The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that a dip in consumer confidence and broader uncertainty in the economy helped drive down first-quarter profits at Restaurant Brands International. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe quotes chief executive officer Josh Kobza telling analysts on a call Thursday, "Through the first few months of 2025, we've been navigating a highly dynamic macro backdrop, one that's evolving differently across each of our key markets." He said the company, which owns Tim Hortons, Burger King, Popeyes and Firehouse Subs, expected a softer first quarter. The company seemed less worried about the impact of the Canada-U.S. tariff war on its cost structure. Chief financial officer Sami Siddiqui said the vast majority of the costs of goods sold are localized. For the portion of its supply chain that is not, the company is working with suppliers and franchisees to localize it. The company reported net income attributable to shareholders of $159-million or 49 cents a diluted share for the quarter ended March 31 (all figures U.S.). The result was down from a profit of $230-million or 72 cents a diluted share in the same quarter last year. Revenue totalled $2.11-billion, up from $1.74-billion.