<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
Janus Aspen Series
PROSPECTUS
MAY 1, 1999
Growth Portfolio
Aggressive Growth Portfolio
Capital Appreciation Portfolio
International Growth Portfolio
Worldwide Growth Portfolio
Balanced Portfolio
Flexible Income Portfolio
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED ON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
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[JANUS LOGO]
This prospectus describes seven mutual funds (the "Portfolios")
with a variety of investment objectives, including growth of
capital, current income and a combination of growth and income.
Each Portfolio of Janus Aspen Series currently offers two
classes of shares. The Institutional Shares, (the "Shares"), are
sold under the name of "Janus Aspen Series" and are offered by
this prospectus in connection with investment in and payments
under variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance
contracts, as well as certain qualified retirement plans.
Janus Aspen Series sells and redeems its Shares at net asset
value without sales charges, commissions or redemption fees.
Each variable insurance contract involves fees and expenses that
are not described in this Prospectus. Certain Portfolios may not
be available in connection with a particular contract and
certain contracts may limit allocations among the Portfolios.
See the accompanying contract prospectus for information
regarding contract fees and expenses and any restrictions on
purchases or allocations.
This prospectus contains information that a prospective
purchaser of a variable insurance contract or plan participant
should consider in conjunction with the accompanying separate
account prospectus of the specific insurance company product
before allocating purchase payments or premiums to the
Portfolios.
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Table of contents
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
Growth Portfolios........................................ 2
Balanced Portfolio....................................... 7
Flexible Income Portfolio................................ 9
Fees and expenses........................................ 11
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND
RISKS
Growth Portfolios........................................ 12
Balanced Portfolio....................................... 14
Flexible Income Portfolio................................ 15
General portfolio policies............................... 16
Risks for Growth, Global Growth and Balanced
Portfolios............................................... 19
Risks for Flexible Income Portfolios..................... 20
Risks Common to All Portfolios........................... 21
MANAGEMENT OF THE PORTFOLIOS
Investment adviser....................................... 23
Management expenses and expense limits................... 23
Investment personnel..................................... 24
OTHER INFORMATION........................................... 26
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Distributions............................................ 27
Taxes.................................................... 27
SHAREHOLDER'S GUIDE
Pricing of portfolio shares.............................. 28
Purchases................................................ 28
Redemptions.............................................. 28
Shareholder communications............................... 29
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS........................................ 30
GLOSSARY
Glossary of investment terms............................. 37
RATING CATEGORIES
Explanation of rating categories......................... 41
</TABLE>
Table of contents 1
<PAGE>
Risk return summary
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
The Growth Portfolios are designed for long-term investors who seek
growth of capital and who can tolerate the greater risks associated
with common stock investments.
1. WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES OF THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOMESTIC GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
- GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital in a manner
consistent with the preservation of capital.
- AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO AND CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO
seek long-term growth of capital.
GLOBAL GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
- INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital.
- WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital in a
manner consistent with the preservation of capital.
The Portfolios' Trustees may change these objectives without a
shareholder vote and the Portfolios will notify you of any changes
that are material. If there is a material change to a Portfolio's
objective or policies, you should consider whether that Portfolio
remains an appropriate investment for you. There is no guarantee
that a Portfolio will meet its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
The portfolio managers apply a "bottom up" approach in choosing
investments. In other words, they look for companies with earnings
growth potential one at a time. If a portfolio manager is unable to
find investments with earnings growth potential, a significant portion
of a Portfolio's assets may be in cash or similar investments.
GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks selected for their
growth potential. Although the Portfolio can invest in companies of
any size, it generally invests in larger, more established companies.
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks
selected for their growth potential, and normally invests at least 50%
of its equity assets in medium-sized companies.
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks
selected for their growth potential. The Portfolio may invest in
companies of any size, from larger, well-established companies to
smaller, emerging growth companies.
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO normally invests at least 65% of its
total assets in securities of issuers from at least five different
countries, excluding the United States. Although the Portfolio intends
to invest substantially all of its assets in issuers located outside
the United States, it may invest in U.S. issuers and it may at times
invest all of its assets in fewer than five countries, or even a
single country.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks of
companies of any size throughout the world. The Portfolio normally
invests in issuers from at least five different countries, including
the United States. The Portfolio may at times invest in fewer than
five countries or even a single country.
2 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
The biggest risk is that the Portfolios' returns may vary, and you
could lose money. If you are considering investing in any of the
Growth Portfolios, remember that they are each designed for long-term
investors who can accept the risks of investing in a portfolio with
significant common stock holdings. Common stocks tend to be more
volatile than other investment choices.
The value of a Portfolio may decrease if the value of an individual
company in the portfolio decreases. The value of a Portfolio could
also decrease if the stock market goes down. If the value of a
Portfolio decreases, its net asset value (NAV) will also decrease,
which means if you sell your shares in a Portfolio you would get back
less money.
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO AND WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO may have
significant exposure to foreign markets. As a result, their returns
and NAV may be affected to a large degree by fluctuations in currency
exchange rates or political or economic conditions in a particular
country.
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO AND CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO are
nondiversified. In other words, they may hold larger positions in a
smaller number of securities than a diversified fund. As a result, a
single security's increase or decrease in value may have a greater
impact on a Portfolio's NAV and total return.
An investment in these Portfolios is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of
investing in the Growth Portfolios by showing how each of the Growth
Portfolios' performance has varied over time. The bar charts depict
the change in performance from year-to-year during the period
indicated, but do not include charges and expenses attributable to any
insurance product which would lower the performance illustrated. The
Portfolios do not impose any sales or other charges that would affect
total return computations. Total return figures include the effect of
each Portfolio's expenses, but do not include fees and expenses. The
tables compare the average annual returns for the Shares of each
Portfolio for the periods indicated to a broad-based securities market
index.
Risk return summary 3
<PAGE>
GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Growth Portfolio -
Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
2.76% 30.17% 18.45% 22.75% 35.66%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 27.71% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (10.92%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 35.66% 21.41% 20.91%
S&P 500 Index* 28.74% 24.08% 23.06%
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</TABLE>
* The S&P 500 is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks,
a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Aggressive Growth
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
16.33% 27.48% 7.95% 12.66% 34.26%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 34.65% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (14.98%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Aggressive Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 34.26% 19.35% 21.96%
S&P 400 Mid Cap Index* 18.25% 18.67% 18.06%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 400 Mid Cap Index is an unmanaged group of 400 domestic
stocks chosen for their market size, liquidity and industry group
representation.
4 Janus Aspen Series
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CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Capital Appreciation
Portfolio - Institutional Shares for 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
58.11%
1998
The percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 33.98% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (9.98%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year (5/1/97)
<S> <C> <C>
Capital Appreciation Portfolio - Institutional Shares 58.11% 51.65%
S&P 500 Index* 28.74% 31.38%
-----------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 500 is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks,
a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for International Growth
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1995 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
23.15% 34.71% 18.51% 17.23%
1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 16.63% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (17.76%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year (5/2/94)
<S> <C> <C>
International Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 17.23% 18.87%
Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index* 20.00% 8.11%
-----------------------------
</TABLE>
* The Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index is a market
capitalization weighted index composed of companies representative
of the market structure of 20 Developed Market countries in Europe,
Australasia and the Far East.
Risk return summary 5
<PAGE>
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Worldwide Growth
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
1.53% 27.37% 29.04% 22.15% 28.92%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 20.87% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (16.03%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Worldwide Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 28.92% 21.32% 24.06%
Morgan Stanley International Worldwide Index* 24.34% 15.68% 14.39%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The Morgan Stanley International Worldwide Index is a market
capitalization weighted index composed of countries representative
of the market structure of 47 Developed and Emerging Markets.
The Growth Portfolios' past performance does not necessarily indicate
how they will perform in the future.
6 Janus Aspen Series
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BALANCED PORTFOLIO
The Balanced Portfolio is designed for investors who primarily seek
growth of capital with current income. It is not designed for
investors who desire a consistent level of income.
1. WHAT IS THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- BALANCED PORTFOLIO seeks long-term capital growth, consistent
with preservation of capital and balanced by current income.
The Trustees may change this objective without a shareholder vote and
the Portfolio will notify you of any changes that are material. If
there is a material change to the Portfolio's objective or policies,
you should consider whether the Portfolio remains an appropriate
investment for you. There is no guarantee that the Portfolio will meet
its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO?
The portfolio manager applies a "bottom up" approach in choosing
investments. In other words, he looks mostly for equity and
income-producing securities that meet his investment criteria one at a
time. If the portfolio manager is unable to find such investments,
much of the Portfolio's assets may be in cash or similar investments.
Balanced Portfolio normally invests 40-60% of its assets in securities
selected primarily for their growth potential and 40-60% of its assets
in securities selected primarily for their income potential. The
Portfolio will normally invest at least 25% of its assets in
fixed-income securities.
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN BALANCED PORTFOLIO?
The biggest risk is that the Portfolio's returns may vary, and you
could lose money. If you are considering investing in Balanced
Portfolio, remember that it is designed for long-term investors who
can accept the risks of investing in a portfolio with significant
common stock holdings. Common stocks tend to be more volatile than
other investment choices.
The value of the Portfolio may decrease if the value of an individual
company in the portfolio decreases. The value of the Portfolio could
also decrease if the stock market goes down. If the value of the
Portfolio decreases, its NAV will also decrease, which means if you
sell your shares in the Portfolio you would get back less money.
The income component of the Portfolio's holdings includes fixed-income
securities. A fundamental risk to the income component is that the
value of these securities will fall if interest rates rise. Generally,
the value of a fixed-income portfolio will decrease when interest
rates rise, which means the Portfolio's NAV may likewise decrease.
Another fundamental risk associated with fixed-income securities is
credit risk, which is the risk that an issuer of a bond will be unable
to make principal and interest payments when due.
An investment in the Portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency.
Risk return summary 7
<PAGE>
The following information provides some indication of the risks of
investing in Balanced Portfolio by showing how Balanced Portfolio's
performance has varied over time. The bar chart depicts the change in
performance from year-to-year during the period indicated, but does
not include charges and expenses attributable to any insurance product
which would lower the performance illustrated. The Portfolio does not
impose any sales or other charges that would affect total return
computations. Total return figures include the effect of the
Portfolio's expenses. The table compares the average annual returns
for the Shares of the Portfolio for the period indicated to a
broad-based securities market index.
BALANCED PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Balanced Portfolio -
Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
0.84% 24.79% 16.18% 22.10% 34.28%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 20.32% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (4.97%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balanced Portfolio - Institutional Shares 34.28% 19.11% 19.53%
S&P 500 Index* 28.74% 24.08% 23.06%
Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond Index** 9.47% 7.30% 6.90%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 500 is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks,
a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
** Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond Index is composed of all bonds that
are of investment grade with at least one year until maturity.
Balanced Portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate
how it will perform in the future.
8 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO
Flexible Income Portfolio is designed for long-term investors who
primarily seek current income.
1. WHAT IS THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO seeks to obtain maximum total return,
consistent with preservation of capital.
The Trustees may change the objective without a shareholder vote and
the Portfolio will notify you of any changes that are material. If
there is a material change to the Portfolio's objective or policies,
you should consider whether it remains an appropriate investment for
you. There is no guarantee that the Portfolio will meet its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO?
In addition to considering economic factors such as the effect of
interest rates on the Portfolio's investments, the portfolio manager
applies a "bottom up" approach in choosing investments. In other
words, he looks mostly for income-producing securities that meet his
investment criteria one at a time. If the portfolio manager is unable
to find such investments, the Portfolio's assets may be in cash or
similar investments.
Flexible Income Portfolio invests primarily in a wide variety of
income-producing securities such as corporate bonds and notes,
government securities and preferred stock. As a fundamental policy,
the Portfolio will invest at least 80% of its assets in
income-producing securities. The Portfolio may own an unlimited amount
of high-yield/high-risk fixed-income securities, and these securities
may be a big part of the portfolio.
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO?
Although Flexible Income Portfolio may be less volatile than funds
that invest most of their assets in common stocks, the Portfolio's
returns and yields will vary, and you could lose money.
The Portfolio invests in a variety of fixed-income securities. A
fundamental risk is that the value of these securities will fall if
interest rates rise. Generally, the value of a fixed-income portfolio
will decrease when interest rates rise, which means the Portfolio's
NAV will likewise decrease. Another fundamental risk associated with
fixed-income funds is credit risk, which is the risk that an issuer
will be unable to make principal and interest payments when due.
Flexible Income Portfolio may invest an unlimited amount of its assets
in high-yield/high-risk securities, also known as "junk" bonds which
may be sensitive to economic changes, political changes, or adverse
developments specific to the company that issued the bond. These
securities generally have a greater credit risk than other types of
fixed-income securities. Because of these factors, the performance and
NAV of the Portfolio may vary significantly, depending upon its
holdings of junk bonds.
An investment in the Portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency.
Risk return summary 9
<PAGE>
The following information provides some indication of the risks of
investing in Flexible Income Portfolio by showing how Flexible Income
Portfolio's performance has varied over time. The bar chart depicts
the change in performance from year-to-year during the period
indicated, but does not include charges and expenses attributable to
any insurance product which would lower the performance illustrated.
The Portfolio does not impose any sales or other charges that would
affect total return computations. Total return figures include the
effect of the Portfolio's expenses. The table compares the average
annual returns for the Shares of the Portfolio for the periods
indicated to a broad-based securities market index.
FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Flexible Income
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
(0.91%) 23.86% 9.19% 11.76% 9.11%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 2nd-1995 6.71% Worst Quarter 1st-1996 (1.08%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Flexible Income Portfolio - Institutional Shares 9.11% 10.32% 9.87%
Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond Index* 9.47% 7.30% 6.90%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond Index is composed of all bonds that
are of investment grade with at least one year until maturity.
Flexible Income Portfolio's past performance does not necessarily
indicate how it will perform in the future.
10 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
FEES AND EXPENSES
SHAREHOLDER FEES, such as sales loads, redemption fees or exchange
fees, are charged directly to an investor's account. All Janus funds
are no-load investments, so you will not pay any shareholder fees when
you buy or sell shares of the Portfolios. However, each variable
insurance contract involves fees and expenses not described in this
prospectus. See the accompanying contract prospectus for information
regarding contract fees and expenses and any restrictions on purchases
or allocations.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES are paid out of a Portfolio's assets
and include fees for portfolio management, maintenance of shareholder
accounts, shareholder servicing, accounting and other services. You do
not pay these fees directly but, as the example on the next page
shows, these costs are borne indirectly by all shareholders.
This table and example are designed to assist participants in
qualified plans that invest in the Shares of the Portfolios in
understanding the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in
the Shares. The information shown is based upon gross expenses
(without the effect of expense offset arrangements) for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1998. OWNERS OF VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACTS
THAT INVEST IN THE SHARES SHOULD REFER TO THE VARIABLE INSURANCE
CONTRACT PROSPECTUS FOR A DESCRIPTION OF FEES AND EXPENSES, AS THE
TABLE AND EXAMPLE DO NOT REFLECT DEDUCTIONS AT THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
LEVEL OR CONTRACT LEVEL FOR ANY CHARGES THAT MAY BE INCURRED UNDER A
CONTRACT.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Annual Fund Total Annual Fund
Operating Expenses Operating Expenses
Management Other Without Waivers Total With Waivers
Fee Expenses or Reductions* Waivers and Reductions or Reductions*
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio 0.72% 0.03% 0.75% 0.07% 0.68%
Aggressive Growth Portfolio 0.72% 0.03% 0.75% N/A 0.75%
Capital Appreciation Portfolio 0.75% 0.22% 0.97% 0.05% 0.92%
International Growth Portfolio 0.75% 0.20% 0.95% 0.09% 0.86%
Worldwide Growth Portfolio 0.67% 0.07% 0.74% 0.02% 0.72%
Balanced Portfolio 0.72% 0.02% 0.74% N/A 0.74%
Flexible Income Portfolio 0.65% 0.08% 0.73% N/A 0.73%
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* All expenses are stated both with and without contractual waivers and
fee reductions by Janus Capital. Fee reductions for Growth, Aggressive
Growth, Capital Appreciation, International Growth, Worldwide Growth and
Balanced Portfolios reduce the Management Fee to the level of the
corresponding Janus retail fund. Other waivers, if applicable, are first
applied against the Management Fee and then against Other Expenses.
Janus Capital has agreed to continue the waivers and fee reductions
until at least the next annual renewal of the advisory agreement.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXAMPLE:
THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLE IS BASED ON EXPENSES WITHOUT WAIVERS OR
REDUCTIONS. This example is intended to help you compare the cost of
investing in the Portfolios with the cost of investing in other mutual
funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in each of the
Portfolios for the time periods indicated then redeem all of your shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year, and that the Portfolios' operating
expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
-----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio $ 77 $240 $ 417 $ 930
Aggressive Growth Portfolio $ 77 $240 $ 417 $ 930
Capital Appreciation Portfolio $ 99 $309 $ 536 $1,190
International Growth Portfolio $ 97 $303 $ 526 $1,166
Worldwide Growth Portfolio $ 76 $237 $ 411 $ 918
Balanced Portfolio $ 76 $237 $ 411 $ 918
Flexible Income Portfolio $ 75 $233 $ 406 $ 906
</TABLE>
Risk return summary 11
<PAGE>
Investment objectives, principal investment
strategies and risks
Each of the Portfolios has a similar investment objective and similar
principal investment strategies to a Janus retail fund:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Growth Portfolio Janus Fund
Aggressive Growth Portfolio Janus Enterprise Fund
Capital Appreciation Portfolio Janus Twenty Fund*
International Growth Portfolio Janus Overseas Fund
Worldwide Growth Portfolio Janus Worldwide Fund
Balanced Portfolio Janus Balanced Fund
Flexible Income Portfolio Janus Flexible Income Fund
</TABLE>
* Prior to May 1, 1999 Capital Appreciation Portfolio was managed in a
similar manner to Janus Olympus Fund.
Although it is anticipated that each Portfolio and its corresponding
retail fund will hold similar securities, differences in asset size,
cash flow needs and other factors may result in differences in
investment performance. The expenses of each Portfolio and its
corresponding retail fund are expected to differ. The variable
contract owner will also bear various insurance related costs at the
insurance company level. You should review the accompanying separate
account prospectus for a summary of fees and expenses.
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
This section takes a closer look at the investment objectives of each
of the Growth Portfolios, their principal investment strategies and
certain risks of investing in the Growth Portfolios. Strategies and
policies that are noted as "fundamental" cannot be changed without a
shareholder vote.
Please carefully review the "Risks" section of this Prospectus on
pages 19-22 for a discussion of risks associated with certain
investment techniques. We've also included a Glossary with
descriptions of investment terms used throughout this Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
DOMESTIC GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital in a manner
consistent with the preservation of capital. It pursues its objective
by investing primarily in common stocks selected for their growth
potential. Although the Portfolio can invest in companies of any size,
it generally invests in larger, more established companies.
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Aggressive Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital. It
pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks selected
for their growth potential, and normally invests at least 50% of its
equity assets in medium-sized companies. Medium-sized companies are
those whose market capitalizations fall within the range of companies
in the S&P MidCap 400 Index. Market capitalization is a commonly used
measure of the size and value of a company. The market capitalizations
within the Index will vary, but as of December 31, 1998, they ranged
from approximately $142 million to $73 billion.
12 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO
Capital Appreciation Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital. It
pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks selected
for their growth potential. The Portfolio may invest in companies of
any size, from larger, well-established companies to smaller, emerging
growth companies.
GLOBAL GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
International Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital.
Normally, the Portfolio pursues its objective by investing at least
65% of its total assets in securities of issuers from at least five
different countries, excluding the United States. Although the
Portfolio intends to invest substantially all of its assets in issuers
located outside the United States, it may at times invest in U.S.
issuers and it may at times invest all of its assets in fewer than
five countries or even a single country.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Worldwide Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital in a
manner consistent with the preservation of capital. It pursues its
objective by investing primarily in common stocks of companies of any
size throughout the world. The Portfolio normally invests in issuers
from at least five different countries, including the United States.
The Portfolio may at times invest in fewer than five countries or even
a single country.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
the Growth Portfolios' principal investment strategies.
1. HOW ARE COMMON STOCKS SELECTED?
Each of the Portfolios may invest substantially all of its assets in
common stocks if its portfolio manager believes that common stocks
will appreciate in value. The portfolio managers generally take a
"bottom up" approach to selecting companies. In other words, they seek
to identify individual companies with earnings growth potential that
may not be recognized by the market at large. They make this
assessment by looking at companies one at a time, regardless of size,
country of organization, place of principal business activity, or
other similar selection criteria. Realization of income is not a
significant consideration when choosing investments for the
Portfolios. Income realized on the Portfolios' investments will be
incidental to their objectives.
2. ARE THE SAME CRITERIA USED TO SELECT FOREIGN SECURITIES?
Generally, yes. The portfolio managers seek companies that meet their
selection criteria, regardless of where a company is located. Foreign
securities are generally selected on a stock-by-stock basis without
regard to any defined allocation among countries or geographic
regions. However, certain factors such as expected levels of
inflation, government policies influencing business conditions, the
outlook for currency relationships, and prospects for economic growth
among countries, regions or geographic areas may warrant greater
consideration in selecting foreign securities. There are no
limitations on the countries in which the Portfolios may invest and
the Portfolios may at times have significant foreign exposure.
3. WHAT DOES "MARKET CAPITALIZATION" MEAN?
Market capitalization is the most commonly used measure of the size
and value of a company. It is computed by multiplying the current
market price of a share of the company's stock by the total number of
its shares outstanding. As noted previously, market capitalization is
an important investment criteria for
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 13
<PAGE>
Aggressive Growth Portfolio. Although the other Growth Portfolios
offered by this Prospectus do not emphasize companies of any
particular size, Portfolios with a larger asset base are more likely
to invest in larger, more established issuers.
BALANCED PORTFOLIO
This section takes a closer look at the investment objective of
Balanced Portfolio, its principal investment strategies and certain
risks of investing in the Portfolio. Strategies and policies that are
noted as "fundamental" cannot be changed without a shareholder vote.
Please carefully review the "Risks" section of this Prospectus on
pages 19-22 for a discussion of risks associated with certain
investment techniques. We've also included a Glossary with
descriptions of investment terms used throughout this Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Balanced Portfolio seeks long-term capital growth, consistent with
preservation of capital and balanced by current income. It pursues its
objective by normally investing 40-60% of its assets in securities
selected primarily for their growth potential and 40-60% of its assets
in securities selected primarily for their income potential. This
Portfolio normally invests at least 25% of its assets in fixed-income
securities.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
Balanced Portfolio's principal investment strategies.
1. HOW ARE COMMON STOCKS SELECTED FOR BALANCED PORTFOLIO IN COMPARISON TO THE
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
Because income is a part of the investment objective of the Portfolio,
the portfolio manager may consider dividend-paying characteristics to
a greater degree in selecting common stocks for this Portfolio.
2. HOW ARE ASSETS ALLOCATED BETWEEN THE GROWTH AND INCOME COMPONENTS OF BALANCED
PORTFOLIO'S HOLDINGS?
Balanced Portfolio shifts assets between the growth and income
components of its holdings based on the portfolio manager's analysis
of relevant market, financial and economic conditions. If the
portfolio manager believes that growth securities will provide better
returns than the yields then available or expected on income-producing
securities, the Portfolio will place a greater emphasis on the growth
component.
3. WHAT TYPES OF SECURITIES MAKE UP THE GROWTH COMPONENT OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO'S
INVESTMENTS?
The growth component of the Portfolio's investments is expected to
consist primarily of common stocks, but may also include warrants,
preferred stocks or convertible securities selected primarily for
their growth potential.
4. WHAT TYPES OF SECURITIES MAKE UP THE INCOME COMPONENT OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO'S
HOLDINGS?
The income component of Balanced Portfolio will consist of securities
that the portfolio manager believes have income potential. Such
securities may include equity securities, convertible securities and
all types of debt securities. Equity securities may be included in the
income component of the Portfolio if they currently pay dividends or
the portfolio manager believes they have the potential for either
increasing their dividends or commencing dividends, if none are
currently paid.
14 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO
This section takes a closer look at the investment objective of
Flexible Income Portfolio, its principal investment strategies and
certain risks of investing in the Portfolio. Strategies and policies
that are noted as "fundamental" cannot be changed without a
shareholder vote.
Please carefully review the "Risks" section of this Prospectus on
pages 19-22 for a discussion of risks associated with certain
investment techniques. We've also included a Glossary with
descriptions of investment terms used throughout this Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
In addition to considering economic factors such as the effect of
interest rates on the Portfolio's investments, the portfolio manager
applies a "bottom up" approach in choosing investments. In other
words, he looks mostly for income-producing securities that meet his
investment criteria one at a time. If the portfolio manager is unable
to find such investments, much of the Portfolio's assets may be in
cash or similar investments.
Flexible Income Portfolio seeks to obtain maximum total return,
consistent with preservation of capital. It pursues its objective by
primarily investing in a wide variety of income-producing securities
such as corporate bonds and notes, government securities and preferred
stock. As a fundamental policy, the Portfolio will invest at least 80%
of its assets in income-producing securities. The Portfolio may own an
unlimited amount of high-yield/high-risk securities, and these may be
a big part of the portfolio. This Portfolio generates total return
from a combination of current income and capital appreciation, but
income is usually the dominant portion.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
Flexible Income Portfolio's principal investment strategies.
1. HOW DO INTEREST RATES AFFECT THE VALUE OF MY INVESTMENT?
Generally, a fixed-income security will increase in value when
interest rates fall and decrease in value when interest rates rise.
Longer-term securities are generally more sensitive to interest rate
changes than shorter-term securities, but they generally offer higher
yields to compensate investors for the associated risks. High-yield
bond prices are generally less directly responsive to interest rate
changes than investment grade issues and may not always follow this
pattern. A bond fund's average-weighted effective maturity and its
duration are measures of how the fund may react to interest rate
changes.
2. HOW DOES FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO MANAGE INTEREST RATE RISK?
The Portfolio may vary the average-weighted effective maturity of its
assets to reflect its portfolio manager's analysis of interest rate
trends and other factors. The Portfolio's average-weighted effective
maturity will tend to be shorter when the portfolio manager expects
interest rates to rise and longer when the portfolio manager expects
interest rates to fall. The Portfolio may also use futures, options
and other derivatives to manage interest rate risks.
3. WHAT IS MEANT BY THE PORTFOLIO'S "AVERAGE-WEIGHTED EFFECTIVE MATURITY"?
The stated maturity of a bond is the date when the issuer must repay
the bond's entire principal value to an investor. Some types of bonds
may also have an "effective maturity" that is shorter than the stated
date due to prepayment or call provisions. Securities without
prepayment or call provisions generally have an effective maturity
equal to their stated maturity. Dollar-weighted effective maturity is
calculated by
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 15
<PAGE>
averaging the effective maturity of bonds held by the Portfolio with
each effective maturity "weighted" according to the percentage of net
assets that it represents.
4. WHAT IS MEANT BY THE PORTFOLIO'S "DURATION"?
A bond's duration indicates the time it will take an investor to
recoup his investment. Unlike average maturity, duration reflects both
principal and interest payments. Generally, the higher the coupon rate
on a bond, the lower its duration will be. The duration of a bond
portfolio is calculated by averaging the duration of bonds held by a
fund with each duration "weighted" according to the percentage of net
assets that it represents. Because duration accounts for interest
payments, the Portfolio's duration is usually shorter than its average
maturity.
5. WHAT IS A HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK SECURITY?
A high-yield/high-risk security (also called a "junk" bond) is a debt
security rated below investment grade by major rating agencies (i.e.,
BB or lower by Standard & Poor's or Ba or lower by Moody's) or an
unrated bond of similar quality. It presents greater risk of default
(the failure to make timely interest and principal payments) than
higher quality bonds.
GENERAL PORTFOLIO POLICIES
Unless otherwise stated, each of the following policies applies to all
of the Portfolios. The percentage limitations included in these
policies and elsewhere in this Prospectus apply at the time of
purchase of the security. So, for example, if a Portfolio exceeds a
limit as a result of market fluctuations or the sale of other
securities, it will not be required to dispose of any securities.
CASH POSITION
When a portfolio manager believes that market conditions are
unfavorable for profitable investing, or when he or she is otherwise
unable to locate attractive investment opportunities, the Portfolios'
cash or similar investments may increase. In other words, the
Portfolios do not always stay fully invested in stocks and bonds. Cash
or similar investments generally are a residual - they represent the
assets that remain after a portfolio manager has committed available
assets to desirable investment opportunities. However, a portfolio
manager may also temporarily increase a Portfolio's cash position to
protect its assets or maintain liquidity. Partly because the portfolio
managers act independently of each other, the cash positions of the
Portfolios may vary significantly.
When a Portfolio's investments in cash or similar investments
increase, it may not participate in market advances or declines to the
same extent that it would if the Portfolio remained more fully
invested in stocks or bonds.
OTHER TYPES OF INVESTMENTS
The Growth and Global Growth Portfolios invest primarily in domestic
and foreign equity securities, which may include preferred stocks,
common stocks, warrants and securities convertible into common or
preferred stocks. Balanced Portfolio also invest in domestic and
foreign equity securities with varying degrees of emphasis on income.
The Portfolios may also invest to a lesser degree in other types of
securities. These securities (which are described in the Glossary) may
include:
- debt securities
- indexed/structured securities
- high-yield/high-risk securities (less than 35% of each Portfolio's
assets)
16 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
- options, futures, forwards and other types of derivatives for
hedging purposes or for non-hedging purposes such as seeking to
enhance return
- securities purchased on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward
commitment basis
Flexible Income Portfolio invests primarily in fixed-income securities
which may include corporate bonds and notes, government securities,
preferred stock, high-yield/high-risk fixed-income securities and
municipal obligations. The Portfolio may also invest to a lesser
degree in other types of securities. These securities (which are
described in the Glossary) may include:
- common stocks
- mortgage- and asset-backed securities
- zero coupon, pay-in-kind and step coupon securities
- options, futures, forwards and other types of derivatives for
hedging purposes or for non-hedging purposes such as seeking to
enhance return
- securities purchased on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward
commitment basis
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS
Each Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid
investments. An illiquid investment is a security or other position
that cannot be disposed of quickly in the normal course of business.
For example, some securities are not registered under U.S. securities
laws and cannot be sold to the U.S. public because of SEC regulations
(these are known as "restricted securities"). Under procedures adopted
by the Portfolios' Trustees, certain restricted securities may be
deemed liquid, and will not be counted toward this 15% limit.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
The Portfolios may invest without limit in foreign equity and debt
securities. The Portfolios may invest directly in foreign securities
denominated in a foreign currency and not publicly traded in the
United States. Other ways of investing in foreign securities include
depositary receipts or shares, and passive foreign investment
companies.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Each Portfolio may invest in special situations. A special situation
arises when, in the opinion of a Portfolio's manager, the securities
of a particular issuer will be recognized and appreciate in value due
to a specific development with respect to that issuer. Developments
creating a special situation might include, among others, a new
product or process, a technological breakthrough, a management change
or other extraordinary corporate event, or differences in market
supply of and demand for the security. A Portfolio's performance could
suffer if the anticipated development in a "special situation"
investment does not occur or does not attract the expected attention.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 17
<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Portfolios generally intend to purchase securities for long-term
investment although, to a limited extent, a Portfolio may purchase
securities in anticipation of relatively short-term price gains.
Short-term transactions may also result from liquidity needs,
securities having reached a price or yield objective, changes in
interest rates or the credit standing of an issuer, or by reason of
economic or other developments not foreseen at the time of the
investment decision. A Portfolio may also sell one security and
simultaneously purchase the same or a comparable security to take
advantage of short-term differentials in bond yields or securities
prices. Changes are made in a Portfolio's holdings whenever its
portfolio manager believes such changes are desirable. Portfolio
turnover rates are generally not a factor in making buy and sell
decisions.
Increased portfolio turnover may result in higher costs for brokerage
commissions, dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs and may also
result in taxable capital gains. Higher costs associated with
increased portfolio turnover may offset gains in a Portfolio's
performance.
18 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
RISKS FOR GROWTH, GLOBAL GROWTH AND BALANCED PORTFOLIOS
Because the Portfolios may invest substantially all of their assets in
common stocks, the main risk is the risk that the value of the stocks
they hold might decrease in response to the activities of an
individual company or in response to general market and/or economic
conditions. If this occurs, a Portfolio's share price may also
decrease. A Portfolio's performance may also be affected by risks
specific to certain types of investments, such as foreign securities,
derivative investments, non-investment grade debt securities or
companies with relatively small market capitalizations.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
some of the risks of investing in the Growth, Global Growth and Balanced
Portfolios.
1. THE PORTFOLIOS MAY INVEST IN SMALLER OR NEWER COMPANIES. DOES THIS CREATE ANY
SPECIAL RISKS?
Smaller or newer companies may suffer more significant losses as well
as realize more substantial growth than larger or more established
issuers because they may lack depth of management, be unable to
generate funds necessary for growth or potential development, or be
developing or marketing new products or services for which markets are
not yet established and may never become established. In addition,
such companies may be insignificant factors in their industries and
may become subject to intense competition from larger or more
established companies. Securities of smaller or newer companies may
have more limited trading markets than the markets for securities of
larger or more established issuers, and may be subject to wide price
fluctuations. Investments in such companies tend to be more volatile
and somewhat more speculative.
2. HOW DOES THE NONDIVERSIFIED STATUS OF AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO AND CAPITAL
APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO AFFECT THEIR RISK?
Diversification is a way to reduce risk by investing in a broad range
of stocks or other securities. A "nondiversified" portfolio has the
ability to take larger positions in a smaller number of issuers.
Because the appreciation or depreciation of a single stock may have a
greater impact on the NAV of a nondiversified portfolio, its share
price can be expected to fluctuate more than a comparable diversified
portfolio. This fluctuation, if significant, may affect the
performance of a Portfolio.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 19
<PAGE>
RISKS FOR FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO
Because the Portfolio invests substantially all of its assets in
fixed-income securities, it is subject to risks such as credit or
default risks, and decreased value due to interest rate increases. The
Portfolio's performance may also be affected by risks to certain types
of investments, such as foreign securities and derivative instruments.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
some of the risks of investing in the Flexible Income Portfolio.
1. WHAT IS MEANT BY "CREDIT QUALITY" AND WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH IT?
Credit quality measures the likelihood that the issuer will meet its
obligations on a bond. One of the fundamental risks associated with
all fixed-income funds is credit risk, which is the risk that an
issuer will be unable to make principal and interest payments when
due. U.S. government securities are generally considered to be the
safest type of investment in terms of credit risk. Municipal
obligations generally rank between U.S. government securities and
corporate debt securities in terms of credit safety. Corporate debt
securities, particularly those rated below investment grade, present
the highest credit risk.
2. HOW IS CREDIT QUALITY MEASURED?
Ratings published by nationally recognized statistical rating agencies
such as Standard & Poor's Ratings Service and Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. are widely accepted measures of credit risk. The lower a
bond issue is rated by an agency, the more credit risk it is
considered to represent. Lower rated bonds generally pay higher yields
to compensate investors for the associated risk. Please refer to
"Explanation of Rating Categories" on page 40 for a description of
rating categories.
20 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
RISKS COMMON TO ALL PORTFOLIOS
The following questions and answers discuss risks that apply to all Portfolios.
1. HOW COULD THE PORTFOLIOS' INVESTMENTS IN FOREIGN SECURITIES AFFECT THEIR
PERFORMANCE?
The Portfolios may invest without limit in foreign securities either
indirectly (e.g., depositary receipts) or directly in foreign markets.
Investments in foreign securities, including those of foreign
governments, may involve greater risks than investing in domestic
securities because the Portfolios' performance may depend on issues
other than the performance of a particular company. These issues
include:
- CURRENCY RISK. As long as a Portfolio holds a foreign security, its
value will be affected by the value of the local currency relative
to the U.S. dollar. When a Portfolio sells a foreign denominated
security, its value may be worth less in U.S. dollars even if the
security increases in value in its home country. U.S. dollar
denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by
currency risk.
- POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RISK. Foreign investments may be subject to
heightened political and economic risks, particularly in emerging
markets which may have relatively unstable governments, immature
economic structures, national policies restricting investments by
foreigners, different legal systems, and economies based on only a
few industries. In some countries, there is the risk that the
government may take over the assets or operations of a company or
that the government may impose taxes or limits on the removal of a
Portfolio's assets from that country.
- REGULATORY RISK. There may be less government supervision of foreign
markets. As a result, foreign issuers may not be subject to the
uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and
practices applicable to domestic issuers and there may be less
publicly available information about foreign issuers.
- MARKET RISK. Foreign securities markets, particularly those of
emerging market countries, may be less liquid and more volatile than
domestic markets. Certain markets may require payment for securities
before delivery and delays may be encountered in settling securities
transactions. In some foreign markets, there may not be protection
against failure by other parties to complete transactions.
- TRANSACTION COSTS. Costs of buying, selling and holding foreign
securities, including brokerage, tax and custody costs, may be
higher than those involved in domestic transactions.
2. ARE THERE SPECIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTMENTS IN HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK
SECURITIES?
High-yield/high-risk securities (or "junk" bonds) are securities rated
below investment grade by the primary rating agencies such as Standard
& Poor's and Moody's. The value of lower quality securities generally
is more dependent on credit risk, or the ability of the issuer to meet
interest and principal payments, than investment grade debt
securities. Issuers of high-yield securities may not be as strong
financially as those issuing bonds with higher credit ratings and are
more vulnerable to real or perceived economic changes, political
changes or adverse developments specific to the issuer.
The junk bond market can experience sudden and sharp price swings.
Because Flexible Income Portfolio may invest a significant portion of
its assets in high-yield/high-risk securities, investors should be
willing to tolerate a corresponding increase in the risk of
significant and sudden changes in NAV.
Please refer to "Explanation of Rating Categories" on page 40 for a
description of bond rating categories.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 21
<PAGE>
3. HOW DO THE PORTFOLIOS TRY TO REDUCE RISK?
The Portfolios may use futures, options and other derivative
instruments to "hedge" or protect their portfolios from adverse
movements in securities prices and interest rates. The Portfolios may
also use a variety of currency hedging techniques, including forward
currency contracts, to manage exchange rate risk. The portfolio
managers believe the use of these instruments will benefit the
Portfolios. However, a Portfolio's performance could be worse than if
the Portfolio had not used such instruments if a portfolio manager's
judgement proves incorrect. Risks associated with the use of
derivative instruments are described in the SAI.
4. I'VE HEARD A LOT ABOUT HOW THE CHANGE TO THE YEAR 2000 COULD AFFECT COMPUTER
SYSTEMS. DOES THIS CREATE ANY SPECIAL RISKS?
The portfolio managers carefully research each potential investment
before making an investment decision and, among other things, consider
Year 2000 readiness when selecting portfolio holdings. However, there
is no guarantee that the information a portfolio manager receives
regarding a company's Year 2000 readiness is completely accurate. If a
company has not satisfactorily addressed Year 2000 issues, the
Portfolio's performance could suffer.
22 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Management of the portfolios
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Janus Capital, 100 Fillmore Street, Denver, Colorado 80206-4928, is
the investment adviser to each of the Portfolios and is responsible
for the day-to-day management of the investment portfolios and other
business affairs of the Portfolios.
Janus Capital began serving as investment adviser to Janus Fund in
1970 and currently serves as investment adviser to all of the Janus
retail funds, acts as sub-adviser for a number of private-label mutual
funds and provides separate account advisory services for
institutional accounts.
Janus Capital furnishes continuous advice and recommendations
concerning each Portfolio's investments. Janus Capital also furnishes
certain administrative, compliance and accounting services for the
Portfolios, and may be reimbursed by the Portfolios for its costs in
providing those services. In addition, Janus Capital employees serve
as officers of the Trust and Janus Capital provides office space for
the Portfolios and pays the salaries, fees and expenses of all
Portfolio officers and those Trustees who are affiliated with Janus
Capital.
Participating insurance companies that purchase the Portfolios' shares
may perform certain administrative services relating to the Portfolios
and Janus Capital or the Portfolios may pay those companies for such
services.
MANAGEMENT EXPENSES AND EXPENSE LIMITS
Each Portfolio pays Janus Capital a management fee which is calculated
daily. The advisory agreement with each Portfolio spells out the
management fee and other expenses that the Portfolios must pay. Each
of the Portfolios is subject to the following management fee schedule
(expressed as an annual rate). In addition, the Shares of each
Portfolio incur expenses not assumed by Janus Capital, including
transfer agent and custodian fees and expenses, legal and auditing
fees, printing and mailing costs of sending reports and other
information to existing shareholders, and independent Trustees' fees
and expenses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Daily
Net Assets Annual Rate Expense Limit
Fee Schedule of Portfolio Percentage (%) Percentage (%)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio
Aggressive Growth Portfolio First $300 Million 0.75 N/A(1)
Capital Appreciation Portfolio Next $200 Million 0.70
International Growth Portfolio Over $500 Million 0.65
Worldwide Growth Portfolio
Balanced Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flexible Income Portfolio First $300 Million 0.65 1.00(2)
Over $300 Million 0.55
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Janus Capital has agreed to reduce Growth, Aggressive Growth, Capital
Appreciation, International Growth, Worldwide Growth, and Balanced,
Portfolio's management fee to the extent that such fee exceeds the effective
rate of the Janus retail fund corresponding to such Portfolio. Janus Capital
has agreed to continue such waivers until at least the next annual renewal
of the advisory contracts. The effective rate is the management fee
calculated by the corresponding retail fund as of the last day of each
calendar quarter (expressed as an annual rate). The effective rates of Janus
Fund, Janus Enterprise Fund, Janus Olympus Fund, Janus Overseas Fund, Janus
Worldwide Fund and Janus Balanced Fund were 0.65%, 0.69%, 0.67%, 0.66%,
0.65%, and 0.67%, respectively, for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.
(2) Janus Capital has agreed to limit the Portfolios' expenses as indicated
until at least the next annual renewal of the advisory contracts.
