McDonald's CEO Sees Robust '09, Despite Slowdown

McDonald's is prepared for another tough year economically but believes it is well-positioned to thrive despite the recession, company CEO Jim Skinner said Friday.

One of only two Dow components to finish 2008 higher, McDonald's plans to continue to expand into emerging markets in 2009 while adding new products and growing its domestic business as well, Skinner said during a CNBC interview.

"We continue to be able to perform fairly well in this environment, although we perform better in a robust economy like everybody else," he said. "We continue to be somewhat recession-resistant."

Strong demand for its dollar menu and new additions to its coffee selection are helping the company, which plans to add a variety of bottled water and smoothies to its repertoire, Miller said.

At the same, he said McDonald's plans to grow in the so-called BRIC nations—Brazil, Russia, India and China—where the long-term prognosis remains good. McDonald's saw a net gain of more than 600 restaurants worldwide last year, Skinner said.

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Declining energy costs also have helped the company's bottom line. "When I look at McDonald's and I look at our expectations in 2009, we expect to continue our momentum around the world," Skinner said. "We're performing well in all segments."

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