The phrase "to survive the recession" means to successfully manage and continue operating a business, maintaining financial stability and avoiding potential losses during a period of economic decline. Full definition
It has also survived the recession better than most Western countries and in 2010 the economy was once again on an upward trend. (go4less.ie)
Having survived every recession since 1962, they can be expected to survive the next one, and indeed to continue increasing their dividend. (dividends4life.com)
I would rather hold blue - chip dividend paying companies that can clearly survive a recession. (blogvesting.com)