Management of the portfolios 23
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT PERSONNEL
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
LAURENCE J. CHANG
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and co-manager of International
Growth Portfolio and Janus Overseas Fund which he has co-managed
since May 1998 and April 1998, respectively. He served as
assistant portfolio manager for these funds since 1996. He is
also assistant portfolio manager for Worldwide Growth Portfolio
and Janus Worldwide Fund. Mr. Chang joined Janus Capital in 1993
after receiving a Masters Degree in Political Science from
Stanford University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
JAMES P. CRAIG, III
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Chief Investment Officer of Janus Capital. He is Executive
Vice President and portfolio manager of Growth Portfolio, which
he has managed since inception. He has managed Janus Fund since
1986 and has co-managed Janus Venture Fund since February 1,
1997. Mr. Craig previously managed Janus Venture Fund from its
inception, to December 1993, Janus Balanced Fund from December
1993 to December 1995 and Balanced Portfolio from September 1993
through April 1996. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from
the University of Alabama and a Master of Arts in Finance from
the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
JAMES P. GOFF
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Aggressive
Growth Portfolio, which he has managed since inception. Mr. Goff
joined Janus Capital in 1988 and has managed Janus Enterprise
Fund since its inception. Mr. Goff co-managed or managed Janus
Venture Fund from December 1993 to February 1, 1997. He holds a
Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Yale University and is a
Chartered Financial Analyst.
HELEN YOUNG HAYES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Worldwide
Growth Portfolio and co-manager of International Growth
Portfolio, which she has managed or co-managed since inception.
Ms. Hayes joined Janus Capital in 1987 and has managed or
co-managed Janus Worldwide Fund and Janus Overseas Fund since
their inceptions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from
Yale University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
BLAINE P. ROLLINS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Balanced
Portfolio, which he has managed since May 1996 and Equity Income
Portfolio, which he has managed since inception. He is an
assistant portfolio manager of Growth Portfolio. Mr. Rollins
joined Janus Capital in 1990 and has managed Janus Balanced Fund
since January 1996 and Janus Equity Income Fund since inception.
He has been an assistant portfolio manager of Janus Fund since
January 1995. He gained experience as a fixed-income trader and
equity research analyst prior to managing Balanced Portfolio. He
holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of
Colorado and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
24 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
SCOTT W. SCHOELZEL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Capital
Appreciation Portfolio, which he has managed since its inception.
He is portfolio manager of Janus Twenty Fund, which he has
managed since August 1997. He previously managed Janus Olympus
Fund from its inception to August 1997. Mr. Schoelzel joined
Janus Capital in January 1994. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in
Business from Colorado College.
RONALD V. SPEAKER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Flexible
Income Portfolio which he has managed or co-managed since its
inception. He previously served as co-manager of High-Yield
Portfolio, from its inception to May 1998. He managed Short-Term
Bond Portfolio from its inception through April 1996. Mr. Speaker
joined Janus Capital in 1986. He has managed or co-managed Janus
Flexible Income Fund since December 1991 and previously managed
both Janus Short-Term Bond Fund and Janus Federal Tax-Exempt Fund
from inception through December 1995. He previously managed or
co-managed Janus High-Yield Fund from its inception to February
1998. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from the University
of Colorado and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
In January 1997, Mr. Speaker settled an SEC administrative action
involving two personal trades made by him in January of 1993.
Without admitting or denying the allegations, Mr. Speaker agreed
to civil money penalty, disgorgement, and interest payments
totaling $37,199 and to a 90-day suspension which ended on April
25, 1997.
ASSISTANT PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
DAVID C. DECKER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is an assistant portfolio manager of Growth Portfolio. He is also
an assistant portfolio manager of Janus Fund. He is Executive
Vice President and portfolio manager of Janus Special Situations
Fund. Mr. Decker received a Masters of Business Administration in
Finance from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and
a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Political Science from Tufts
University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
RON SACHS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is an assistant portfolio manager of Aggressive Growth Portfolio.
Mr. Sachs joined Janus Capital in 1996 as a research analyst.
Prior to coming to Janus, he worked as a consultant for Bain &
Company and as an attorney for Willkie, Farr & Gallagher. Mr.
Sachs graduated from Princeton cum laude with an undergraduate
degree in economics. He obtained his law degree from the
University of Michigan. Mr. Sachs is a Chartered Financial
Analyst.
Management of the portfolios 25
<PAGE>
Other information
CLASSES OF SHARES
Each Portfolio currently offers two classes of Shares, one of which,
the Institutional Shares, are offered pursuant to this prospectus and
are sold under the name Janus Aspen Series. The Shares offered by this
Prospectus are available only in connection with investment in and
payments under variable insurance contracts as well as certain
qualified retirement plans. Retirement Shares of each Portfolio are
offered by separate prospectus and are available only to qualified
plans using plan service providers that are compensated for providing
distribution and/or recordkeeping and other administrative services.
Because the expenses of each class may differ, the performance of each
class is expected to differ. If you would like additional information
about the Retirement Shares, please call 1-800-525-0020.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The Shares offered by this prospectus are available only to variable
annuity and variable life separate accounts of insurance companies
that are unaffiliated with Janus Capital and to certain qualified
retirement plans. Retirement Shares of the Portfolios (offered through
a separate prospectus) are available to certain qualified plans.
Although the Portfolios do not currently anticipate any disadvantages
to policy owners because each Portfolio offers its shares to such
entities, there is a possibility that a material conflict may arise.
The Trustees monitor events in order to identify any disadvantages or
material irreconcilable conflicts and to determine what action, if
any, should be taken in response. If a material disadvantage or
conflict occurs, the Trustees may require one or more insurance
company separate accounts or qualified plans to withdraw its
investments in one or more Portfolios or substitute Shares of another
Portfolio. If this occurs, a Portfolio may be forced to sell its
securities at disadvantageous prices. In addition, the Trustees may
refuse to sell Shares of any Portfolio to any separate account or
qualified plan or may suspend or terminate the offering of a
Portfolio's Shares if such action is required by law or regulatory
authority or is in the best interests of that Portfolio's
shareholders. It is possible that a qualified plan investing in the
Retirement Shares of the Portfolios could lose its qualified plan
status under the Internal Revenue Code, which could have adverse tax
consequences on insurance company separate accounts investing in the
Shares. Janus Capital intends to monitor such qualified plans and the
Portfolios may discontinue sales to a qualified plan and require plan
participants with existing investments in the Retirement Shares to
redeem those investments if a plan loses (or in the opinion of Janus
Capital is at risk of losing) its qualified plan status.
YEAR 2000
Preparing for Year 2000 is a high priority for Janus Capital, which
has established a dedicated group to address this issue. Janus Capital
has devoted considerable internal resources and has engaged one of the
foremost experts in the field to help achieve Year 2000 readiness.
Janus Capital does not anticipate that Year 2000-related issues will
have a material impact on its ability to continue to provide the
Portfolios with service at current levels; however, Janus Capital
cannot make any assurances that the steps it has taken to ensure Year
2000 readiness will be successful. In addition, there can be no
assurance that Year 2000 issues will not affect the companies in which
the Portfolios invest or worldwide markets and economies.
26 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Distributions and taxes
DISTRIBUTIONS
To avoid taxation of the Portfolios, the Internal Revenue Code
requires each Portfolio to distribute net income and any net gains
realized on its investments annually. A Portfolio's income from
dividends and interest and any net realized short-term gains are paid
to shareholders as ordinary income dividends. Net realized long-term
gains are paid to shareholders as capital gains distributions.
Each class of each Portfolio makes semi-annual distributions in June
and December of substantially all of its investment income and an
annual distribution in June of its net realized gains, if any. All
dividends and capital gains distributions from Shares of a Portfolio
will automatically be reinvested into additional Shares of that
Portfolio.
HOW DISTRIBUTIONS AFFECT NAV
Distributions are paid to shareholders as of the record date of the
distribution of a Portfolio, regardless of how long the shares have
been held. Undistributed income and realized gains are included in the
daily NAV of a Portfolio's Shares. The Share price of a Portfolio
drops by the amount of the distribution, net of any subsequent market
fluctuations. For example, assume that on December 31, the Shares of
Growth Portfolio declared a dividend in the amount of $0.25 per share.
If the price of Growth Portfolio's Shares was $10.00 on December 30,
the share price on December 31 would be $9.75, barring market
fluctuations.
TAXES
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS
Because Shares of the Portfolios may be purchased only through
variable insurance contracts and qualified plans, it is anticipated
that any income dividends or capital gains distributions made by the
Shares of a Portfolio will be exempt from current taxation if left to
accumulate within the variable insurance contract or qualified plan.
Generally, withdrawals from such contracts may be subject to ordinary
income tax and, if made before age 59 1/2, a 10% penalty tax. The tax
status of your investment depends on the features of your qualified
plan or variable insurance contract. Further information may be found
in your plan documents or in the prospectus of the separate account
offering such contract.
TAXATION OF THE PORTFOLIOS
Dividends, interest and some gains received by the Portfolios on
foreign securities may be subject to withholding of foreign taxes. The
Portfolios may from year to year make the election permitted under
Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code to pass through such taxes to
shareholders. If such election is not made, any foreign taxes paid or
accrued will represent an expense to the Portfolios which will reduce
their investment income.
The Portfolios do not expect to pay any federal income or excise taxes
because they intend to meet certain requirements of the Internal
Revenue Code. In addition, each Portfolio intends to qualify under the
Internal Revenue Code with respect to the diversification requirements
related to the tax-deferred status of insurance company separate
accounts.
Distributions and taxes 27
<PAGE>
Shareholder's guide
INVESTORS MAY NOT PURCHASE OR REDEEM SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIOS
DIRECTLY. SHARES MAY BE PURCHASED OR REDEEMED ONLY THROUGH VARIABLE
INSURANCE CONTRACTS OFFERED BY THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS OF PARTICIPATING
INSURANCE COMPANIES OR THROUGH QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS. CERTAIN
PORTFOLIOS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN CONNECTION WITH A PARTICULAR
CONTRACT AND CERTAIN CONTRACTS MAY LIMIT ALLOCATIONS AMONG THE
PORTFOLIOS. REFER TO THE PROSPECTUS FOR THE PARTICIPATING INSURANCE
COMPANY'S SEPARATE ACCOUNT OR YOUR PLAN DOCUMENTS FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON
PURCHASING OR SELLING OF VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACTS AND ON HOW TO
SELECT SPECIFIC PORTFOLIOS AS INVESTMENT OPTIONS FOR A CONTRACT OR A
QUALIFIED PLAN.
PRICING OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
Investments will be processed at the NAV next determined after an
order is received and accepted by a Portfolio or its agent. In order
to receive a day's price, your order must be received by the close of
the regular trading session of the New York Stock Exchange any day
that the NYSE is open. Securities are valued at market value or, if a
market quotation is not readily available, at their fair value
determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the
supervision of the Trustees. Short-term instruments maturing within 60
days are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
See the SAI for more detailed information.
To the extent a Portfolio holds securities that are primarily listed
on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the
Portfolios do not price their shares, the NAV of a Portfolio's shares
may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
redeem the Portfolio's shares.
PURCHASES
Purchases of Shares may be made only by the separate accounts of
insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable insurance
contracts or by qualified plans. Refer to the prospectus of the
appropriate insurance company separate account or your plan documents
for information on how to invest in the Shares of each Portfolio.
Participating insurance companies and certain other designated
organizations are authorized to receive purchase orders on the
Portfolios' behalf.
Each Portfolio reserves the right to reject any specific purchase
order. Purchase orders may be refused if, in Janus Capital's opinion,
they are of a size that would disrupt the management of a Portfolio.
Although there is no present intention to do so, the Portfolios may
discontinue sales of their shares if management and the Trustees
believe that continued sales may adversely affect a Portfolio's
ability to achieve its investment objective. If sales of a Portfolio's
Shares are discontinued, it is expected that existing policy owners
and plan participants invested in that Portfolio would be permitted to
continue to authorize investment in that Portfolio and to reinvest any
dividends or capital gains distributions, absent highly unusual
circumstances.
REDEMPTIONS
Redemptions, like purchases, may be effected only through the separate
accounts of participating insurance companies or through qualified
plans. Please refer to the appropriate separate account prospectus or
plan documents for details.
Shares of any Portfolio may be redeemed on any business day.
Redemptions are processed at the NAV next calculated after receipt and
acceptance of the redemption order by the Portfolio or its agent.
Redemption proceeds will normally be wired to the participating
insurance company the business day following receipt of the redemption
order, but in no event later than seven days after receipt of such
order.
28 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS
Shareholders will receive annual and semiannual reports including the
financial statements of the Shares of the Portfolios that they have
authorized for investment. Each report will show the investments owned
by each Portfolio and the market values thereof, as well as other
information about the Portfolios and their operations. The Trust's
fiscal year ends December 31.
Shareholder's guide 29
<PAGE>
Financial highlights
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand
the Institutional Shares' financial performance for each of the five
most recent fiscal years or the life of the Portfolio if less than
five years. Items 1 through 9 reflect financial results for a single
Share. Total return in the tables represents the rate that an investor
would have earned (or lost) on an investment in each of the
Institutional Shares of the Portfolios (assuming reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions) but does not include charges and expenses
attributable to any insurance product. This information has been
audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with the
Portfolios' financial statements, is included in the Annual Report,
which is available upon request and incorporated by reference into the
SAI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $18.48 $15.51 $13.45 $10.57 $10.32
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.05 0.15 0.17 0.28 0.09
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized
and unrealized) 6.36 3.34 2.29 2.90 0.20
4. Total from investment operations 6.41 3.49 2.46 3.18 0.29
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.05) (0.15) (0.17) (0.30) (0.04)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) (1.30) (0.37) (0.23) -- --
8. Total distributions (1.35) (0.52) (0.40) (0.30) (0.04)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $23.54 $18.48 $15.51 $13.45 $10.57
10. Total return 35.66% 22.75% 18.45% 30.17% 2.76%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $1,103,549 $608,281 $325,789 $126,911 $43,549
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $789,454 $477,914 $216,125 $77,344 $26,464
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.68%(6) 0.70%(5) 0.69%(4) 0.78%(3) N/A
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.68% 0.69% 0.69% 0.76% 0.88%(1)(2)
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets 0.26% 0.91% 1.39% 1.24% 1.45%
16. Portfolio turnover rate 73% 122% 87% 185% 169%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.23% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(3) The ratio was 0.98% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.83% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.78% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.75% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
30 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $20.55 $18.24 $17.08 $13.62 $11.80
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income -- -- -- 0.24 0.11
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized
and unrealized) 7.09 2.31 1.36 3.47 1.82
4. Total from investment operations 7.09 2.31 1.36 3.71 1.93
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) -- -- -- (0.25) (0.11)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- (0.01) -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) -- -- (0.19) -- --
8. Total distributions -- -- (0.20) (0.25) (0.11)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $27.64 $20.55 $18.24 $17.08 $13.62
10. Total return 34.26% 12.66% 7.95% 27.48% 16.33%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $772,943 $508,198 $383,693 $185,911 $41,289
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $576,444 $418,464 $290,629 $107,582 $14,152
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.75%(6) 0.76%(5) 0.76%(4) 0.86%(3) N/A
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.75% 0.76% 0.76% 0.84% 1.05%(1)(2)
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets (0.36%) (0.10%) (0.27%) 0.58% 2.18%
16. Portfolio turnover rate 132% 130% 88% 155% 259%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.14% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(3) The ratio was 0.93% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.83% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.78% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.75% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
Financial highlights 31
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending
December 31
1998 1997(1)
<S> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $12.62 $10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.01 0.05
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 7.32 2.61
4. Total from investment operations 7.33 2.66
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.01) (0.04)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) -- --
8. Total distributions (0.01) (0.04)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $19.94 $12.62
10. Total return* 58.11% 26.60%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $74,187 $6,833
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $25,964 $2,632
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets** 0.92%(3) 1.26%(2)
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets** 0.91% 1.25%
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets** 0.27% 1.43%
16. Portfolio turnover rate** 91% 101%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total return not annualized for periods of less than one full year.
** Annualized for periods of less than one full year.
(1) May 1, 1997 (inception) through December 31, 1997.
(2) The ratio was 2.19% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Olympus Fund.
(3) The ratio was 0.97% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Olympus Fund.
32 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994(1)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $18.48 $15.72 $11.95 $9.72 $10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.13 0.11 0.05 0.09 (0.09)
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 3.07 2.80 4.06 2.16 (0.19)
4. Total from investment operations 3.20 2.91 4.11 2.25 (0.28)
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.14) (0.11) (0.11) (0.02) --
6. Dividends (in excess of net investment income) -- -- -- -- --
7. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
8. Distributions (from capital gains) -- (0.01) (0.23) -- --
9. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.27) (0.03) -- -- --
10. Total distributions (0.41) (0.15) (0.34) (0.02) --
11. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $21.27 $18.48 $15.72 $11.95 $9.72
12. Total return* 17.23% 18.51% 34.71% 23.15% (2.80%)
13. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $311,110 $161,091 $27,192 $1,608 $1,353
14. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $234,421 $96,164 $7,437 $1,792 $1,421
15. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets** 0.86%(6) 0.96%(5) 1.26%(4) 2.69%(3) N/A
16. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets** 0.86% 0.96% 1.25% 2.50% 2.50%(2)
17. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets** 0.73% 0.70% 0.62% (0.80%) (1.30%)
18. Portfolio turnover rate** 93% 86% 65% 211% 275%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total return not annualized for periods of less than one full year.
** Annualized for periods of less than one full year.
(1) May 1, 1994 (inception) through December 31, 1994.
(2) The ratio was 4.67% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
(3) The ratio was 3.57% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
(4) The ratio was 2.21% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
(5) The ratio was 1.08% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.95% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
Financial highlights 33
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $23.39 $19.44 $15.31 $12.07 $11.89
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.11 0.04
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 6.59 4.14 4.27 3.19 0.14
4. Total from investment operations 6.75 4.30 4.43 3.30 0.18
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.18) (0.17) (0.17) (0.06) --
6. Dividends (in excess of net investment income) -- (0.02) -- -- --
7. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
8. Distributions (from capital gains) -- (0.16) (0.13) -- --
9. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.87) -- -- -- --
10. Total distributions (1.05) (0.35) (0.30) (0.06) --
11. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $29.09 $23.39 $19.44 $15.31 $12.07
12. Total return 28.92% 22.15% 29.04% 27.37% 1.53%
13. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $2,890,375 $1,576,548 $582,603 $108,563 $37,728
14. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $2,217,695 $1,148,951 $304,111 $59,440 $22,896
15. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.72%(6) 0.74%(5) 0.80%(4) 0.90%(3) N/A
16. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.72% 0.74% 0.80% 0.87% 1.18%(1)(2)
17. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.64% 0.67% 0.83% 0.95% 0.50%
18. Portfolio turnover rate 77% 80% 62% 113% 217%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.49% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(3) The ratio was 1.09% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.91% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.81% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
34 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCED PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $17.47 $14.77 $13.03 $10.63 $10.64
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.39 0.34 0.32 0.17 0.15
3. Net gains (or losses) on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 5.51 2.89 1.81 2.45 (0.06)
4. Total from investment operations 5.90 3.23 2.13 2.62 0.09
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.38) (0.35) (0.30) (0.22) (0.10)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) (0.45) (0.18) (0.09) -- --
8. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.04) -- -- -- --
9. Total distributions (0.87) (0.53) (0.39) (0.22) (0.10)
10. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $22.50 $17.47 $14.77 $13.03 $10.63
11. Total return 34.28% 22.10% 16.18% 24.79% 0.84%
12. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $882,495 $362,409 $85,480 $14,021 $3,153
13. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $555,002 $176,432 $43,414 $5,739 $2,336
14. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.74%(6) 0.83%(5) 0.94%(4) 1.37%(3) N/A
15. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.74% 0.82% 0.92% 1.30% 1.57%(1)(2)
16. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 2.41% 2.87% 2.92% 2.41% 1.90%
17. Portfolio turnover rate 70% 139% 103% 149% 158%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(3) The ratio was 1.55% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(4) The ratio was 1.07% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.83% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
Financial highlights 35
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $11.78 $11.24 $11.11 $9.48 $9.97
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.64 0.67 0.74 0.53 0.47
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 0.41 0.62 0.24 1.70 (0.56)
4. Total from investment operations 1.05 1.29 0.98 2.23 (0.09)
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.67) (0.64) (0.72) (0.60) (0.40)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) (0.11) (0.11) (0.13) -- --
8. Total distributions (0.78) (0.75) (0.85) (0.60) (0.40)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $12.05 $11.78 $11.24 $11.11 $9.48
10. Total return 9.11% 11.76% 9.19% 23.86% (0.91%)
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $129,582 $54,098 $25,315 $10,831 $1,924
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $86,627 $36,547 $17,889 $5,556 $1,636
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.73% 0.75% 0.84% 1.07% N/A
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.73% 0.75% 0.83% 1.00% 1.00%(1)
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 6.36% 6.90% 7.31% 7.46% 5.49%
16. Portfolio turnover rate 145% 119% 250% 236% 234%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) The ratio was 1.35% before waiver of certain fees incurred by the Portfolio.
36 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Glossary of investment terms
This glossary provides a more detailed description of some of the
types of securities and other instruments in which the Portfolios may
invest. The Portfolios may invest in these instruments to the extent
permitted by their investment objectives and policies. The Portfolios
are not limited by this discussion and may invest in any other types
of instruments not precluded by the policies discussed elsewhere in
this Prospectus. Please refer to the SAI for a more detailed
discussion of certain instruments.
I. EQUITY AND DEBT SECURITIES
BONDS are debt securities issued by a company, municipality,
government or government agency. The issuer of a bond is required to
pay the holder the amount of the loan (or par value of the bond) at a
specified maturity and to make scheduled interest payments.
COMMERCIAL PAPER is a short-term debt obligation with a maturity
ranging from 1 to 270 days issued by banks, corporations and other
borrowers to investors seeking to invest idle cash. The Portfolios may
purchase commercial paper issued in private placements under Section
4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.
COMMON STOCKS are equity securities representing shares of ownership
in a company and usually carry voting rights and earns dividends.
Unlike preferred stock, dividends on common stock are not fixed but
are declared at the discretion of the issuer's board of directors.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES are preferred stocks or bonds that pay a fixed
dividend or interest payment and are convertible into common stock at
a specified price or conversion ratio.
DEBT SECURITIES are securities representing money borrowed that must
be repaid at a later date. Such securities have specific maturities
and usually a specific rate of interest or an original purchase
discount.
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS are receipts for shares of a foreign-based
corporation that entitle the holder to dividends and capital gains on
the underlying security. Receipts include those issued by domestic
banks (American Depositary Receipts), foreign banks (Global or
European Depositary Receipts) and broker-dealers (depositary shares).
FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES are securities that pay a specified rate of
return. The term generally includes short-and long-term government,
corporate and municipal obligations that pay a specified rate of
interest or coupons for a specified period of time, and preferred
stock, which pays fixed dividends. Coupon and dividend rates may be
fixed for the life of the issue or, in the case of adjustable and
floating rate securities, for a shorter period.
HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK SECURITIES are securities that are rated below
investment grade by the primary rating agencies (e.g., BB or lower by
Standard & Poor's and Ba or lower by Moody's). Other terms commonly
used to describe such securities include "lower rated bonds,"
"noninvestment grade bonds" and "junk bonds."
MORTGAGE- AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES are shares in a pool of
mortgages or other debt. These securities are generally pass-through
securities, which means that principal and interest payments on the
underlying securities (less servicing fees) are passed through to
shareholders on a pro rata basis. These securities involve prepayment
risk, which is the risk that the underlying mortgages or other debt
may be refinanced or paid off prior to their maturities during periods
of declining interest rates. In that case, a portfolio manager may
have to reinvest the proceeds from the securities at a lower rate.
Potential market gains on a security subject to prepayment risk may be
more limited than potential market gains on a comparable security that
is not subject to prepayment risk.
PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES (PFICS) are any foreign
corporations which generate certain amounts of passive income or hold
certain amounts of assets for the production of passive income.
Passive
Glossary of investment terms 37
<PAGE>
income includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents and annuities.
To avoid taxes and interest that the Portfolios must pay if these
investments are profitable, the Portfolios may make various elections
permitted by the tax laws. These elections could require that the
Portfolios recognize taxable income, which in turn must be
distributed, before the securities are sold and before cash is
received to pay the distributions.
PAY-IN-KIND BONDS are debt securities that normally give the issuer an
option to pay cash at a coupon payment date or give the holder of the
security a similar bond with the same coupon rate and a face value
equal to the amount of the coupon payment that would have been made.
PREFERRED STOCKS are equity securities that generally pay dividends at
a specified rate and have preference over common stock in the payment
of dividends and liquidation. Preferred stock generally does not carry
voting rights.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS involve the purchase of a security by a
Portfolio and a simultaneous agreement by the seller (generally a bank
or dealer) to repurchase the security from the Portfolio at a
specified date or upon demand. This technique offers a method of
earning income on idle cash. These securities involve the risk that
the seller will fail to repurchase the security, as agreed. In that
case, a Portfolio will bear the risk of market value fluctuations
until the security can be sold and may encounter delays and incur
costs in liquidating the security.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS involve the sale of a security by a
Portfolio to another party (generally a bank or dealer) in return for
cash and an agreement by the Portfolio to buy the security back at a
specified price and time. This technique will be used primarily to
provide cash to satisfy unusually high redemption requests, or for
other temporary or emergency purposes.
RULE 144A SECURITIES are securities that are not registered for sale
to the general public under the Securities Act of 1933, but that may
be resold to certain institutional investors.
STANDBY COMMITMENTS are obligations purchased by a Portfolio from a
dealer that give the Portfolio the option to sell a security to the
dealer at a specified price.
STEP COUPON BONDS are debt securities that trade at a discount from
their face value and pay coupon interest. The discount from the face
value depends on the time remaining until cash payments begin,
prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security and the perceived
credit quality of the issuer.
STRIP BONDS are debt securities that are stripped of their interest
(usually by a financial intermediary) after the securities are issued.
The market value of these securities generally fluctuates more in
response to changes in interest rates than interest-paying securities
of comparable maturity.
TENDER OPTION BONDS are generally long-term securities that are
coupled with an option to tender the securities to a bank,
broker-dealer or other financial institution at periodic intervals and
receive the face value of the bond. This type of security is commonly
used as a means of enhancing the security's liquidity.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES include direct obligations of the U.S.
government that are supported by its full faith and credit. Treasury
bills have initial maturities of less than one year, Treasury notes
have initial maturities of one to ten years and Treasury bonds may be
issued with any maturity but generally have maturities of at least ten
years. U.S. government securities also include indirect obligations of
the U.S. government that are issued by federal agencies and government
sponsored entities. Unlike Treasury securities, agency securities
generally are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
government. Some agency securities are supported by the right of the
issuer to borrow from the Treasury, others are supported by the
discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the
agency's obligations and others are supported only by the credit of
the sponsoring agency.
38 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES have variable or floating rates
of interest and, under certain limited circumstances, may have varying
principal amounts. These securities pay interest at rates that are
adjusted periodically according to a specified formula, usually with
reference to some interest rate index or market interest rate. The
floating rate tends to decrease the security's price sensitivity to
changes in interest rates.
WARRANTS are securities, typically issued with preferred stock or
bonds, that give the holder the right to buy a proportionate amount of
common stock at a specified price, usually at a price that is higher
than the market price at the time of issuance of the warrant. The
right may last for a period of years or indefinitely.
WHEN-ISSUED, DELAYED DELIVERY AND FORWARD TRANSACTIONS generally
involve the purchase of a security with payment and delivery at some
time in the future - i.e., beyond normal settlement. The Portfolios do
not earn interest on such securities until settlement and bear the
risk of market value fluctuations in between the purchase and
settlement dates. New issues of stocks and bonds, private placements
and U.S. government securities may be sold in this manner.
ZERO COUPON BONDS are debt securities that do not pay regular interest
at regular intervals, but are issued at a discount from face value.
The discount approximates the total amount of interest the security
will accrue from the date of issuance to maturity. The market value of
these securities generally fluctuates more in response to changes in
interest rates than interest-paying securities.
II. FUTURES, OPTIONS AND OTHER DERIVATIVES
FORWARD CONTRACTS are contracts to purchase or sell a specified amount
of a financial instrument for an agreed upon price at a specified
time. Forward contracts are not currently exchange traded and are
typically negotiated on an individual basis. The Portfolios may enter
into forward currency contracts to hedge against declines in the value
of securities denominated in, or whose value is tied to, a currency
other than the U.S. dollar or to reduce the impact of currency
appreciation on purchases of such securities. They may also enter into
forward contracts to purchase or sell securities or other financial
indices.
FUTURES CONTRACTS are contracts that obligate the buyer to receive and
the seller to deliver an instrument or money at a specified price on a
specified date. The Portfolios may buy and sell futures contracts on
foreign currencies, securities and financial indices including
interest rates or an index of U.S. government, foreign government,
equity or fixed-income securities. The Portfolios may also buy options
on futures contracts. An option on a futures contract gives the buyer
the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a futures contract
at a specified price on or before a specified date. Futures contracts
and options on futures are standardized and traded on designated
exchanges.
INDEXED/STRUCTURED SECURITIES are typically short- to
intermediate-term debt securities whose value at maturity or interest
rate is linked to currencies, interest rates, equity securities,
indices, commodity prices or other financial indicators. Such
securities may be positively or negatively indexed (i.e. their value
may increase or decrease if the reference index or instrument
appreciates). Indexed/structured securities may have return
characteristics similar to direct investments in the underlying
instruments and may be more volatile than the underlying instruments.
A Portfolio bears the market risk of an investment in the underlying
instruments, as well as the credit risk of the issuer.
INTEREST RATE SWAPS involve the exchange by two parties of their
respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange
of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments).
INVERSE FLOATERS are debt instruments whose interest rate bears an
inverse relationship to the interest rate on another instrument or
index. For example, upon reset the interest rate payable on a security
may go down when the underlying index has risen. Certain inverse
floaters may have an interest rate reset
Glossary of investment terms 39
<PAGE>
mechanism that multiplies the effects of change in the underlying
index. Such mechanism may increase the volatility of the security's
market value.
OPTIONS are the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a
specified amount of securities or other assets on or before a fixed
date at a predetermined price. The Portfolios may purchase and write
put and call options on securities, securities indices and foreign
currencies.
40 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Explanation of rating categories
The following is a description of credit ratings issued by two of the
major credit ratings agencies. Credit ratings evaluate only the safety
of principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of lower
quality securities. Credit rating agencies may fail to change credit
ratings to reflect subsequent events on a timely basis. Although Janus
Capital considers security ratings when making investment decisions,
it also performs its own investment analysis and does not rely solely
on the ratings assigned by credit agencies.
STANDARD & POOR'S
RATINGS SERVICES
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
BOND RATING EXPLANATION
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Grade
AAA......................... Highest rating; extremely strong capacity to pay principal
and interest.
AA.......................... High quality; very strong capacity to pay principal and
interest.
A........................... Strong capacity to pay principal and interest; somewhat more
susceptible to the adverse effects of changing circumstances
and economic conditions.
BBB......................... Adequate capacity to pay principal and interest; normally
exhibit adequate protection parameters, but adverse economic
conditions or changing circumstances more likely to lead to
a weakened capacity to pay principal and interest than for
higher rated bonds.
Non-Investment Grade
BB, B, CCC, CC, C........... Predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's
capacity to meet required interest and principal payments.
BB - lowest degree of speculation; C - the highest degree of
speculation. Quality and protective characteristics
outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposure to
adverse conditions.
D........................... In default.
</TABLE>
Explanation of rating categories 41
<PAGE>
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
BOND RATING EXPLANATION
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Grade
Aaa......................... Highest quality, smallest degree of investment risk.
Aa.......................... High quality; together with Aaa bonds, they compose the
high-grade bond group.
A........................... Upper-medium grade obligations; many favorable investment
attributes.
Baa......................... Medium-grade obligations; neither highly protected nor
poorly secured. Interest and principal appear adequate for
the present but certain protective elements may be lacking
or may be unreliable over any great length of time.
Non-Investment Grade
Ba.......................... More uncertain, with speculative elements. Protection of
interest and principal payments not well safeguarded during
good and bad times.
B........................... Lack characteristics of desirable investment; potentially
low assurance of timely interest and principal payments or
maintenance of other contract terms over time.
Caa......................... Poor standing, may be in default; elements of danger with
respect to principal or interest payments.
Ca.......................... Speculative in a high degree; could be in default or have
other marked shortcomings.
C........................... Lowest-rated; extremely poor prospects of ever attaining
investment standing.
</TABLE>
Unrated securities will be treated as noninvestment grade securities
unless a portfolio manager determines that such securities are the
equivalent of investment grade securities. Securities that have
received ratings from more than one agency are considered investment
grade if at least one agency has rated the security investment grade.
42 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
SECURITIES HOLDINGS BY RATING CATEGORY
During the fiscal period ended December 31, 1998, the percentage of
securities holdings for Flexible Income Portfolio by rating category
based upon a weighted monthly average was:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
BONDS-S&P RATING:
AAA 24%
AA 4%
A 13%
BBB 18%
BB 13%
B 15%
CCC 1%
CC 0%
C 0%
Preferred Stock 2%
Cash and Options 10%
TOTAL 100%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
No other Portfolio described in this Prospectus held 5% or more of its
assets in bonds rated below investment grade for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998.
Explanation of rating categories 43
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
1-800-29JANUS
100 Fillmore Street
Denver, Colorado 80206-4928
janus.com
You can request other information, including a Statement of
Additional Information, Annual Report or Semiannual Report, free of
charge, by contacting your plan sponsor or visiting our Web site at
janus.com. In the Portfolios' Annual Report, you will find a
discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that
significantly affected the Portfolios' performance during their last
fiscal year. Other information is also available from financial
intermediaries that sell Shares of the Portfolios.
The Statement of Additional Information provides detailed
information about the Portfolios and is incorporated into this
Prospectus by reference. You may review the Portfolios' Statement of
Additional Information at the Public Reference Room of the SEC or
get text only copies for a fee, by writing to or calling the Public
Reference Room, Washington, D.C. 20549-6009 (1-800-SEC-0330). You
may obtain the Statement of Additional Information for free from the
SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov.
Investment Company Act File No. 811-7736
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
Janus Aspen Series
PROSPECTUS
MAY 1, 1999
Growth Portfolio
Aggressive Growth Portfolio
Worldwide Growth Portfolio
Balanced Portfolio
Flexible Income Portfolio
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED ON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
This prospectus describes five mutual funds (the "Portfolios")
with a variety of investment objectives, including growth of
capital, current income and a combination of growth and income.
Each Portfolio of Janus Aspen Series currently offers two
classes of shares. The Institutional Shares, (the "Shares"), are
sold under the name of "Janus Aspen Series" and are offered by
this prospectus in connection with investment in and payments
under variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance
contracts, as well as certain qualified retirement plans.
Janus Aspen Series sells and redeems its Shares at net asset
value without sales charges, commissions or redemption fees.
Each variable insurance contract involves fees and expenses that
are not described in this Prospectus. Certain Portfolios may not
be available in connection with a particular contract and
certain contracts may limit allocations among the Portfolios.
See the accompanying contract prospectus for information
regarding contract fees and expenses and any restrictions on
purchases or allocations.
This prospectus contains information that a prospective
purchaser of a variable insurance contract or plan participant
should consider in conjunction with the accompanying separate
account prospectus of the specific insurance company product
before allocating purchase payments or premiums to the
Portfolios.
<PAGE>
Table of contents
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
Growth Portfolios........................................ 2
Balanced Portfolio....................................... 6
Flexible Income Portfolio................................ 8
Fees and expenses........................................ 10
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND
RISKS
Growth Portfolios........................................ 11
Balanced Portfolio....................................... 12
Flexible Income Portfolio................................ 13
General portfolio policies............................... 15
Risks for Growth and Balanced Portfolios................. 17
Risks for Flexible Income Portfolio...................... 18
Risks Common to All Portfolios........................... 19
MANAGEMENT OF THE PORTFOLIOS
Investment adviser....................................... 21
Management expenses and expense limits................... 21
Investment personnel..................................... 22
OTHER INFORMATION........................................... 24
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Distributions............................................ 25
Taxes.................................................... 25
SHAREHOLDER'S GUIDE
Pricing of portfolio shares.............................. 26
Purchases................................................ 26
Redemptions.............................................. 26
Shareholder communications............................... 27
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS........................................ 28
GLOSSARY
Glossary of investment terms............................. 33
RATING CATEGORIES
Explanation of rating categories......................... 37
</TABLE>
Table of contents 1
<PAGE>
Risk return summary
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
The Growth Portfolios are designed for long-term investors who seek
growth of capital and who can tolerate the greater risks associated
with common stock investments.
1. WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES OF THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital in a manner
consistent with the preservation of capital.
- AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital.
- WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital in a
manner consistent with the preservation of capital.
The Portfolios' Trustees may change these objectives without a
shareholder vote and the Portfolios will notify you of any changes
that are material. If there is a material change to a Portfolio's
objective or policies, you should consider whether that Portfolio
remains an appropriate investment for you. There is no guarantee
that a Portfolio will meet its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
The portfolio managers apply a "bottom up" approach in choosing
investments. In other words, they look for companies with earnings
growth potential one at a time. If a portfolio manager is unable to
find investments with earnings growth potential, a significant portion
of a Portfolio's assets may be in cash or similar investments.
GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks selected for their
growth potential. Although the Portfolio can invest in companies of
any size, it generally invests in larger, more established companies.
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks
selected for their growth potential, and normally invests at least 50%
of its equity assets in medium-sized companies.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks of
companies of any size throughout the world. The Portfolio normally
invests in issuers from at least five different countries, including
the United States. The Portfolio may at times invest in fewer than
five countries or even a single country.
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
The biggest risk is that the Portfolios' returns may vary, and you
could lose money. If you are considering investing in any of the
Growth Portfolios, remember that they are each designed for long-term
investors who can accept the risks of investing in a portfolio with
significant common stock holdings. Common stocks tend to be more
volatile than other investment choices.
The value of a Portfolio may decrease if the value of an individual
company in the portfolio decreases. The value of a Portfolio could
also decrease if the stock market goes down. If the value of a
Portfolio decreases, its net asset value (NAV) will also decrease,
which means if you sell your shares in a Portfolio you would get back
less money.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO may have significant exposure to foreign
markets. As a result, its returns and NAV may be affected to a large
degree by fluctuations in currency exchange rates or political or
economic conditions in a particular country.
2 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO is nondiversified. In other words, it may
hold larger positions in a smaller number of securities than a
diversified fund. As a result, a single security's increase or
decrease in value may have a greater impact on the Portfolio's NAV and
total return.
An investment in these Portfolios is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency.
The following information provides an indication of the risks of
investing in the Growth Portfolios by showing how each of the Growth
Portfolios' performance has varied over time. The bar charts depict
the change in performance from year-to-year during the period
indicated, but do not include charges and expenses attributable to any
insurance product which would lower the performances illustrated. The
Portfolios do not impose any sales or other charges that would affect
total return computations. Total return figures include the effect of
each Portfolio's expenses. The tables compare the average annual
returns for the Shares of each Portfolio for the periods indicated to
a broad-based securities market index.
Risk return summary 3
<PAGE>
GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Growth Portfolio -
Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
2.76% 30.17% 18.45% 22.75% 35.66%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 27.71% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (10.92%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 35.66% 21.41% 20.91%
S&P 500 Index* 28.74% 24.08% 23.06%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 500 is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks,
a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Aggressive Growth
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
16.33% 27.48% 7.95% 12.66% 34.26%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 34.65% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (14.98%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Aggressive Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 34.26% 19.35% 21.96%
S&P 400 Mid Cap Index* 18.25% 18.67% 18.06%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 400 Mid Cap Index is an unmanaged group of 400 domestic
stocks chosen for their market size, liquidity and industry group
representation.
4 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Worldwide Growth
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
1.53% 27.37% 29.04% 22.15% 28.92%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 20.87% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (16.03%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Worldwide Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 28.92% 21.32% 24.06%
Morgan Stanley International Worldwide Index* 24.34% 15.68% 14.39%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The Morgan Stanley International Worldwide Index is a market
capitalization weighted index composed of countries representative
of the market structure of 47 Developed and Emerging Markets.
The Growth Portfolios' past performance does not necessarily indicate
how they will perform in the future.
Risk return summary 5
<PAGE>
BALANCED PORTFOLIO
The Balanced Portfolio is designed for investors who primarily seek
growth of capital with current income. It is not designed for
investors who desire a consistent level of income.
1. WHAT IS THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- BALANCED PORTFOLIO seeks long-term capital growth, consistent
with preservation of capital and balanced by current income.
The Trustees may change this objective without a shareholder vote and
the Portfolio will notify you of any changes that are material. If
there is a material change to the Portfolio's objective or policies,
you should consider whether the Portfolio remains an appropriate
investment for you. There is no guarantee that the Portfolio will meet
its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO?
The portfolio manager applies a "bottom up" approach in choosing
investments. In other words, he looks mostly for equity and
income-producing securities that meet his investment criteria one at a
time. If the portfolio manager is unable to find such investments,
much of the Portfolio's assets may be in cash or similar investments.
Balanced Portfolio normally invests 40-60% of its assets in securities
selected primarily for their growth potential and 40-60% of its assets
in securities selected primarily for their income potential. The
Portfolio will normally invest at least 25% of its assets in
fixed-income securities.
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN BALANCED PORTFOLIO?
The biggest risk is that the Portfolio's returns may vary, and you
could lose money. If you are considering investing in Balanced
Portfolio, remember that it is designed for long-term investors who
can accept the risks of investing in a portfolio with significant
common stock holdings. Common stocks tend to be more volatile than
other investment choices.
The value of the Portfolio may decrease if the value of an individual
company in the portfolio decreases. The value of the Portfolio could
also decrease if the stock market goes down. If the value of the
Portfolio decreases, its NAV will also decrease, which means if you
sell your shares in the Portfolio you would get back less money.
The income component of the Portfolio's holdings includes fixed-income
securities. A fundamental risk to the income component is that the
value of these securities will fall if interest rates rise. Generally,
the value of a fixed-income portfolio will decrease when interest
rates rise, which means the Portfolio's NAV may likewise decrease.
Another fundamental risk associated with fixed-income securities is
credit risk, which is the risk that an issuer of a bond will be unable
to make principal and interest payments when due.
An investment in the Portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency.
6 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
The following information provides an indication of the risks of
investing in Balanced Portfolio by showing how Balanced Portfolio's
performance has varied over time. The bar chart depicts the change in
performance from year-to-year during the period indicated, but does
not include charges and expenses attributable to any insurance product
which would lower the performance illustrated. The Portfolio does not
impose any sales or other charges that would affect total return
computations. Total return figures include the effect of the
Portfolio's expenses. The table compares the average annual returns
for the Shares of the Portfolio for the period indicated to a
broad-based securities market index.
