Also the companies who are able to pay for marketing in a recession are biased to be in a strong position already. I wouldn't think that because they spend on

Also the companies who are able to pay for marketing in a recession are biased to be in a strong position already. I wouldn't think that because they spend on ad revenue they performed well, I would take it as they were able to spend on ad revenue and thus survive and do well. Whereas their competitors had no ability and had to likely manage cash flow issues.