Facebook will go public sometime in 2012, but the company's first-quarter IPO goal will reportedly be pushed back until late 2012. 

Financial investors were cautiously optimistic that the No. 1 social networking site would offer a public IPO sometime in 2011. However, a turbulent economy and other factors are playing their part. 

Investors also believe Facebook could have a record IPO once it goes public, with the company's 2011 revenue increasing to $1.6 billion. Facebook has been valued near $66.5 billion, though that number has fluctuated upwards of $80 billion. 

"There's really no reason to rush a deal," noted Lise Buyer, financial consultant, in a statement with the FT. "The company doesn't need the money. it is a little easier to focus when you're private. They'll go when they're good and ready, not before." 

Also, there will be no immediate need for investor conference calls and other nuisances related to running a public company. 

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has more interest in the company's employees developing new features for the social networking site -- a public IPO launch could be distracting because of Facebook's expected high value. 

Other tech companies have also decided to wait for public IPOs, citing a volatile economic outlook as a leading factor. As such, Zuckerberg's decision to wait because of employees looking to cash in -- and other distractions with a public IPO -- may be a wise choice at the moment.