BALANCED PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Balanced Portfolio -
Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
0.84% 24.79% 16.18% 22.10% 34.28%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 20.32% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (4.97%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balanced Portfolio - Institutional Shares 34.28% 19.11% 19.53%
S&P 500 Index* 28.74% 24.08% 23.06%
Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond Index** 9.47% 7.30% 6.90%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 500 is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks,
a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
** Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond Index is composed of all bonds that
are of investment grade with at least one year until maturity.
Balanced Portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate
how it will perform in the future.
Risk return summary 7
<PAGE>
FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO
Flexible Income Portfolio is designed for long-term investors who
primarily seek current income.
1. WHAT IS THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO seeks to obtain maximum total return,
consistent with preservation of capital.
The Trustees may change the objective without a shareholder vote and
the Portfolio will notify you of any changes that are material. If
there is a material change to the Portfolio's objective or policies,
you should consider whether it remains an appropriate investment for
you. There is no guarantee that the Portfolio will meet its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIOS?
In addition to considering economic factors such as the effect of
interest rates on the Portfolio's investments, the portfolio manager
applies a "bottom up" approach in choosing investments. In other
words, he looks mostly for income-producing securities that meet his
investment criteria one at a time. If the portfolio manager is unable
to find such investments, the Portfolio's assets may be in cash or
similar investments.
Flexible Income Portfolio invests primarily in a wide variety of
income-producing securities such as corporate bonds and notes,
government securities and preferred stock. As a fundamental policy,
the Portfolio will invest at least 80% of its assets in
income-producing securities. The Portfolio may own an unlimited amount
of high-yield/high-risk fixed-income securities, and these securities
may be a big part of the portfolio.
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO?
Although Flexible Income Portfolio may be less volatile than funds
that invest most of their assets in common stocks, the Portfolio's
returns and yields will vary, and you could lose money.
The Portfolio invests in a variety of fixed-income securities. A
fundamental risk is that the value of these securities will fall if
interest rates rise. Generally, the value of a fixed-income portfolio
will decrease when interest rates rise, which means the Portfolio's
NAV will likewise decrease. Another fundamental risk associated with
fixed-income funds is credit risk, which is the risk that an issuer
will be unable to make principal and interest payments when due.
Flexible Income Portfolio may invest an unlimited amount of its assets
in high-yield/high-risk securities, also known as "junk" bonds which
may be sensitive to economic changes, political changes, or adverse
developments specific to the company that issued the bond. These
securities generally have a greater credit risk than other types of
fixed-income securities. Because of these factors, the performance and
NAV of the Portfolio may vary significantly, depending upon its
holdings of junk bonds.
An investment in the Portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency.
8 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
The following information provides an indication of the risks of
investing in Flexible Income Portfolio by showing how Flexible Income
Portfolio's performance has varied over time. The bar chart depicts
the change in performance from year-to-year during the period
indicated, but does not include charges and expenses attributable to
any insurance product which would lower the performance illustrated.
The Portfolio does not impose any sales or other charges that would
affect total return computations. Total return figures include the
effect of the Portfolio's expenses. The table compares the average
annual returns for the Shares of the Portfolio for the periods
indicated to a broad-based securities market index.
FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Flexible Income
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
(0.91%) 23.86% 9.19% 11.76% 9.11%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 2nd-1995 6.71% Worst Quarter 1st-1996 (1.08%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Flexible Income Portfolio - Institutional Shares 9.11% 10.32% 9.87%
Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond Index* 9.47% 7.30% 6.90%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond Index is composed of all bonds that
are of investment grade with at least one year until maturity.
Flexible Income Portfolio's past performance does not necessarily
indicate how it will perform in the future.
Risk return summary 9
<PAGE>
FEES AND EXPENSES
SHAREHOLDER FEES, such as sales loads, redemption fees or exchange
fees, are charged directly to an investor's account. All Janus funds
are no-load investments, so you will not pay any shareholder fees when
you buy or sell shares of the Portfolios. However, each variable
insurance contract involves fees and expenses not described in this
prospectus. See the accompanying contract prospectus for information
regarding contract fees and expenses and any restrictions on purchases
or allocations.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES are paid out of a Portfolio's assets
and include fees for portfolio management, maintenance of shareholder
accounts, shareholder servicing, accounting and other services. You do
not pay these fees directly but, as the example on the next page
shows, these costs are borne indirectly by all shareholders.
This table and example are designed to assist participants in
qualified plans that invest in the Shares of the Portfolios in
understanding the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in
the Shares. The information shown is based upon gross expenses
(without the effect of expense offset arrangements) for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1998. OWNERS OF VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACTS
THAT INVEST IN THE SHARES SHOULD REFER TO THE VARIABLE INSURANCE
CONTRACT PROSPECTUS FOR A DESCRIPTION OF FEES AND EXPENSES, AS THE
TABLE AND EXAMPLE DO NOT REFLECT DEDUCTIONS AT THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
LEVEL OR CONTRACT LEVEL FOR ANY CHARGES THAT MAY BE INCURRED UNDER A
CONTRACT.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Annual Fund Total Annual Fund
Operating Expenses Operating Expenses
Management Other Without Waivers Total With Waivers
Fee Expenses or Reductions* Waivers and Reductions or Reductions*
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio 0.72% 0.03% 0.75% 0.07% 0.68%
Aggressive Growth Portfolio 0.72% 0.03% 0.75% N/A 0.75%
Worldwide Growth Portfolio 0.67% 0.07% 0.74% 0.02% 0.72%
Balanced Portfolio 0.72% 0.02% 0.74% N/A 0.74%
Flexible Income Portfolio 0.65% 0.08% 0.73% N/A 0.73%
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* All expenses are stated both with and without contractual waivers and
fee reductions by Janus Capital. Fee reductions for Growth, Aggressive
Growth, Worldwide Growth and Balanced Portfolios reduce the Management
Fee to the level of the corresponding Janus retail fund. Other waivers,
if applicable, are first applied against the Management Fee and then
against Other Expenses. Janus Capital has agreed to continue the waivers
and fee reductions until at least the next annual renewal of the
advisory agreement.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXAMPLE:
THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLE IS BASED ON EXPENSES WITHOUT WAIVERS OR
REDUCTIONS. This example is intended to help you compare the cost of
investing in the Portfolios with the cost of investing in other mutual
funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in each of the
Portfolios for the time periods indicated then redeem all of your shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year, and that the Portfolios' operating
expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
-----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio $77 $240 $417 $930
Aggressive Growth Portfolio $77 $240 $417 $930
Worldwide Growth Portfolio $76 $237 $411 $918
Balanced Portfolio $76 $237 $411 $918
Flexible Income Portfolio $75 $233 $406 $906
</TABLE>
10 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Investment objectives, principal investment
strategies and risks
Each of the Portfolios has a similar investment objective and similar
principal investment strategies to a Janus retail fund:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Growth Portfolio Janus Fund
Aggressive Growth Portfolio Janus Enterprise Fund
Worldwide Growth Portfolio Janus Worldwide Fund
Balanced Portfolio Janus Balanced Fund
Flexible Income Portfolio Janus Flexible Income Fund
</TABLE>
Although it is anticipated that each Portfolio and its corresponding
retail fund will hold similar securities, differences in asset size,
cash flow needs and other factors may result in differences in
investment performance. The expenses of each Portfolio and its
corresponding retail fund are expected to differ. The variable
contract owner will also bear various insurance related costs at the
insurance company level. You should review the accompanying separate
account prospectus for a summary of fees and expenses.
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
This section takes a closer look at the investment objectives of each
of the Growth Portfolios, their principal investment strategies and
certain risks of investing in the Growth Portfolios. Strategies and
policies that are noted as "fundamental" cannot be changed without a
shareholder vote.
Please carefully review the "Risks" section of this Prospectus on
pages 17-18 for a discussion of risks associated with certain
investment techniques. We've also included a Glossary with
descriptions of investment terms used throughout this Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital in a manner
consistent with the preservation of capital. It pursues its objective
by investing primarily in common stocks selected for their growth
potential. Although the Portfolio can invest in companies of any size,
it generally invests in larger, more established companies.
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Aggressive Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital. It
pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks selected
for their growth potential, and normally invests at least 50% of its
equity assets in medium-sized companies. Medium-sized companies are
those whose market capitalizations fall within the range of companies
in the S&P MidCap 400 Index. Market capitalization is a commonly used
measure of the size and value of a company. The market capitalizations
within the Index will vary, but as of December 31, 1998, they ranged
from approximately $142 million to $73 billion.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Worldwide Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital in a
manner consistent with the preservation of capital. It pursues its
objective by investing primarily in common stocks of companies of any
size throughout the world. The Portfolio normally invests in issuers
from at least five different
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 11
<PAGE>
countries, including the United States. The Portfolio may at times
invest in fewer than five countries or even a single country.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
the Growth Portfolios' principal investment strategies.
1. HOW ARE COMMON STOCKS SELECTED?
Each of the Portfolios may invest substantially all of its assets in
common stocks if its portfolio manager believes that common stocks
will appreciate in value. The portfolio managers generally take a
"bottom up" approach to selecting companies. In other words, they seek
to identify individual companies with earnings growth potential that
may not be recognized by the market at large. They make this
assessment by looking at companies one at a time, regardless of size,
country of organization, place of principal business activity, or
other similar selection criteria. Realization of income is not a
significant consideration when choosing investments for the
Portfolios. Income realized on the Portfolios' investments will be
incidental to their objectives.
2. ARE THE SAME CRITERIA USED TO SELECT FOREIGN SECURITIES?
Generally, yes. The portfolio managers seek companies that meet their
selection criteria, regardless of where a company is located. Foreign
securities are generally selected on a stock-by-stock basis without
regard to any defined allocation among countries or geographic
regions. However, certain factors such as expected levels of
inflation, government policies influencing business conditions, the
outlook for currency relationships, and prospects for economic growth
among countries, regions or geographic areas may warrant greater
consideration in selecting foreign securities. There are no
limitations on the countries in which the Portfolios may invest and
the Portfolios may at times have significant foreign exposure.
3. WHAT DOES "MARKET CAPITALIZATION" MEAN?
Market capitalization is the most commonly used measure of the size
and value of a company. It is computed by multiplying the current
market price of a share of the company's stock by the total number of
its shares outstanding. As noted previously, market capitalization is
an important investment criteria for Aggressive Growth Portfolio.
Although the other Growth Portfolios offered by this Prospectus do not
emphasize companies of any particular size, Portfolios with a larger
asset base are more likely to invest in larger, more established
issuers.
BALANCED PORTFOLIO
This section takes a closer look at the investment objective of
Balanced Portfolio, its principal investment strategies and certain
risks of investing in the Portfolio. Strategies and policies that are
noted as "fundamental" cannot be changed without a shareholder vote.
Please carefully review the "Risks" section of this Prospectus on
pages 17-18 for a discussion of risks associated with certain
investment techniques. We've also included a Glossary with
descriptions of investment terms used throughout this Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Balanced Portfolio seeks long-term capital growth, consistent with
preservation of capital and balanced by current income. It pursues its
objective by normally investing 40-60% of its assets in securities
selected primarily for their growth potential and 40-60% of its assets
in securities selected primarily for their income potential. This
Portfolio normally invests at least 25% of its assets in fixed-income
securities.
12 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
Balanced Portfolio's principal investment strategies.
1. HOW ARE COMMON STOCKS SELECTED FOR BALANCED PORTFOLIO IN COMPARISON TO THE
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
Because income is a part of the investment objective of the Portfolio,
the portfolio manager may consider dividend-paying characteristics to
a greater degree in selecting common stocks for this Portfolio.
2. HOW ARE ASSETS ALLOCATED BETWEEN THE GROWTH AND INCOME COMPONENTS OF BALANCED
PORTFOLIO'S HOLDINGS?
Balanced Portfolio shifts assets between the growth and income
components of its holdings based on the portfolio manager's analysis
of relevant market, financial and economic conditions. If the
portfolio manager believes that growth securities will provide better
returns than the yields then available or expected on income-producing
securities, the Portfolio will place a greater emphasis on the growth
component.
3. WHAT TYPES OF SECURITIES MAKE UP THE GROWTH COMPONENT OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO'S
INVESTMENTS?
The growth component of the Portfolio's investments is expected to
consist primarily of common stocks, but may also include warrants,
preferred stocks or convertible securities selected primarily for
their growth potential.
4. WHAT TYPES OF SECURITIES MAKE UP THE INCOME COMPONENT OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO'S
HOLDINGS?
The income component of Balanced Portfolio will consist of securities
that the portfolio manager believes have income potential. Such
securities may include equity securities, convertible securities and
all types of debt securities. Equity securities may be included in the
income component of the Portfolio if they currently pay dividends or
the portfolio manager believes they have the potential for either
increasing their dividends or commencing dividends, if none are
currently paid.
FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO
This section takes a closer look at the investment objective of
Flexible Income Portfolio, its principal investment strategies and
certain risks of investing in the Portfolio. Strategies and policies
that are noted as "fundamental" cannot be changed without a
shareholder vote.
Please carefully review the "Risks" section of this Prospectus on
pages 17-18 for a discussion of risks associated with certain
investment techniques. We've also included a Glossary with
descriptions of investment terms used throughout this Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
In addition to considering economic factors such as the effect of
interest rates on the Portfolio's investments, the portfolio manager
applies a "bottom up" approach in choosing investments. In other
words, he looks mostly for income-producing securities that meet his
investment criteria one at a time. If the portfolio manager is unable
to find such investments, much of the Portfolio's assets may be in
cash or similar investments.
Flexible Income Portfolio seeks to obtain maximum total return,
consistent with preservation of capital. It pursues its objective by
primarily investing in a wide variety of income-producing securities
such as corporate bonds and notes, government securities and preferred
stock. As a fundamental policy, the Portfolio will invest at least 80%
of its assets in income-producing securities. The Portfolio may own an
unlimited amount of high-yield/high-risk securities, and these may be
a big part of the portfolio. This Portfolio generates total return
from a combination of current income and capital appreciation, but
income is usually the dominant portion.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 13
<PAGE>
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
Flexible Income Portfolio's principal investment strategies.
1. HOW DO INTEREST RATES AFFECT THE VALUE OF MY INVESTMENT?
Generally, a fixed-income security will increase in value when
interest rates fall and decrease in value when interest rates rise.
Longer-term securities are generally more sensitive to interest rate
changes than shorter-term securities, but they generally offer higher
yields to compensate investors for the associated risks. High-yield
bond prices are generally less directly responsive to interest rate
changes than investment grade issues and may not always follow this
pattern. A bond fund's average-weighted effective maturity and its
duration are measures of how the fund may react to interest rate
changes.
2. HOW DOES FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO MANAGE INTEREST RATE RISK?
The Portfolio may vary the average-weighted effective maturity of its
assets to reflect its portfolio manager's analysis of interest rate
trends and other factors. The Portfolio's average-weighted effective
maturity will tend to be shorter when the portfolio manager expects
interest rates to rise and longer when the portfolio manager expects
interest rates to fall. The Portfolio may also use futures, options
and other derivatives to manage interest rate risks.
3. WHAT IS MEANT BY THE PORTFOLIO'S "AVERAGE-WEIGHTED EFFECTIVE MATURITY"?
The stated maturity of a bond is the date when the issuer must repay
the bond's entire principal value to an investor. Some types of bonds
may also have an "effective maturity" that is shorter than the stated
date due to prepayment or call provisions. Securities without
prepayment or call provisions generally have an effective maturity
equal to their stated maturity. Dollar-weighted effective maturity is
calculated by averaging the effective maturity of bonds held by the
Portfolio with each effective maturity "weighted" according to the
percentage of net assets that it represents.
4. WHAT IS MEANT BY THE PORTFOLIO'S "DURATION"?
A bond's duration indicates the time it will take an investor to
recoup his investment. Unlike average maturity, duration reflects both
principal and interest payments. Generally, the higher the coupon rate
on a bond, the lower its duration will be. The duration of a bond
portfolio is calculated by averaging the duration of bonds held by a
fund with each duration "weighted" according to the percentage of net
assets that it represents. Because duration accounts for interest
payments, the Portfolio's duration is usually shorter than its average
maturity.
5. WHAT IS A HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK SECURITY?
A high-yield/high-risk security (also called a "junk" bond) is a debt
security rated below investment grade by major rating agencies (i.e.,
BB or lower by Standard & Poor's or Ba or lower by Moody's) or an
unrated bond of similar quality. It presents greater risk of default
(the failure to make timely interest and principal payments) than
higher quality bonds.
14 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
GENERAL PORTFOLIO POLICIES
Unless otherwise stated, each of the following policies applies to all
of the Portfolios. The percentage limitations included in these
policies and elsewhere in this Prospectus apply at the time of
purchase of the security. So, for example, if a Portfolio exceeds a
limit as a result of market fluctuations or the sale of other
securities, it will not be required to dispose of any securities.
CASH POSITION
When a portfolio manager believes that market conditions are
unfavorable for profitable investing, or when he or she is otherwise
unable to locate attractive investment opportunities, the Portfolios'
cash or similar investments may increase. In other words, the
Portfolios do not always stay fully invested in stocks and bonds. Cash
or similar investments generally are a residual - they represent the
assets that remain after a portfolio manager has committed available
assets to desirable investment opportunities. However, a portfolio
manager may also temporarily increase a Portfolio's cash position to
protect its assets or maintain liquidity. Partly because the portfolio
managers act independently of each other, the cash positions of the
Portfolios may vary significantly.
When a Portfolio's investments in cash or similar investments
increase, it may not participate in market advances or declines to the
same extent that it would if the Portfolio remained more fully
invested in stocks or bonds.
OTHER TYPES OF INVESTMENTS
The Growth Portfolios invest primarily in domestic and foreign equity
securities, which may include preferred stocks, common stocks,
warrants and securities convertible into common or preferred stocks.
Balanced Portfolio also invests in domestic and foreign equity
securities with varying degrees of emphasis on income. The Portfolios
may also invest to a lesser degree in other types of securities. These
securities (which are described in the Glossary) may include:
- debt securities
- indexed/structured securities
- high-yield/high-risk securities (less than 35% of each Portfolio's
assets)
- options, futures, forwards and other types of derivatives for
hedging purposes or for non-hedging purposes such as seeking to
enhance return
- securities purchased on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward
commitment basis
Flexible Income Portfolio invests primarily in fixed-income securities
which may include corporate bonds and notes, government securities,
preferred stock, high-yield/high-risk fixed-income securities and
municipal obligations. The Portfolio may also invest to a lesser
degree in other types of securities. These securities (which are
described in the Glossary) may include:
- common stocks
- mortgage- and asset-backed securities
- zero coupon, pay-in-kind and step coupon securities
- options, futures, forwards and other types of derivatives for
hedging purposes or for non-hedging purposes such as seeking to
enhance return
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 15
<PAGE>
- securities purchased on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward
commitment basis
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS
Each Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid
investments. An illiquid investment is a security or other position
that cannot be disposed of quickly in the normal course of business.
For example, some securities are not registered under U.S. securities
laws and cannot be sold to the U.S. public because of SEC regulations
(these are known as "restricted securities"). Under procedures adopted
by the Portfolios' Trustees, certain restricted securities may be
deemed liquid, and will not be counted toward this 15% limit.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
The Portfolios may invest without limit in foreign equity and debt
securities. The Portfolios may invest directly in foreign securities
denominated in a foreign currency and not publicly traded in the
United States. Other ways of investing in foreign securities include
depositary receipts or shares, and passive foreign investment
companies.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Each Portfolio may invest in special situations. A special situation
arises when, in the opinion of a Portfolio's manager, the securities
of a particular issuer will be recognized and appreciate in value due
to a specific development with respect to that issuer. Developments
creating a special situation might include, among others, a new
product or process, a technological breakthrough, a management change
or other extraordinary corporate event, or differences in market
supply of and demand for the security. A Portfolio's performance could
suffer if the anticipated development in a "special situation"
investment does not occur or does not attract the expected attention.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Portfolios generally intend to purchase securities for long-term
investment although, to a limited extent, a Portfolio may purchase
securities in anticipation of relatively short-term price gains.
Short-term transactions may also result from liquidity needs,
securities having reached a price or yield objective, changes in
interest rates or the credit standing of an issuer, or by reason of
economic or other developments not foreseen at the time of the
investment decision. A Portfolio may also sell one security and
simultaneously purchase the same or a comparable security to take
advantage of short-term differentials in bond yields or securities
prices. Changes are made in a Portfolio's holdings whenever its
portfolio manager believes such changes are desirable. Portfolio
turnover rates are generally not a factor in making buy and sell
decisions.
Increased portfolio turnover may result in higher costs for brokerage
commissions, dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs and may also
result in taxable capital gains. Higher costs associated with
increased portfolio turnover may offset gains in a Portfolio's
performance.
16 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
RISKS FOR GROWTH AND BALANCED PORTFOLIOS
Because the Portfolios may invest substantially all of their assets in
common stocks, the main risk is the risk that the value of the stocks
they hold might decrease in response to the activities of an
individual company or in response to general market and/or economic
conditions. If this occurs, a Portfolio's share price may also
decrease. A Portfolio's performance may also be affected by risks
specific to certain types of investments, such as foreign securities,
derivative investments, non-investment grade debt securities or
companies with relatively small market capitalizations.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
some of the risks of investing in these Portfolios.
1. THE PORTFOLIOS MAY INVEST IN SMALLER OR NEWER COMPANIES. DOES THIS CREATE ANY
SPECIAL RISKS?
Smaller or newer companies may suffer more significant losses as well
as realize more substantial growth than larger or more established
issuers because they may lack depth of management, be unable to
generate funds necessary for growth or potential development, or be
developing or marketing new products or services for which markets are
not yet established and may never become established. In addition,
such companies may be insignificant factors in their industries and
may become subject to intense competition from larger or more
established companies. Securities of smaller or newer companies may
have more limited trading markets than the markets for securities of
larger or more established issuers, and may be subject to wide price
fluctuations. Investments in such companies tend to be more volatile
and somewhat more speculative.
2. HOW DOES THE NONDIVERSIFIED STATUS OF AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO AFFECT ITS
RISK?
Diversification is a way to reduce risk by investing in a broad range
of stocks or other securities. A "nondiversified" portfolio has the
ability to take larger positions in a smaller number of issuers.
Because the appreciation or depreciation of a single stock may have a
greater impact on the NAV of a nondiversified portfolio, its share
price can be expected to fluctuate more than a comparable diversified
portfolio. This fluctuation, if significant, may affect the
performance of the Portfolio.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 17
<PAGE>
RISKS FOR FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO
Because the Portfolio invests substantially all of its assets in
fixed-income securities, it is subject to risks such as credit or
default risks, and decreased value due to interest rate increases. The
Portfolio's performance may also be affected by risks to certain types
of investments, such as foreign securities and derivative instruments.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
some of the risks of investing in the Flexible Income Portfolio.
1. WHAT IS MEANT BY "CREDIT QUALITY" AND WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH IT?
Credit quality measures the likelihood that the issuer will meet its
obligations on a bond. One of the fundamental risks associated with
all fixed-income funds is credit risk, which is the risk that an
issuer will be unable to make principal and interest payments when
due. U.S. government securities are generally considered to be the
safest type of investment in terms of credit risk. Municipal
obligations generally rank between U.S. government securities and
corporate debt securities in terms of credit safety. Corporate debt
securities, particularly those rated below investment grade, present
the highest credit risk.
2. HOW IS CREDIT QUALITY MEASURED?
Ratings published by nationally recognized statistical rating agencies
such as Standard & Poor's Ratings Service and Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. are widely accepted measures of credit risk. The lower a
bond issue is rated by an agency, the more credit risk it is
considered to represent. Lower rated bonds generally pay higher yields
to compensate investors for the associated risk. Please refer to
"Explanation of Rating Categories" on page 36 for a description of
rating categories.
18 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
RISKS COMMON TO ALL PORTFOLIOS
The following questions and answers discuss risks that apply to all Portfolios.
1. HOW COULD THE PORTFOLIOS' INVESTMENTS IN FOREIGN SECURITIES AFFECT THEIR
PERFORMANCE?
The Portfolios may invest without limit in foreign securities either
indirectly (e.g., depositary receipts) or directly in foreign markets.
Investments in foreign securities, including those of foreign
governments, may involve greater risks than investing in domestic
securities because the Portfolios' performance may depend on issues
other than the performance of a particular company. These issues
include:
- CURRENCY RISK. As long as a Portfolio holds a foreign security, its
value will be affected by the value of the local currency relative
to the U.S. dollar. When a Portfolio sells a foreign denominated
security, its value may be worth less in U.S. dollars even if the
security increases in value in its home country. U.S. dollar
denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by
currency risk.
- POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RISK. Foreign investments may be subject to
heightened political and economic risks, particularly in emerging
markets which may have relatively unstable governments, immature
economic structures, national policies restricting investments by
foreigners, different legal systems, and economies based on only a
few industries. In some countries, there is the risk that the
government may take over the assets or operations of a company or
that the government may impose taxes or limits on the removal of a
Portfolio's assets from that country.
- REGULATORY RISK. There may be less government supervision of foreign
markets. As a result, foreign issuers may not be subject to the
uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and
practices applicable to domestic issuers and there may be less
publicly available information about foreign issuers.
- MARKET RISK. Foreign securities markets, particularly those of
emerging market countries, may be less liquid and more volatile than
domestic markets. Certain markets may require payment for securities
before delivery and delays may be encountered in settling securities
transactions. In some foreign markets, there may not be protection
against failure by other parties to complete transactions.
- TRANSACTION COSTS. Costs of buying, selling and holding foreign
securities, including brokerage, tax and custody costs, may be
higher than those involved in domestic transactions.
2. ARE THERE SPECIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTMENTS IN HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK
SECURITIES?
High-yield/high-risk securities (or "junk" bonds) are securities rated
below investment grade by the primary rating agencies such as Standard
& Poor's and Moody's. The value of lower quality securities generally
is more dependent on credit risk, or the ability of the issuer to meet
interest and principal payments, than investment grade debt
securities. Issuers of high-yield securities may not be as strong
financially as those issuing bonds with higher credit ratings and are
more vulnerable to real or perceived economic changes, political
changes or adverse developments specific to the issuer.
The junk bond market can experience sudden and sharp price swings.
Because Flexible Income Portfolio may invest a significant portion of
its assets in high-yield/high-risk securities, investors should be
willing to tolerate a corresponding increase in the risk of
significant and sudden changes in NAV.
Please refer to "Explanation of Rating Categories" on page 36 for a
description of bond rating categories.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 19
<PAGE>
3. HOW DO THE PORTFOLIOS TRY TO REDUCE RISK?
The Portfolios may use futures, options and other derivative
instruments to "hedge" or protect their portfolios from adverse
movements in securities prices and interest rates. The Portfolios may
also use a variety of currency hedging techniques, including forward
currency contracts, to manage exchange rate risk. The portfolio
managers believe the use of these instruments will benefit the
Portfolios. However, a Portfolio's performance could be worse than if
the Portfolio had not used such instruments if a portfolio manager's
judgement proves incorrect. Risks associated with the use of
derivative instruments are described in the SAI.
4. I'VE HEARD A LOT ABOUT HOW THE CHANGE TO THE YEAR 2000 COULD AFFECT COMPUTER
SYSTEMS. DOES THIS CREATE ANY SPECIAL RISKS?
The portfolio managers carefully research each potential investment
before making an investment decision and, among other things, consider
Year 2000 readiness when selecting portfolio holdings. However, there
is no guarantee that the information a portfolio manager receives
regarding a company's Year 2000 readiness is completely accurate. If a
company has not satisfactorily addressed Year 2000 issues, the
Portfolio's performance could suffer.
20 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Management of the portfolios
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Janus Capital, 100 Fillmore Street, Denver, Colorado 80206-4928, is
the investment adviser to each of the Portfolios and is responsible
for the day-to-day management of the investment portfolios and other
business affairs of the Portfolios.
Janus Capital began serving as investment adviser to Janus Fund in
1970 and currently serves as investment adviser to all of the Janus
retail funds, acts as sub-adviser for a number of private-label mutual
funds and provides separate account advisory services for
institutional accounts.
Janus Capital furnishes continuous advice and recommendations
concerning each Portfolio's investments. Janus Capital also furnishes
certain administrative, compliance and accounting services for the
Portfolios, and may be reimbursed by the Portfolios for its costs in
providing those services. In addition, Janus Capital employees serve
as officers of the Trust and Janus Capital provides office space for
the Portfolios and pays the salaries, fees and expenses of all
Portfolio officers and those Trustees who are affiliated with Janus
Capital.
Participating insurance companies that purchase the Portfolios' shares
may perform certain administrative services relating to the Portfolios
and Janus Capital or the Portfolios may pay those companies for such
services.
MANAGEMENT EXPENSES AND EXPENSE LIMITS
Each Portfolio pays Janus Capital a management fee which is calculated
daily. The advisory agreement with each Portfolio spells out the
management fee and other expenses that the Portfolios must pay. Each
of the Portfolios is subject to the following management fee schedule
(expressed as an annual rate). In addition, the Shares of each
Portfolio incur expenses not assumed by Janus Capital, including
transfer agent and custodian fees and expenses, legal and auditing
fees, printing and mailing costs of sending reports and other
information to existing shareholders, and independent Trustees' fees
and expenses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Daily
Net Assets Annual Rate Expense Limit
Fee Schedule of Portfolio Percentage (%) Percentage (%)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Growth, First $300 Million 0.75 N/A(1)
Aggressive Growth, Next $200 Million 0.70
Worldwide Growth and Over $500 Million 0.65
Balanced Portfolios
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flexible Income Portfolio First $300 Million 0.65 1.00(2)
Over $300 Million 0.55
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Janus Capital has agreed to reduce Growth, Aggressive Growth, Worldwide
Growth and Balanced Portfolio's management fee to the extent that such fee
exceeds the effective rate of the Janus retail fund corresponding to such
Portfolio. Janus Capital has agreed to continue such waivers until at least
the next annual renewal of the advisory contracts. The effective rate is the
management fee calculated by the corresponding retail fund as of the last
day of each calendar quarter (expressed as an annual rate). The effective
rates of Janus Fund, Janus Enterprise Fund, Janus Worldwide Fund and Janus
Balanced Fund were 0.65%, 0.69%, 0.65%, and 0.67%, respectively, for the
quarter ended March 31, 1999.
(2) Janus Capital has agreed to limit the Portfolio's expenses as indicated
until at least the next annual renewal of the advisory contracts.
Management of the portfolios 21
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT PERSONNEL
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
JAMES P. CRAIG, III
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Chief Investment Officer of Janus Capital. He is Executive
Vice President and portfolio manager of Growth Portfolio, which
he has managed since inception. He has managed Janus Fund since
1986 and has co-managed Janus Venture Fund since February 1,
1997. Mr. Craig previously managed Janus Venture Fund from its
inception, to December 1993, Janus Balanced Fund from December
1993 to December 1995 and Balanced Portfolio from September 1993
through April 1996. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from
the University of Alabama and a Master of Arts in Finance from
the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
JAMES P. GOFF
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Aggressive
Growth Portfolio, which he has managed since inception. Mr. Goff
joined Janus Capital in 1988 and has managed Janus Enterprise
Fund since its inception. Mr. Goff co-managed or managed Janus
Venture Fund from December 1993 to February 1, 1997. He holds a
Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Yale University and is a
Chartered Financial Analyst.
HELEN YOUNG HAYES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Worldwide
Growth Portfolio and co-manager of International Growth
Portfolio, which she has managed or co-managed since inception.
Ms. Hayes joined Janus Capital in 1987 and has managed or
co-managed Janus Worldwide Fund and Janus Overseas Fund since
their inceptions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from
Yale University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
BLAINE P. ROLLINS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Balanced
Portfolio, which he has managed since May 1996 and Equity Income
Portfolio, which he has managed since inception. He is an
assistant portfolio manager of Growth Portfolio. Mr. Rollins
joined Janus Capital in 1990 and has managed Janus Balanced Fund
since January 1996 and Janus Equity Income Fund since inception.
He has been an assistant portfolio manager of Janus Fund since
January 1995. He gained experience as a fixed-income trader and
equity research analyst prior to managing Balanced Portfolio. He
holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of
Colorado and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
22 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
RONALD V. SPEAKER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Flexible
Income Portfolio which he has managed or co-managed since its
inception. He previously served as co-manager of High-Yield
Portfolio, from its inception to May 1998. He managed Short-Term
Bond Portfolio from its inception through April 1996. Mr. Speaker
joined Janus Capital in 1986. He has managed or co-managed Janus
Flexible Income Fund since December 1991 and previously managed
both Janus Short-Term Bond Fund and Janus Federal Tax-Exempt Fund
from inception through December 1995. He previously managed or
co-managed Janus High-Yield Fund from its inception to February
1998. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from the University
of Colorado and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
In January 1997, Mr. Speaker settled an SEC administrative action
involving two personal trades made by him in January of 1993.
Without admitting or denying the allegations, Mr. Speaker agreed
to civil money penalty, disgorgement, and interest payments
totaling $37,199 and to a 90-day suspension which ended on April
25, 1997.
ASSISTANT PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
DAVID C. DECKER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is an assistant portfolio manager of Growth Portfolio. He is also
an assistant portfolio manager of Janus Fund. He is Executive
Vice President and portfolio manager of Janus Special Situations
Fund. Mr. Decker received a Masters of Business Administration in
Finance from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and
a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Political Science from Tufts
University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
RON SACHS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is an assistant portfolio manager of Aggressive Growth Portfolio.
Mr. Sachs joined Janus Capital in 1996 as a research analyst.
Prior to coming to Janus, he worked as a consultant for Bain &
Company and as an attorney for Willkie, Farr & Gallagher. Mr.
Sachs graduated from Princeton cum laude with an undergraduate
degree in economics. He obtained his law degree from the
University of Michigan. Mr. Sachs is a Chartered Financial
Analyst.
Management of the portfolios 23
<PAGE>
Other information
CLASSES OF SHARES
Each Portfolio currently offers two classes of Shares, one of which,
the Institutional Shares, are offered pursuant to this prospectus and
are sold under the name Janus Aspen Series. The Shares offered by this
Prospectus are available only in connection with investment in and
payments under variable insurance contracts as well as certain
qualified retirement plans. Retirement Shares of each Portfolio are
offered by separate prospectus and are available only to qualified
plans using plan service providers that are compensated for providing
distribution and/or recordkeeping and other administrative services.
Because the expenses of each class may differ, the performance of each
class is expected to differ. If you would like additional information
about the Retirement Shares, please call 1-800-525-0020.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The Shares offered by this prospectus are available only to variable
annuity and variable life separate accounts of insurance companies
that are unaffiliated with Janus Capital and to certain qualified
retirement plans. Retirement Shares of the Portfolios (offered through
a separate prospectus) are available to certain qualified plans.
Although the Portfolios do not currently anticipate any disadvantages
to policy owners because each Portfolio offers its shares to such
entities, there is a possibility that a material conflict may arise.
The Trustees monitor events in order to identify any disadvantages or
material irreconcilable conflicts and to determine what action, if
any, should be taken in response. If a material disadvantage or
conflict occurs, the Trustees may require one or more insurance
company separate accounts or qualified plans to withdraw its
investments in one or more Portfolios or substitute Shares of another
Portfolio. If this occurs, a Portfolio may be forced to sell its
securities at disadvantageous prices. In addition, the Trustees may
refuse to sell Shares of any Portfolio to any separate account or
qualified plan or may suspend or terminate the offering of a
Portfolio's Shares if such action is required by law or regulatory
authority or is in the best interests of that Portfolio's
shareholders. It is possible that a qualified plan investing in the
Retirement Shares of the Portfolios could lose its qualified plan
status under the Internal Revenue Code, which could have adverse tax
consequences on insurance company separate accounts investing in the
Shares. Janus Capital intends to monitor such qualified plans and the
Portfolios may discontinue sales to a qualified plan and require plan
participants with existing investments in the Retirement Shares to
redeem those investments if a plan loses (or in the opinion of Janus
Capital is at risk of losing) its qualified plan status.
YEAR 2000
Preparing for Year 2000 is a high priority for Janus Capital, which
has established a dedicated group to address this issue. Janus Capital
has devoted considerable internal resources and has engaged one of the
foremost experts in the field to help achieve Year 2000 readiness.
Janus Capital does not anticipate that Year 2000-related issues will
have a material impact on its ability to continue to provide the
Portfolios with service at current levels; however, Janus Capital
cannot make any assurances that the steps it has taken to ensure Year
2000 readiness will be successful. In addition, there can be no
assurance that Year 2000 issues will not affect the companies in which
the Portfolios invest or worldwide markets and economies.
24 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Distributions and taxes
DISTRIBUTIONS
To avoid taxation of the Portfolios, the Internal Revenue Code
requires each Portfolio to distribute net income and any net gains
realized on its investments annually. A Portfolio's income from
dividends and interest and any net realized short-term gains are paid
to shareholders as ordinary income dividends. Net realized long-term
gains are paid to shareholders as capital gains distributions.
Each class of each Portfolio makes semi-annual distributions in June
and December of substantially all of its investment income and an
annual distribution in June of its net realized gains, if any. All
dividends and capital gains distributions from Shares of a Portfolio
will automatically be reinvested into additional Shares of that
Portfolio.
HOW DISTRIBUTIONS AFFECT NAV
Distributions are paid to shareholders as of the record date of the
distribution of a Portfolio, regardless of how long the shares have
been held. Undistributed income and realized gains are included in the
daily NAV of a Portfolio's Shares. The Share price of a Portfolio
drops by the amount of the distribution, net of any subsequent market
fluctuations. For example, assume that on December 31, the Shares of
Growth Portfolio declared a dividend in the amount of $0.25 per share.
If the price of Growth Portfolio's Shares was $10.00 on December 30,
the share price on December 31 would be $9.75, barring market
fluctuations.
TAXES
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS
Because Shares of the Portfolios may be purchased only through
variable insurance contracts and qualified plans, it is anticipated
that any income dividends or capital gains distributions made by the
Shares of a Portfolio will be exempt from current taxation if left to
accumulate within the variable insurance contract or qualified plan.
Generally, withdrawals from such contracts may be subject to ordinary
income tax and, if made before age 59 1/2, a 10% penalty tax. The tax
status of your investment depends on the features of your qualified
plan or variable insurance contract. Further information may be found
in your plan documents or in the prospectus of the separate account
offering such contract.
TAXATION OF THE PORTFOLIOS
Dividends, interest and some gains received by the Portfolios on
foreign securities may be subject to withholding of foreign taxes. The
Portfolios may from year to year make the election permitted under
Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code to pass through such taxes to
shareholders. If such election is not made, any foreign taxes paid or
accrued will represent an expense to the Portfolios which will reduce
their investment income.
The Portfolios do not expect to pay any federal income or excise taxes
because they intend to meet certain requirements of the Internal
Revenue Code. In addition, each Portfolio intends to qualify under the
Internal Revenue Code with respect to the diversification requirements
related to the tax-deferred status of insurance company separate
accounts.
Distributions and taxes 25
<PAGE>
Shareholder's guide
INVESTORS MAY NOT PURCHASE OR REDEEM SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIOS
DIRECTLY. SHARES MAY BE PURCHASED OR REDEEMED ONLY THROUGH VARIABLE
INSURANCE CONTRACTS OFFERED BY THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS OF PARTICIPATING
INSURANCE COMPANIES OR THROUGH QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS. CERTAIN
PORTFOLIOS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN CONNECTION WITH A PARTICULAR
CONTRACT AND CERTAIN CONTRACTS MAY LIMIT ALLOCATIONS AMONG THE
PORTFOLIOS. REFER TO THE PROSPECTUS FOR THE PARTICIPATING INSURANCE
COMPANY'S SEPARATE ACCOUNT OR YOUR PLAN DOCUMENTS FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON
PURCHASING OR SELLING OF VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACTS AND ON HOW TO
SELECT SPECIFIC PORTFOLIOS AS INVESTMENT OPTIONS FOR A CONTRACT OR A
QUALIFIED PLAN.
PRICING OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
Investments will be processed at the NAV next determined after an
order is received and accepted by a Portfolio or its agent. In order
to receive a day's price, your order must be received by the close of
the regular trading session of the New York Stock Exchange any day
that the NYSE is open. Securities are valued at market value or, if a
market quotation is not readily available, at their fair value
determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the
supervision of the Trustees. Short-term instruments maturing within 60
days are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
See the SAI for more detailed information.
To the extent a Portfolio holds securities that are primarily listed
on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the
Portfolios do not price their shares, the NAV of a Portfolio's shares
may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
redeem the Portfolio's shares.
PURCHASES
Purchases of Shares may be made only by the separate accounts of
insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable insurance
contracts or by qualified plans. Refer to the prospectus of the
appropriate insurance company separate account or your plan documents
for information on how to invest in the Shares of each Portfolio.
Participating insurance companies and certain other designated
organizations are authorized to receive purchase orders on the
Portfolios' behalf.
Each Portfolio reserves the right to reject any specific purchase
order. Purchase orders may be refused if, in Janus Capital's opinion,
they are of a size that would disrupt the management of a Portfolio.
Although there is no present intention to do so, the Portfolios may
discontinue sales of their shares if management and the Trustees
believe that continued sales may adversely affect a Portfolio's
ability to achieve its investment objective. If sales of a Portfolio's
Shares are discontinued, it is expected that existing policy owners
and plan participants invested in that Portfolio would be permitted to
continue to authorize investment in that Portfolio and to reinvest any
dividends or capital gains distributions, absent highly unusual
circumstances.
REDEMPTIONS
Redemptions, like purchases, may be effected only through the separate
accounts of participating insurance companies or through qualified
plans. Please refer to the appropriate separate account prospectus or
plan documents for details.
Shares of any Portfolio may be redeemed on any business day.
Redemptions are processed at the NAV next calculated after receipt and
acceptance of the redemption order by the Portfolio or its agent.
Redemption proceeds will normally be wired to the participating
insurance company the business day following receipt of the redemption
order, but in no event later than seven days after receipt of such
order.
26 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS
Shareholders will receive annual and semiannual reports including the
financial statements of the Shares of the Portfolios that they have
authorized for investment. Each report will show the investments owned
by each Portfolio and the market values thereof, as well as other
information about the Portfolios and their operations. The Trust's
fiscal year ends December 31.
