarters with an average beat of 7.1%. It delivered a 9.6% positive surprise last quarter.

The company’s recent acquisition of Exelis will likely be accretive to the top line. Also, its recent streak of winning contracts will boost the quarterly results. However, we expect Harris Corporation’s earnings to remain under pressure due to foreign currency headwinds. (Read more: Harris Corp Q3 Earnings: Can the Stock Surprise?)