The sluggish U.S. economy is proving to be a relief for U.S.-based companies struggling under the weight of the strong dollar and could lead to more positive earnings surprises in the weeks ahead. Companies including Whirlpool Corp , Johnson & Johnson , and Xerox Corp have told investors over the last two weeks that they see the pain from the dollar’s two-year rally easing, allowing them in some cases to beat earnings estimates and raise their outlooks for the rest of the year. Less well-known companies are benefiting, too: insect repellent company Rollins Inc said the weaker dollar was a key reason why it beat estimates when it announced its quarterly results Wednesday, while medical supply maker C.R. Bard Inc cited the weakening of the dollar when it announced that it was raising its guidance for the year.