Shareholder's guide 27
<PAGE>
Financial highlights
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand
the Institutional Shares' financial performance for each of the five
most recent fiscal years. Items 1 through 9 reflect financial results
for a single Share. Total return in the tables represents the rate
that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in each
of the Institutional Shares of the Portfolios (assuming reinvestment
of all dividends and distributions) but does not include charges and
expenses attributable to any insurance product. This information has
been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with
the Portfolios' financial statements, is included in the Annual
Report, which is available upon request and incorporated by reference
into the SAI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $18.48 $15.51 $13.45 $10.57 $10.32
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.05 0.15 0.17 0.28 0.09
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized
and unrealized) 6.36 3.34 2.29 2.90 0.20
4. Total from investment operations 6.41 3.49 2.46 3.18 0.29
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.05) (0.15) (0.17) (0.30) (0.04)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) (1.30) (0.37) (0.23) -- --
8. Total distributions (1.35) (0.52) (0.40) (0.30) (0.04)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $23.54 $18.48 $15.51 $13.45 $10.57
10. Total return 35.66% 22.75% 18.45% 30.17% 2.76%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $1,103,549 $608,281 $325,789 $126,911 $43,549
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $789,454 $477,914 $216,125 $77,344 $26,464
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.68%(6) 0.70%(5) 0.69%(4) 0.78%(3) N/A
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.68% 0.69% 0.69% 0.76% 0.88%(1)(2)
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets 0.26% 0.91% 1.39% 1.24% 1.45%
16. Portfolio turnover rate 73% 122% 87% 185% 169%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.23% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(3) The ratio was 0.98% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.83% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.78% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.75% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
28 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $20.55 $18.24 $17.08 $13.62 $11.80
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income -- -- -- 0.24 0.11
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized
and unrealized) 7.09 2.31 1.36 3.47 1.82
4. Total from investment operations 7.09 2.31 1.36 3.71 1.93
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) -- -- -- (0.25) (0.11)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- (0.01) -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) -- -- (0.19) -- --
8. Total distributions -- -- (0.20) (0.25) (0.11)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $27.64 $20.55 $18.24 $17.08 $13.62
10. Total return 34.26% 12.66% 7.95% 27.48% 16.33%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $772,943 $508,198 $383,693 $185,911 $41,289
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $576,444 $418,464 $290,629 $107,582 $14,152
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.75%(6) 0.76%(5) 0.76%(4) 0.86%(3) N/A
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.75% 0.76% 0.76% 0.84% 1.05%(1)(2)
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets (0.36%) (0.10%) (0.27%) 0.58% 2.18%
16. Portfolio turnover rate 132% 130% 88% 155% 259%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.14% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(3) The ratio was 0.93% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.83% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.78% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.75% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
Financial highlights 29
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $23.39 $19.44 $15.31 $12.07 $11.89
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.11 0.04
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 6.59 4.14 4.27 3.19 0.14
4. Total from investment operations 6.75 4.30 4.43 3.30 0.18
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.18) (0.17) (0.17) (0.06) --
6. Dividends (in excess of net investment income) -- (0.02) -- -- --
7. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
8. Distributions (from capital gains) -- (0.16) (0.13) -- --
9. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.87) -- -- -- --
10. Total distributions (1.05) (0.35) (0.30) (0.06) --
11. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $29.09 $23.39 $19.44 $15.31 $12.07
12. Total return 28.92% 22.15% 29.04% 27.37% 1.53%
13. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $2,890,375 $1,576,548 $582,603 $108,563 $37,728
14. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $2,217,695 $1,148,951 $304,111 $59,440 $22,896
15. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.72%(6) 0.74%(5) 0.80%(4) 0.90%(3) N/A
16. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.72% 0.74% 0.80% 0.87% 1.18%(1)(2)
17. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.64% 0.67% 0.83% 0.95% 0.50%
18. Portfolio turnover rate 77% 80% 62% 113% 217%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.49% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(3) The ratio was 1.09% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.91% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.81% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
30 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCED PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $17.47 $14.77 $13.03 $10.63 $10.64
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.39 0.34 0.32 0.17 0.15
3. Net gains (or losses) on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 5.51 2.89 1.81 2.45 (0.06)
4. Total from investment operations 5.90 3.23 2.13 2.62 0.09
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.38) (0.35) (0.30) (0.22) (0.10)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) (0.45) (0.18) (0.09) -- --
8. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.04) -- -- -- --
9. Total distributions (0.87) (0.53) (0.39) (0.22) (0.10)
10. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $22.50 $17.47 $14.77 $13.03 $10.63
11. Total return 34.28% 22.10% 16.18% 24.79% 0.84%
12. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $882,495 $362,409 $85,480 $14,021 $3,153
13. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $555,002 $176,432 $43,414 $5,739 $2,336
14. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.74%(6) 0.83%(5) 0.94%(4) 1.37%(3) N/A
15. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.74% 0.82% 0.92% 1.30% 1.57%(1)(2)
16. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 2.41% 2.87% 2.92% 2.41% 1.90%
17. Portfolio turnover rate 70% 139% 103% 149% 158%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(3) The ratio was 1.55% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(4) The ratio was 1.07% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.83% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
Financial highlights 31
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $11.78 $11.24 $11.11 $9.48 $9.97
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.64 0.67 0.74 0.53 0.47
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 0.41 0.62 0.24 1.70 (0.56)
4. Total from investment operations 1.05 1.29 0.98 2.23 (0.09)
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.67) (0.64) (0.72) (0.60) (0.40)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) (0.11) (0.11) (0.13) -- --
8. Total distributions (0.78) (0.75) (0.85) (0.60) (0.40)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $12.05 $11.78 $11.24 $11.11 $9.48
10. Total return 9.11% 11.76% 9.19% 23.86% (0.91%)
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $129,582 $54,098 $25,315 $10,831 $1,924
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $86,627 $36,547 $17,889 $5,556 $1,636
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.73% 0.75% 0.84% 1.07% N/A
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.73% 0.75% 0.83% 1.00% 1.00%(1)
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 6.36% 6.90% 7.31% 7.46% 5.49%
16. Portfolio turnover rate 145% 119% 250% 236% 234%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) The ratio was 1.35% before waiver of certain fees incurred by the Portfolio.
32 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Glossary of investment terms
This glossary provides a more detailed description of some of the
types of securities and other instruments in which the Portfolios may
invest. The Portfolios may invest in these instruments to the extent
permitted by their investment objectives and policies. The Portfolios
are not limited by this discussion and may invest in any other types
of instruments not precluded by the policies discussed elsewhere in
this Prospectus. Please refer to the SAI for a more detailed
discussion of certain instruments.
I. EQUITY AND DEBT SECURITIES
BONDS are debt securities issued by a company, municipality,
government or government agency. The issuer of a bond is required to
pay the holder the amount of the loan (or par value of the bond) at a
specified maturity and to make scheduled interest payments.
COMMERCIAL PAPER is a short-term debt obligation with a maturity
ranging from 1 to 270 days issued by banks, corporations and other
borrowers to investors seeking to invest idle cash. The Portfolios may
purchase commercial paper issued in private placements under Section
4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.
COMMON STOCKS are equity securities representing shares of ownership
in a company and usually carry voting rights and earns dividends.
Unlike preferred stock, dividends on common stock are not fixed but
are declared at the discretion of the issuer's board of directors.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES are preferred stocks or bonds that pay a fixed
dividend or interest payment and are convertible into common stock at
a specified price or conversion ratio.
DEBT SECURITIES are securities representing money borrowed that must
be repaid at a later date. Such securities have specific maturities
and usually a specific rate of interest or an original purchase
discount.
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS are receipts for shares of a foreign-based
corporation that entitle the holder to dividends and capital gains on
the underlying security. Receipts include those issued by domestic
banks (American Depositary Receipts), foreign banks (Global or
European Depositary Receipts) and broker-dealers (depositary shares).
FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES are securities that pay a specified rate of
return. The term generally includes short-and long-term government,
corporate and municipal obligations that pay a specified rate of
interest or coupons for a specified period of time, and preferred
stock, which pays fixed dividends. Coupon and dividend rates may be
fixed for the life of the issue or, in the case of adjustable and
floating rate securities, for a shorter period.
HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK SECURITIES are securities that are rated below
investment grade by the primary rating agencies (e.g., BB or lower by
Standard & Poor's and Ba or lower by Moody's). Other terms commonly
used to describe such securities include "lower rated bonds,"
"noninvestment grade bonds" and "junk bonds."
MORTGAGE- AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES are shares in a pool of
mortgages or other debt. These securities are generally pass-through
securities, which means that principal and interest payments on the
underlying securities (less servicing fees) are passed through to
shareholders on a pro rata basis. These securities involve prepayment
risk, which is the risk that the underlying mortgages or other debt
may be refinanced or paid off prior to their maturities during periods
of declining interest rates. In that case, a portfolio manager may
have to reinvest the proceeds from the securities at a lower rate.
Potential market gains on a security subject to prepayment risk may be
more limited than potential market gains on a comparable security that
is not subject to prepayment risk.
PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES (PFICS) are any foreign
corporations which generate certain amounts of passive income or hold
certain amounts of assets for the production of passive income.
Passive
Glossary of investment terms 33
<PAGE>
income includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents and annuities.
To avoid taxes and interest that the Portfolios must pay if these
investments are profitable, the Portfolios may make various elections
permitted by the tax laws. These elections could require that the
Portfolios recognize taxable income, which in turn must be
distributed, before the securities are sold and before cash is
received to pay the distributions.
PAY-IN-KIND BONDS are debt securities that normally give the issuer an
option to pay cash at a coupon payment date or give the holder of the
security a similar bond with the same coupon rate and a face value
equal to the amount of the coupon payment that would have been made.
PREFERRED STOCKS are equity securities that generally pay dividends at
a specified rate and have preference over common stock in the payment
of dividends and liquidation. Preferred stock generally does not carry
voting rights.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS involve the purchase of a security by a
Portfolio and a simultaneous agreement by the seller (generally a bank
or dealer) to repurchase the security from the Portfolio at a
specified date or upon demand. This technique offers a method of
earning income on idle cash. These securities involve the risk that
the seller will fail to repurchase the security, as agreed. In that
case, a Portfolio will bear the risk of market value fluctuations
until the security can be sold and may encounter delays and incur
costs in liquidating the security.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS involve the sale of a security by a
Portfolio to another party (generally a bank or dealer) in return for
cash and an agreement by the Portfolio to buy the security back at a
specified price and time. This technique will be used primarily to
provide cash to satisfy unusually high redemption requests, or for
other temporary or emergency purposes.
RULE 144A SECURITIES are securities that are not registered for sale
to the general public under the Securities Act of 1933, but that may
be resold to certain institutional investors.
STANDBY COMMITMENTS are obligations purchased by a Portfolio from a
dealer that give the Portfolio the option to sell a security to the
dealer at a specified price.
STEP COUPON BONDS are debt securities that trade at a discount from
their face value and pay coupon interest. The discount from the face
value depends on the time remaining until cash payments begin,
prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security and the perceived
credit quality of the issuer.
STRIP BONDS are debt securities that are stripped of their interest
(usually by a financial intermediary) after the securities are issued.
The market value of these securities generally fluctuates more in
response to changes in interest rates than interest-paying securities
of comparable maturity.
TENDER OPTION BONDS are generally long-term securities that are
coupled with an option to tender the securities to a bank,
broker-dealer or other financial institution at periodic intervals and
receive the face value of the bond. This type of security is commonly
used as a means of enhancing the security's liquidity.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES include direct obligations of the U.S.
government that are supported by its full faith and credit. Treasury
bills have initial maturities of less than one year, Treasury notes
have initial maturities of one to ten years and Treasury bonds may be
issued with any maturity but generally have maturities of at least ten
years. U.S. government securities also include indirect obligations of
the U.S. government that are issued by federal agencies and government
sponsored entities. Unlike Treasury securities, agency securities
generally are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
government. Some agency securities are supported by the right of the
issuer to borrow from the Treasury, others are supported by the
discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the
agency's obligations and others are supported only by the credit of
the sponsoring agency.
34 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES have variable or floating rates
of interest and, under certain limited circumstances, may have varying
principal amounts. These securities pay interest at rates that are
adjusted periodically according to a specified formula, usually with
reference to some interest rate index or market interest rate. The
floating rate tends to decrease the security's price sensitivity to
changes in interest rates.
WARRANTS are securities, typically issued with preferred stock or
bonds, that give the holder the right to buy a proportionate amount of
common stock at a specified price, usually at a price that is higher
than the market price at the time of issuance of the warrant. The
right may last for a period of years or indefinitely.
WHEN-ISSUED, DELAYED DELIVERY AND FORWARD TRANSACTIONS generally
involve the purchase of a security with payment and delivery at some
time in the future - i.e., beyond normal settlement. The Portfolios do
not earn interest on such securities until settlement and bear the
risk of market value fluctuations in between the purchase and
settlement dates. New issues of stocks and bonds, private placements
and U.S. government securities may be sold in this manner.
ZERO COUPON BONDS are debt securities that do not pay regular interest
at regular intervals, but are issued at a discount from face value.
The discount approximates the total amount of interest the security
will accrue from the date of issuance to maturity. The market value of
these securities generally fluctuates more in response to changes in
interest rates than interest-paying securities.
II. FUTURES, OPTIONS AND OTHER DERIVATIVES
FORWARD CONTRACTS are contracts to purchase or sell a specified amount
of a financial instrument for an agreed upon price at a specified
time. Forward contracts are not currently exchange traded and are
typically negotiated on an individual basis. The Portfolios may enter
into forward currency contracts to hedge against declines in the value
of securities denominated in, or whose value is tied to, a currency
other than the U.S. dollar or to reduce the impact of currency
appreciation on purchases of such securities. They may also enter into
forward contracts to purchase or sell securities or other financial
indices.
FUTURES CONTRACTS are contracts that obligate the buyer to receive and
the seller to deliver an instrument or money at a specified price on a
specified date. The Portfolios may buy and sell futures contracts on
foreign currencies, securities and financial indices including
interest rates or an index of U.S. government, foreign government,
equity or fixed-income securities. The Portfolios may also buy options
on futures contracts. An option on a futures contract gives the buyer
the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a futures contract
at a specified price on or before a specified date. Futures contracts
and options on futures are standardized and traded on designated
exchanges.
INDEXED/STRUCTURED SECURITIES are typically short- to
intermediate-term debt securities whose value at maturity or interest
rate is linked to currencies, interest rates, equity securities,
indices, commodity prices or other financial indicators. Such
securities may be positively or negatively indexed (i.e. their value
may increase or decrease if the reference index or instrument
appreciates). Indexed/structured securities may have return
characteristics similar to direct investments in the underlying
instruments and may be more volatile than the underlying instruments.
A Portfolio bears the market risk of an investment in the underlying
instruments, as well as the credit risk of the issuer.
INTEREST RATE SWAPS involve the exchange by two parties of their
respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange
of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments).
INVERSE FLOATERS are debt instruments whose interest rate bears an
inverse relationship to the interest rate on another instrument or
index. For example, upon reset the interest rate payable on a security
may go down when the underlying index has risen. Certain inverse
floaters may have an interest rate reset
Glossary of investment terms 35
<PAGE>
mechanism that multiplies the effects of change in the underlying
index. Such mechanism may increase the volatility of the security's
market value.
OPTIONS are the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a
specified amount of securities or other assets on or before a fixed
date at a predetermined price. The Portfolios may purchase and write
put and call options on securities, securities indices and foreign
currencies.
36 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Explanation of rating categories
The following is a description of credit ratings issued by two of the
major credit ratings agencies. Credit ratings evaluate only the safety
of principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of lower
quality securities. Credit rating agencies may fail to change credit
ratings to reflect subsequent events on a timely basis. Although Janus
Capital considers security ratings when making investment decisions,
it also performs its own investment analysis and does not rely solely
on the ratings assigned by credit agencies.
STANDARD & POOR'S
RATINGS SERVICES
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
BOND RATING EXPLANATION
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Grade
AAA......................... Highest rating; extremely strong capacity to pay principal
and interest.
AA.......................... High quality; very strong capacity to pay principal and
interest.
A........................... Strong capacity to pay principal and interest; somewhat more
susceptible to the adverse effects of changing circumstances
and economic conditions.
BBB......................... Adequate capacity to pay principal and interest; normally
exhibit adequate protection parameters, but adverse economic
conditions or changing circumstances more likely to lead to
a weakened capacity to pay principal and interest than for
higher rated bonds.
Non-Investment Grade
BB, B, CCC, CC, C........... Predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's
capacity to meet required interest and principal payments.
BB - lowest degree of speculation; C - the highest degree of
speculation. Quality and protective characteristics
outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposure to
adverse conditions.
D........................... In default.
</TABLE>
Explanation of rating categories 37
<PAGE>
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
BOND RATING EXPLANATION
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Grade
Aaa......................... Highest quality, smallest degree of investment risk.
Aa.......................... High quality; together with Aaa bonds, they compose the
high-grade bond group.
A........................... Upper-medium grade obligations; many favorable investment
attributes.
Baa......................... Medium-grade obligations; neither highly protected nor
poorly secured. Interest and principal appear adequate for
the present but certain protective elements may be lacking
or may be unreliable over any great length of time.
Non-Investment Grade
Ba.......................... More uncertain, with speculative elements. Protection of
interest and principal payments not well safeguarded during
good and bad times.
B........................... Lack characteristics of desirable investment; potentially
low assurance of timely interest and principal payments or
maintenance of other contract terms over time.
Caa......................... Poor standing, may be in default; elements of danger with
respect to principal or interest payments.
Ca.......................... Speculative in a high degree; could be in default or have
other marked shortcomings.
C........................... Lowest-rated; extremely poor prospects of ever attaining
investment standing.
</TABLE>
Unrated securities will be treated as noninvestment grade securities
unless a portfolio manager determines that such securities are the
equivalent of investment grade securities. Securities that have
received ratings from more than one agency are considered investment
grade if at least one agency has rated the security investment grade.
38 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
SECURITIES HOLDINGS BY RATING CATEGORY
During the fiscal period ended December 31, 1998, the percentage of
securities holdings for Flexible Income Portfolio by rating category
based upon a weighted monthly average was:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
BONDS-S&P RATING:
AAA 24%
AA 4%
A 13%
BBB 18%
BB 13%
B 15%
CCC 1%
CC 0%
C 0%
Preferred Stock 2%
Cash and Options 10%
TOTAL 100%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
No other Portfolio described in this Prospectus held 5% or more of its
assets in bonds rated below investment grade for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998.
Explanation of rating categories 39
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
1-800-29JANUS
100 Fillmore Street
Denver, Colorado 80206-4928
janus.com
You can request other information, including a Statement of
Additional Information, Annual Report or Semiannual Report, free of
charge, by contacting your plan sponsor or visiting our Web site at
janus.com. In the Portfolios' Annual Report, you will find a
discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that
significantly affected the Portfolios' performance during their last
fiscal year. Other information is also available from financial
intermediaries that sell Shares of the Portfolios.
The Statement of Additional Information provides detailed
information about the Portfolios and is incorporated into this
Prospectus by reference. You may review the Portfolios' Statement of
Additional Information at the Public Reference Room of the SEC or
get text only copies for a fee, by writing to or calling the Public
Reference Room, Washington, D.C. 20549-6009 (1-800-SEC-0330). You
may obtain the Statement of Additional Information for free from the
SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov.
Investment Company Act File No. 811-7736
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
Janus Aspen Series
PROSPECTUS
MAY 1, 1999
Growth Portfolio
Aggressive Growth Portfolio
Capital Appreciation Portfolio
International Growth Portfolio
Worldwide Growth Portfolio
Balanced Portfolio
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED ON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
This prospectus describes six mutual funds (the "Portfolios")
with a variety of investment objectives, including growth of
capital and a combination of growth and income. Each Portfolio
of Janus Aspen Series currently offers two classes of shares.
The Institutional Shares, (the "Shares"), are sold under the
name of "Janus Aspen Series" and are offered by this prospectus
in connection with investment in and payments under variable
annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts, as well
as certain qualified retirement plans.
Janus Aspen Series sells and redeems its Shares at net asset
value without sales charges, commissions or redemption fees.
Each variable insurance contract involves fees and expenses that
are not described in this Prospectus. Certain Portfolios may not
be available in connection with a particular contract and
certain contracts may limit allocations among the Portfolios.
See the accompanying contract prospectus for information
regarding contract fees and expenses and any restrictions on
purchases or allocations.
This prospectus contains information that a prospective
purchaser of a variable insurance contract or plan participant
should consider in conjunction with the accompanying separate
account prospectus of the specific insurance company product
before allocating purchase payments or premiums to the
Portfolios.
<PAGE>
Table of contents
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
Growth Portfolios........................................ 2
Balanced Portfolio....................................... 7
Fees and expenses........................................ 9
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND
RISKS
Growth Portfolios........................................ 10
Balanced Portfolio....................................... 12
General portfolio policies............................... 13
Risks for Growth, Global Growth and Balanced
Portfolios............................................... 15
MANAGEMENT OF THE PORTFOLIOS
Investment adviser....................................... 17
Management expenses and expense limits................... 17
Investment personnel..................................... 18
OTHER INFORMATION........................................... 20
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Distributions............................................ 21
Taxes.................................................... 21
SHAREHOLDER'S GUIDE
Purchases................................................ 22
Redemptions.............................................. 22
Shareholder communications............................... 23
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS........................................ 24
GLOSSARY
Glossary of investment terms............................. 30
</TABLE>
Table of contents 1
<PAGE>
Risk return summary
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
The Growth Portfolios are designed for long-term investors who seek
growth of capital and who can tolerate the greater risks associated
with common stock investments.
1. WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES OF THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOMESTIC GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
- GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital in a manner
consistent with the preservation of capital.
- AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO AND CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO
seek long-term growth of capital.
GLOBAL GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
- INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital.
- WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital in a
manner consistent with the preservation of capital.
The Portfolios' Trustees may change these objectives without a
shareholder vote and the Portfolios will notify you of any changes
that are material. If there is a material change to a Portfolio's
objective or policies, you should consider whether that Portfolio
remains an appropriate investment for you. There is no guarantee
that a Portfolio will meet its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
The portfolio managers apply a "bottom up" approach in choosing
investments. In other words, they look for companies with earnings
growth potential one at a time. If a portfolio manager is unable to
find investments with earnings growth potential, a significant portion
of a Portfolio's assets may be in cash or similar investments.
GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks selected for their
growth potential. Although the Portfolio can invest in companies of
any size, it generally invests in larger, more established companies.
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks
selected for their growth potential, and normally invests at least 50%
of its equity assets in medium-sized companies.
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks
selected for their growth potential. The Portfolio may invest in
companies of any size, from larger, well-established companies to
smaller, emerging growth companies.
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO normally invests at least 65% of its
total assets in securities of issuers from at least five different
countries, excluding the United States. Although the Portfolio intends
to invest substantially all of its assets in issuers located outside
the United States, it may invest in U.S. issuers and it may at times
invest all of its assets in fewer than five countries, or even a
single country.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks of
companies of any size throughout the world. The Portfolio normally
invests in issuers from at least five different countries, including
the United States. The Portfolio may at times invest in fewer than
five countries or even a single country.
2 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
The biggest risk is that the Portfolios' returns may vary, and you
could lose money. If you are considering investing in any of the
Growth Portfolios, remember that they are each designed for long-term
investors who can accept the risks of investing in a portfolio with
significant common stock holdings. Common stocks tend to be more
volatile than other investment choices.
The value of a Portfolio may decrease if the value of an individual
company in the portfolio decreases. The value of a Portfolio could
also decrease if the stock market goes down. If the value of a
Portfolio decreases, its net asset value (NAV) will also decrease,
which means if you sell your shares in a Portfolio you would get back
less money.
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO AND WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO may have
significant exposure to foreign markets. As a result, their returns
and NAV may be affected to a large degree by fluctuations in currency
exchange rates or political or economic conditions in a particular
country.
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO AND CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO are
nondiversified. In other words, they may hold larger positions in a
smaller number of securities than a diversified fund. As a result, a
single security's increase or decrease in value may have a greater
impact on a Portfolio's NAV and total return.
An investment in these Portfolios is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency.
The following information provides an indication of the risks of
investing in the Growth Portfolio by showing how each of the Growth
Portfolios' performance has varied over time. The bar charts depict
the change in performance from year-to-year during the period
indicated, but do not include charges and expenses attributable to any
insurance product which would lower the performance illustrated. The
Portfolios do not impose any sales or other charges that would affect
total return computations. Total return figures include the effect of
each Portfolio's expenses. The tables compare the average annual
returns for the Shares of each Portfolio for the periods indicated to
a broad-based securities market index.
Risk return summary 3
<PAGE>
GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Growth Portfolio -
Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
2.76% 30.17% 18.45% 22.75% 35.66%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 27.71% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (10.92%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 35.66% 21.41% 20.91%
S&P 500 Index* 28.74% 24.08% 23.06%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 500 is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks,
a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Aggressive Growth
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
16.33% 27.48% 7.95% 12.66% 34.26%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 34.65% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (14.98%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Aggressive Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 34.26% 19.35% 21.96%
S&P 400 Mid Cap Index* 18.25% 18.67% 18.06%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 400 Mid Cap Index is an unmanaged group of 400 domestic
stocks chosen for their market size, liquidity and industry group
representation.
4 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Capital Appreciation
Portfolio - Institutional Shares for 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
58.11%
1998
The percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 33.98% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (9.98%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year (5/1/97)
<S> <C> <C>
Capital Appreciation Portfolio - Institutional Shares 58.11% 51.65%
S&P 500 Index* 28.74% 31.38%
-----------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 500 is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks,
a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for International Growth
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1995 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
23.15% 34.71% 18.51% 17.23%
1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 16.63% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (17.76%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year (5/2/94)
<S> <C> <C>
International Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 17.23% 18.87%
Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index* 20.00% 8.11%
-----------------------------
</TABLE>
* The Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index is a market
capitalization weighted index composed of companies representative
of the market structure of 20 Developed Market countries in Europe,
Australasia and the Far East.
Risk return summary 5
<PAGE>
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Worldwide Growth
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
1.53% 27.37% 29.04% 22.15% 28.92%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 20.87% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (16.03%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Worldwide Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 28.92% 21.32% 24.06%
Morgan Stanley International Worldwide Index* 24.34% 15.68% 14.39%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The Morgan Stanley International Worldwide Index is a market
capitalization weighted index composed of countries representative
of the market structure of 47 Developed and Emerging Markets.
The Growth Portfolios' past performance does not necessarily indicate
how they will perform in the future.
6 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
BALANCED PORTFOLIO
The Balanced Portfolio is designed for investors who primarily seek
growth of capital with current income. It is not designed for
investors who desire a consistent level of income.
1. WHAT IS THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- BALANCED PORTFOLIO seeks long-term capital growth, consistent
with preservation of capital and balanced by current income.
The Trustees may change this objective without a shareholder vote and
the Portfolio will notify you of any changes that are material. If
there is a material change to the Portfolio's objective or policies,
you should consider whether the Portfolio remains an appropriate
investment for you. There is no guarantee that the Portfolio will meet
its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO?
The portfolio manager applies a "bottom up" approach in choosing
investments. In other words, he looks mostly for equity and
income-producing securities that meet his investment criteria one at a
time. If the portfolio manager is unable to find such investments,
much of the Portfolio's assets may be in cash or similar investments.
Balanced Portfolio normally invests 40-60% of its assets in securities
selected primarily for their growth potential and 40-60% of its assets
in securities selected primarily for their income potential. The
Portfolio will normally invest at least 25% of its assets in
fixed-income securities.
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN BALANCED PORTFOLIO?
The biggest risk is that the Portfolio's returns may vary, and you
could lose money. If you are considering investing in Balanced
Portfolio, remember that it is designed for long-term investors who
can accept the risks of investing in a portfolio with significant
common stock holdings. Common stocks tend to be more volatile than
other investment choices.
The value of the Portfolio may decrease if the value of an individual
company in the portfolio decreases. The value of the Portfolio could
also decrease if the stock market goes down. If the value of the
Portfolio decreases, its NAV will also decrease, which means if you
sell your shares in the Portfolio you would get back less money.
The income component of the Portfolio's holdings includes fixed-income
securities. A fundamental risk to the income component is that the
value of these securities will fall if interest rates rise. Generally,
the value of a fixed-income portfolio will decrease when interest
rates rise, which means the Portfolio's NAV may likewise decrease.
Another fundamental risk associated with fixed-income securities is
credit risk, which is the risk that an issuer of a bond will be unable
to make principal and interest payments when due.
An investment in the Portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency.
Risk return summary 7
<PAGE>
The following information provides an indication of the risks of
investing in Balanced Portfolio by showing how Balanced Portfolio's
performance has varied over time. The bar chart depicts the change in
performance from year-to-year during the period indicated, but does
not include charges and expenses attributable to any insurance product
which would lower the performance illustrated. The Portfolio does not
impose any sales or other charges that would affect total return
computations. Total return figures include the effect of the
Portfolio's expenses. The table compares the average annual returns
for the Shares of the Portfolio for the period indicated to a
broad-based securities market index.
BALANCED PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Balanced Portfolio -
Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
0.84% 24.79% 16.18% 22.10% 34.28%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 20.32% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (4.97%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balanced Portfolio - Institutional Shares 34.28% 19.11% 19.53%
S&P 500 Index* 28.74% 24.08% 23.06%
Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond Index** 9.47% 7.30% 6.90%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 500 is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks,
a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
** Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond Index is composed of all bonds that
are of investment grade with at least one year until maturity.
Balanced Portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate
how it will perform in the future.
8 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
FEES AND EXPENSES
SHAREHOLDER FEES, such as sales loads, redemption fees or exchange
fees, are charged directly to an investor's account. All Janus funds
are no-load investments, so you will not pay any shareholder fees when
you buy or sell shares of the Portfolios. However, each variable
insurance contract involves fees and expenses not described in this
prospectus. See the accompanying contract prospectus for information
regarding contract fees and expenses and any restrictions on purchases
or allocations.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES are paid out of a Portfolio's assets
and include fees for portfolio management, maintenance of shareholder
accounts, shareholder servicing, accounting and other services. You do
not pay these fees directly but, as the example on the next page
shows, these costs are borne indirectly by all shareholders.
This table and example are designed to assist participants in
qualified plans that invest in the Shares of the Portfolios in
understanding the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in
the Shares. The information shown is based upon gross expenses
(without the effect of expense offset arrangements) for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1998. OWNERS OF VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACTS
THAT INVEST IN THE SHARES SHOULD REFER TO THE VARIABLE INSURANCE
CONTRACT PROSPECTUS FOR A DESCRIPTION OF FEES AND EXPENSES, AS THE
TABLE AND EXAMPLE DO NOT REFLECT DEDUCTIONS AT THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
LEVEL OR CONTRACT LEVEL FOR ANY CHARGES THAT MAY BE INCURRED UNDER A
CONTRACT.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Annual Fund Total Annual Fund
Operating Expenses Operating Expenses
Management Other Without Waivers Total With Waivers
Fee Expenses or Reductions* Waivers and Reductions or Reductions*
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio 0.72% 0.03% 0.75% 0.07% 0.68%
Aggressive Growth Portfolio 0.72% 0.03% 0.75% N/A 0.75%
Capital Appreciation Portfolio 0.75% 0.22% 0.97% 0.05% 0.92%
International Growth Portfolio 0.75% 0.20% 0.95% 0.09% 0.86%
Worldwide Growth Portfolio 0.67% 0.07% 0.74% 0.02% 0.72%
Balanced Portfolio 0.72% 0.02% 0.74% N/A 0.74%
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* All expenses are stated both with and without contractual waivers and
fee reductions by Janus Capital. Fee reductions for Growth, Aggressive
Growth, Capital Appreciation, International Growth, Worldwide Growth and
Balanced Portfolios reduce the Management Fee to the level of the
corresponding Janus retail fund. Other waivers, if applicable, are first
applied against the Management Fee and then against Other Expenses.
Janus Capital has agreed to continue the waivers and fee reductions
until at least the next annual renewal of the advisory agreement.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXAMPLE:
THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLE IS BASED ON EXPENSES WITHOUT WAIVERS OR
REDUCTIONS. This example is intended to help you compare the cost of
investing in the Portfolios with the cost of investing in other mutual
funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in each of the
Portfolios for the time periods indicated then redeem all of your shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year, and that the Portfolios' operating
expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
-----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio $ 77 $240 $ 417 $ 930
Aggressive Growth Portfolio $ 77 $240 $ 417 $ 930
Capital Appreciation Portfolio $ 99 $309 $ 536 $1,190
International Growth Portfolio $ 97 $303 $ 526 $1,166
Worldwide Growth Portfolio $ 76 $237 $ 411 $ 918
Balanced Portfolio $ 76 $237 $ 411 $ 918
</TABLE>
Risk return summary 9
<PAGE>
Investment objectives, principal investment
strategies and risks
Each of the Portfolios has a similar investment objective and similar
principal investment strategies to a Janus retail fund:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Growth Portfolio Janus Fund
Aggressive Growth Portfolio Janus Enterprise Fund
Capital Appreciation Portfolio Janus Twenty Fund*
International Growth Portfolio Janus Overseas Fund
Worldwide Growth Portfolio Janus Worldwide Fund
Balanced Portfolio Janus Balanced Fund
</TABLE>
*Prior to May 1, 1999 Capital Appreciation Portfolio was managed in a
similar manner to Janus Olympus Fund.
Although it is anticipated that each Portfolio and its corresponding
retail fund will hold similar securities, differences in asset size,
cash flow needs and other factors may result in differences in
investment performance. The expenses of each Portfolio and its
corresponding retail fund are expected to differ. The variable
contract owner will also bear various insurance related costs at the
insurance company level. You should review the accompanying separate
account prospectus for a summary of fees and expenses.
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
This section takes a closer look at the investment objectives of each
of the Growth Portfolios, their principal investment strategies and
certain risks of investing in the Growth Portfolios. Strategies and
policies that are noted as "fundamental" cannot be changed without a
shareholder vote.
Please carefully review the "Risks" section of this Prospectus on
pages 15-16 for a discussion of risks associated with certain
investment techniques. We've also included a Glossary with
descriptions of investment terms used throughout this Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
DOMESTIC GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital in a manner
consistent with the preservation of capital. It pursues its objective
by investing primarily in common stocks selected for their growth
potential. Although the Portfolio can invest in companies of any size,
it generally invests in larger, more established companies.
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Aggressive Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital. It
pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks selected
for their growth potential, and normally invests at least 50% of its
equity assets in medium-sized companies. Medium-sized companies are
those whose market capitalizations fall within the range of companies
in the S&P MidCap 400 Index. Market capitalization is a commonly used
measure of the size and value of a company. The market capitalizations
within the Index will vary, but as of December 31, 1998, they ranged
from approximately $142 million to $73 billion.
10 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO
Capital Appreciation Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital. It
pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks selected
for their growth potential. The Portfolio may invest in companies of
any size, from larger, well-established companies to smaller, emerging
growth companies.
GLOBAL GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
International Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital.
Normally, the Portfolio pursues its objective by investing at least
65% of its total assets in securities of issuers from at least five
different countries, excluding the United States. Although the
Portfolio intends to invest substantially all of its assets in issuers
located outside the United States, it may at times invest in U.S.
issuers and it may at times invest all of its assets in fewer than
five countries or even a single country.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Worldwide Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital in a
manner consistent with the preservation of capital. It pursues its
objective by investing primarily in common stocks of companies of any
size throughout the world. The Portfolio normally invests in issuers
from at least five different countries, including the United States.
The Portfolio may at times invest in fewer than five countries or even
a single country.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
the Growth Portfolios' principal investment strategies.
1. HOW ARE COMMON STOCKS SELECTED?
Each of the Portfolios may invest substantially all of its assets in
common stocks if its portfolio manager believes that common stocks
will appreciate in value. The portfolio managers generally take a
"bottom up" approach to selecting companies. In other words, they seek
to identify individual companies with earnings growth potential that
may not be recognized by the market at large. They make this
assessment by looking at companies one at a time, regardless of size,
country of organization, place of principal business activity, or
other similar selection criteria. Realization of income is not a
significant consideration when choosing investments for the
Portfolios. Income realized on the Portfolios' investments will be
incidental to their objectives.
2. ARE THE SAME CRITERIA USED TO SELECT FOREIGN SECURITIES?
Generally, yes. The portfolio managers seek companies that meet their
selection criteria, regardless of where a company is located. Foreign
securities are generally selected on a stock-by-stock basis without
regard to any defined allocation among countries or geographic
regions. However, certain factors such as expected levels of
inflation, government policies influencing business conditions, the
outlook for currency relationships, and prospects for economic growth
among countries, regions or geographic areas may warrant greater
consideration in selecting foreign securities. There are no
limitations on the countries in which the Portfolios may invest and
the Portfolios may at times have significant foreign exposure.
3. WHAT DOES "MARKET CAPITALIZATION" MEAN?
Market capitalization is the most commonly used measure of the size
and value of a company. It is computed by multiplying the current
market price of a share of the company's stock by the total number of
its shares outstanding. As noted previously, market capitalization is
an important investment criteria for
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 11
<PAGE>
Aggressive Growth Portfolio. Although the other Growth Portfolios
offered by this Prospectus do not emphasize companies of any
particular size, Portfolios with a larger asset base are more likely
to invest in larger, more established issuers.
BALANCED PORTFOLIO
This section takes a closer look at the investment objective of
Balanced Portfolio, its principal investment strategies and certain
risks of investing in the Portfolio. Strategies and policies that are
noted as "fundamental" cannot be changed without a shareholder vote.
Please carefully review the "Risks" section of this Prospectus on
pages 15-16 for a discussion of risks associated with certain
investment techniques. We've also included a Glossary with
descriptions of investment terms used throughout this Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Balanced Portfolio seeks long-term capital growth, consistent with
preservation of capital and balanced by current income. It pursues its
objective by normally investing 40-60% of its assets in securities
selected primarily for their growth potential and 40-60% of its assets
in securities selected primarily for their income potential. This
Portfolio normally invests at least 25% of its assets in fixed-income
securities.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
Balanced Portfolio's principal investment strategies.
1. HOW ARE COMMON STOCKS SELECTED FOR BALANCED PORTFOLIO IN COMPARISON TO THE
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
Because income is a part of the investment objective of the Portfolio,
the portfolio manager may consider dividend-paying characteristics to
a greater degree in selecting common stocks for this Portfolio.
2. HOW ARE ASSETS ALLOCATED BETWEEN THE GROWTH AND INCOME COMPONENTS OF BALANCED
PORTFOLIO'S HOLDINGS?
Balanced Portfolio shifts assets between the growth and income
components of its holdings based on the portfolio manager's analysis
of relevant market, financial and economic conditions. If the
portfolio manager believes that growth securities will provide better
returns than the yields then available or expected on income-producing
securities, the Portfolio will place a greater emphasis on the growth
component.
3. WHAT TYPES OF SECURITIES MAKE UP THE GROWTH COMPONENT OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO'S
INVESTMENTS?
The growth component of the Portfolio's investments is expected to
consist primarily of common stocks, but may also include warrants,
preferred stocks or convertible securities selected primarily for
their growth potential.
4. WHAT TYPES OF SECURITIES MAKE UP THE INCOME COMPONENT OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO'S
HOLDINGS?
The income component of Balanced Portfolio will consist of securities
that the portfolio manager believes have income potential. Such
securities may include equity securities, convertible securities and
all types of debt securities. Equity securities may be included in the
income component of the Portfolio if they currently pay dividends or
the portfolio manager believes they have the potential for either
increasing their dividends or commencing dividends, if none are
currently paid.
12 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
GENERAL PORTFOLIO POLICIES
Unless otherwise stated, each of the following policies applies to all
of the Portfolios. The percentage limitations included in these
policies and elsewhere in this Prospectus apply at the time of
purchase of the security. So, for example, if a Portfolio exceeds a
limit as a result of market fluctuations or the sale of other
securities, it will not be required to dispose of any securities.
CASH POSITION
When a portfolio manager believes that market conditions are
unfavorable for profitable investing, or when he or she is otherwise
unable to locate attractive investment opportunities, the Portfolios'
cash or similar investments may increase. In other words, the
Portfolios do not always stay fully invested in stocks and bonds. Cash
or similar investments generally are a residual - they represent the
assets that remain after a portfolio manager has committed available
assets to desirable investment opportunities. However, a portfolio
manager may also temporarily increase a Portfolio's cash position to
protect its assets or maintain liquidity. Partly because the portfolio
managers act independently of each other, the cash positions of the
Portfolios may vary significantly.
When a Portfolio's investments in cash or similar investments
increase, it may not participate in market advances or declines to the
same extent that it would if the Portfolio remained more fully
invested in stocks or bonds.
OTHER TYPES OF INVESTMENTS
The Growth Portfolios invest primarily in domestic and foreign equity
securities, which may include preferred stocks, common stocks,
warrants and securities convertible into common or preferred stocks.
Balanced Portfolio also invest in domestic and foreign equity
securities with varying degrees of emphasis on income. The Portfolios
may also invest to a lesser degree in other types of securities. These
securities (which are described in the Glossary) may include:
- debt securities
- indexed/structured securities
- high-yield/high-risk securities (less than 35% of each Portfolio's
assets)
- options, futures, forwards and other types of derivatives for
hedging purposes or for non-hedging purposes such as seeking to
enhance return
- securities purchased on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward
commitment basis
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS
Each Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid
investments. An illiquid investment is a security or other position
that cannot be disposed of quickly in the normal course of business.
For example, some securities are not registered under U.S. securities
laws and cannot be sold to the U.S. public because of SEC regulations
(these are known as "restricted securities"). Under procedures adopted
by the Portfolios' Trustees, certain restricted securities may be
deemed liquid, and will not be counted toward this 15% limit.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
The Portfolios may invest without limit in foreign equity and debt
securities. The Portfolios may invest directly in foreign securities
denominated in a foreign currency and not publicly traded in the
United
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 13
<PAGE>
States. Other ways of investing in foreign securities include
depositary receipts or shares, and passive foreign investment
companies.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Each Portfolio may invest in special situations. A special situation
arises when, in the opinion of a Portfolio's manager, the securities
of a particular issuer will be recognized and appreciate in value due
to a specific development with respect to that issuer. Developments
creating a special situation might include, among others, a new
product or process, a technological breakthrough, a management change
or other extraordinary corporate event, or differences in market
supply of and demand for the security. A Portfolio's performance could
suffer if the anticipated development in a "special situation"
investment does not occur or does not attract the expected attention.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Portfolios generally intend to purchase securities for long-term
investment although, to a limited extent, a Portfolio may purchase
securities in anticipation of relatively short-term price gains.
