Why Following an NFL Team’s Success May be Good for your Portfolio

Suggestions of "Best NFL team ever" have been buzz words in recent weeks and the past few years while describing the New England Patriots' NFL franchise. Currently undefeated at 7-0 with a track record of three Superbowl wins suggest that team owner Robert Kraft knows how to be a leader.

Since 2005, Mr. Kraft has been a member of the board of directors at Viacom (VIA-B) and investors should pay attention to and perhaps follow his business success over the years. Listed by Forbes as one of the richest men, due largely to his paper and packaging goliath, Mr. Kraft proves why management and personnel choices translate to overall top and bottom line performance. It is also important for the socially conscious investor to note that his paper and and packaging businesses are very much involved in the recycling arena, thus complimenting his overall strategy.

Recent SEC filings have shown that Mr. Kraft, probably as part of his compensation package, has been building a very comfortable position for himself by exercising and acquiring options on Viacom stock over the past couple of years. This provides a pretty good incentive for him to perform well while on the board, and even if the stock suffers somewhat, he still comes out a winner. While the stock has traded in a narrow range for the last couple of years ($35-$45), I like the idea of following his lead by looking at the stock at these reasonable levels below $40 per share.

It's October 23rd, and almost halfway through the NFL season, and I "expect," not "hope" that the Patriots will go undefeated this year. I expect the same performance from Viacom in the next few years as media companies thrive in the current globalization environment. If Kraft's private business and football successes are anything to go by, investors might want to get in the game and score a touchdown with one of the richest men in the world.

Disclaimer: I do not own Viacom as of this post, but I will be adding it to my overall investment and trading strategies. I am also a HUGE Patriots fan.