UnitedHealth Group, Inc., Minnesota's largest public company, said Monday that it expects 2011 earnings to drop from 2010 predictions-despite an anticipated increase in revenue next year.

The Minnetonka-based company expects 2011 earnings to total $3.50 to $3.70 per share, down from its 2010 prediction of $3.85 to $3.95 per share.

Meanwhile, UnitedHealth expects 2011 revenue to range between $99 billion and $100 billion, up from its 2010 projection of about $94 billion.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters are expecting $3.97 in earnings per share for 2010 and $3.64 in 2011.

In its Monday announcement, UnitedHealth Group did not indicate the reason for the expected drop in earnings. However, the company said that top managers will discuss the 2011 financial outlook during a Tuesday conference call.

UnitedHealth Group is a health and well-being company that offers products and services through six operating businesses. It serves more than 75 million individuals worldwide, and its 2009 revenue totaled $87.1 billion.