Short-term transactions may also result from liquidity needs,
securities having reached a price or yield objective, changes in
interest rates or the credit standing of an issuer, or by reason of
economic or other developments not foreseen at the time of the
investment decision. A Portfolio may also sell one security and
simultaneously purchase the same or a comparable security to take
advantage of short-term differentials in bond yields or securities
prices. Changes are made in a Portfolio's holdings whenever its
portfolio manager believes such changes are desirable. Portfolio
turnover rates are generally not a factor in making buy and sell
decisions.
Increased portfolio turnover may result in higher costs for brokerage
commissions, dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs and may also
result in taxable capital gains. Higher costs associated with
increased portfolio turnover may offset gains in a Portfolio's
performance.
14 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
RISKS FOR GROWTH, GLOBAL GROWTH AND BALANCED PORTFOLIOS
Because the Portfolios may invest substantially all of their assets in
common stocks, the main risk is the risk that the value of the stocks
they hold might decrease in response to the activities of an
individual company or in response to general market and/or economic
conditions. If this occurs, a Portfolio's share price may also
decrease. A Portfolio's performance may also be affected by risks
specific to certain types of investments, such as foreign securities,
derivative investments, non-investment grade debt securities or
companies with relatively small market capitalizations.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
some of the risks of investing in the Growth, Global Growth and Balanced
Portfolios.
1. THE PORTFOLIOS MAY INVEST IN SMALLER OR NEWER COMPANIES. DOES THIS CREATE ANY
SPECIAL RISKS?
Smaller or newer companies may suffer more significant losses as well
as realize more substantial growth than larger or more established
issuers because they may lack depth of management, be unable to
generate funds necessary for growth or potential development, or be
developing or marketing new products or services for which markets are
not yet established and may never become established. In addition,
such companies may be insignificant factors in their industries and
may become subject to intense competition from larger or more
established companies. Securities of smaller or newer companies may
have more limited trading markets than the markets for securities of
larger or more established issuers, and may be subject to wide price
fluctuations. Investments in such companies tend to be more volatile
and somewhat more speculative.
2. HOW DOES THE NONDIVERSIFIED STATUS OF AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO AND CAPITAL
APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO AFFECT THEIR RISK?
Diversification is a way to reduce risk by investing in a broad range
of stocks or other securities. A "nondiversified" portfolio has the
ability to take larger positions in a smaller number of issuers.
Because the appreciation or depreciation of a single stock may have a
greater impact on the NAV of a nondiversified portfolio, its share
price can be expected to fluctuate more than a comparable diversified
portfolio. This fluctuation, if significant, may affect the
performance of a Portfolio.
3. HOW COULD THE PORTFOLIOS' INVESTMENTS IN FOREIGN SECURITIES AFFECT THEIR
PERFORMANCE?
The Portfolios may invest without limit in foreign securities either
indirectly (e.g., depositary receipts) or directly in foreign markets.
Investments in foreign securities, including those of foreign
governments, may involve greater risks than investing in domestic
securities because the Portfolios' performance may depend on issues
other than the performance of a particular company. These issues
include:
- CURRENCY RISK. As long as a Portfolio holds a foreign security, its
value will be affected by the value of the local currency relative
to the U.S. dollar. When a Portfolio sells a foreign denominated
security, its value may be worth less in U.S. dollars even if the
security increases in value in its home country. U.S. dollar
denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by
currency risk.
- POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RISK. Foreign investments may be subject to
heightened political and economic risks, particularly in emerging
markets which may have relatively unstable governments, immature
economic structures, national policies restricting investments by
foreigners, different legal systems, and economies based on only a
few industries. In some countries, there is the risk that the
government may take over the assets or operations of a company or
that the government may impose taxes or limits on the removal of a
Portfolio's assets from that country.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 15
<PAGE>
- REGULATORY RISK. There may be less government supervision of foreign
markets. As a result, foreign issuers may not be subject to the
uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and
practices applicable to domestic issuers and there may be less
publicly available information about foreign issuers.
- MARKET RISK. Foreign securities markets, particularly those of
emerging market countries, may be less liquid and more volatile than
domestic markets. Certain markets may require payment for securities
before delivery and delays may be encountered in settling securities
transactions. In some foreign markets, there may not be protection
against failure by other parties to complete transactions.
- TRANSACTION COSTS. Costs of buying, selling and holding foreign
securities, including brokerage, tax and custody costs, may be
higher than those involved in domestic transactions.
4. ARE THERE SPECIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTMENTS IN HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK
SECURITIES?
High-yield/high-risk securities (or "junk" bonds) are securities rated
below investment grade by the primary rating agencies such as Standard
& Poor's and Moody's. The value of lower quality securities generally
is more dependent on credit risk, or the ability of the issuer to meet
interest and principal payments, than investment grade debt
securities. Issuers of high-yield securities may not be as strong
financially as those issuing bonds with higher credit ratings and are
more vulnerable to real or perceived economic changes, political
changes or adverse developments specific to the issuer.
5. HOW DO THE PORTFOLIOS TRY TO REDUCE RISK?
The Portfolios may use futures, options and other derivative
instruments to "hedge" or protect their portfolios from adverse
movements in securities prices and interest rates. The Portfolios may
also use a variety of currency hedging techniques, including forward
currency contracts, to manage exchange rate risk. The portfolio
managers believe the use of these instruments will benefit the
Portfolios. However, a Portfolio's performance could be worse than if
the Portfolio had not used such instruments if a portfolio manager's
judgement proves incorrect. Risks associated with the use of
derivative instruments are described in the SAI.
6. I'VE HEARD A LOT ABOUT HOW THE CHANGE TO THE YEAR 2000 COULD AFFECT COMPUTER
SYSTEMS. DOES THIS CREATE ANY SPECIAL RISKS?
The portfolio managers carefully research each potential investment
before making an investment decision and, among other things, consider
Year 2000 readiness when selecting portfolio holdings. However, there
is no guarantee that the information a portfolio manager receives
regarding a company's Year 2000 readiness is completely accurate. If a
company has not satisfactorily addressed Year 2000 issues, the
Portfolio's performance could suffer.
16 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Management of the portfolios
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Janus Capital, 100 Fillmore Street, Denver, Colorado 80206-4928, is
the investment adviser to each of the Portfolios and is responsible
for the day-to-day management of the investment portfolios and other
business affairs of the Portfolios.
Janus Capital began serving as investment adviser to Janus Fund in
1970 and currently serves as investment adviser to all of the Janus
retail funds, acts as sub-adviser for a number of private-label mutual
funds and provides separate account advisory services for
institutional accounts.
Janus Capital furnishes continuous advice and recommendations
concerning each Portfolio's investments. Janus Capital also furnishes
certain administrative, compliance and accounting services for the
Portfolios, and may be reimbursed by the Portfolios for its costs in
providing those services. In addition, Janus Capital employees serve
as officers of the Trust and Janus Capital provides office space for
the Portfolios and pays the salaries, fees and expenses of all
Portfolio officers and those Trustees who are affiliated with Janus
Capital.
Participating insurance companies that purchase the Portfolios' shares
may perform certain administrative services relating to the Portfolios
and Janus Capital or the Portfolios may pay those companies for such
services.
MANAGEMENT EXPENSES AND EXPENSE LIMITS
Each Portfolio pays Janus Capital a management fee which is calculated
daily. The advisory agreement with each Portfolio spells out the
management fee and other expenses that the Portfolios must pay. Each
of the Portfolios is subject to the following management fee schedule
(expressed as an annual rate). In addition, the Shares of each
Portfolio incur expenses not assumed by Janus Capital, including
transfer agent and custodian fees and expenses, legal and auditing
fees, printing and mailing costs of sending reports and other
information to existing shareholders, and independent Trustees' fees
and expenses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Daily
Net Assets Annual Rate Expense Limit
Fee Schedule of Portfolio Percentage (%) Percentage (%)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio
Aggressive Growth Portfolio First $300 Million 0.75 N/A(1)
Capital Appreciation Portfolio Next $200 Million 0.70
International Growth Portfolio Over $500 Million 0.65
Worldwide Growth Portfolio
Balanced Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Janus Capital has agreed to reduce Growth, Aggressive Growth, Capital
Appreciation, International Growth, Worldwide Growth, and Balanced
Portfolio's management fee to the extent that such fee exceeds the effective
rate of the Janus retail fund corresponding to such Portfolio. Janus Capital
has agreed to continue such waivers until at least the next annual renewal
of the advisory contracts. The effective rate is the management fee
calculated by the corresponding retail fund as of the last day of each
calendar quarter (expressed as an annual rate). The effective rates of Janus
Fund, Janus Enterprise Fund, Janus Olympus Fund, Janus Overseas Fund, Janus
Worldwide Fund and Janus Balanced Fund were 0.65%, 0.69%, 0.67%, 0.66%,
0.65%, and 0.67%, respectively, for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.
Management of the portfolios 17
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT PERSONNEL
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
LAURENCE J. CHANG
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and co-manager of International
Growth Portfolio and Janus Overseas Fund which he has co-managed
since May 1998 and April 1998, respectively. He served as
assistant portfolio manager for these funds since 1996. He is
also assistant portfolio manager for Worldwide Growth Portfolio
and Janus Worldwide Fund. Mr. Chang joined Janus Capital in 1993
after receiving a Masters Degree in Political Science from
Stanford University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
JAMES P. CRAIG, III
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Chief Investment Officer of Janus Capital. He is Executive
Vice President and portfolio manager of Growth Portfolio, which
he has managed since inception. He has managed Janus Fund since
1986 and has co-managed Janus Venture Fund since February 1,
1997. Mr. Craig previously managed Janus Venture Fund from its
inception, to December 1993, Janus Balanced Fund from December
1993 to December 1995 and Balanced Portfolio from September 1993
through April 1996. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from
the University of Alabama and a Master of Arts in Finance from
the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
JAMES P. GOFF
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Aggressive
Growth Portfolio, which he has managed since inception. Mr. Goff
joined Janus Capital in 1988 and has managed Janus Enterprise
Fund since its inception. Mr. Goff co-managed or managed Janus
Venture Fund from December 1993 to February 1, 1997. He holds a
Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Yale University and is a
Chartered Financial Analyst.
HELEN YOUNG HAYES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Worldwide
Growth Portfolio and co-manager of International Growth
Portfolio, which she has managed or co-managed since inception.
Ms. Hayes joined Janus Capital in 1987 and has managed or
co-managed Janus Worldwide Fund and Janus Overseas Fund since
their inceptions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from
Yale University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
BLAINE P. ROLLINS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Balanced
Portfolio, which he has managed since May 1996 and Equity Income
Portfolio, which he has managed since inception. He is an
assistant portfolio manager of Growth Portfolio. Mr. Rollins
joined Janus Capital in 1990 and has managed Janus Balanced Fund
since January 1996 and Janus Equity Income Fund since inception.
He has been an assistant portfolio manager of Janus Fund since
January 1995. He gained experience as a fixed-income trader and
equity research analyst prior to managing Balanced Portfolio. He
holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of
Colorado and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
18 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
SCOTT W. SCHOELZEL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Capital
Appreciation Portfolio, which he has managed since its inception.
He is portfolio manager of Janus Twenty Fund, which he has
managed since August 1997. He previously managed Janus Olympus
Fund from its inception to August 1997. Mr. Schoelzel joined
Janus Capital in January 1994. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in
Business from Colorado College.
ASSISTANT PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
DAVID C. DECKER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is an assistant portfolio manager of Growth Portfolio. He is also
an assistant portfolio manager of Janus Fund. He is Executive
Vice President and portfolio manager of Janus Special Situations
Fund. Mr. Decker received a Masters of Business Administration in
Finance from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and
a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Political Science from Tufts
University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
RON SACHS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is an assistant portfolio manager of Aggressive Growth Portfolio.
Mr. Sachs joined Janus Capital in 1996 as a research analyst.
Prior to coming to Janus, he worked as a consultant for Bain &
Company and as an attorney for Willkie, Farr & Gallagher. Mr.
Sachs graduated from Princeton cum laude with an undergraduate
degree in economics. He obtained his law degree from the
University of Michigan. Mr. Sachs is a Chartered Financial
Analyst.
Management of the portfolios 19
<PAGE>
Other information
CLASSES OF SHARES
Each Portfolio currently offers two classes of Shares, one of which,
the Institutional Shares, are offered pursuant to this prospectus and
are sold under the name Janus Aspen Series. The Shares offered by this
Prospectus are available only in connection with investment in and
payments under variable insurance contracts as well as certain
qualified retirement plans. Retirement Shares of each Portfolio are
offered by separate prospectus and are available only to qualified
plans using plan service providers that are compensated for providing
distribution and/or recordkeeping and other administrative services.
Because the expenses of each class may differ, the performance of each
class is expected to differ. If you would like additional information
about the Retirement Shares, please call 1-800-525-0020.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The Shares offered by this prospectus are available only to variable
annuity and variable life separate accounts of insurance companies
that are unaffiliated with Janus Capital and to certain qualified
retirement plans. Retirement Shares of the Portfolios (offered through
a separate prospectus) are available to certain qualified plans.
Although the Portfolios do not currently anticipate any disadvantages
to policy owners because each Portfolio offers its shares to such
entities, there is a possibility that a material conflict may arise.
The Trustees monitor events in order to identify any disadvantages or
material irreconcilable conflicts and to determine what action, if
any, should be taken in response. If a material disadvantage or
conflict occurs, the Trustees may require one or more insurance
company separate accounts or qualified plans to withdraw its
investments in one or more Portfolios or substitute Shares of another
Portfolio. If this occurs, a Portfolio may be forced to sell its
securities at disadvantageous prices. In addition, the Trustees may
refuse to sell Shares of any Portfolio to any separate account or
qualified plan or may suspend or terminate the offering of a
Portfolio's Shares if such action is required by law or regulatory
authority or is in the best interests of that Portfolio's
shareholders. It is possible that a qualified plan investing in the
Retirement Shares of the Portfolios could lose its qualified plan
status under the Internal Revenue Code, which could have adverse tax
consequences on insurance company separate accounts investing in the
Shares. Janus Capital intends to monitor such qualified plans and the
Portfolios may discontinue sales to a qualified plan and require plan
participants with existing investments in the Retirement Shares to
redeem those investments if a plan loses (or in the opinion of Janus
Capital is at risk of losing) its qualified plan status.
YEAR 2000
Preparing for Year 2000 is a high priority for Janus Capital, which
has established a dedicated group to address this issue. Janus Capital
has devoted considerable internal resources and has engaged one of the
foremost experts in the field to help achieve Year 2000 readiness.
Janus Capital does not anticipate that Year 2000-related issues will
have a material impact on its ability to continue to provide the
Portfolios with service at current levels; however, Janus Capital
cannot make any assurances that the steps it has taken to ensure Year
2000 readiness will be successful. In addition, there can be no
assurance that Year 2000 issues will not affect the companies in which
the Portfolios invest or worldwide markets and economies.
20 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Distributions and taxes
DISTRIBUTIONS
To avoid taxation of the Portfolios, the Internal Revenue Code
requires each Portfolio to distribute net income and any net gains
realized on its investments annually. A Portfolio's income from
dividends and interest and any net realized short-term gains are paid
to shareholders as ordinary income dividends. Net realized long-term
gains are paid to shareholders as capital gains distributions.
Each class of each Portfolio makes semi-annual distributions in June
and December of substantially all of its investment income and an
annual distribution in June of its net realized gains, if any. All
dividends and capital gains distributions from Shares of a Portfolio
will automatically be reinvested into additional Shares of that
Portfolio.
HOW DISTRIBUTIONS AFFECT NAV
Distributions are paid to shareholders as of the record date of the
distribution of a Portfolio, regardless of how long the shares have
been held. Undistributed income and realized gains are included in the
daily NAV of a Portfolio's Shares. The Share price of a Portfolio
drops by the amount of the distribution, net of any subsequent market
fluctuations. For example, assume that on December 31, the Shares of
Growth Portfolio declared a dividend in the amount of $0.25 per share.
If the price of Growth Portfolio's Shares was $10.00 on December 30,
the share price on December 31 would be $9.75, barring market
fluctuations.
TAXES
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS
Because Shares of the Portfolios may be purchased only through
variable insurance contracts and qualified plans, it is anticipated
that any income dividends or capital gains distributions made by the
Shares of a Portfolio will be exempt from current taxation if left to
accumulate within the variable insurance contract or qualified plan.
Generally, withdrawals from such contracts may be subject to ordinary
income tax and, if made before age 59 1/2, a 10% penalty tax. The tax
status of your investment depends on the features of your qualified
plan or variable insurance contract. Further information may be found
in your plan documents or in the prospectus of the separate account
offering such contract.
TAXATION OF THE PORTFOLIOS
Dividends, interest and some gains received by the Portfolios on
foreign securities may be subject to withholding of foreign taxes. The
Portfolios may from year to year make the election permitted under
Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code to pass through such taxes to
shareholders. If such election is not made, any foreign taxes paid or
accrued will represent an expense to the Portfolios which will reduce
their investment income.
The Portfolios do not expect to pay any federal income or excise taxes
because they intend to meet certain requirements of the Internal
Revenue Code. In addition, each Portfolio intends to qualify under the
Internal Revenue Code with respect to the diversification requirements
related to the tax-deferred status of insurance company separate
accounts.
Distributions and taxes 21
<PAGE>
Shareholder's guide
INVESTORS MAY NOT PURCHASE OR REDEEM SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIOS
DIRECTLY. SHARES MAY BE PURCHASED OR REDEEMED ONLY THROUGH VARIABLE
INSURANCE CONTRACTS OFFERED BY THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS OF PARTICIPATING
INSURANCE COMPANIES OR THROUGH QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS. CERTAIN
PORTFOLIOS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN CONNECTION WITH A PARTICULAR
CONTRACT AND CERTAIN CONTRACTS MAY LIMIT ALLOCATIONS AMONG THE
PORTFOLIOS. REFER TO THE PROSPECTUS FOR THE PARTICIPATING INSURANCE
COMPANY'S SEPARATE ACCOUNT OR YOUR PLAN DOCUMENTS FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON
PURCHASING OR SELLING OF VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACTS AND ON HOW TO
SELECT SPECIFIC PORTFOLIOS AS INVESTMENT OPTIONS FOR A CONTRACT OR A
QUALIFIED PLAN.
PRICING OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
Investments will be processed at the NAV next determined after an
order is received and accepted by a Portfolio or its agent. In order
to receive a day's price, your order must be received by the close of
the regular trading session of the New York Stock Exchange any day
that the NYSE is open. Securities are valued at market value or, if a
market quotation is not readily available, at their fair value
determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the
supervision of the Trustees. Short-term instruments maturing within 60
days are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
See the SAI for more detailed information.
To the extent a Portfolio holds securities that are primarily listed
on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the
Portfolios do not price their shares, the NAV of a Portfolio's shares
may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
redeem the Portfolio's shares.
PURCHASES
Purchases of Shares may be made only by the separate accounts of
insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable insurance
contracts or by qualified plans. Refer to the prospectus of the
appropriate insurance company separate account or your plan documents
for information on how to invest in the Shares of each Portfolio.
Participating insurance companies and certain other designated
organizations are authorized to receive purchase orders on the
Portfolios' behalf.
Each Portfolio reserves the right to reject any specific purchase
order. Purchase orders may be refused if, in Janus Capital's opinion,
they are of a size that would disrupt the management of a Portfolio.
Although there is no present intention to do so, the Portfolios may
discontinue sales of their shares if management and the Trustees
believe that continued sales may adversely affect a Portfolio's
ability to achieve its investment objective. If sales of a Portfolio's
Shares are discontinued, it is expected that existing policy owners
and plan participants invested in that Portfolio would be permitted to
continue to authorize investment in that Portfolio and to reinvest any
dividends or capital gains distributions, absent highly unusual
circumstances.
REDEMPTIONS
Redemptions, like purchases, may be effected only through the separate
accounts of participating insurance companies or through qualified
plans. Please refer to the appropriate separate account prospectus or
plan documents for details.
Shares of any Portfolio may be redeemed on any business day.
Redemptions are processed at the NAV next calculated after receipt and
acceptance of the redemption order by the Portfolio or its agent.
Redemption proceeds will normally be wired to the participating
insurance company the business day following receipt of the redemption
order, but in no event later than seven days after receipt of such
order.
22 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS
Shareholders will receive annual and semiannual reports including the
financial statements of the Shares of the Portfolios that they have
authorized for investment. Each report will show the investments owned
by each Portfolio and the market values thereof, as well as other
information about the Portfolios and their operations. The Trust's
fiscal year ends December 31.
Shareholder's guide 23
<PAGE>
Financial highlights
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand
the Institutional Shares' financial performance for each of the five
most recent fiscal years or the life of the Portfolio if less than
five years. Items 1 through 9 reflect financial results for a single
Share. Total return in the tables represents the rate that an investor
would have earned (or lost) on an investment in each of the
Institutional Shares of the Portfolios (assuming reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions) but does not include charges and expenses
attributable to any insurance product. This information has been
audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with the
Portfolios' financial statements, is included in the Annual Report,
which is available upon request and incorporated by reference into the
SAI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $18.48 $15.51 $13.45 $10.57 $10.32
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.05 0.15 0.17 0.28 0.09
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized
and unrealized) 6.36 3.34 2.29 2.90 0.20
4. Total from investment operations 6.41 3.49 2.46 3.18 0.29
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.05) (0.15) (0.17) (0.30) (0.04)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) (1.30) (0.37) (0.23) -- --
8. Total distributions (1.35) (0.52) (0.40) (0.30) (0.04)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $23.54 $18.48 $15.51 $13.45 $10.57
10. Total return 35.66% 22.75% 18.45% 30.17% 2.76%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $1,103,549 $608,281 $325,789 $126,911 $43,549
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $789,454 $477,914 $216,125 $77,344 $26,464
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.68%(6) 0.70%(5) 0.69%(4) 0.78%(3) N/A
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.68% 0.69% 0.69% 0.76% 0.88%(1)(2)
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets 0.26% 0.91% 1.39% 1.24% 1.45%
16. Portfolio turnover rate 73% 122% 87% 185% 169%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.23% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(3) The ratio was 0.98% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.83% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.78% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.75% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
24 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $20.55 $18.24 $17.08 $13.62 $11.80
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income -- -- -- 0.24 0.11
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized
and unrealized) 7.09 2.31 1.36 3.47 1.82
4. Total from investment operations 7.09 2.31 1.36 3.71 1.93
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) -- -- -- (0.25) (0.11)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- (0.01) -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) -- -- (0.19) -- --
8. Total distributions -- -- (0.20) (0.25) (0.11)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $27.64 $20.55 $18.24 $17.08 $13.62
10. Total return 34.26% 12.66% 7.95% 27.48% 16.33%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $772,943 $508,198 $383,693 $185,911 $41,289
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $576,444 $418,464 $290,629 $107,582 $14,152
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.75%(6) 0.76%(5) 0.76%(4) 0.86%(3) N/A
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.75% 0.76% 0.76% 0.84% 1.05%(1)(2)
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets (0.36%) (0.10%) (0.27%) 0.58% 2.18%
16. Portfolio turnover rate 132% 130% 88% 155% 259%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.14% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(3) The ratio was 0.93% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.83% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.78% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.75% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
Financial highlights 25
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending
December 31
1998 1997(1)
<S> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $12.62 $10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.01 0.05
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 7.32 2.61
4. Total from investment operations 7.33 2.66
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.01) (0.04)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) -- --
8. Total distributions (0.01) (0.04)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $19.94 $12.62
10. Total return* 58.11% 26.60%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $74,187 $6,833
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $25,964 $2,632
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets** 0.92%(3) 1.26%(2)
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets** 0.91% 1.25%
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets** 0.27% 1.43%
16. Portfolio turnover rate** 91% 101%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total return not annualized for periods of less than one full year.
** Annualized for periods of less than one full year.
(1) May 1, 1997 (inception) through December 31, 1997.
(2) The ratio was 2.19% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Olympus Fund.
(3) The ratio was 0.97% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Olympus Fund.
26 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994(1)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $18.48 $15.72 $11.95 $9.72 $10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.13 0.11 0.05 0.09 (0.09)
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 3.07 2.80 4.06 2.16 (0.19)
4. Total from investment operations 3.20 2.91 4.11 2.25 (0.28)
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.14) (0.11) (0.11) (0.02) --
6. Dividends (in excess of net investment income) -- -- -- -- --
7. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
8. Distributions (from capital gains) -- (0.01) (0.23) -- --
9. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.27) (0.03) -- -- --
10. Total distributions (0.41) (0.15) (0.34) (0.02) --
11. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $21.27 $18.48 $15.72 $11.95 $9.72
12. Total return* 17.23% 18.51% 34.71% 23.15% (2.80%)
13. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $311,110 $161,091 $27,192 $1,608 $1,353
14. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $234,421 $96,164 $7,437 $1,792 $1,421
15. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets** 0.86%(6) 0.96%(5) 1.26%(4) 2.69%(3) N/A
16. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets** 0.86% 0.96% 1.25% 2.50% 2.50%(2)
17. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets** 0.73% 0.70% 0.62% (0.80%) (1.30%)
18. Portfolio turnover rate** 93% 86% 65% 211% 275%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total return not annualized for periods of less than one full year.
** Annualized for periods of less than one full year.
(1) May 1, 1994 (inception) through December 31, 1994.
(2) The ratio was 4.67% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
(3) The ratio was 3.57% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
(4) The ratio was 2.21% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
(5) The ratio was 1.08% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.95% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
Financial highlights 27
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $23.39 $19.44 $15.31 $12.07 $11.89
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.11 0.04
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 6.59 4.14 4.27 3.19 0.14
4. Total from investment operations 6.75 4.30 4.43 3.30 0.18
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.18) (0.17) (0.17) (0.06) --
6. Dividends (in excess of net investment income) -- (0.02) -- -- --
7. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
8. Distributions (from capital gains) -- (0.16) (0.13) -- --
9. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.87) -- -- -- --
10. Total distributions (1.05) (0.35) (0.30) (0.06) --
11. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $29.09 $23.39 $19.44 $15.31 $12.07
12. Total return 28.92% 22.15% 29.04% 27.37% 1.53%
13. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $2,890,375 $1,576,548 $582,603 $108,563 $37,728
14. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $2,217,695 $1,148,951 $304,111 $59,440 $22,896
15. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.72%(6) 0.74%(5) 0.80%(4) 0.90%(3) N/A
16. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.72% 0.74% 0.80% 0.87% 1.18%(1)(2)
17. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.64% 0.67% 0.83% 0.95% 0.50%
18. Portfolio turnover rate 77% 80% 62% 113% 217%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.49% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(3) The ratio was 1.09% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.91% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.81% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
28 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCED PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $17.47 $14.77 $13.03 $10.63 $10.64
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.39 0.34 0.32 0.17 0.15
3. Net gains (or losses) on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 5.51 2.89 1.81 2.45 (0.06)
4. Total from investment operations 5.90 3.23 2.13 2.62 0.09
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.38) (0.35) (0.30) (0.22) (0.10)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) (0.45) (0.18) (0.09) -- --
8. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.04) -- -- -- --
9. Total distributions (0.87) (0.53) (0.39) (0.22) (0.10)
10. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $22.50 $17.47 $14.77 $13.03 $10.63
11. Total return 34.28% 22.10% 16.18% 24.79% 0.84%
12. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $882,495 $362,409 $85,480 $14,021 $3,153
13. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $555,002 $176,432 $43,414 $5,739 $2,336
14. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.74%(6) 0.83%(5) 0.94%(4) 1.37%(3) N/A
15. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.74% 0.82% 0.92% 1.30% 1.57%(1)(2)
16. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 2.41% 2.87% 2.92% 2.41% 1.90%
17. Portfolio turnover rate 70% 139% 103% 149% 158%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(3) The ratio was 1.55% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(4) The ratio was 1.07% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.83% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
Financial highlights 29
<PAGE>
Glossary of investment terms
This glossary provides a more detailed description of some of the
types of securities and other instruments in which the Portfolios may
invest. The Portfolios may invest in these instruments to the extent
permitted by their investment objectives and policies. The Portfolios
are not limited by this discussion and may invest in any other types
of instruments not precluded by the policies discussed elsewhere in
this Prospectus. Please refer to the SAI for a more detailed
discussion of certain instruments.
I. EQUITY AND DEBT SECURITIES
BONDS are debt securities issued by a company, municipality,
government or government agency. The issuer of a bond is required to
pay the holder the amount of the loan (or par value of the bond) at a
specified maturity and to make scheduled interest payments.
COMMERCIAL PAPER is a short-term debt obligation with a maturity
ranging from 1 to 270 days issued by banks, corporations and other
borrowers to investors seeking to invest idle cash. The Portfolios may
purchase commercial paper issued in private placements under Section
4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.
COMMON STOCKS are equity securities representing shares of ownership
in a company and usually carry voting rights and earns dividends.
Unlike preferred stock, dividends on common stock are not fixed but
are declared at the discretion of the issuer's board of directors.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES are preferred stocks or bonds that pay a fixed
dividend or interest payment and are convertible into common stock at
a specified price or conversion ratio.
DEBT SECURITIES are securities representing money borrowed that must
be repaid at a later date. Such securities have specific maturities
and usually a specific rate of interest or an original purchase
discount.
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS are receipts for shares of a foreign-based
corporation that entitle the holder to dividends and capital gains on
the underlying security. Receipts include those issued by domestic
banks (American Depositary Receipts), foreign banks (Global or
European Depositary Receipts) and broker-dealers (depositary shares).
FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES are securities that pay a specified rate of
return. The term generally includes short-and long-term government,
corporate and municipal obligations that pay a specified rate of
interest or coupons for a specified period of time, and preferred
stock, which pays fixed dividends. Coupon and dividend rates may be
fixed for the life of the issue or, in the case of adjustable and
floating rate securities, for a shorter period.
HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK SECURITIES are securities that are rated below
investment grade by the primary rating agencies (e.g., BB or lower by
Standard & Poor's and Ba or lower by Moody's). Other terms commonly
used to describe such securities include "lower rated bonds,"
"noninvestment grade bonds" and "junk bonds."
MORTGAGE- AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES are shares in a pool of
mortgages or other debt. These securities are generally pass-through
securities, which means that principal and interest payments on the
underlying securities (less servicing fees) are passed through to
shareholders on a pro rata basis. These securities involve prepayment
risk, which is the risk that the underlying mortgages or other debt
may be refinanced or paid off prior to their maturities during periods
of declining interest rates. In that case, a portfolio manager may
have to reinvest the proceeds from the securities at a lower rate.
Potential market gains on a security subject to prepayment risk may be
more limited than potential market gains on a comparable security that
is not subject to prepayment risk.
PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES (PFICS) are any foreign
corporations which generate certain amounts of passive income or hold
certain amounts of assets for the production of passive income.
Passive
30 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
income includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents and annuities.
To avoid taxes and interest that the Portfolios must pay if these
investments are profitable, the Portfolios may make various elections
permitted by the tax laws. These elections could require that the
Portfolios recognize taxable income, which in turn must be
distributed, before the securities are sold and before cash is
received to pay the distributions.
PAY-IN-KIND BONDS are debt securities that normally give the issuer an
option to pay cash at a coupon payment date or give the holder of the
security a similar bond with the same coupon rate and a face value
equal to the amount of the coupon payment that would have been made.
PREFERRED STOCKS are equity securities that generally pay dividends at
a specified rate and have preference over common stock in the payment
of dividends and liquidation. Preferred stock generally does not carry
voting rights.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS involve the purchase of a security by a
Portfolio and a simultaneous agreement by the seller (generally a bank
or dealer) to repurchase the security from the Portfolio at a
specified date or upon demand. This technique offers a method of
earning income on idle cash. These securities involve the risk that
the seller will fail to repurchase the security, as agreed. In that
case, a Portfolio will bear the risk of market value fluctuations
until the security can be sold and may encounter delays and incur
costs in liquidating the security.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS involve the sale of a security by a
Portfolio to another party (generally a bank or dealer) in return for
cash and an agreement by the Portfolio to buy the security back at a
specified price and time. This technique will be used primarily to
provide cash to satisfy unusually high redemption requests, or for
other temporary or emergency purposes.
RULE 144A SECURITIES are securities that are not registered for sale
to the general public under the Securities Act of 1933, but that may
be resold to certain institutional investors.
STANDBY COMMITMENTS are obligations purchased by a Portfolio from a
dealer that give the Portfolio the option to sell a security to the
dealer at a specified price.
STEP COUPON BONDS are debt securities that trade at a discount from
their face value and pay coupon interest. The discount from the face
value depends on the time remaining until cash payments begin,
prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security and the perceived
credit quality of the issuer.
STRIP BONDS are debt securities that are stripped of their interest
(usually by a financial intermediary) after the securities are issued.
The market value of these securities generally fluctuates more in
response to changes in interest rates than interest-paying securities
of comparable maturity.
TENDER OPTION BONDS are generally long-term securities that are
coupled with an option to tender the securities to a bank,
broker-dealer or other financial institution at periodic intervals and
receive the face value of the bond. This type of security is commonly
used as a means of enhancing the security's liquidity.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES include direct obligations of the U.S.
government that are supported by its full faith and credit. Treasury
bills have initial maturities of less than one year, Treasury notes
have initial maturities of one to ten years and Treasury bonds may be
issued with any maturity but generally have maturities of at least ten
years. U.S. government securities also include indirect obligations of
the U.S. government that are issued by federal agencies and government
sponsored entities. Unlike Treasury securities, agency securities
generally are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
government. Some agency securities are supported by the right of the
issuer to borrow from the Treasury, others are supported by the
discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the
agency's obligations and others are supported only by the credit of
the sponsoring agency.
Glossary of investment terms 31
<PAGE>
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES have variable or floating rates
of interest and, under certain limited circumstances, may have varying
principal amounts. These securities pay interest at rates that are
adjusted periodically according to a specified formula, usually with
reference to some interest rate index or market interest rate. The
floating rate tends to decrease the security's price sensitivity to
changes in interest rates.
WARRANTS are securities, typically issued with preferred stock or
bonds, that give the holder the right to buy a proportionate amount of
common stock at a specified price, usually at a price that is higher
than the market price at the time of issuance of the warrant. The
right may last for a period of years or indefinitely.
WHEN-ISSUED, DELAYED DELIVERY AND FORWARD TRANSACTIONS generally
involve the purchase of a security with payment and delivery at some
time in the future - i.e., beyond normal settlement. The Portfolios do
not earn interest on such securities until settlement and bear the
risk of market value fluctuations in between the purchase and
settlement dates. New issues of stocks and bonds, private placements
and U.S. government securities may be sold in this manner.
ZERO COUPON BONDS are debt securities that do not pay regular interest
at regular intervals, but are issued at a discount from face value.
The discount approximates the total amount of interest the security
will accrue from the date of issuance to maturity. The market value of
these securities generally fluctuates more in response to changes in
interest rates than interest-paying securities.
II. FUTURES, OPTIONS AND OTHER DERIVATIVES
FORWARD CONTRACTS are contracts to purchase or sell a specified amount
of a financial instrument for an agreed upon price at a specified
time. Forward contracts are not currently exchange traded and are
typically negotiated on an individual basis. The Portfolios may enter
into forward currency contracts to hedge against declines in the value
of securities denominated in, or whose value is tied to, a currency
other than the U.S. dollar or to reduce the impact of currency
appreciation on purchases of such securities. They may also enter into
forward contracts to purchase or sell securities or other financial
indices.
FUTURES CONTRACTS are contracts that obligate the buyer to receive and
the seller to deliver an instrument or money at a specified price on a
specified date. The Portfolios may buy and sell futures contracts on
foreign currencies, securities and financial indices including
interest rates or an index of U.S. government, foreign government,
equity or fixed-income securities. The Portfolios may also buy options
on futures contracts. An option on a futures contract gives the buyer
the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a futures contract
at a specified price on or before a specified date. Futures contracts
and options on futures are standardized and traded on designated
exchanges.
INDEXED/STRUCTURED SECURITIES are typically short- to
intermediate-term debt securities whose value at maturity or interest
rate is linked to currencies, interest rates, equity securities,
indices, commodity prices or other financial indicators. Such
securities may be positively or negatively indexed (i.e. their value
may increase or decrease if the reference index or instrument
appreciates). Indexed/structured securities may have return
characteristics similar to direct investments in the underlying
instruments and may be more volatile than the underlying instruments.
A Portfolio bears the market risk of an investment in the underlying
instruments, as well as the credit risk of the issuer.
INTEREST RATE SWAPS involve the exchange by two parties of their
respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange
of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments).
INVERSE FLOATERS are debt instruments whose interest rate bears an
inverse relationship to the interest rate on another instrument or
index. For example, upon reset the interest rate payable on a security
may go down when the underlying index has risen. Certain inverse
floaters may have an interest rate reset
32 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
mechanism that multiplies the effects of change in the underlying
index. Such mechanism may increase the volatility of the security's
market value.
OPTIONS are the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a
specified amount of securities or other assets on or before a fixed
date at a predetermined price. The Portfolios may purchase and write
put and call options on securities, securities indices and foreign
currencies.
Glossary of investment terms 33
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
1-800-29JANUS
100 Fillmore Street
Denver, Colorado 80206-4928
janus.com
You can request other information, including a Statement of
Additional Information, Annual Report or Semiannual Report, free of
charge, by contacting your plan sponsor or visiting our Web site at
janus.com. In the Portfolios' Annual Report, you will find a
discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that
significantly affected the Portfolios' performance during their last
fiscal year. Other information is also available from financial
intermediaries that sell Shares of the Portfolios.
The Statement of Additional Information provides detailed
information about the Portfolios and is incorporated into this
Prospectus by reference. You may review the Portfolios' Statement of
Additional Information at the Public Reference Room of the SEC or
get text only copies for a fee, by writing to or calling the Public
Reference Room, Washington, D.C. 20549-6009 (1-800-SEC-0330). You
may obtain the Statement of Additional Information for free from the
SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov.
Investment Company Act File No. 811-7736
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
Janus Aspen Series
PROSPECTUS
MAY 1, 1999
Growth Portfolio
Worldwide Growth Portfolio
Balanced Portfolio
Growth and Income Portfolio
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED ON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
This prospectus describes four mutual funds (the "Portfolios")
with a variety of investment objectives, including growth of
capital and a combination of growth and income. Each Portfolio
of Janus Aspen Series currently offers two classes of shares.
The Institutional Shares, (the "Shares"), are sold under the
name of "Janus Aspen Series" and are offered by this prospectus
in connection with investment in and payments under variable
annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts, as well
as certain qualified retirement plans.
Janus Aspen Series sells and redeems its Shares at net asset
value without sales charges, commissions or redemption fees.
Each variable insurance contract involves fees and expenses that
are not described in this Prospectus. Certain Portfolios may not
be available in connection with a particular contract and
certain contracts may limit allocations among the Portfolios.
See the accompanying contract prospectus for information
regarding contract fees and expenses and any restrictions on
purchases or allocations.
This prospectus contains information that a prospective
purchaser of a variable insurance contract or plan participant
should consider in conjunction with the accompanying separate
account prospectus of the specific insurance company product
before allocating purchase payments or premiums to the
Portfolios.
<PAGE>
Table of contents
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
Growth Portfolios........................................ 2
Combination Portfolios................................... 5
Fees and expenses........................................ 7
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND
RISKS
Growth Portfolios........................................ 8
Combination Portfolios................................... 9
General portfolio policies............................... 11
Risks for Growth and Combination Portfolios.............. 13
MANAGEMENT OF THE PORTFOLIOS
Investment adviser....................................... 15
Management expenses and expense limits................... 15
Investment personnel..................................... 16
OTHER INFORMATION........................................... 18
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Distributions............................................ 19
Taxes.................................................... 19
SHAREHOLDER'S GUIDE
Pricing of portfolio shares.............................. 20
Purchases................................................ 20
Redemptions.............................................. 20
Shareholder communications............................... 21
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS........................................ 22
GLOSSARY
Glossary of investment terms............................. 26
</TABLE>
Table of contents 1
<PAGE>
Risk return summary
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
The Growth Portfolios are designed for long-term investors who seek
growth of capital and who can tolerate the greater risks associated
with common stock investments.
1. WHAT IS THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF THE PORTFOLIOS?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- GROWTH PORTFOLIO AND WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO seek long-term
growth of capital in a manner consistent with the preservation of
capital.
The Portfolios' Trustees may change the objective without a
shareholder vote and the Portfolios will notify you of any changes
that are material. If there is a material change to a Portfolio's
objective or policies, you should consider whether that Portfolio
remains an appropriate investment for you. There is no guarantee
that a Portfolio will meet its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
The portfolio managers apply a "bottom up" approach in choosing
investments. In other words, they look for companies with earnings
growth potential one at a time. If a portfolio manager is unable to
find investments with earnings growth potential, a significant portion
of a Portfolio's assets may be in cash or similar investments.
GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks selected for their
growth potential. Although the Portfolio can invest in companies of
any size, it generally invests in larger, more established companies.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks of
companies of any size throughout the world. The Portfolio normally
invests in issuers from at least five different countries, including
the United States. The Portfolio may at times invest in fewer than
five countries or even a single country.
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
The biggest risk is that the Portfolios' returns may vary, and you
could lose money. If you are considering investing in either of the
Growth Portfolios, remember that they are each designed for long-term
investors who can accept the risks of investing in a portfolio with
significant common stock holdings. Common stocks tend to be more
volatile than other investment choices.
The value of a Portfolio may decrease if the value of an individual
company in the portfolio decreases. The value of a Portfolio could
also decrease if the stock market goes down. If the value of a
Portfolio decreases, its net asset value (NAV) will also decrease,
which means if you sell your shares in a Portfolio you would get back
less money.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO may have significant exposure to foreign
markets. As a result, its returns and NAV may be affected to a large
degree by fluctuations in currency exchange rates or political or
economic conditions in a particular country.
An investment in these Portfolios is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency.
2 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
The following information provides some indication of the risks of
investing in the Growth Portfolios by showing how each of the Growth
Portfolios' performance has varied over time. The bar charts depict
the change in performance from year-to-year during the period
indicated, but do not include charges and expenses attributable to any
insurance product which would lower the performance illustrated. The
Portfolios do not impose any sales or other charges that would affect
total return computations. Total return figures include the effect of
each Portfolio's expenses. The tables compare the average annual
returns for the Shares of each Portfolio for the periods indicated to
a broad-based securities market index.
GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Growth Portfolio -
Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
2.76% 30.17% 18.45% 22.75% 35.66%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 27.71% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (10.92%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 35.66% 21.41% 20.91%
S&P 500 Index* 28.74% 24.08% 23.06%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 500 is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks,
a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
Risk return summary 3
<PAGE>
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Worldwide Growth
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
1.53% 27.37% 29.04% 22.15% 28.92%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
East percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 20.87% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (16.03%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Worldwide Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 28.92% 21.32% 24.06%
Morgan Stanley International Worldwide Index* 24.34% 15.68% 14.39%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The Morgan Stanley International Worldwide Index is a market
capitalization weighted index composed of countries representative
of the market structure of 47 Developed and Emerging Markets.
The Growth Portfolios' past performance does not necessarily indicate
how they will perform in the future.
4 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
COMBINATION PORTFOLIOS
The Combination Portfolios are designed for investors who primarily
seek growth of capital with varying degrees of emphasis on income.
They are not designed for investors who desire a consistent level of
income.
1. WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES OF THE COMBINATION PORTFOLIOS?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- BALANCED PORTFOLIO seeks long-term capital growth, consistent
with preservation of capital and balanced by current income.
- GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO seeks long-term capital growth and
current income.
The Trustees may change these objectives without a shareholder vote
and the Portfolios will notify you of any changes that are material.
If there is a material change to a Portfolio's objective or policies,
you should consider whether that Portfolio remains an appropriate
investment for you. There is no guarantee that a Portfolio will meet
its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE COMBINATION PORTFOLIOS?
The portfolio managers apply a "bottom up" approach in choosing
investments. In other words, they look mostly for equity and
income-producing securities that meet their investment criteria one at
a time. If a portfolio manager is unable to find such investments,
much of a Portfolio's assets may be in cash or similar investments.
BALANCED PORTFOLIO normally invests 40-60% of its assets in securities
selected primarily for their growth potential and 40-60% of its assets
in securities selected primarily for their income potential. The
Portfolio will normally invest at least 25% of its assets in
fixed-income securities.
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO normally emphasizes investments in common
stocks. It will normally invest up to 75% of its assets in equity
securities selected primarily for their growth potential, and at least
25% of its assets in securities the portfolio manager believes have
income potential. Equity securities may make up part of this income
component if they currently pay dividends or the portfolio manager
believes they have potential for increasing or commencing dividend
payments.
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE COMBINATION PORTFOLIOS?
The biggest risk is that the Portfolios' returns may vary, and you
could lose money. If you are considering investing in either of the
Combination Portfolios, remember that they are each designed for
long-term investors who can accept the risks of investing in a
portfolio with significant common stock holdings. Common stocks tend
to be more volatile than other investment choices.
The value of a Portfolio may decrease if the value of an individual
company in the portfolio decreases. The value of a Portfolio could
also decrease if the stock market goes down. If the value of a
Portfolio decreases, its NAV will also decrease, which means if you
sell your shares in a Portfolio you would get back less money.
The income component of the Portfolios' holdings includes fixed-income
securities. A fundamental risk to the income component is that the
value of these securities will fall if interest rates rise. Generally,
the value of a fixed-income portfolio will decrease when interest
rates rise, which means the Portfolio's NAV may likewise decrease.
Another fundamental risk associated with fixed-income securities is
credit risk, which is the risk that an issuer of a bond will be unable
to make principal and interest payments when due.
Risk return summary 5
<PAGE>
An investment in these Portfolios is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of
investing in Balanced Portfolio by showing how Balanced Portfolio's
performance has varied over time. The bar chart depicts the change in
performance from year-to-year during the period indicated, but does
not include charges and expenses attributable to any insurance product
which would lower the performance illustrated. The Portfolios do not
impose any sales or other charges that would affect total return
computations. Total return figures include the effect of each
Portfolio's expenses. The table compares the average annual returns
for the Shares of the Portfolio for the period indicated to a
broad-based securities market index.
BALANCED PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Balanced Portfolio -
Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
0.84% 24.79% 16.18% 22.10% 34.28%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 20.32% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (4.97%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balanced Portfolio - Institutional Shares 34.28% 19.11% 19.53%
S&P 500 Index* 28.74% 24.08% 23.06%
Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond Index** 9.47% 7.30% 6.90%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 500 is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks,
a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
** Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond Index is composed of all bonds that
are of investment grade with at least one year until maturity.
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO -- INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
Growth and Income Portfolio does not have a full calendar year return
because the Portfolio commenced operations on May 1, 1998.
The Combination Portfolios' past performance does not necessarily
indicate how they will perform in the future.
6 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
FEES AND EXPENSES
SHAREHOLDER FEES, such as sales loads, redemption fees or exchange
fees, are charged directly to an investor's account. All Janus funds
are no-load investments, so you will not pay any shareholder fees when
you buy or sell shares of the Portfolios. However, each variable
insurance contract involves fees and expenses not described in this
prospectus. See the accompanying contract prospectus for information
regarding contract fees and expenses and any restrictions on purchases
or allocations.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES are paid out of a Portfolio's assets
and include fees for portfolio management, maintenance of shareholder
accounts, shareholder servicing, accounting and other services. You do
not pay these fees directly but, as the example on the next page
shows, these costs are borne indirectly by all shareholders.
This table and example are designed to assist participants in
qualified plans that invest in the Shares of the Portfolios in
understanding the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in
the Shares. The information shown is based upon gross expenses
(without the effect of expense offset arrangements) for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1998. OWNERS OF VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACTS
THAT INVEST IN THE SHARES SHOULD REFER TO THE VARIABLE INSURANCE
CONTRACT PROSPECTUS FOR A DESCRIPTION OF FEES AND EXPENSES, AS THE
TABLE AND EXAMPLE DO NOT REFLECT DEDUCTIONS AT THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
LEVEL OR CONTRACT LEVEL FOR ANY CHARGES THAT MAY BE INCURRED UNDER A
CONTRACT.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Annual Fund Total Annual Fund
Operating Expenses Operating Expenses
Management Other Without Waivers Total With Waivers
Fee Expenses or Reductions* Waivers and Reductions or Reductions*
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio 0.72% 0.03% 0.75% 0.07% 0.68%
Worldwide Growth Portfolio 0.67% 0.07% 0.74% 0.02% 0.72%
Balanced Portfolio 0.72% 0.02% 0.74% N/A 0.74%
Growth and Income Portfolio 0.75% 2.31% 3.06% 1.81% 1.25%
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* All expenses are stated both with and without contractual waivers and
fee reductions by Janus Capital. Fee reductions for Growth, Worldwide
Growth, Balanced and Growth and Income Portfolios reduce the Management
Fee to the level of the corresponding Janus retail fund. Other waivers,
if applicable, are first applied against the Management Fee and then
against Other Expenses. Janus Capital has agreed to continue the waivers
and fee reductions until at least the next annual renewal of the
advisory agreement.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXAMPLE:
THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLE IS BASED ON EXPENSES WITHOUT WAIVERS OR
REDUCTIONS. This example is intended to help you compare the cost of
investing in the Portfolios with the cost of investing in other mutual
funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in each of the
Portfolios for the time periods indicated then redeem all of your shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year, and that the Portfolios' operating
expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
-----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio $ 77 $240 $ 417 $ 930
Worldwide Growth Portfolio $ 76 $237 $ 411 $ 918
Balanced Portfolio $ 76 $237 $ 411 $ 918
Growth and Income Portfolio $309 $945 $1,606 $3,374
</TABLE>
Risk return summary 7
<PAGE>
Investment objectives, principal investment
strategies and risks
Each of the Portfolios has a similar investment objective and similar
principal investment strategies to a Janus retail fund:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Growth Portfolio Janus Fund
Worldwide Growth Portfolio Janus Worldwide Fund
Balanced Portfolio Janus Balanced Fund
Growth and Income Portfolio Janus Growth and Income Fund
</TABLE>
Although it is anticipated that each Portfolio and its corresponding
retail fund will hold similar securities, differences in asset size,
cash flow needs and other factors may result in differences in
investment performance. The expenses of each Portfolio and its
corresponding retail fund are expected to differ. The variable
contract owner will also bear various insurance related costs at the
insurance company level. You should review the accompanying separate
account prospectus for a summary of fees and expenses.
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
This section takes a closer look at the investment objectives of each
of the Growth Portfolios, their principal investment strategies and
certain risks of investing in the Growth Portfolios. Strategies and
policies that are noted as "fundamental" cannot be changed without a
shareholder vote.
Please carefully review the "Risks" section of this Prospectus on
pages 24-27 for a discussion of risks associated with certain
investment techniques. We've also included a Glossary with
descriptions of investment terms used throughout this Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital in a manner
consistent with the preservation of capital. It pursues its objective
by investing primarily in common stocks selected for their growth
potential. Although the Portfolio can invest in companies of any size,
it generally invests in larger, more established companies.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Worldwide Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital in a
manner consistent with the preservation of capital. It pursues its
objective by investing primarily in common stocks of companies of any
size throughout the world. The Portfolio normally invests in issuers
from at least five different countries, including the United States.
The Portfolio may at times invest in fewer than five countries or even
a single country.
8 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
the Growth Portfolios' principal investment strategies.
1. HOW ARE COMMON STOCKS SELECTED?
Each of the Portfolios may invest substantially all of its assets in
common stocks if its portfolio manager believes that common stocks
will appreciate in value. The portfolio managers generally take a
"bottom up" approach to selecting companies. In other words, they seek
to identify individual companies with earnings growth potential that
may not be recognized by the market at large. They make this
assessment by looking at companies one at a time, regardless of size,
country of organization, place of principal business activity, or
other similar selection criteria. Realization of income is not a
significant consideration when choosing investments for the
Portfolios. Income realized on the Portfolios' investments will be
incidental to their objectives.
2. ARE THE SAME CRITERIA USED TO SELECT FOREIGN SECURITIES?
Generally, yes. The portfolio managers seek companies that meet their
selection criteria, regardless of where a company is located. Foreign
securities are generally selected on a stock-by-stock basis without
regard to any defined allocation among countries or geographic
regions. However, certain factors such as expected levels of
inflation, government policies influencing business conditions, the
outlook for currency relationships, and prospects for economic growth
among countries, regions or geographic areas may warrant greater
consideration in selecting foreign securities. There are no
limitations on the countries in which the Portfolios may invest and
the Portfolios may at times have significant foreign exposure.
3. WHAT DOES "MARKET CAPITALIZATION" MEAN?
Market capitalization is the most commonly used measure of the size
and value of a company. It is computed by multiplying the current
market price of a share of the company's stock by the total number of
its shares outstanding. Although the Portfolios offered by this
Prospectus do not emphasize companies of any particular size,
Portfolios with a larger asset base are more likely to invest in
larger, more established issuers.
COMBINATION PORTFOLIOS
This section takes a closer look at the investment objectives of each
of the Combination Portfolios, their principal investment strategies
and certain risks of investing in the Combination Portfolios.
Strategies and policies that are noted as "fundamental" cannot be
changed without a shareholder vote.
Please carefully review the "Risks" section of this Prospectus on
pages 13-14 for a discussion of risks associated with certain
investment techniques. We've also included a Glossary with
descriptions of investment terms used throughout this Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
BALANCED PORTFOLIO
Balanced Portfolio seeks long-term capital growth, consistent with
preservation of capital and balanced by current income. It pursues its
objective by normally investing 40-60% of its assets in securities
selected primarily for their growth potential and 40-60% of its assets
in securities selected primarily for their income potential. This
Portfolio normally invests at least 25% of its assets in fixed-income
securities.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 9
<PAGE>
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO
Growth and Income Portfolio seeks long-term capital growth and current
income. It normally emphasizes investments in common stocks. It will
normally invest up to 75% of its assets in equity securities selected
primarily for their growth potential, and at least 25% of its assets
in securities the portfolio manager believes have income potential.
Because of this investment strategy, the Portfolio is not designed for
investors who need consistent income.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
the Combination Portfolios' principal investment strategies.
1. HOW DO THE COMBINATION PORTFOLIOS DIFFER FROM EACH OTHER?
Growth and Income Portfolio places a greater emphasis on aggressive
growth stocks and may derive a greater portion of its income from
dividend-paying common stocks. Because of these factors, its NAV can
be expected to fluctuate more than Balanced Portfolio. Balanced
Portfolio places a greater emphasis on the income component of its
portfolio and invests to a greater degree in securities selected
primarily for their income potential. As a result it is expected to be
less volatile than Growth and Income Portfolio.
2. HOW ARE COMMON STOCKS SELECTED FOR THE COMBINATION PORTFOLIOS IN COMPARISON
TO THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
Because income is a part of the investment objective of the
Combination Portfolios, a portfolio manager may consider
dividend-paying characteristics to a greater degree in selecting
common stocks for these Portfolios.
3. HOW ARE ASSETS ALLOCATED BETWEEN THE GROWTH AND INCOME COMPONENTS OF BALANCED
PORTFOLIO'S AND GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO'S HOLDINGS?
Balanced Portfolio and Growth and Income Portfolio shift assets
between the growth and income components of their holdings based on
the portfolio managers' analysis of relevant market, financial and
economic conditions. If a portfolio manager believes that growth
securities will provide better returns than the yields then available
or expected on income-producing securities, that Portfolio will place
a greater emphasis on the growth component.
4. WHAT TYPES OF SECURITIES MAKE UP THE GROWTH COMPONENT OF THE COMBINATION
PORTFOLIOS' INVESTMENTS?
The growth component of the Combination Portfolios' investments is
expected to consist primarily of common stocks, but may also include
warrants, preferred stocks or convertible securities selected
primarily for their growth potential.
5. WHAT TYPES OF SECURITIES MAKE UP THE INCOME COMPONENT OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO'S
AND GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO'S HOLDINGS?
The income component of Balanced Portfolio and Growth and Income
Portfolio will consist of securities that the portfolio managers
believe have income potential. Such securities may include equity
securities, convertible securities and all types of debt securities.
Equity securities may be included in the income component of a
Portfolio if they currently pay dividends or the portfolio manager
believes they have the potential for either increasing their dividends
or commencing dividends, if none are currently paid.
10 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
GENERAL PORTFOLIO POLICIES
Unless otherwise stated, each of the following policies applies to all
of the Portfolios. The percentage limitations included in these
policies and elsewhere in this Prospectus apply at the time of
purchase of the security. So, for example, if a Portfolio exceeds a
limit as a result of market fluctuations or the sale of other
securities, it will not be required to dispose of any securities.
CASH POSITION
When a portfolio manager believes that market conditions are
unfavorable for profitable investing, or when he or she is otherwise
unable to locate attractive investment opportunities, the Portfolios'
cash or similar investments may increase. In other words, the
Portfolios do not always stay fully invested in stocks and bonds. Cash
or similar investments generally are a residual - they represent the
assets that remain after a portfolio manager has committed available
assets to desirable investment opportunities. However, a portfolio
manager may also temporarily increase a Portfolio's cash position to
protect its assets or maintain liquidity. Partly because the portfolio
managers act independently of each other, the cash positions of the
Portfolios may vary significantly.
When a Portfolio's investments in cash or similar investments
increase, it may not participate in market advances or declines to the
same extent that it would if the Portfolio remained more fully
invested in stocks or bonds.
OTHER TYPES OF INVESTMENTS
The Growth Portfolios invest primarily in domestic and foreign equity
securities, which may include preferred stocks, common stocks,
warrants and securities convertible into common or preferred stocks.
The Combination Portfolios also invest in domestic and foreign equity
securities with varying degrees of emphasis on income. The Portfolios
may also invest to a lesser degree in other types of securities. These
securities (which are described in the Glossary) may include:
- debt securities
- indexed/structured securities
- high-yield/high-risk securities (less than 35% of each Portfolio's
assets)
- options, futures, forwards and other types of derivatives for
hedging purposes or for non-hedging purposes such as seeking to
enhance return
- securities purchased on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward
commitment basis.
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS
Each Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid
investments. An illiquid investment is a security or other position
that cannot be disposed of quickly in the normal course of business.
For example, some securities are not registered under U.S. securities
laws and cannot be sold to the U.S. public because of SEC regulations
(these are known as "restricted securities"). Under procedures adopted
by the Portfolios' Trustees, certain restricted securities may be
deemed liquid, and will not be counted toward this 15% limit.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
The Portfolios may invest without limit in foreign equity and debt
securities. The Portfolios may invest directly in foreign securities
denominated in a foreign currency and not publicly traded in the
United
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 11
<PAGE>
States. Other ways of investing in foreign securities include
depositary receipts or shares, and passive foreign investment
companies.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Each Portfolio may invest in special situations. A special situation
arises when, in the opinion of a Portfolio's manager, the securities
of a particular issuer will be recognized and appreciate in value due
to a specific development with respect to that issuer. Developments
creating a special situation might include, among others, a new
product or process, a technological breakthrough, a management change
or other extraordinary corporate event, or differences in market
supply of and demand for the security. A Portfolio's performance could
suffer if the anticipated development in a "special situation"
investment does not occur or does not attract the expected attention.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Portfolios generally intend to purchase securities for long-term
investment although, to a limited extent, a Portfolio may purchase
securities in anticipation of relatively short-term price gains.
Short-term transactions may also result from liquidity needs,
securities having reached a price or yield objective, changes in
interest rates or the credit standing of an issuer, or by reason of
economic or other developments not foreseen at the time of the
investment decision. A Portfolio may also sell one security and
simultaneously purchase the same or a comparable security to take
advantage of short-term differentials in bond yields or securities
prices. Changes are made in a Portfolio's holdings whenever its
portfolio manager believes such changes are desirable. Portfolio
turnover rates are generally not a factor in making buy and sell
decisions.
Increased portfolio turnover may result in higher costs for brokerage
commissions, dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs and may also
result in taxable capital gains. Higher costs associated with
increased portfolio turnover may offset gains in a Portfolio's
performance.
12 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
RISKS FOR GROWTH AND COMBINATION PORTFOLIOS
Because the Portfolios may invest substantially all of their assets in
common stocks, the main risk is the risk that the value of the stocks
they hold might decrease in response to the activities of an
individual company or in response to general market and/or economic
conditions. If this occurs, a Portfolio's share price may also
decrease. A Portfolio's performance may also be affected by risks
specific to certain types of investments, such as foreign securities,
derivative investments, non-investment grade debt securities or
companies with relatively small market capitalizations.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
some of the risks of investing in the Growth and Combination Portfolios.
1. THE PORTFOLIOS MAY INVEST IN SMALLER OR NEWER COMPANIES. DOES THIS CREATE ANY
SPECIAL RISKS?
Smaller or newer companies may suffer more significant losses as well
as realize more substantial growth than larger or more established
issuers because they may lack depth of management, be unable to
generate funds necessary for growth or potential development, or be
developing or marketing new products or services for which markets are
not yet established and may never become established. In addition,
such companies may be insignificant factors in their industries and
may become subject to intense competition from larger or more
established companies. Securities of smaller or newer companies may
have more limited trading markets than the markets for securities of
larger or more established issuers, and may be subject to wide price
fluctuations. Investments in such companies tend to be more volatile
and somewhat more speculative.
2. HOW COULD THE PORTFOLIOS' INVESTMENTS IN FOREIGN SECURITIES AFFECT THEIR
PERFORMANCE?
The Portfolios may invest without limit in foreign securities either
indirectly (e.g., depositary receipts) or directly in foreign markets.
Investments in foreign securities, including those of foreign
governments, may involve greater risks than investing in domestic
securities because the Portfolios' performance may depend on issues
other than the performance of a particular company. These issues
include:
- CURRENCY RISK. As long as a Portfolio holds a foreign security, its
value will be affected by the value of the local currency relative
to the U.S. dollar. When a Portfolio sells a foreign denominated
security, its value may be worth less in U.S. dollars even if the
security increases in value in its home country. U.S. dollar
denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by
currency risk.
- POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RISK. Foreign investments may be subject to
heightened political and economic risks, particularly in emerging
markets which may have relatively unstable governments, immature
economic structures, national policies restricting investments by
foreigners, different legal systems, and economies based on only a
few industries. In some countries, there is the risk that the
government may take over the assets or operations of a company or
that the government may impose taxes or limits on the removal of a
Portfolio's assets from that country.
- REGULATORY RISK. There may be less government supervision of foreign
markets. As a result, foreign issuers may not be subject to the
uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and
practices applicable to domestic issuers and there may be less
publicly available information about foreign issuers.
- MARKET RISK. Foreign securities markets, particularly those of
emerging market countries, may be less liquid and more volatile than
domestic markets. Certain markets may require payment for securities
before delivery and delays may be encountered in settling securities
transactions. In some foreign markets, there may not be protection
against failure by other parties to complete transactions.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 13
<PAGE>
- TRANSACTION COSTS. Costs of buying, selling and holding foreign
securities, including brokerage, tax and custody costs, may be
higher than those involved in domestic transactions.
3. ARE THERE SPECIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTMENTS IN HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK
SECURITIES?
High-yield/high-risk securities (or "junk" bonds) are securities rated
below investment grade by the primary rating agencies such as Standard
& Poor's and Moody's. The value of lower quality securities generally
is more dependent on credit risk, or the ability of the issuer to meet
interest and principal payments, than investment grade debt
securities. Issuers of high-yield securities may not be as strong
financially as those issuing bonds with higher credit ratings and are
more vulnerable to real or perceived economic changes, political
changes or adverse developments specific to the issuer.
4. HOW DO THE PORTFOLIOS TRY TO REDUCE RISK?
The Portfolios may use futures, options and other derivative
instruments to "hedge" or protect their portfolios from adverse
movements in securities prices and interest rates. The Portfolios may
also use a variety of currency hedging techniques, including forward
currency contracts, to manage exchange rate risk. The portfolio
managers believe the use of these instruments will benefit the
Portfolios. However, a Portfolio's performance could be worse than if
the Portfolio had not used such instruments if a portfolio manager's
judgement proves incorrect. Risks associated with the use of
derivative instruments are described in the SAI.
5. I'VE HEARD A LOT ABOUT HOW THE CHANGE TO THE YEAR 2000 COULD AFFECT COMPUTER
SYSTEMS. DOES THIS CREATE ANY SPECIAL RISKS?
The portfolio managers carefully research each potential investment
before making an investment decision and, among other things, consider
Year 2000 readiness when selecting portfolio holdings. However, there
is no guarantee that the information a portfolio manager receives
regarding a company's Year 2000 readiness is completely accurate. If a
company has not satisfactorily addressed Year 2000 issues, the
Portfolio's performance could suffer.
14 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Management of the portfolios
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Janus Capital, 100 Fillmore Street, Denver, Colorado 80206-4928, is
the investment adviser to each of the Portfolios and is responsible
for the day-to-day management of the investment portfolios and other
business affairs of the Portfolios.
Janus Capital began serving as investment adviser to Janus Fund in
1970 and currently serves as investment adviser to all of the Janus
retail funds, acts as sub-adviser for a number of private-label mutual
funds and provides separate account advisory services for
institutional accounts.
Janus Capital furnishes continuous advice and recommendations
concerning each Portfolio's investments. Janus Capital also furnishes
certain administrative, compliance and accounting services for the
Portfolios, and may be reimbursed by the Portfolios for its costs in
providing those services. In addition, Janus Capital employees serve
as officers of the Trust and Janus Capital provides office space for
the Portfolios and pays the salaries, fees and expenses of all
Portfolio officers and those Trustees who are affiliated with Janus
Capital.
Participating insurance companies that purchase the Portfolios' shares
may perform certain administrative services relating to the Portfolios
and Janus Capital or the Portfolios may pay those companies for such
services.
MANAGEMENT EXPENSES AND EXPENSE LIMITS
Each Portfolio pays Janus Capital a management fee which is calculated
daily. The advisory agreement with each Portfolio spells out the
management fee and other expenses that the Portfolios must pay. Each
of the Portfolios is subject to the following management fee schedule
(expressed as an annual rate). In addition, the Shares of each
Portfolio incur expenses not assumed by Janus Capital, including
transfer agent and custodian fees and expenses, legal and auditing
fees, printing and mailing costs of sending reports and other
information to existing shareholders, and independent Trustees' fees
and expenses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Daily
Net Assets Annual Rate Expense Limit
Fee Schedule of Portfolio Percentage (%) Percentage (%)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Growth, First $300 Million 0.75 N/A(1)
Worldwide Growth and Next $200 Million 0.70
Balanced Portfolios Over $500 Million 0.65
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Growth and Income Portfolio First $300 Million 0.75
Next $200 Million 0.70 1.25(1)(2)
Over $500 Million 0.65
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Janus Capital has agreed to reduce Growth, Worldwide Growth, Balanced and
Growth and Income Portfolio's management fee to the extent that such fee
exceeds the effective rate of the Janus retail fund corresponding to such
Portfolio. Janus Capital has agreed to continue such waivers until at least
the next annual renewal of the advisory contracts. The effective rate is the
management fee calculated by the corresponding retail fund as of the last
day of each calendar quarter (expressed as an annual rate). The effective
rates of Janus Fund, Janus Worldwide Fund, Janus Balanced Fund and Janus
Growth and Income Fund were 0.65%, 0.65%, 0.67%, and 0.66%, respectively,
for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.
(2) Janus Capital has agreed to limit the Portfolio's expenses as indicated
until at least the next annual renewal of the advisory contracts.
Management of the portfolios 15
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT PERSONNEL
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
DAVID J. CORKINS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Growth and
Income Portfolio which he has managed since its inception. He is
Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Janus Growth
and Income Fund which he has managed since August 1997. He
previously served as an assistant portfolio manager of Janus
Mercury Fund. He joined Janus in 1995 as a research analyst
specializing in domestic financial services companies and a
variety of foreign industries. Prior to joining Janus, he was the
Chief Financial Officer of Chase U.S. Consumer Services, Inc., a
Chase Manhattan mortgage business. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in
English and Russian from Dartmouth and received his Master of
Business Administration from Columbia University in 1993.
JAMES P. CRAIG, III
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Chief Investment Officer of Janus Capital. He is Executive
Vice President and portfolio manager of Growth Portfolio, which
he has managed since inception. He has managed Janus Fund since
1986 and has co-managed Janus Venture Fund since February 1,
1997. Mr. Craig previously managed Janus Venture Fund from its
inception, to December 1993, Janus Balanced Fund from December
1993 to December 1995 and Balanced Portfolio from September 1993
through April 1996. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from
the University of Alabama and a Master of Arts in Finance from
the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
HELEN YOUNG HAYES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Worldwide
Growth Portfolio and co-manager of International Growth
Portfolio, which she has managed or co-managed since inception.
Ms. Hayes joined Janus Capital in 1987 and has managed or
co-managed Janus Worldwide Fund and Janus Overseas Fund since
their inceptions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from
Yale University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
BLAINE P. ROLLINS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Balanced
Portfolio, which he has managed since May 1996 and Equity Income
Portfolio, which he has managed since inception. He is an
assistant portfolio manager of Growth Portfolio. Mr. Rollins
joined Janus Capital in 1990 and has managed Janus Balanced Fund
since January 1996 and Janus Equity Income Fund since inception.
He has been an assistant portfolio manager of Janus Fund since
January 1995. He gained experience as a fixed-income trader and
equity research analyst prior to managing Balanced Portfolio. He
holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of
Colorado and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
16 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
ASSISTANT PORTFOLIO MANAGER
DAVID C. DECKER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is an assistant portfolio manager of Growth Portfolio. He is also
an assistant portfolio manager of Janus Fund. He is Executive
Vice President and portfolio manager of Janus Special Situations
Fund. Mr. Decker received a Masters of Business Administration in
Finance from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and
a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Political Science from Tufts
University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
Management of the portfolios 17
<PAGE>
Other information
CLASSES OF SHARES
Each Portfolio currently offers two classes of Shares, one of which,
the Institutional Shares, are offered pursuant to this prospectus and
are sold under the name Janus Aspen Series. The Shares offered by this
Prospectus are available only in connection with investment in and
payments under variable insurance contracts as well as certain
qualified retirement plans. Retirement Shares of each Portfolio are
offered by separate prospectus and are available only to qualified
plans using plan service providers that are compensated for providing
distribution and/or recordkeeping and other administrative services
provided. Because the expenses of each class may differ, the
performance of each class is expected to differ. If you would like
additional information about the Retirement Shares, please call
1-800-525-0020.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The Shares offered by this prospectus are available only to variable
annuity and variable life separate accounts of insurance companies
that are unaffiliated with Janus Capital and to certain qualified
retirement plans. Retirement Shares of the Portfolios (offered through
a separate prospectus) are available to certain qualified plans.
Although the Portfolios do not currently anticipate any disadvantages
to policy owners because each Portfolio offers its shares to such
entities, there is a possibility that a material conflict may arise.
The Trustees monitor events in order to identify any disadvantages or
material irreconcilable conflicts and to determine what action, if
any, should be taken in response. If a material disadvantage or
conflict occurs, the Trustees may require one or more insurance
company separate accounts or qualified plans to withdraw its
investments in one or more Portfolios or substitute Shares of another
Portfolio. If this occurs, a Portfolio may be forced to sell its
securities at disadvantageous prices. In addition, the Trustees may
refuse to sell Shares of any Portfolio to any separate account or
qualified plan or may suspend or terminate the offering of a
Portfolio's Shares if such action is required by law or regulatory
authority or is in the best interests of that Portfolio's
shareholders. It is possible that a qualified plan investing in the
Retirement Shares of the Portfolios could lose its qualified plan
status under the Internal Revenue Code, which could have adverse tax
consequences on insurance company separate accounts investing in the
Shares. Janus Capital intends to monitor such qualified plans and the
Portfolios may discontinue sales to a qualified plan and require plan
participants with existing investments in the Retirement Shares to
redeem those investments if a plan loses (or in the opinion of Janus
Capital is at risk of losing) its qualified plan status.
YEAR 2000
Preparing for Year 2000 is a high priority for Janus Capital, which
has established a dedicated group to address this issue. Janus Capital
has devoted considerable internal resources and has engaged one of the
foremost experts in the field to help achieve Year 2000 readiness.
Janus Capital does not anticipate that Year 2000-related issues will
have a material impact on its ability to continue to provide the
Portfolios with service at current levels; however, Janus Capital
cannot make any assurances that the steps it has taken to ensure Year
2000 readiness will be successful. In addition, there can be no
assurance that Year 2000 issues will not affect the companies in which
the Portfolios invest or worldwide markets and economies.
18 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Distributions and taxes
DISTRIBUTIONS
To avoid taxation of the Portfolios, the Internal Revenue Code
requires each Portfolio to distribute net income and any net gains
realized on its investments annually. A Portfolio's income from
dividends and interest and any net realized short-term gains are paid
to shareholders as ordinary income dividends. Net realized long-term
gains are paid to shareholders as capital gains distributions.
Each class of each Portfolio makes semi-annual distributions in June
and December of substantially all of its investment income and an
annual distribution in June of its net realized gains, if any. All
dividends and capital gains distributions from Shares of a Portfolio
will automatically be reinvested into additional Shares of that
Portfolio.
HOW DISTRIBUTIONS AFFECT NAV
Distributions are paid to shareholders as of the record date of the
distribution of a Portfolio, regardless of how long the shares have
been held. Undistributed income and realized gains are included in the
daily NAV of a Portfolio's Shares. The Share price of a Portfolio
drops by the amount of the distribution, net of any subsequent market
fluctuations. For example, assume that on December 31, the Shares of
Growth Portfolio declared a dividend in the amount of $0.25 per share.
If the price of Growth Portfolio's Shares was $10.00 on December 30,
the share price on December 31 would be $9.75, barring market
fluctuations.
TAXES
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS
Because Shares of the Portfolios may be purchased only through
variable insurance contracts and qualified plans, it is anticipated
that any income dividends or capital gains distributions made by the
Shares of a Portfolio will be exempt from current taxation if left to
accumulate within the variable insurance contract or qualified plan.
Generally, withdrawals from such contracts may be subject to ordinary
income tax and, if made before age 59 1/2, a 10% penalty tax. The tax
status of your investment depends on the features of your qualified
plan or variable insurance contract. Further information may be found
in your plan documents or in the prospectus of the separate account
offering such contract.
TAXATION OF THE PORTFOLIOS
Dividends, interest and some gains received by the Portfolios on
foreign securities may be subject to withholding of foreign taxes. The
Portfolios may from year to year make the election permitted under
Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code to pass through such taxes to
shareholders. If such election is not made, any foreign taxes paid or
accrued will represent an expense to the Portfolios which will reduce
their investment income.
The Portfolios do not expect to pay any federal income or excise taxes
because they intend to meet certain requirements of the Internal
Revenue Code. In addition, each Portfolio intends to qualify under the
Internal Revenue Code with respect to the diversification requirements
related to the tax-deferred status of insurance company separate
accounts.
Distributions and taxes 19
<PAGE>
Shareholder's guide
INVESTORS MAY NOT PURCHASE OR REDEEM SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIOS
DIRECTLY. SHARES MAY BE PURCHASED OR REDEEMED ONLY THROUGH VARIABLE
INSURANCE CONTRACTS OFFERED BY THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS OF PARTICIPATING
INSURANCE COMPANIES OR THROUGH QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS. CERTAIN
PORTFOLIOS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN CONNECTION WITH A PARTICULAR
CONTRACT AND CERTAIN CONTRACTS MAY LIMIT ALLOCATIONS AMONG THE
PORTFOLIOS. REFER TO THE PROSPECTUS FOR THE PARTICIPATING INSURANCE
COMPANY'S SEPARATE ACCOUNT OR YOUR PLAN DOCUMENTS FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON
PURCHASING OR SELLING OF VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACTS AND ON HOW TO
SELECT SPECIFIC PORTFOLIOS AS INVESTMENT OPTIONS FOR A CONTRACT OR A
QUALIFIED PLAN.
PRICING OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
Investments will be processed at the NAV next determined after an
order is received and accepted by a Portfolio or its agent. In order
to receive a day's price, your order must be received by the close of
the regular trading session of the New York Stock Exchange any day
that the NYSE is open. Securities are valued at market value or, if a
market quotation is not readily available, at their fair value
determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the
supervision of the Trustees. Short-term instruments maturing within 60
days are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
See the SAI for more detailed information.
To the extent a Portfolio holds securities that are primarily listed
on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the
Portfolios do not price their shares, the NAV of a Portfolio's shares
may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
redeem the Portfolio's shares.
PURCHASES
Purchases of Shares may be made only by the separate accounts of
insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable insurance
contracts or by qualified plans. Refer to the prospectus of the
appropriate insurance company separate account or your plan documents
for information on how to invest in the Shares of each Portfolio.
Participating insurance companies and certain other designated
organizations are authorized to receive purchase orders on the
Portfolios' behalf.
Each Portfolio reserves the right to reject any specific purchase
order. Purchase orders may be refused if, in Janus Capital's opinion,
they are of a size that would disrupt the management of a Portfolio.
Although there is no present intention to do so, the Portfolios may
discontinue sales of their shares if management and the Trustees
believe that continued sales may adversely affect a Portfolio's
ability to achieve its investment objective. If sales of a Portfolio's
Shares are discontinued, it is expected that existing policy owners
and plan participants invested in that Portfolio would be permitted to
continue to authorize investment in that Portfolio and to reinvest any
dividends or capital gains distributions, absent highly unusual
circumstances.
REDEMPTIONS
Redemptions, like purchases, may be effected only through the separate
accounts of participating insurance companies or through qualified
plans. Please refer to the appropriate separate account prospectus or
plan documents for details.
Shares of any Portfolio may be redeemed on any business day.
Redemptions are processed at the NAV next calculated after receipt and
acceptance of the redemption order by the Portfolio or its agent.
Redemption proceeds will normally be wired to the participating
insurance company the business day following receipt of the redemption
order, but in no event later than seven days after receipt of such
order.
20 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS
Shareholders will receive annual and semiannual reports including the
financial statements of the Shares of the Portfolios that they have
authorized for investment. Each report will show the investments owned
by each Portfolio and the market values thereof, as well as other
information about the Portfolios and their operations. The Trust's
fiscal year ends December 31.
Shareholder's guide 21
<PAGE>
Financial highlights
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand
the Institutional Shares' financial performance for each of the five
most recent fiscal years or the life of the Portfolio if less than
five years. Items 1 through 9 reflect financial results for a single
Share. Total return in the tables represents the rate that an investor
would have earned (or lost) on an investment in each of the
Institutional Shares of the Portfolios (assuming reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions) but does not include charges and expenses
attributable to any insurance product. This information has been
audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with the
Portfolios' financial statements, is included in the Annual Report,
which is available upon request and incorporated by reference into the
SAI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $18.48 $15.51 $13.45 $10.57 $10.32
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.05 0.15 0.17 0.28 0.09
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized
and unrealized) 6.36 3.34 2.29 2.90 0.20
4. Total from investment operations 6.41 3.49 2.46 3.18 0.29
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.05) (0.15) (0.17) (0.30) (0.04)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) (1.30) (0.37) (0.23) -- --
8. Total distributions (1.35) (0.52) (0.40) (0.30) (0.04)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $23.54 $18.48 $15.51 $13.45 $10.57
10. Total return 35.66% 22.75% 18.45% 30.17% 2.76%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $1,103,549 $608,281 $325,789 $126,911 $43,549
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $789,454 $477,914 $216,125 $77,344 $26,464
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.68%(6) 0.70%(5) 0.69%(4) 0.78%(3) N/A
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.68% 0.69% 0.69% 0.76% 0.88%(1)(2)
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets 0.26% 0.91% 1.39% 1.24% 1.45%
16. Portfolio turnover rate 73% 122% 87% 185% 169%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.23% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(3) The ratio was 0.98% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.83% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.78% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.75% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
22 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $23.39 $19.44 $15.31 $12.07 $11.89
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.11 0.04
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 6.59 4.14 4.27 3.19 0.14
4. Total from investment operations 6.75 4.30 4.43 3.30 0.18
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.18) (0.17) (0.17) (0.06) --
6. Dividends (in excess of net investment income) -- (0.02) -- -- --
7. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
8. Distributions (from capital gains) -- (0.16) (0.13) -- --
9. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.87) -- -- -- --
10. Total distributions (1.05) (0.35) (0.30) (0.06) --
11. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $29.09 $23.39 $19.44 $15.31 $12.07
12. Total return 28.92% 22.15% 29.04% 27.37% 1.53%
13. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $2,890,375 $1,576,548 $582,603 $108,563 $37,728
14. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $2,217,695 $1,148,951 $304,111 $59,440 $22,896
15. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.72%(6) 0.74%(5) 0.80%(4) 0.90%(3) N/A
16. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.72% 0.74% 0.80% 0.87% 1.18%(1)(2)
17. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.64% 0.67% 0.83% 0.95% 0.50%
18. Portfolio turnover rate 77% 80% 62% 113% 217%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.49% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(3) The ratio was 1.09% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.91% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.81% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
Financial highlights 23
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCED PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $17.47 $14.77 $13.03 $10.63 $10.64
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.39 0.34 0.32 0.17 0.15
3. Net gains (or losses) on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 5.51 2.89 1.81 2.45 (0.06)
4. Total from investment operations 5.90 3.23 2.13 2.62 0.09
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.38) (0.35) (0.30) (0.22) (0.10)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) (0.45) (0.18) (0.09) -- --
8. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.04) -- -- -- --
9. Total distributions (0.87) (0.53) (0.39) (0.22) (0.10)
10. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $22.50 $17.47 $14.77 $13.03 $10.63
11. Total return 34.28% 22.10% 16.18% 24.79% 0.84%
12. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $882,495 $362,409 $85,480 $14,021 $3,153
13. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $555,002 $176,432 $43,414 $5,739 $2,336
14. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.74%(6) 0.83%(5) 0.94%(4) 1.37%(3) N/A
15. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.74% 0.82% 0.92% 1.30% 1.57%(1)(2)
16. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 2.41% 2.87% 2.92% 2.41% 1.90%
17. Portfolio turnover rate 70% 139% 103% 149% 158%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(3) The ratio was 1.55% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(4) The ratio was 1.07% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.83% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
24 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Period ending
December 31
1998(1)
<S> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.02
3. Net gains (or losses) on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 1.96
4. Total from investment operations 1.98
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.02)
6. Tax return of capital distributions --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) --
8. Total distributions (0.02)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $11.96
10. Total return* 19.80%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $6,413
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $2,883
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets** 1.25%(2)
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets** 1.25%
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets** 0.66%
16. Portfolio turnover rate** 62%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total return not annualized.
** Annualized.
(1) May 1, 1998 (inception) through December 31, 1998.
(2) The ratio was 3.06% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Growth and Income Fund.
Financial highlights 25
<PAGE>
Glossary of investment terms
This glossary provides a more detailed description of some of the
types of securities and other instruments in which the Portfolios may
invest. The Portfolios may invest in these instruments to the extent
permitted by their investment objectives and policies. The Portfolios
are not limited by this discussion and may invest in any other types
of instruments not precluded by the policies discussed elsewhere in
this Prospectus. Please refer to the SAI for a more detailed
discussion of certain instruments.
I. EQUITY AND DEBT SECURITIES
BONDS are debt securities issued by a company, municipality,
government or government agency. The issuer of a bond is required to
pay the holder the amount of the loan (or par value of the bond) at a
specified maturity and to make scheduled interest payments.
COMMERCIAL PAPER is a short-term debt obligation with a maturity
ranging from 1 to 270 days issued by banks, corporations and other
borrowers to investors seeking to invest idle cash. The Portfolios may
purchase commercial paper issued in private placements under Section
4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.
COMMON STOCKS are equity securities representing shares of ownership
in a company and usually carry voting rights and earns dividends.
Unlike preferred stock, dividends on common stock are not fixed but
are declared at the discretion of the issuer's board of directors.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES are preferred stocks or bonds that pay a fixed
dividend or interest payment and are convertible into common stock at
a specified price or conversion ratio.
DEBT SECURITIES are securities representing money borrowed that must
be repaid at a later date. Such securities have specific maturities
and usually a specific rate of interest or an original purchase
discount.
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS are receipts for shares of a foreign-based
corporation that entitle the holder to dividends and capital gains on
the underlying security. Receipts include those issued by domestic
banks (American Depositary Receipts), foreign banks (Global or
European Depositary Receipts) and broker-dealers (depositary shares).
FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES are securities that pay a specified rate of
return. The term generally includes short-and long-term government,
corporate and municipal obligations that pay a specified rate of
interest or coupons for a specified period of time, and preferred
stock, which pays fixed dividends. Coupon and dividend rates may be
fixed for the life of the issue or, in the case of adjustable and
floating rate securities, for a shorter period.
HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK SECURITIES are securities that are rated below
investment grade by the primary rating agencies (e.g., BB or lower by
Standard & Poor's and Ba or lower by Moody's). Other terms commonly
used to describe such securities include "lower rated bonds,"
"noninvestment grade bonds" and "junk bonds."
MORTGAGE- AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES are shares in a pool of
mortgages or other debt. These securities are generally pass-through
securities, which means that principal and interest payments on the
underlying securities (less servicing fees) are passed through to
shareholders on a pro rata basis. These securities involve prepayment
risk, which is the risk that the underlying mortgages or other debt
may be refinanced or paid off prior to their maturities during periods
of declining interest rates. In that case, a portfolio manager may
have to reinvest the proceeds from the securities at a lower rate.
Potential market gains on a security subject to prepayment risk may be
more limited than potential market gains on a comparable security that
is not subject to prepayment risk.
PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES (PFICS) are any foreign
corporations which generate certain amounts of passive income or hold
certain amounts of assets for the production of passive income.
Passive
26 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
income includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents and annuities.
To avoid taxes and interest that the Portfolios must pay if these
investments are profitable, the Portfolios may make various elections
permitted by the tax laws. These elections could require that the
Portfolios recognize taxable income, which in turn must be
distributed, before the securities are sold and before cash is
received to pay the distributions.
PAY-IN-KIND BONDS are debt securities that normally give the issuer an
option to pay cash at a coupon payment date or give the holder of the
security a similar bond with the same coupon rate and a face value
equal to the amount of the coupon payment that would have been made.
PREFERRED STOCKS are equity securities that generally pay dividends at
a specified rate and have preference over common stock in the payment
of dividends and liquidation. Preferred stock generally does not carry
voting rights.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS involve the purchase of a security by a
Portfolio and a simultaneous agreement by the seller (generally a bank
or dealer) to repurchase the security from the Portfolio at a
specified date or upon demand. This technique offers a method of
earning income on idle cash. These securities involve the risk that
the seller will fail to repurchase the security, as agreed. In that
case, a Portfolio will bear the risk of market value fluctuations
until the security can be sold and may encounter delays and incur
costs in liquidating the security.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS involve the sale of a security by a
Portfolio to another party (generally a bank or dealer) in return for
cash and an agreement by the Portfolio to buy the security back at a
specified price and time. This technique will be used primarily to
provide cash to satisfy unusually high redemption requests, or for
other temporary or emergency purposes.
RULE 144A SECURITIES are securities that are not registered for sale
to the general public under the Securities Act of 1933, but that may
be resold to certain institutional investors.
STANDBY COMMITMENTS are obligations purchased by a Portfolio from a
dealer that give the Portfolio the option to sell a security to the
dealer at a specified price.
STEP COUPON BONDS are debt securities that trade at a discount from
their face value and pay coupon interest. The discount from the face
value depends on the time remaining until cash payments begin,
prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security and the perceived
credit quality of the issuer.
STRIP BONDS are debt securities that are stripped of their interest
(usually by a financial intermediary) after the securities are issued.
The market value of these securities generally fluctuates more in
response to changes in interest rates than interest-paying securities
of comparable maturity.
TENDER OPTION BONDS are generally long-term securities that are
coupled with an option to tender the securities to a bank,
broker-dealer or other financial institution at periodic intervals and
receive the face value of the bond. This type of security is commonly
used as a means of enhancing the security's liquidity.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES include direct obligations of the U.S.
government that are supported by its full faith and credit. Treasury
bills have initial maturities of less than one year, Treasury notes
have initial maturities of one to ten years and Treasury bonds may be
issued with any maturity but generally have maturities of at least ten
years. U.S. government securities also include indirect obligations of
the U.S. government that are issued by federal agencies and government
sponsored entities. Unlike Treasury securities, agency securities
generally are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
government. Some agency securities are supported by the right of the
issuer to borrow from the Treasury, others are supported by the
discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the
agency's obligations and others are supported only by the credit of
the sponsoring agency.
Glossary of investment terms 27
<PAGE>
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES have variable or floating rates
of interest and, under certain limited circumstances, may have varying
principal amounts. These securities pay interest at rates that are
adjusted periodically according to a specified formula, usually with
reference to some interest rate index or market interest rate. The
floating rate tends to decrease the security's price sensitivity to
changes in interest rates.
WARRANTS are securities, typically issued with preferred stock or
bonds, that give the holder the right to buy a proportionate amount of
common stock at a specified price, usually at a price that is higher
than the market price at the time of issuance of the warrant. The
right may last for a period of years or indefinitely.
WHEN-ISSUED, DELAYED DELIVERY AND FORWARD TRANSACTIONS generally
involve the purchase of a security with payment and delivery at some
time in the future - i.e., beyond normal settlement. The Portfolios do
not earn interest on such securities until settlement and bear the
risk of market value fluctuations in between the purchase and
settlement dates. New issues of stocks and bonds, private placements
and U.S. government securities may be sold in this manner.
ZERO COUPON BONDS are debt securities that do not pay regular interest
at regular intervals, but are issued at a discount from face value.
The discount approximates the total amount of interest the security
will accrue from the date of issuance to maturity. The market value of
these securities generally fluctuates more in response to changes in
interest rates than interest-paying securities.
II. FUTURES, OPTIONS AND OTHER DERIVATIVES
FORWARD CONTRACTS are contracts to purchase or sell a specified amount
of a financial instrument for an agreed upon price at a specified
time. Forward contracts are not currently exchange traded and are
typically negotiated on an individual basis. The Portfolios may enter
into forward currency contracts to hedge against declines in the value
of securities denominated in, or whose value is tied to, a currency
other than the U.S. dollar or to reduce the impact of currency
appreciation on purchases of such securities. They may also enter into
forward contracts to purchase or sell securities or other financial
indices.
FUTURES CONTRACTS are contracts that obligate the buyer to receive and
the seller to deliver an instrument or money at a specified price on a
specified date. The Portfolios may buy and sell futures contracts on
foreign currencies, securities and financial indices including
interest rates or an index of U.S. government, foreign government,
equity or fixed-income securities. The Portfolios may also buy options
on futures contracts. An option on a futures contract gives the buyer
the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a futures contract
at a specified price on or before a specified date. Futures contracts
and options on futures are standardized and traded on designated
exchanges.
INDEXED/STRUCTURED SECURITIES are typically short- to
intermediate-term debt securities whose value at maturity or interest
rate is linked to currencies, interest rates, equity securities,
indices, commodity prices or other financial indicators. Such
securities may be positively or negatively indexed (i.e. their value
may increase or decrease if the reference index or instrument
appreciates). Indexed/structured securities may have return
characteristics similar to direct investments in the underlying
instruments and may be more volatile than the underlying instruments.
A Portfolio bears the market risk of an investment in the underlying
instruments, as well as the credit risk of the issuer.
INTEREST RATE SWAPS involve the exchange by two parties of their
respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange
of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments).
INVERSE FLOATERS are debt instruments whose interest rate bears an
inverse relationship to the interest rate on another instrument or
index. For example, upon reset the interest rate payable on a security
may go down when the underlying index has risen. Certain inverse
floaters may have an interest rate reset
28 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
mechanism that multiplies the effects of change in the underlying
index. Such mechanism may increase the volatility of the security's
market value.
OPTIONS are the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a
specified amount of securities or other assets on or before a fixed
date at a predetermined price. The Portfolios may purchase and write
put and call options on securities, securities indices and foreign
currencies.
Glossary of investment terms 29
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
1-800-29JANUS
100 Fillmore Street
Denver, Colorado 80206-4928
janus.com
You can request other information, including a Statement of
Additional Information, Annual Report or Semiannual Report, free of
charge, by contacting your plan sponsor or visiting our Web site at
janus.com. In the Portfolios' Annual Report, you will find a
discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that
significantly affected the Portfolios' performance during their last
fiscal year. Other information is also available from financial
intermediaries that sell Shares of the Portfolios.
The Statement of Additional Information provides detailed
information about the Portfolios and is incorporated into this
Prospectus by reference. You may review the Portfolios' Statement of
Additional Information at the Public Reference Room of the SEC or
get text only copies for a fee, by writing to or calling the Public
Reference Room, Washington, D.C. 20549-6009 (1-800-SEC-0330). You
may obtain the Statement of Additional Information for free from the
SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov.
Investment Company Act File No. 811-7736
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
Janus Aspen Series
PROSPECTUS
MAY 1, 1999
Aggressive Growth Portfolio
Capital Appreciation Portfolio
Worldwide Growth Portfolio
Balanced Portfolio
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED ON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
This prospectus describes four mutual funds (the "Portfolios")
with different investment objectives, including growth of
capital and a combination of growth and income. Each Portfolio
of Janus Aspen Series currently offers two classes of shares.
The Institutional Shares, (the "Shares"), are sold under the
name of "Janus Aspen Series" and are offered by this prospectus
in connection with investment in and payments under variable
annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts, as well
as certain qualified retirement plans.
Janus Aspen Series sells and redeems its Shares at net asset
value without sales charges, commissions or redemption fees.
Each variable insurance contract involves fees and expenses that
are not described in this Prospectus. Certain Portfolios may not
be available in connection with a particular contract and
certain contracts may limit allocations among the Portfolios.
See the accompanying contract prospectus for information
regarding contract fees and expenses and any restrictions on
purchases or allocations.
This prospectus contains information that a prospective
purchaser of a variable insurance contract or plan participant
should consider in conjunction with the accompanying separate
account prospectus of the specific insurance company product
before allocating purchase payments or premiums to the
Portfolios.
<PAGE>
Table of contents
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
Growth Portfolios........................................ 2
Balanced Portfolio....................................... 6
Fees and expenses........................................ 8
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND
RISKS
Growth Portfolios........................................ 9
Balanced Portfolio....................................... 11
General portfolio policies............................... 12
Risks for the Growth and Balanced Portfolios............. 14
MANAGEMENT OF THE PORTFOLIOS
Investment adviser....................................... 16
Management expenses and expense limits................... 16
Investment personnel..................................... 17
OTHER INFORMATION........................................... 19
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Distributions............................................ 20
Taxes.................................................... 20
SHAREHOLDER'S GUIDE
Pricing of Portfolio Shares.............................. 21
Purchases................................................ 21
Redemptions.............................................. 21
Shareholder communications............................... 22
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS........................................ 23
GLOSSARY
Glossary of investment terms............................. 27
</TABLE>
Table of contents 1
<PAGE>
Risk return summary
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
The Growth Portfolios are designed for long-term investors who seek
growth of capital and who can tolerate the greater risks associated
with common stock investments.
1. WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES OF THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO AND CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO
seek long-term growth of capital.
- WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital in a
manner consistent with the preservation of capital.
The Portfolios' Trustees may change these objectives without a
shareholder vote and the Portfolios will notify you of any changes
that are material. If there is a material change to a Portfolio's
objective or policies, you should consider whether that Portfolio
remains an appropriate investment for you. There is no guarantee
that a Portfolio will meet its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
The portfolio managers apply a "bottom up" approach in choosing
investments. In other words, they look for companies with earnings
growth potential one at a time. If a portfolio manager is unable to
find investments with earnings growth potential, a significant portion
of a Portfolio's assets may be in cash or similar investments.
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks
selected for their growth potential, and normally invests at least 50%
of its equity assets in medium-sized companies.
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks
selected for their growth potential. The Portfolio may invest in
companies of any size, from larger, well-established companies to
smaller, emerging growth companies.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks of
companies of any size throughout the world. The Portfolio normally
invests in issuers from at least five different countries, including
the United States. The Portfolio may at times invest in fewer than
five countries or even a single country.
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
The biggest risk is that the Portfolios' returns may vary, and you
could lose money. If you are considering investing in any of the
Growth Portfolios, remember that they are each designed for long-term
investors who can accept the risks of investing in a portfolio with
significant common stock holdings. Common stocks tend to be more
volatile than other investment choices.
The value of a Portfolio may decrease if the value of an individual
company in the portfolio decreases. The value of a Portfolio could
also decrease if the stock market goes down. If the value of a
Portfolio decreases, its net asset value (NAV) will also decrease,
which means if you sell your shares in a Portfolio you would get back
less money.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO may have significant exposure to foreign
markets. As a result, its returns and NAV may be affected to a large
degree by fluctuations in currency exchange rates or political or
economic conditions in a particular country.
2 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO AND CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO are
nondiversified. In other words, they may hold larger positions in a
smaller number of securities than a diversified fund. As a result, a
single security's increase or decrease in value may have a greater
impact on a Portfolio's NAV and total return.
An investment in these Portfolios is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency.
The following information provides an indication of the risks of
investing in the Growth Portfolios by showing how each of the Growth
Portfolios' performance has varied over time. The bar charts depict
the change in performance from year-to-year during the period
indicated, but do not include charges and expenses attributable to any
insurance product which would lower the performance illustrated. The
Portfolios do not impose any sales or other charges that would affect
total return computations. Total return figures include the effect of
each Portfolio's expenses. The tables compare the average annual
returns for the Shares of each Portfolio for the periods indicated to
a broad-based securities market index.
Risk return summary 3
<PAGE>
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Aggressive Growth
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
16.33% 27.48% 7.95% 12.66% 34.26%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 34.65% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (14.98%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Aggressive Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 34.26% 19.35% 21.96%
S&P 400 Mid Cap Index* 18.25% 18.67% 18.06%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 400 Mid Cap Index is an unmanaged group of 400 domestic
stocks chosen for their market size, liquidity and industry group
representation.
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Capital Appreciation
Portfolio - Institutional Shares for 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
58.11%
1998
The percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 33.98% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (9.98%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year (5/1/97)
<S> <C> <C>
Capital Appreciation Portfolio - Institutional Shares 58.11% 51.65%
S&P 500 Index* 28.74% 31.38%
-----------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 500 is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks,
a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
4 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Worldwide Growth
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
1.53% 27.37% 29.04% 22.15% 28.92%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 20.87% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (16.03%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Worldwide Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 28.92% 21.32% 24.06%
Morgan Stanley International Worldwide Index* 24.34% 15.68% 14.39%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The Morgan Stanley International Worldwide Index is a market
capitalization weighted index composed of countries representative
of the market structure of 47 Developed and Emerging Markets.
The Growth Portfolios' past performance does not necessarily indicate
how they will perform in the future.
Risk return summary 5
<PAGE>
BALANCED PORTFOLIO
The Balanced Portfolio is designed for investors who primarily seek
growth of capital with current income. It is not designed for
investors who desire a consistent level of income.
1. WHAT IS THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- BALANCED PORTFOLIO seeks long-term capital growth, consistent
with preservation of capital and balanced by current income.
The Trustees may change this objective without a shareholder vote and
the Portfolio will notify you of any changes that are material. If
there is a material change to the Portfolio's objective or policies,
you should consider whether the Portfolio remains an appropriate
investment for you. There is no guarantee that the Portfolio will meet
its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO?
The portfolio manager applies a "bottom up" approach in choosing
investments. In other words, he looks mostly for equity and
income-producing securities that meet his investment criteria one at a
time. If the portfolio manager is unable to find such investments,
much of the Portfolio's assets may be in cash or similar investments.
Balanced Portfolio normally invests 40-60% of its assets in securities
selected primarily for their growth potential and 40-60% of its assets
in securities selected primarily for their income potential. The
Portfolio will normally invest at least 25% of its assets in
fixed-income securities.
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN BALANCED PORTFOLIO?
The biggest risk is that the Portfolio's returns may vary, and you
could lose money. If you are considering investing in Balanced
Portfolio, remember that it is designed for long-term investors who
can accept the risks of investing in a portfolio with significant
common stock holdings. Common stocks tend to be more volatile than
other investment choices.
The value of the Portfolio may decrease if the value of an individual
company in the portfolio decreases. The value of the Portfolio could
also decrease if the stock market goes down. If the value of the
Portfolio decreases, its NAV will also decrease, which means if you
sell your shares in the Portfolio you would get back less money.
The income component of the Portfolio's holdings includes fixed-income
securities. A fundamental risk to the income component is that the
value of these securities will fall if interest rates rise. Generally,
the value of a fixed-income portfolio will decrease when interest
rates rise, which means the Portfolio's NAV may likewise decrease.
Another fundamental risk associated with fixed-income securities is
credit risk, which is the risk that an issuer of a bond will be unable
to make principal and interest payments when due.
An investment in this Portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency.
6 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
The following information provides some indication of the risks of
investing in Balanced Portfolio by showing how Balanced Portfolio's
performance has varied over time. The bar chart depicts the change in
performance from year-to-year during the period indicated, but does
not include charges and expenses attributable to any insurance product
which would lower the performance illustrated. The Portfolio does not
impose any sales or other charges that would affect total return
computations. Total return figures include the effect of the
Portfolio's expenses. The table compares the average annual returns
for the Shares of the Portfolio for the period indicated to a
broad-based securities market index.
BALANCED PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Balanced Portfolio -
Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
0.84% 24.79% 16.18% 22.10% 34.28%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 20.32% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (4.97%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balanced Portfolio - Institutional Shares 34.28% 19.11% 19.53%
S&P 500 Index* 28.74% 24.08% 23.06%
Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond Index** 9.47% 7.30% 6.90%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 500 is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks,
a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
** Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond Index is composed of all bonds that
are of investment grade with at least one year until maturity.
Balanced Portfolios' past performance does not necessarily indicate
how it will perform in the future.
Risk return summary 7
<PAGE>
FEES AND EXPENSES
SHAREHOLDER FEES, such as sales loads, redemption fees or exchange
fees, are charged directly to an investor's account. All Janus funds
are no-load investments, so you will not pay any shareholder fees when
you buy or sell shares of the Portfolios. However, each variable
insurance contract involves fees and expenses not described in this
prospectus. See the accompanying contract prospectus for information
regarding contract fees and expenses and any restrictions on purchases
or allocations.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES are paid out of a Portfolio's assets
and include fees for portfolio management, maintenance of shareholder
accounts, shareholder servicing, accounting and other services. You do
not pay these fees directly but, as the example on the next page
shows, these costs are borne indirectly by all shareholders.
This table and example are designed to assist participants in
qualified plans that invest in the Shares of the Portfolios in
understanding the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in
the Shares. The information shown is based upon gross expenses
(without the effect of expense offset arrangements) for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1998. OWNERS OF VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACTS
THAT INVEST IN THE SHARES SHOULD REFER TO THE VARIABLE INSURANCE
CONTRACT PROSPECTUS FOR A DESCRIPTION OF FEES AND EXPENSES, AS THE
TABLE AND EXAMPLE DO NOT REFLECT DEDUCTIONS AT THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
LEVEL OR CONTRACT LEVEL FOR ANY CHARGES THAT MAY BE INCURRED UNDER A
CONTRACT.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Annual Fund Total Annual Fund
Operating Expenses Operating Expenses
Management Other Without Waivers Total With Waivers
Fee Expenses or Reductions* Waivers and Reductions or Reductions*
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Aggressive Growth Portfolio 0.72% 0.03% 0.75% N/A 0.75%
Capital Appreciation Portfolio 0.75% 0.22% 0.97% 0.05% 0.92%
Worldwide Growth Portfolio 0.67% 0.07% 0.74% 0.02% 0.72%
Balanced Portfolio 0.72% 0.02% 0.74% N/A 0.74%
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* All expenses are stated both with and without contractual waivers and
fee reductions by Janus Capital. Fee reductions for Aggressive Growth,
Capital Appreciation, Worldwide Growth and Balanced Portfolios reduce
the Management Fee to the level of the corresponding Janus retail fund.
Other waivers, if applicable, are first applied against the Management
Fee and then against Other Expenses. Janus Capital has agreed to
continue the waivers and fee reductions until at least the next annual
renewal of the advisory agreement.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXAMPLE:
THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLE IS BASED ON EXPENSES WITHOUT WAIVERS OR
REDUCTIONS. This example is intended to help you compare the cost of
investing in the Portfolios with the cost of investing in other mutual
funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in each of the
Portfolios for the time periods indicated then redeem all of your shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year, and that the Portfolios' operating
expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
-----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Aggressive Growth Portfolio $ 77 $240 $ 417 $ 930
Capital Appreciation Portfolio $ 99 $309 $ 536 $1,190
Worldwide Growth Portfolio $ 76 $237 $ 411 $ 918
Balanced Portfolio $ 76 $237 $ 411 $ 918
</TABLE>
8 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Investment objectives, principal investment
strategies and risks
Each of the Portfolios has a similar investment objective and similar
principal investment strategies to a Janus retail fund:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Aggressive Growth Portfolio Janus Enterprise Fund
Capital Appreciation Portfolio Janus Twenty Fund*
Worldwide Growth Portfolio Janus Worldwide Fund
Balanced Portfolio Janus Balanced Fund
</TABLE>
* Prior to May 1, 1999, Capital Appreciation Portfolio
was managed in a similar manner to Janus Olympus Fund.
Although it is anticipated that each Portfolio and its corresponding
retail fund will hold similar securities, differences in asset size,
cash flow needs and other factors may result in differences in
investment performance. The expenses of each Portfolio and its
corresponding retail fund are expected to differ. The variable
contract owner will also bear various insurance related costs at the
insurance company level. You should review the accompanying separate
account prospectus for a summary of fees and expenses.
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
This section takes a closer look at the investment objectives of each
of the Growth Portfolios, their principal investment strategies and
certain risks of investing in the Growth Portfolios. Strategies and
policies that are noted as "fundamental" cannot be changed without a
shareholder vote.
Please carefully review the "Risks" section of this Prospectus on
pages 14-15 for a discussion of risks associated with certain
investment techniques. We've also included a Glossary with
descriptions of investment terms used throughout this Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Aggressive Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital. It
pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks selected
for their growth potential, and normally invests at least 50% of its
equity assets in medium-sized companies. Medium-sized companies are
those whose market capitalizations fall within the range of companies
in the S&P MidCap 400 Index. Market capitalization is a commonly used
measure of the size and value of a company. The market capitalizations
within the Index will vary, but as of December 31, 1998, they ranged
from approximately $142 million to $73 billion.
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO
Capital Appreciation Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital. It
pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks selected
for their growth potential. The Portfolio may invest in companies of
any size, from larger, well-established companies to smaller, emerging
growth companies.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Worldwide Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital in a
manner consistent with the preservation of capital. It pursues its
objective by investing primarily in common stocks of companies of any
size throughout the world. The Portfolio normally invests in issuers
from at least five different
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 9
<PAGE>
countries, including the United States. The Portfolio may at times
invest in fewer than five countries or even a single country.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
the Growth Portfolios' principal investment strategies.
1. HOW ARE COMMON STOCKS SELECTED?
Each of the Portfolios may invest substantially all of its assets in
common stocks if its portfolio manager believes that common stocks
will appreciate in value. The portfolio managers generally take a
"bottom up" approach to selecting companies. In other words, they seek
to identify individual companies with earnings growth potential that
may not be recognized by the market at large. They make this
assessment by looking at companies one at a time, regardless of size,
country of organization, place of principal business activity, or
other similar selection criteria. Realization of income is not a
significant consideration when choosing investments for the
Portfolios. Income realized on the Portfolios' investments will be
incidental to their objectives.
2. ARE THE SAME CRITERIA USED TO SELECT FOREIGN SECURITIES?
Generally, yes. The portfolio managers seek companies that meet their
selection criteria, regardless of where a company is located. Foreign
securities are generally selected on a stock-by-stock basis without
regard to any defined allocation among countries or geographic
regions. However, certain factors such as expected levels of
inflation, government policies influencing business conditions, the
outlook for currency relationships, and prospects for economic growth
among countries, regions or geographic areas may warrant greater
consideration in selecting foreign securities. There are no
limitations on the countries in which the Portfolios may invest and
the Portfolios may at times have significant foreign exposure.
3. WHAT DOES "MARKET CAPITALIZATION" MEAN?
Market capitalization is the most commonly used measure of the size
and value of a company. It is computed by multiplying the current
market price of a share of the company's stock by the total number of
its shares outstanding. As noted previously, market capitalization is
an important investment criteria for Aggressive Growth Portfolio.
Although the other Growth Portfolios offered by this Prospectus do not
emphasize companies of any particular size, Portfolios with a larger
asset base are more likely to invest in larger, more established
issuers.
10 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
BALANCED PORTFOLIO
This section takes a closer look at the investment objective of
Balanced Portfolio, its principal investment strategies and certain
risks of investing in Balanced Portfolio. Strategies and policies that
are noted as "fundamental" cannot be changed without a shareholder
vote.
Please carefully review the "Risks" section of this Prospectus on
pages 14-15 for a discussion of risks associated with certain
investment techniques. We've also included a Glossary with
descriptions of investment terms used throughout this Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Balanced Portfolio seeks long-term capital growth, consistent with
preservation of capital and balanced by current income. It pursues its
objective by normally investing 40-60% of its assets in securities
selected primarily for their growth potential and 40-60% of its assets
in securities selected primarily for their income potential. This
Portfolio normally invests at least 25% of its assets in fixed-income
securities.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
the Combination Portfolios' principal investment strategies.
1. HOW ARE COMMON STOCKS SELECTED FOR BALANCED PORTFOLIO IN COMPARISON TO THE
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
Because income is a part of the investment objective of Balanced
Portfolio, the portfolio manager may consider dividend-paying
characteristics to a greater degree in selecting common stocks for
this Portfolio.
2. HOW ARE ASSETS ALLOCATED BETWEEN THE GROWTH AND INCOME COMPONENTS OF BALANCED
PORTFOLIO'S HOLDINGS?
Balanced Portfolio shifts assets between the growth and income
components of its holdings based on the portfolio manager's analysis
of relevant market, financial and economic conditions. If the
portfolio manager believes that growth securities will provide better
returns than the yields then available or expected on income-producing
securities, the Portfolio will place a greater emphasis on the growth
component.
3. WHAT TYPES OF SECURITIES MAKE UP THE GROWTH COMPONENT OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO'S
INVESTMENTS?
The growth component of Balanced Portfolio's investments is expected
to consist primarily of common stocks, but may also include warrants,
preferred stocks or convertible securities selected primarily for
their growth potential.
4. WHAT TYPES OF SECURITIES MAKE UP THE INCOME COMPONENT OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO'S
HOLDINGS?
The income component of Balanced Portfolio will consist of securities
that the portfolio manager believes have income potential. Such
securities may include equity securities, convertible securities and
all types of debt securities. Equity securities may be included in the
income component of the Portfolio if they currently pay dividends or
the portfolio manager believes they have the potential for either
increasing their dividends or commencing dividends, if none are
currently paid.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 11
<PAGE>
GENERAL PORTFOLIO POLICIES
Unless otherwise stated, each of the following policies applies to all
of the Portfolios. The percentage limitations included in these
policies and elsewhere in this Prospectus apply at the time of
purchase of the security. So, for example, if a Portfolio exceeds a
limit as a result of market fluctuations or the sale of other
securities, it will not be required to dispose of any securities.
CASH POSITION
When a portfolio manager believes that market conditions are
unfavorable for profitable investing, or when he or she is otherwise
unable to locate attractive investment opportunities, the Portfolios'
cash or similar investments may increase. In other words, the
Portfolios do not always stay fully invested in stocks and bonds. Cash
or similar investments generally are a residual - they represent the
assets that remain after a portfolio manager has committed available
assets to desirable investment opportunities. However, a portfolio
manager may also temporarily increase a Portfolio's cash position to
protect its assets or maintain liquidity. Partly because the portfolio
managers act independently of each other, the cash positions of the
Portfolios may vary significantly.
When a Portfolio's investments in cash or similar investments
increase, it may not participate in market advances or declines to the
same extent that it would if the Portfolio remained more fully
invested in stocks or bonds.
OTHER TYPES OF INVESTMENTS
The Growth Portfolios invest primarily in domestic and foreign equity
securities, which may include preferred stocks, common stocks,
warrants and securities convertible into common or preferred stocks.
Balanced Portfolio also invests in domestic and foreign equity
securities with varying degrees of emphasis on income. The Portfolios
may also invest to a lesser degree in other types of securities. These
securities (which are described in the Glossary) may include:
- debt securities
- indexed/structured securities
- high-yield/high-risk securities (less than 35% of each Portfolio's
assets)
- options, futures, forwards and other types of derivatives for
hedging purposes or for non-hedging purposes such as seeking to
enhance return
- securities purchased on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward
commitment basis
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS
Each Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid
investments. An illiquid investment is a security or other position
that cannot be disposed of quickly in the normal course of business.
For example, some securities are not registered under U.S. securities
laws and cannot be sold to the U.S. public because of SEC regulations
(these are known as "restricted securities"). Under procedures adopted
by the Portfolios' Trustees, certain restricted securities may be
deemed liquid, and will not be counted toward this 15% limit.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
The Portfolios may invest without limit in foreign equity and debt
securities. The Portfolios may invest directly in foreign securities
denominated in a foreign currency and not publicly traded in the
United
12 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
States. Other ways of investing in foreign securities include
depositary receipts or shares, and passive foreign investment
companies.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Each Portfolio may invest in special situations. A special situation
arises when, in the opinion of a Portfolio's manager, the securities
of a particular issuer will be recognized and appreciate in value due
to a specific development with respect to that issuer. Developments
creating a special situation might include, among others, a new
product or process, a technological breakthrough, a management change
or other extraordinary corporate event, or differences in market
supply of and demand for the security. A Portfolio's performance could
suffer if the anticipated development in a "special situation"
investment does not occur or does not attract the expected attention.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Portfolios generally intend to purchase securities for long-term
investment although, to a limited extent, a Portfolio may purchase
securities in anticipation of relatively short-term price gains.
Short-term transactions may also result from liquidity needs,
securities having reached a price or yield objective, changes in
interest rates or the credit standing of an issuer, or by reason of
economic or other developments not foreseen at the time of the
investment decision. A Portfolio may also sell one security and
simultaneously purchase the same or a comparable security to take
advantage of short-term differentials in bond yields or securities
prices. Changes are made in a Portfolio's holdings whenever its
portfolio manager believes such changes are desirable. Portfolio
turnover rates are generally not a factor in making buy and sell
decisions.
Increased portfolio turnover may result in higher costs for brokerage
commissions, dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs and may also
result in taxable capital gains. Higher costs associated with
increased portfolio turnover may offset gains in a Portfolio's
performance.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 13
<PAGE>
RISKS FOR THE GROWTH AND BALANCED PORTFOLIOS
Because the Portfolios may invest substantially all of their assets in
common stocks, the main risk is the risk that the value of the stocks
they hold might decrease in response to the activities of an
individual company or in response to general market and/or economic
conditions. If this occurs, a Portfolio's share price may also
decrease. A Portfolio's performance may also be affected by risks
specific to certain types of investments, such as foreign securities,
derivative investments, non-investment grade debt securities or
companies with relatively small market capitalizations.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
some of the risks of investing in the Growth and Balanced Portfolios.
1. THE PORTFOLIOS MAY INVEST IN SMALLER OR NEWER COMPANIES. DOES THIS CREATE ANY
SPECIAL RISKS?
Smaller or newer companies may suffer more significant losses as well
as realize more substantial growth than larger or more established
issuers because they may lack depth of management, be unable to
generate funds necessary for growth or potential development, or be
developing or marketing new products or services for which markets are
not yet established and may never become established. In addition,
such companies may be insignificant factors in their industries and
may become subject to intense competition from larger or more
established companies. Securities of smaller or newer companies may
have more limited trading markets than the markets for securities of
larger or more established issuers, and may be subject to wide price
fluctuations. Investments in such companies tend to be more volatile
and somewhat more speculative.
2. HOW DOES THE NONDIVERSIFIED STATUS OF AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO AND CAPITAL
APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO AFFECT THEIR RISK?
Diversification is a way to reduce risk by investing in a broad range
of stocks or other securities. A "nondiversified" portfolio has the
ability to take larger positions in a smaller number of issuers.
Because the appreciation or depreciation of a single stock may have a
greater impact on the NAV of a nondiversified portfolio, its share
price can be expected to fluctuate more than a comparable diversified
portfolio. This fluctuation, if significant, may affect the
performance of a Portfolio.
3. HOW COULD THE PORTFOLIOS' INVESTMENTS IN FOREIGN SECURITIES AFFECT THEIR
PERFORMANCE?
The Portfolios may invest without limit in foreign securities either
indirectly (e.g., depositary receipts) or directly in foreign markets.
Investments in foreign securities, including those of foreign
governments, may involve greater risks than investing in domestic
securities because the Portfolios' performance may depend on issues
other than the performance of a particular company. These issues
include:
- CURRENCY RISK. As long as a Portfolio holds a foreign security, its
value will be affected by the value of the local currency relative
to the U.S. dollar. When a Portfolio sells a foreign denominated
security, its value may be worth less in U.S. dollars even if the
security increases in value in its home country. U.S. dollar
denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by
currency risk.
- POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RISK. Foreign investments may be subject to
heightened political and economic risks, particularly in emerging
markets which may have relatively unstable governments, immature
economic structures, national policies restricting investments by
foreigners, different legal systems, and economies based on only a
few industries. In some countries, there is the risk that the
government may take over the assets or operations of a company or
that the government may impose taxes or limits on the removal of a
Portfolio's assets from that country.
14 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
- REGULATORY RISK. There may be less government supervision of foreign
markets. As a result, foreign issuers may not be subject to the
uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and
practices applicable to domestic issuers and there may be less
publicly available information about foreign issuers.
- MARKET RISK. Foreign securities markets, particularly those of
emerging market countries, may be less liquid and more volatile than
domestic markets. Certain markets may require payment for securities
before delivery and delays may be encountered in settling securities
transactions. In some foreign markets, there may not be protection
against failure by other parties to complete transactions.
- TRANSACTION COSTS. Costs of buying, selling and holding foreign
securities, including brokerage, tax and custody costs, may be
higher than those involved in domestic transactions.
4. ARE THERE SPECIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTMENTS IN HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK
SECURITIES?
High-yield/high-risk securities (or "junk" bonds) are securities rated
below investment grade by the primary rating agencies such as Standard
& Poor's and Moody's. The value of lower quality securities generally
is more dependent on credit risk, or the ability of the issuer to meet
interest and principal payments, than investment grade debt
securities. Issuers of high-yield securities may not be as strong
financially as those issuing bonds with higher credit ratings and are
more vulnerable to real or perceived economic changes, political
changes or adverse developments specific to the issuer.
5. HOW DO THE PORTFOLIOS TRY TO REDUCE RISK?
The Portfolios may use futures, options and other derivative
instruments to "hedge" or protect their portfolios from adverse
movements in securities prices and interest rates. The Portfolios may
also use a variety of currency hedging techniques, including forward
currency contracts, to manage exchange rate risk. The portfolio
managers believe the use of these instruments will benefit the
Portfolios. However, a Portfolio's performance could be worse than if
the Portfolio had not used such instruments if a portfolio manager's
judgement proves incorrect. Risks associated with the use of
derivative instruments are described in the SAI.
6. I'VE HEARD A LOT ABOUT HOW THE CHANGE TO THE YEAR 2000 COULD AFFECT COMPUTER
SYSTEMS. DOES THIS CREATE ANY SPECIAL RISKS?
The portfolio managers carefully research each potential investment
before making an investment decision and, among other things, consider
Year 2000 readiness when selecting portfolio holdings. However, there
is no guarantee that the information a portfolio manager receives
regarding a company's Year 2000 readiness is completely accurate. If a
company has not satisfactorily addressed Year 2000 issues, the
Portfolio's performance could suffer.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 15
<PAGE>
Management of the portfolios
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Janus Capital, 100 Fillmore Street, Denver, Colorado 80206-4928, is
the investment adviser to each of the Portfolios and is responsible
for the day-to-day management of the investment portfolios and other
business affairs of the Portfolios.
Janus Capital began serving as investment adviser to Janus Fund in
1970 and currently serves as investment adviser to all of the Janus
retail funds, acts as sub-adviser for a number of private-label mutual
funds and provides separate account advisory services for
institutional accounts.
Janus Capital furnishes continuous advice and recommendations
concerning each Portfolio's investments. Janus Capital also furnishes
certain administrative, compliance and accounting services for the
Portfolios, and may be reimbursed by the Portfolios for its costs in
providing those services. In addition, Janus Capital employees serve
as officers of the Trust and Janus Capital provides office space for
the Portfolios and pays the salaries, fees and expenses of all
Portfolio officers and those Trustees who are affiliated with Janus
Capital.
Participating insurance companies that purchase the Portfolios' shares
may perform certain administrative services relating to the Portfolios
and Janus Capital or the Portfolios may pay those companies for such
services.
MANAGEMENT EXPENSES AND EXPENSE LIMITS
Each Portfolio pays Janus Capital a management fee which is calculated
daily. The advisory agreement with each Portfolio spells out the
management fee and other expenses that the Portfolios must pay. Each
of the Portfolios is subject to the following management fee schedule
(expressed as an annual rate). In addition, the Shares of each
Portfolio incur expenses not assumed by Janus Capital, including
transfer agent and custodian fees and expenses, legal and auditing
fees, printing and mailing costs of sending reports and other
information to existing shareholders, and independent Trustees' fees
and expenses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Daily
Net Assets Annual Rate Expense Limit
Fee Schedule of Portfolio Percentage (%) Percentage (%)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Aggressive Growth, First $300 Million 0.75 N/A(1)
Capital Appreciation, Next $200 Million 0.70
Worldwide Growth and Over $500 Million 0.65
Balanced Portfolios
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Janus Capital has agreed to reduce Aggressive Growth, Capital Appreciation,
Worldwide Growth and Balanced Portfolio's management fee to the extent that
such fee exceeds the effective rate of the Janus retail fund corresponding
to such Portfolio. Janus Capital has agreed to continue such waivers until
at least the next annual renewal of the advisory contracts. The effective
rate is the management fee calculated by the corresponding retail fund as of
the last day of each calendar quarter (expressed as an annual rate). The
effective rates of Janus Enterprise Fund, Janus Olympus Fund, Janus
Worldwide Fund and Janus Balanced Fund were 0.69%, 0.67%, 0.65%, and 0.67%,
respectively, for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.
16 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT PERSONNEL
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
JAMES P. GOFF
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Aggressive
Growth Portfolio, which he has managed since inception. Mr. Goff
joined Janus Capital in 1988 and has managed Janus Enterprise
Fund since its inception. Mr. Goff co-managed or managed Janus
Venture Fund from December 1993 to February 1, 1997. He holds a
Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Yale University and is a
Chartered Financial Analyst.
HELEN YOUNG HAYES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Worldwide
Growth Portfolio and co-manager of International Growth
Portfolio, which she has managed or co-managed since inception.
Ms. Hayes joined Janus Capital in 1987 and has managed or
co-managed Janus Worldwide Fund and Janus Overseas Fund since
their inceptions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from
Yale University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
BLAINE P. ROLLINS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Balanced
Portfolio, which he has managed since May 1996 and Equity Income
Portfolio, which he has managed since inception. He is an
assistant portfolio manager of Growth Portfolio. Mr. Rollins
joined Janus Capital in 1990 and has managed Janus Balanced Fund
since January 1996 and Janus Equity Income Fund since inception.
He has been an assistant portfolio manager of Janus Fund since
January 1995. He gained experience as a fixed-income trader and
equity research analyst prior to managing Balanced Portfolio. He
holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of
Colorado and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
SCOTT W. SCHOELZEL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Capital
Appreciation Portfolio, which he has managed since its inception.
He is portfolio manager of Janus Twenty Fund, which he has
managed since August 1997. He previously managed Janus Olympus
Fund from its inception to August 1997. Mr. Schoelzel joined
Janus Capital in January 1994. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in
Business from Colorado College.
Management of the portfolios 17
<PAGE>
ASSISTANT PORTFOLIO MANAGER
RON SACHS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is an assistant portfolio manager of Aggressive Growth Portfolio.
Mr. Sachs joined Janus Capital in 1996 as a research analyst.
Prior to coming to Janus, he worked as a consultant for Bain &
Company and as an attorney for Willkie, Farr & Gallagher. Mr.
Sachs graduated from Princeton cum laude with an undergraduate
degree in economics. He obtained his law degree from the
University of Michigan. Mr. Sachs is a Chartered Financial
Analyst.
18 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Other information
CLASSES OF SHARES
Each Portfolio currently offers two classes of Shares, one of which,
the Institutional Shares, are offered pursuant to this prospectus and
are sold under the name Janus Aspen Series. The Shares offered by this
Prospectus are available only in connection with investment in and
payments under variable insurance contracts as well as certain
qualified retirement plans. Retirement Shares of each Portfolio are
offered by separate prospectus and are available only to qualified
plans using plan service providers that are compensated for providing
distribution and/or recordkeeping and other administrative services.
Because the expenses of each class may differ, the performance of each
class is expected to differ. If you would like additional information
about the Retirement Shares, please call 1-800-525-0020.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The Shares offered by this prospectus are available only to variable
annuity and variable life separate accounts of insurance companies
that are unaffiliated with Janus Capital and to certain qualified
retirement plans. Retirement Shares of the Portfolios (offered through
a separate prospectus) are available to certain qualified plans.
Although the Portfolios do not currently anticipate any disadvantages
to policy owners because each Portfolio offers its shares to such
entities, there is a possibility that a material conflict may arise.
The Trustees monitor events in order to identify any disadvantages or
material irreconcilable conflicts and to determine what action, if
any, should be taken in response. If a material disadvantage or
conflict occurs, the Trustees may require one or more insurance
company separate accounts or qualified plans to withdraw its
investments in one or more Portfolios or substitute Shares of another
Portfolio. If this occurs, a Portfolio may be forced to sell its
securities at disadvantageous prices. In addition, the Trustees may
refuse to sell Shares of any Portfolio to any separate account or
qualified plan or may suspend or terminate the offering of a
Portfolio's Shares if such action is required by law or regulatory
authority or is in the best interests of that Portfolio's
shareholders. It is possible that a qualified plan investing in the
Retirement Shares of the Portfolios could lose its qualified plan
status under the Internal Revenue Code, which could have adverse tax
consequences on insurance company separate accounts investing in the
Shares. Janus Capital intends to monitor such qualified plans and the
Portfolios may discontinue sales to a qualified plan and require plan
participants with existing investments in the Retirement Shares to
redeem those investments if a plan loses (or in the opinion of Janus
Capital is at risk of losing) its qualified plan status.
YEAR 2000
Preparing for Year 2000 is a high priority for Janus Capital, which
has established a dedicated group to address this issue. Janus Capital
has devoted considerable internal resources and has engaged one of the
foremost experts in the field to help achieve Year 2000 readiness.
