Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial expect Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) to post a smaller profit for the first quarter, while Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) is expected to report a profit gain. Both companies are scheduled to report results on Tuesday.

Intel is expected to earn 25 cents per share, which is down 7.4% from the same period in 2007 when it earned 27 cents. But the company has tended to beat quarterly estimates recently. In the third quarter of 2007, it beat the consensus estimate by 2.1%. However, in the fourth quarter it fell short by 2.2%.

Santa Clara, California-based Intel remains the leading maker of semiconductors. In the past year, its revenues were $38.3 billion and its net income totaled $6.97 billion. Its EPS growth forecast for the year is 9.7%, which is better than the technology sector average and the S&P 500. The consensus recommendation of analysts is still to buy Intel.

The stock has gained 3.8% in the past year and it trades at a P/E of 18.00. Shares closed Friday at $21.24.

Johnson & Johnson is expected to earn $1.20, up 3.4% from the same period in 2007 when it earned $1.16. The company has beat quarterly estimates in the past five quarters. In the third quarter of 2007, it beat the consensus estimate by 6.5%, and in the fourth quarter by 1.9%.

This diversified health care giant operates in three segments: Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices and Diagnostics, and Consumer. In the past year, its revenues were $61 billion and its net income totaled $10.5 billion. Its EPS growth forecast for the year is 7%, better than both the health care sector average and the S&P 500. The consensus recommendation of analysts is to buy JNJ, and as been for at least 120 days.

The stock has gained 6.6% in the past year and trades at a P/E of 18.18. Shares closed Friday at $66.00.

For other more news that could influence these results, see BloggingStocks' Intel coverage and Johnson & Johnson coverage.