CBOT soybeans finish lower as traders book profits

CHICAGO, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures ended lower on Friday as traders booked profits before the weekend.

• Expectations for a record-large harvest in top-supplier Brazil hung over the market, analysts said.

• Brazil has increased plantings of the oilseed for 18 consecutive years.

• In the U.S., farmers are expected to reduce soy plantings this spring as corn looks more profitable to grow, traders said.

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture is slated to issue planting forecasts at its annual Agricultural Outlook Conference next week.

• USDA said weekly U.S. soybean export sales for 2024-25 were 480,300 metric tons, compared to analysts' estimates for 100,000 to 500,000 tons.

• CBOT May soybeans SK25 closed 5-3/4 cents weaker at $10.57-1/4 per bushel after rising earlier to the highest level since February 11. For the week, the contract edged up 0.4%.

• CBOT May soymeal SMK25 ended down $0.70 at $303.90 per short ton, and May soyoil BOK25 slipped 0.45 cents to close at 47.34 cents per pound.