Janus Capital does not anticipate that Year 2000-related issues will
have a material impact on its ability to continue to provide the
Portfolios with service at current levels; however, Janus Capital
cannot make any assurances that the steps it has taken to ensure Year
2000 readiness will be successful. In addition, there can be no
assurance that Year 2000 issues will not affect the companies in which
the Portfolios invest or worldwide markets and economies.
Other information 19
<PAGE>
Distributions and taxes
DISTRIBUTIONS
To avoid taxation of the Portfolios, the Internal Revenue Code
requires each Portfolio to distribute net income and any net gains
realized on its investments annually. A Portfolio's income from
dividends and interest and any net realized short-term gains are paid
to shareholders as ordinary income dividends. Net realized long-term
gains are paid to shareholders as capital gains distributions.
Each class of each Portfolio makes semi-annual distributions in June
and December of substantially all of its investment income and an
annual distribution in June of its net realized gains, if any. All
dividends and capital gains distributions from Shares of a Portfolio
will automatically be reinvested into additional Shares of that
Portfolio.
HOW DISTRIBUTIONS AFFECT NAV
Distributions are paid to shareholders as of the record date of the
distribution of a Portfolio, regardless of how long the shares have
been held. Undistributed income and realized gains are included in the
daily NAV of a Portfolio's Shares. The Share price of a Portfolio
drops by the amount of the distribution, net of any subsequent market
fluctuations. For example, assume that on December 31, the Shares of
Aggressive Growth Portfolio declared a dividend in the amount of $0.25
per share. If the price of Aggressive Growth Portfolio's Shares was
$10.00 on December 30, the share price on December 31 would be $9.75,
barring market fluctuations.
TAXES
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS
Because Shares of the Portfolios may be purchased only through
variable insurance contracts and qualified plans, it is anticipated
that any income dividends or capital gains distributions made by the
Shares of a Portfolio will be exempt from current taxation if left to
accumulate within the variable insurance contract or qualified plan.
Generally, withdrawals from such contracts may be subject to ordinary
income tax and, if made before age 59 1/2, a 10% penalty tax. The tax
status of your investment depends on the features of your qualified
plan or variable insurance contract. Further information may be found
in your plan documents or in the prospectus of the separate account
offering such contract.
TAXATION OF THE PORTFOLIOS
Dividends, interest and some gains received by the Portfolios on
foreign securities may be subject to withholding of foreign taxes. The
Portfolios may from year to year make the election permitted under
Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code to pass through such taxes to
shareholders. If such election is not made, any foreign taxes paid or
accrued will represent an expense to the Portfolios which will reduce
their investment income.
The Portfolios do not expect to pay any federal income or excise taxes
because they intend to meet certain requirements of the Internal
Revenue Code. In addition, each Portfolio intends to qualify under the
Internal Revenue Code with respect to the diversification requirements
related to the tax-deferred status of insurance company separate
accounts.
20 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Shareholder's guide
INVESTORS MAY NOT PURCHASE OR REDEEM SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIOS
DIRECTLY. SHARES MAY BE PURCHASED OR REDEEMED ONLY THROUGH VARIABLE
INSURANCE CONTRACTS OFFERED BY THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS OF PARTICIPATING
INSURANCE COMPANIES OR THROUGH QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS. CERTAIN
PORTFOLIOS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN CONNECTION WITH A PARTICULAR
CONTRACT AND CERTAIN CONTRACTS MAY LIMIT ALLOCATIONS AMONG THE
PORTFOLIOS. REFER TO THE PROSPECTUS FOR THE PARTICIPATING INSURANCE
COMPANY'S SEPARATE ACCOUNT OR YOUR PLAN DOCUMENTS FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON
PURCHASING OR SELLING OF VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACTS AND ON HOW TO
SELECT SPECIFIC PORTFOLIOS AS INVESTMENT OPTIONS FOR A CONTRACT OR A
QUALIFIED PLAN.
PRICING OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
Investments will be processed at the NAV next determined after an
order is received and accepted by a Portfolio or its agent. In order
to receive a day's price, your order must be received by the close of
the regular trading session of the New York Stock Exchange any day
that the NYSE is open. Securities are valued at market value or, if a
market quotation is not readily available, at their fair value
determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the
supervision of the Trustees. Short-term instruments maturing within 60
days are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
See the SAI for more detailed information.
To the extent a Portfolio holds securities that are primarily listed
on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the
Portfolios do not price their shares, the NAV of a Portfolio's shares
may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
redeem the Portfolio's shares.
PURCHASES
Purchases of Shares may be made only by the separate accounts of
insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable insurance
contracts or by qualified plans. Refer to the prospectus of the
appropriate insurance company separate account or your plan documents
for information on how to invest in the Shares of each Portfolio.
Participating insurance companies and certain other designated
organizations are authorized to receive purchase orders on the
Portfolios' behalf.
Each Portfolio reserves the right to reject any specific purchase
order. Purchase orders may be refused if, in Janus Capital's opinion,
they are of a size that would disrupt the management of a Portfolio.
Although there is no present intention to do so, the Portfolios may
discontinue sales of their shares if management and the Trustees
believe that continued sales may adversely affect a Portfolio's
ability to achieve its investment objective. If sales of a Portfolio's
Shares are discontinued, it is expected that existing policy owners
and plan participants invested in that Portfolio would be permitted to
continue to authorize investment in that Portfolio and to reinvest any
dividends or capital gains distributions, absent highly unusual
circumstances.
REDEMPTIONS
Redemptions, like purchases, may be effected only through the separate
accounts of participating insurance companies or through qualified
plans. Please refer to the appropriate separate account prospectus or
plan documents for details.
Shares of any Portfolio may be redeemed on any business day.
Redemptions are processed at the NAV next calculated after receipt and
acceptance of the redemption order by the Portfolio or its agent.
Redemption proceeds will normally be wired to the participating
insurance company the business day following receipt of the redemption
order, but in no event later than seven days after receipt of such
order.
Shareholder's guide 21
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS
Shareholders will receive annual and semiannual reports including the
financial statements of the Shares of the Portfolios that they have
authorized for investment. Each report will show the investments owned
by each Portfolio and the market values thereof, as well as other
information about the Portfolios and their operations. The Trust's
fiscal year ends December 31.
22 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Financial highlights
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand
the Institutional Shares' financial performance for each of the five
most recent fiscal years or the life of the Portfolio if less than
five years. Items 1 through 9 reflect financial results for a single
Share. Total return in the tables represents the rate that an investor
would have earned (or lost) on an investment in each of the
Institutional Shares of the Portfolios (assuming reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions) but does not include charges and expenses
attributable to any insurance product. This information has been
audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with the
Portfolios' financial statements, is included in the Annual Report,
which is available upon request and incorporated by reference into the
SAI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $20.55 $18.24 $17.08 $13.62 $11.80
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income -- -- -- 0.24 0.11
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized
and unrealized) 7.09 2.31 1.36 3.47 1.82
4. Total from investment operations 7.09 2.31 1.36 3.71 1.93
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) -- -- -- (0.25) (0.11)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- (0.01) -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) -- -- (0.19) -- --
8. Total distributions -- -- (0.20) (0.25) (0.11)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $27.64 $20.55 $18.24 $17.08 $13.62
10. Total return 34.26% 12.66% 7.95% 27.48% 16.33%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $772,943 $508,198 $383,693 $185,911 $41,289
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $576,444 $418,464 $290,629 $107,582 $14,152
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.75%(6) 0.76%(5) 0.76%(4) 0.86%(3) N/A
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.75% 0.76% 0.76% 0.84% 1.05%(1)(2)
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets (0.36%) (0.10%) (0.27%) 0.58% 2.18%
16. Portfolio turnover rate 132% 130% 88% 155% 259%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.14% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(3) The ratio was 0.93% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.83% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.78% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.75% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
Financial highlights 23
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending
December 31
1998 1997(1)
<S> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $12.62 $10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.01 0.05
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 7.32 2.61
4. Total from investment operations 7.33 2.66
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.01) (0.04)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) -- --
8. Total distributions (0.01) (0.04)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $19.94 $12.62
10. Total return* 58.11% 26.60%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $74,187 $6,833
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $25,964 $2,632
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets** 0.92%(3) 1.26%(2)
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets** 0.91% 1.25%
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets** 0.27% 1.43%
16. Portfolio turnover rate** 91% 101%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total return not annualized for periods of less than one full year.
** Annualized for periods of less than one full year.
(1) May 1, 1997 (inception) through December 31, 1997.
(2) The ratio was 2.19% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Olympus Fund.
(3) The ratio was 0.97% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Olympus Fund.
24 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $23.39 $19.44 $15.31 $12.07 $11.89
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.11 0.04
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 6.59 4.14 4.27 3.19 0.14
4. Total from investment operations 6.75 4.30 4.43 3.30 0.18
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.18) (0.17) (0.17) (0.06) --
6. Dividends (in excess of net investment income) -- (0.02) -- -- --
7. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
8. Distributions (from capital gains) -- (0.16) (0.13) -- --
9. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.87) -- -- -- --
10. Total distributions (1.05) (0.35) (0.30) (0.06) --
11. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $29.09 $23.39 $19.44 $15.31 $12.07
12. Total return 28.92% 22.15% 29.04% 27.37% 1.53%
13. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $2,890,375 $1,576,548 $582,603 $108,563 $37,728
14. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $2,217,695 $1,148,951 $304,111 $59,440 $22,896
15. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.72%(6) 0.74%(5) 0.80%(4) 0.90%(3) N/A
16. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.72% 0.74% 0.80% 0.87% 1.18%(1)(2)
17. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.64% 0.67% 0.83% 0.95% 0.50%
18. Portfolio turnover rate 77% 80% 62% 113% 217%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.49% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(3) The ratio was 1.09% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.91% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.81% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
Financial highlights 25
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCED PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $17.47 $14.77 $13.03 $10.63 $10.64
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.39 0.34 0.32 0.17 0.15
3. Net gains (or losses) on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 5.51 2.89 1.81 2.45 (0.06)
4. Total from investment operations 5.90 3.23 2.13 2.62 0.09
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.38) (0.35) (0.30) (0.22) (0.10)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) (0.45) (0.18) (0.09) -- --
8. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.04) -- -- -- --
9. Total distributions (0.87) (0.53) (0.39) (0.22) (0.10)
10. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $22.50 $17.47 $14.77 $13.03 $10.63
11. Total return 34.28% 22.10% 16.18% 24.79% 0.84%
12. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $882,495 $362,409 $85,480 $14,021 $3,153
13. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $555,002 $176,432 $43,414 $5,739 $2,336
14. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.74%(6) 0.83%(5) 0.94%(4) 1.37%(3) N/A
15. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.74% 0.82% 0.92% 1.30% 1.57%(1)(2)
16. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 2.41% 2.87% 2.92% 2.41% 1.90%
17. Portfolio turnover rate 70% 139% 103% 149% 158%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(3) The ratio was 1.55% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(4) The ratio was 1.07% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.83% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
26 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Glossary of investment terms
This glossary provides a more detailed description of some of the
types of securities and other instruments in which the Portfolios may
invest. The Portfolios may invest in these instruments to the extent
permitted by their investment objectives and policies. The Portfolios
are not limited by this discussion and may invest in any other types
of instruments not precluded by the policies discussed elsewhere in
this Prospectus. Please refer to the SAI for a more detailed
discussion of certain instruments.
I. EQUITY AND DEBT SECURITIES
BONDS are debt securities issued by a company, municipality,
government or government agency. The issuer of a bond is required to
pay the holder the amount of the loan (or par value of the bond) at a
specified maturity and to make scheduled interest payments.
COMMERCIAL PAPER is a short-term debt obligation with a maturity
ranging from 1 to 270 days issued by banks, corporations and other
borrowers to investors seeking to invest idle cash. The Portfolios may
purchase commercial paper issued in private placements under Section
4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.
COMMON STOCKS are equity securities representing shares of ownership
in a company and usually carry voting rights and earns dividends.
Unlike preferred stock, dividends on common stock are not fixed but
are declared at the discretion of the issuer's board of directors.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES are preferred stocks or bonds that pay a fixed
dividend or interest payment and are convertible into common stock at
a specified price or conversion ratio.
DEBT SECURITIES are securities representing money borrowed that must
be repaid at a later date. Such securities have specific maturities
and usually a specific rate of interest or an original purchase
discount.
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS are receipts for shares of a foreign-based
corporation that entitle the holder to dividends and capital gains on
the underlying security. Receipts include those issued by domestic
banks (American Depositary Receipts), foreign banks (Global or
European Depositary Receipts) and broker-dealers (depositary shares).
FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES are securities that pay a specified rate of
return. The term generally includes short-and long-term government,
corporate and municipal obligations that pay a specified rate of
interest or coupons for a specified period of time, and preferred
stock, which pays fixed dividends. Coupon and dividend rates may be
fixed for the life of the issue or, in the case of adjustable and
floating rate securities, for a shorter period.
HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK SECURITIES are securities that are rated below
investment grade by the primary rating agencies (e.g., BB or lower by
Standard & Poor's and Ba or lower by Moody's). Other terms commonly
used to describe such securities include "lower rated bonds,"
"noninvestment grade bonds" and "junk bonds."
MORTGAGE- AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES are shares in a pool of
mortgages or other debt. These securities are generally pass-through
securities, which means that principal and interest payments on the
underlying securities (less servicing fees) are passed through to
shareholders on a pro rata basis. These securities involve prepayment
risk, which is the risk that the underlying mortgages or other debt
may be refinanced or paid off prior to their maturities during periods
of declining interest rates. In that case, a portfolio manager may
have to reinvest the proceeds from the securities at a lower rate.
Potential market gains on a security subject to prepayment risk may be
more limited than potential market gains on a comparable security that
is not subject to prepayment risk.
PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES (PFICS) are any foreign
corporations which generate certain amounts of passive income or hold
certain amounts of assets for the production of passive income.
Passive
Glossary of investment terms 27
<PAGE>
income includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents and annuities.
To avoid taxes and interest that the Portfolios must pay if these
investments are profitable, the Portfolios may make various elections
permitted by the tax laws. These elections could require that the
Portfolios recognize taxable income, which in turn must be
distributed, before the securities are sold and before cash is
received to pay the distributions.
PAY-IN-KIND BONDS are debt securities that normally give the issuer an
option to pay cash at a coupon payment date or give the holder of the
security a similar bond with the same coupon rate and a face value
equal to the amount of the coupon payment that would have been made.
PREFERRED STOCKS are equity securities that generally pay dividends at
a specified rate and have preference over common stock in the payment
of dividends and liquidation. Preferred stock generally does not carry
voting rights.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS involve the purchase of a security by a
Portfolio and a simultaneous agreement by the seller (generally a bank
or dealer) to repurchase the security from the Portfolio at a
specified date or upon demand. This technique offers a method of
earning income on idle cash. These securities involve the risk that
the seller will fail to repurchase the security, as agreed. In that
case, a Portfolio will bear the risk of market value fluctuations
until the security can be sold and may encounter delays and incur
costs in liquidating the security.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS involve the sale of a security by a
Portfolio to another party (generally a bank or dealer) in return for
cash and an agreement by the Portfolio to buy the security back at a
specified price and time. This technique will be used primarily to
provide cash to satisfy unusually high redemption requests, or for
other temporary or emergency purposes.
RULE 144A SECURITIES are securities that are not registered for sale
to the general public under the Securities Act of 1933, but that may
be resold to certain institutional investors.
STANDBY COMMITMENTS are obligations purchased by a Portfolio from a
dealer that give the Portfolio the option to sell a security to the
dealer at a specified price.
STEP COUPON BONDS are debt securities that trade at a discount from
their face value and pay coupon interest. The discount from the face
value depends on the time remaining until cash payments begin,
prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security and the perceived
credit quality of the issuer.
STRIP BONDS are debt securities that are stripped of their interest
(usually by a financial intermediary) after the securities are issued.
The market value of these securities generally fluctuates more in
response to changes in interest rates than interest-paying securities
of comparable maturity.
TENDER OPTION BONDS are generally long-term securities that are
coupled with an option to tender the securities to a bank,
broker-dealer or other financial institution at periodic intervals and
receive the face value of the bond. This type of security is commonly
used as a means of enhancing the security's liquidity.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES include direct obligations of the U.S.
government that are supported by its full faith and credit. Treasury
bills have initial maturities of less than one year, Treasury notes
have initial maturities of one to ten years and Treasury bonds may be
issued with any maturity but generally have maturities of at least ten
years. U.S. government securities also include indirect obligations of
the U.S. government that are issued by federal agencies and government
sponsored entities. Unlike Treasury securities, agency securities
generally are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
government. Some agency securities are supported by the right of the
issuer to borrow from the Treasury, others are supported by the
discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the
agency's obligations and others are supported only by the credit of
the sponsoring agency.
28 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES have variable or floating rates
of interest and, under certain limited circumstances, may have varying
principal amounts. These securities pay interest at rates that are
adjusted periodically according to a specified formula, usually with
reference to some interest rate index or market interest rate. The
floating rate tends to decrease the security's price sensitivity to
changes in interest rates.
WARRANTS are securities, typically issued with preferred stock or
bonds, that give the holder the right to buy a proportionate amount of
common stock at a specified price, usually at a price that is higher
than the market price at the time of issuance of the warrant. The
right may last for a period of years or indefinitely.
WHEN-ISSUED, DELAYED DELIVERY AND FORWARD TRANSACTIONS generally
involve the purchase of a security with payment and delivery at some
time in the future - i.e., beyond normal settlement. The Portfolios do
not earn interest on such securities until settlement and bear the
risk of market value fluctuations in between the purchase and
settlement dates. New issues of stocks and bonds, private placements
and U.S. government securities may be sold in this manner.
ZERO COUPON BONDS are debt securities that do not pay regular interest
at regular intervals, but are issued at a discount from face value.
The discount approximates the total amount of interest the security
will accrue from the date of issuance to maturity. The market value of
these securities generally fluctuates more in response to changes in
interest rates than interest-paying securities.
II. FUTURES, OPTIONS AND OTHER DERIVATIVES
FORWARD CONTRACTS are contracts to purchase or sell a specified amount
of a financial instrument for an agreed upon price at a specified
time. Forward contracts are not currently exchange traded and are
typically negotiated on an individual basis. The Portfolios may enter
into forward currency contracts to hedge against declines in the value
of securities denominated in, or whose value is tied to, a currency
other than the U.S. dollar or to reduce the impact of currency
appreciation on purchases of such securities. They may also enter into
forward contracts to purchase or sell securities or other financial
indices.
FUTURES CONTRACTS are contracts that obligate the buyer to receive and
the seller to deliver an instrument or money at a specified price on a
specified date. The Portfolios may buy and sell futures contracts on
foreign currencies, securities and financial indices including
interest rates or an index of U.S. government, foreign government,
equity or fixed-income securities. The Portfolios may also buy options
on futures contracts. An option on a futures contract gives the buyer
the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a futures contract
at a specified price on or before a specified date. Futures contracts
and options on futures are standardized and traded on designated
exchanges.
INDEXED/STRUCTURED SECURITIES are typically short- to
intermediate-term debt securities whose value at maturity or interest
rate is linked to currencies, interest rates, equity securities,
indices, commodity prices or other financial indicators. Such
securities may be positively or negatively indexed (i.e. their value
may increase or decrease if the reference index or instrument
appreciates). Indexed/structured securities may have return
characteristics similar to direct investments in the underlying
instruments and may be more volatile than the underlying instruments.
A Portfolio bears the market risk of an investment in the underlying
instruments, as well as the credit risk of the issuer.
INTEREST RATE SWAPS involve the exchange by two parties of their
respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange
of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments).
INVERSE FLOATERS are debt instruments whose interest rate bears an
inverse relationship to the interest rate on another instrument or
index. For example, upon reset the interest rate payable on a security
may go down when the underlying index has risen. Certain inverse
floaters may have an interest rate reset
Glossary of investment terms 29
<PAGE>
mechanism that multiplies the effects of change in the underlying
index. Such mechanism may increase the volatility of the security's
market value.
OPTIONS are the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a
specified amount of securities or other assets on or before a fixed
date at a predetermined price. The Portfolios may purchase and write
put and call options on securities, securities indices and foreign
currencies.
30 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
1-800-29JANUS
100 Fillmore Street
Denver, Colorado 80206-4928
janus.com
You can request other information, including a Statement of
Additional Information, Annual Report or Semiannual Report, free of
charge, by contacting your plan sponsor or visiting our Web site at
janus.com. In the Portfolios' Annual Report, you will find a
discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that
significantly affected the Portfolios' performance during their last
fiscal year. Other information is also available from financial
intermediaries that sell Shares of the Portfolios.
The Statement of Additional Information provides detailed
information about the Portfolios and is incorporated into this
Prospectus by reference. You may review the Portfolios' Statement of
Additional Information at the Public Reference Room of the SEC or
get text only copies for a fee, by writing to or calling the Public
Reference Room, Washington, D.C. 20549-6009 (1-800-SEC-0330). You
may obtain the Statement of Additional Information for free from the
SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov.
Investment Company Act File No. 811-7736
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
Janus Aspen Series
PROSPECTUS
MAY 1, 1999
Growth Portfolio
Aggressive Growth Portfolio
International Growth Portfolio
Worldwide Growth Portfolio
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED ON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
This prospectus describes four mutual funds (the "Portfolios")
with different investment objectives. Each Portfolio of Janus
Aspen Series currently offers two classes of shares. The
Institutional Shares, (the "Shares"), are sold under the name of
"Janus Aspen Series" and are offered by this prospectus in
connection with investment in and payments under variable
annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts, as well
as certain qualified retirement plans.
Janus Aspen Series sells and redeems its Shares at net asset
value without sales charges, commissions or redemption fees.
Each variable insurance contract involves fees and expenses that
are not described in this Prospectus. Certain Portfolios may not
be available in connection with a particular contract and
certain contracts may limit allocations among the Portfolios.
See the accompanying contract prospectus for information
regarding contract fees and expenses and any restrictions on
purchases or allocations.
This prospectus contains information that a prospective
purchaser of a variable insurance contract or plan participant
should consider in conjunction with the accompanying separate
account prospectus of the specific insurance company product
before allocating purchase payments or premiums to the
Portfolios.
<PAGE>
Table of contents
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
Portfolio summaries...................................... 2
Fees and expenses........................................ 6
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND
RISKS
Investment objectives and principal investment
strategies............................................... 7
General portfolio policies............................... 9
Risks for Growth and Global Growth Portfolios............ 11
MANAGEMENT OF THE PORTFOLIOS
Investment adviser....................................... 13
Management expenses and expense limits................... 13
Investment personnel..................................... 14
OTHER INFORMATION........................................... 16
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Distributions............................................ 17
Taxes.................................................... 17
SHAREHOLDER'S GUIDE
Purchases................................................ 18
Redemptions.............................................. 18
Shareholder communications............................... 19
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS........................................ 20
GLOSSARY
Glossary of investment terms............................. 24
</TABLE>
Table of contents 1
<PAGE>
Risk return summary
The Portfolios are designed for long-term investors who seek growth of
capital and who can tolerate the greater risks associated with common
stock investments.
1. WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES OF THE PORTFOLIOS?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOMESTIC GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
- GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital in a manner
consistent with the preservation of capital.
- AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital.
GLOBAL GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
- INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital.
- WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital in a
manner consistent with the preservation of capital.
The Portfolios' Trustees may change these objectives without a
shareholder vote and the Portfolios will notify you of any changes
that are material. If there is a material change to a Portfolio's
objective or policies, you should consider whether that Portfolio
remains an appropriate investment for you. There is no guarantee
that a Portfolio will meet its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE PORTFOLIOS?
The portfolio managers apply a "bottom up" approach in choosing
investments. In other words, they look for companies with earnings
growth potential one at a time. If a portfolio manager is unable to
find investments with earnings growth potential, a significant portion
of a Portfolio's assets may be in cash or similar investments.
GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks selected for their
growth potential. Although the Portfolio can invest in companies of
any size, it generally invests in larger, more established companies.
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks
selected for their growth potential, and normally invests at least 50%
of its equity assets in medium-sized companies.
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO normally invests at least 65% of its
total assets in securities of issuers from at least five different
countries, excluding the United States. Although the Portfolio intends
to invest substantially all of its assets in issuers located outside
the United States, it may invest in U.S. issuers and it may at times
invest all of its assets in fewer than five countries, or even a
single country.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks of
companies of any size throughout the world. The Portfolio normally
invests in issuers from at least five different countries, including
the United States. The Portfolio may at times invest in fewer than
five countries or even a single country.
2 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIOS?
The biggest risk is that the Portfolios' returns may vary, and you
could lose money. If you are considering investing in any of the
Portfolios, remember that they are each designed for long-term
investors who can accept the risks of investing in a portfolio with
significant common stock holdings. Common stocks tend to be more
volatile than other investment choices.
The value of a Portfolio may decrease if the value of an individual
company in the portfolio decreases. The value of a Portfolio could
also decrease if the stock market goes down. If the value of a
Portfolio decreases, its net asset value (NAV) will also decrease,
which means if you sell your shares in a Portfolio you would get back
less money.
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO AND WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO may have
significant exposure to foreign markets. As a result, their returns
and NAV may be affected to a large degree by fluctuations in currency
exchange rates or political or economic conditions in a particular
country.
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO is nondiversified. In other words, it may
hold larger positions in a smaller number of securities than a
diversified fund. As a result, a single security's increase or
decrease in value may have a greater impact on a Portfolio's NAV and
total return.
An investment in these Portfolios is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency.
The following information provides an indication of the risks of
investing in the Portfolios by showing how each of the Portfolios'
performance has varied over time. The bar charts depict the change in
performance from year-to-year during the period indicated, but do not
include charges and expenses attributable to any insurance product
which would lower the performance illustrated. The Portfolios do not
impose any sales or other charges that would affect total return
computations. Total return figures include the effect of each
Portfolio's expenses. The tables compare the average annual returns
for the Shares of each Portfolio for the periods indicated to a
broad-based securities market index.
Risk return summary 3
<PAGE>
GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Growth Portfolio -
Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
2.76% 30.17% 18.45% 22.75% 35.66%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 27.71% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (10.92%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 35.66% 21.41% 20.91%
S&P 500 Index* 28.74% 24.08% 23.06%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 500 is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks,
a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Aggressive Growth
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
16.33% 27.48% 7.95% 12.66% 34.26%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 34.65% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (14.98%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Aggressive Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 34.26% 19.35% 21.96%
S&P 400 Mid Cap Index* 18.25% 18.67% 18.06%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 400 Mid Cap Index is an unmanaged group of 400 domestic
stocks chosen for their market size, liquidity and industry group
representation.
4 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for International Growth
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1995 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
23.15% 34.71% 18.51% 17.23%
1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 16.63% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (17.76%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year (5/2/94)
<S> <C> <C>
International Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 17.23% 18.87%
Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index* 20.00% 8.11%
-----------------------------
</TABLE>
* The Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index is a market
capitalization weighted index composed of companies representative
of the market structure of 20 Developed Market countries in Europe,
Australasia and the Far East.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Worldwide Growth
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
1.53% 27.37% 29.04% 22.15% 28.92%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 20.87% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (16.03%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Worldwide Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 28.92% 21.32% 24.06%
Morgan Stanley International Worldwide Index* 24.34% 15.68% 14.39%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The Morgan Stanley International Worldwide Index is a market
capitalization weighted index composed of countries representative
of the market structure of 47 Developed and Emerging Markets.
The Portfolios' past performance does not necessarily indicate how
they will perform in the future.
Risk return summary 5
<PAGE>
FEES AND EXPENSES
SHAREHOLDER FEES, such as sales loads, redemption fees or exchange
fees, are charged directly to an investor's account. All Janus funds
are no-load investments, so you will not pay any shareholder fees when
you buy or sell shares of the Portfolios. However, each variable
insurance contract involves fees and expenses not described in this
prospectus. See the accompanying contract prospectus for information
regarding contract fees and expenses and any restrictions on purchases
or allocations.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES are paid out of a Portfolio's assets
and include fees for portfolio management, maintenance of shareholder
accounts, shareholder servicing, accounting and other services. You do
not pay these fees directly but, as the example on the next page
shows, these costs are borne indirectly by all shareholders.
This table and example are designed to assist participants in
qualified plans that invest in the Shares of the Portfolios in
understanding the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in
the Shares. The information shown is based upon gross expenses
(without the effect of expense offset arrangements) for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1998. OWNERS OF VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACTS
THAT INVEST IN THE SHARES SHOULD REFER TO THE VARIABLE INSURANCE
CONTRACT PROSPECTUS FOR A DESCRIPTION OF FEES AND EXPENSES, AS THE
TABLE AND EXAMPLE DO NOT REFLECT DEDUCTIONS AT THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
LEVEL OR CONTRACT LEVEL FOR ANY CHARGES THAT MAY BE INCURRED UNDER A
CONTRACT.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Annual Fund Total Annual Fund
Operating Expenses Operating Expenses
Management Other Without Waivers Total With Waivers
Fee Expenses or Reductions* Waivers and Reductions or Reductions*
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio 0.72% 0.03% 0.75% 0.07% 0.68%
Aggressive Growth Portfolio 0.72% 0.03% 0.75% N/A 0.75%
International Growth Portfolio 0.75% 0.20% 0.95% 0.09% 0.86%
Worldwide Growth Portfolio 0.67% 0.07% 0.74% 0.02% 0.72%
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* All expenses are stated both with and without contractual waivers and
fee reductions by Janus Capital. Fee reductions for Growth, Aggressive
Growth, International Growth and Worldwide Growth Portfolios reduce the
Management Fee to the level of the corresponding Janus retail fund.
Other waivers, if applicable, are first applied against the Management
Fee and then against Other Expenses. Janus Capital has agreed to
continue the waivers and fee reductions until at least the next annual
renewal of the advisory agreement.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXAMPLE:
THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLE IS BASED ON EXPENSES WITHOUT WAIVERS OR
REDUCTIONS. This example is intended to help you compare the cost of
investing in the Portfolios with the cost of investing in other mutual
funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in each of the
Portfolios for the time periods indicated then redeem all of your shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year, and that the Portfolios' operating
expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
-----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio $77 $240 $417 $ 930
Aggressive Growth Portfolio $77 $240 $417 $ 930
International Growth Portfolio $97 $303 $526 $1,166
Worldwide Growth Portfolio $76 $237 $411 $ 918
</TABLE>
6 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Investment objectives, principal investment
strategies and risks
Each of the Portfolios has a similar investment objective and similar
principal investment strategies to a Janus retail fund:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Growth Portfolio Janus Fund
Aggressive Growth Portfolio Janus Enterprise Fund
International Growth Portfolio Janus Overseas Fund
Worldwide Growth Portfolio Janus Worldwide Fund
</TABLE>
Although it is anticipated that each Portfolio and its corresponding
retail fund will hold similar securities, differences in asset size,
cash flow needs and other factors may result in differences in
investment performance. The expenses of each Portfolio and its
corresponding retail fund are expected to differ. The variable
contract owner will also bear various insurance related costs at the
insurance company level. You should review the accompanying separate
account prospectus for a summary of fees and expenses.
This section takes a closer look at the investment objectives of each
of the Portfolios, their principal investment strategies and certain
risks of investing in the Portfolios. Strategies and policies that are
noted as "fundamental" cannot be changed without a shareholder vote.
Please carefully review the "Risks" section of this Prospectus on
pages 11-12 for a discussion of risks associated with certain
investment techniques. We've also included a Glossary with
descriptions of investment terms used throughout this Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
DOMESTIC GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital in a manner
consistent with the preservation of capital. It pursues its objective
by investing primarily in common stocks selected for their growth
potential. Although the Portfolio can invest in companies of any size,
it generally invests in larger, more established companies.
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Aggressive Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital. It
pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks selected
for their growth potential, and normally invests at least 50% of its
equity assets in medium-sized companies. Medium-sized companies are
those whose market capitalizations fall within the range of companies
in the S&P MidCap 400 Index. Market capitalization is a commonly used
measure of the size and value of a company. The market capitalizations
within the Index will vary, but as of December 31, 1998, they ranged
from approximately $142 million to $73 billion.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 7
<PAGE>
GLOBAL GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
International Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital.
Normally, the Portfolio pursues its objective by investing at least
65% of its total assets in securities of issuers from at least five
different countries, excluding the United States. Although the
Portfolio intends to invest substantially all of its assets in issuers
located outside the United States, it may at times invest in U.S.
issuers and it may at times invest all of its assets in fewer than
five countries or even a single country.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Worldwide Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital in a
manner consistent with the preservation of capital. It pursues its
objective by investing primarily in common stocks of companies of any
size throughout the world. The Portfolio normally invests in issuers
from at least five different countries, including the United States.
The Portfolio may at times invest in fewer than five countries or even
a single country.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
the Portfolios' principal investment strategies.
1. HOW ARE COMMON STOCKS SELECTED?
Each of the Portfolios may invest substantially all of its assets in
common stocks if its portfolio manager believes that common stocks
will appreciate in value. The portfolio managers generally take a
"bottom up" approach to selecting companies. In other words, they seek
to identify individual companies with earnings growth potential that
may not be recognized by the market at large. They make this
assessment by looking at companies one at a time, regardless of size,
country of organization, place of principal business activity, or
other similar selection criteria. Realization of income is not a
significant consideration when choosing investments for the
Portfolios. Income realized on the Portfolios' investments will be
incidental to their objectives.
2. ARE THE SAME CRITERIA USED TO SELECT FOREIGN SECURITIES?
Generally, yes. The portfolio managers seek companies that meet their
selection criteria, regardless of where a company is located. Foreign
securities are generally selected on a stock-by-stock basis without
regard to any defined allocation among countries or geographic
regions. However, certain factors such as expected levels of
inflation, government policies influencing business conditions, the
outlook for currency relationships, and prospects for economic growth
among countries, regions or geographic areas may warrant greater
consideration in selecting foreign securities. There are no
limitations on the countries in which the Portfolios may invest and
the Portfolios may at times have significant foreign exposure.
3. WHAT DOES "MARKET CAPITALIZATION" MEAN?
Market capitalization is the most commonly used measure of the size
and value of a company. It is computed by multiplying the current
market price of a share of the company's stock by the total number of
its shares outstanding. As noted previously, market capitalization is
an important investment criteria for Aggressive Growth Portfolio.
Although the other Portfolios offered by this Prospectus do not
emphasize companies of any particular size, Portfolios with a larger
asset base are more likely to invest in larger, more established
issuers.
8 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
GENERAL PORTFOLIO POLICIES
Unless otherwise stated, each of the following policies applies to all
of the Portfolios. The percentage limitations included in these
policies and elsewhere in this Prospectus apply at the time of
purchase of the security. So, for example, if a Portfolio exceeds a
limit as a result of market fluctuations or the sale of other
securities, it will not be required to dispose of any securities.
CASH POSITION
When a portfolio manager believes that market conditions are
unfavorable for profitable investing, or when he or she is otherwise
unable to locate attractive investment opportunities, the Portfolios'
cash or similar investments may increase. In other words, the
Portfolios do not always stay fully invested in stocks and bonds. Cash
or similar investments generally are a residual - they represent the
assets that remain after a portfolio manager has committed available
assets to desirable investment opportunities. However, a portfolio
manager may also temporarily increase a Portfolio's cash position to
protect its assets or maintain liquidity. Partly because the portfolio
managers act independently of each other, the cash positions of the
Portfolios may vary significantly.
When a Portfolio's investments in cash or similar investments
increase, it may not participate in market advances or declines to the
same extent that it would if the Portfolio remained more fully
invested in stocks or bonds.
OTHER TYPES OF INVESTMENTS
The Growth and Global Growth Portfolios invest primarily in domestic
and foreign equity securities, which may include preferred stocks,
common stocks, warrants and securities convertible into common or
preferred stocks. The Portfolios may also invest to a lesser degree in
other types of securities. These securities (which are described in
the Glossary) may include:
- debt securities
- indexed/structured securities
- high-yield/high-risk securities (less than 35% of each Portfolio's
assets)
- options, futures, forwards and other types of derivatives for
hedging purposes or for non-hedging purposes such as seeking to
enhance return
- securities purchased on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward
commitment basis
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS
Each Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid
investments. An illiquid investment is a security or other position
that cannot be disposed of quickly in the normal course of business.
For example, some securities are not registered under U.S. securities
laws and cannot be sold to the U.S. public because of SEC regulations
(these are known as "restricted securities"). Under procedures adopted
by the Portfolios' Trustees, certain restricted securities may be
deemed liquid, and will not be counted toward this 15% limit.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
The Portfolios may invest without limit in foreign equity and debt
securities. The Portfolios may invest directly in foreign securities
denominated in a foreign currency and not publicly traded in the
United
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 9
<PAGE>
States. Other ways of investing in foreign securities include
depositary receipts or shares, and passive foreign investment
companies.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Each Portfolio may invest in special situations. A special situation
arises when, in the opinion of a Portfolio's manager, the securities
of a particular issuer will be recognized and appreciate in value due
to a specific development with respect to that issuer. Developments
creating a special situation might include, among others, a new
product or process, a technological breakthrough, a management change
or other extraordinary corporate event, or differences in market
supply of and demand for the security. A Portfolio's performance could
suffer if the anticipated development in a "special situation"
investment does not occur or does not attract the expected attention.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Portfolios generally intend to purchase securities for long-term
investment although, to a limited extent, a Portfolio may purchase
securities in anticipation of relatively short-term price gains.
Short-term transactions may also result from liquidity needs,
securities having reached a price or yield objective, changes in
interest rates or the credit standing of an issuer, or by reason of
economic or other developments not foreseen at the time of the
investment decision. A Portfolio may also sell one security and
simultaneously purchase the same or a comparable security to take
advantage of short-term differentials in bond yields or securities
prices. Changes are made in a Portfolio's holdings whenever its
portfolio manager believes such changes are desirable. Portfolio
turnover rates are generally not a factor in making buy and sell
decisions.
Increased portfolio turnover may result in higher costs for brokerage
commissions, dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs and may also
result in taxable capital gains. Higher costs associated with
increased portfolio turnover may offset gains in a Portfolio's
performance.
10 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
RISKS FOR GROWTH AND GLOBAL GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
Because the Portfolios may invest substantially all of their assets in
common stocks, the main risk is the risk that the value of the stocks
they hold might decrease in response to the activities of an
individual company or in response to general market and/or economic
conditions. If this occurs, a Portfolio's share price may also
decrease. A Portfolio's performance may also be affected by risks
specific to certain types of investments, such as foreign securities,
derivative investments, non-investment grade debt securities or
companies with relatively small market capitalizations.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
some of the risks of investing in the Portfolios.
1. THE PORTFOLIOS MAY INVEST IN SMALLER OR NEWER COMPANIES. DOES THIS CREATE ANY
SPECIAL RISKS?
Smaller or newer companies may suffer more significant losses as well
as realize more substantial growth than larger or more established
issuers because they may lack depth of management, be unable to
generate funds necessary for growth or potential development, or be
developing or marketing new products or services for which markets are
not yet established and may never become established. In addition,
such companies may be insignificant factors in their industries and
may become subject to intense competition from larger or more
established companies. Securities of smaller or newer companies may
have more limited trading markets than the markets for securities of
larger or more established issuers, and may be subject to wide price
fluctuations. Investments in such companies tend to be more volatile
and somewhat more speculative.
2. HOW DOES THE NONDIVERSIFIED STATUS OF AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO AFFECT ITS
RISK?
Diversification is a way to reduce risk by investing in a broad range
of stocks or other securities. A "nondiversified" portfolio has the
ability to take larger positions in a smaller number of issuers.
Because the appreciation or depreciation of a single stock may have a
greater impact on the NAV of a nondiversified portfolio, its share
price can be expected to fluctuate more than a comparable diversified
portfolio. This fluctuation, if significant, may affect the
performance of the Portfolio.
3. HOW COULD THE PORTFOLIOS' INVESTMENTS IN FOREIGN SECURITIES AFFECT THEIR
PERFORMANCE?
The Portfolios may invest without limit in foreign securities either
indirectly (e.g., depositary receipts) or directly in foreign markets.
Investments in foreign securities, including those of foreign
governments, may involve greater risks than investing in domestic
securities because the Portfolios' performance may depend on issues
other than the performance of a particular company. These issues
include:
- CURRENCY RISK. As long as a Portfolio holds a foreign security, its
value will be affected by the value of the local currency relative
to the U.S. dollar. When a Portfolio sells a foreign denominated
security, its value may be worth less in U.S. dollars even if the
security increases in value in its home country. U.S. dollar
denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by
currency risk.
- POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RISK. Foreign investments may be subject to
heightened political and economic risks, particularly in emerging
markets which may have relatively unstable governments, immature
economic structures, national policies restricting investments by
foreigners, different legal systems, and economies based on only a
few industries. In some countries, there is the risk that the
government may take over the assets or operations of a company or
that the government may impose taxes or limits on the removal of a
Portfolio's assets from that country.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 11
<PAGE>
- REGULATORY RISK. There may be less government supervision of foreign
markets. As a result, foreign issuers may not be subject to the
uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and
practices applicable to domestic issuers and there may be less
publicly available information about foreign issuers.
- MARKET RISK. Foreign securities markets, particularly those of
emerging market countries, may be less liquid and more volatile than
domestic markets. Certain markets may require payment for securities
before delivery and delays may be encountered in settling securities
transactions. In some foreign markets, there may not be protection
against failure by other parties to complete transactions.
- TRANSACTION COSTS. Costs of buying, selling and holding foreign
securities, including brokerage, tax and custody costs, may be
higher than those involved in domestic transactions.
4. ARE THERE SPECIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTMENTS IN HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK
SECURITIES?
High-yield/high-risk securities (or "junk" bonds) are securities rated
below investment grade by the primary rating agencies such as Standard
& Poor's and Moody's. The value of lower quality securities generally
is more dependent on credit risk, or the ability of the issuer to meet
interest and principal payments, than investment grade debt
securities. Issuers of high-yield securities may not be as strong
financially as those issuing bonds with higher credit ratings and are
more vulnerable to real or perceived economic changes, political
changes or adverse developments specific to the issuer.
5. HOW DO THE PORTFOLIOS TRY TO REDUCE RISK?
The Portfolios may use futures, options and other derivative
instruments to "hedge" or protect their portfolios from adverse
movements in securities prices and interest rates. The Portfolios may
also use a variety of currency hedging techniques, including forward
currency contracts, to manage exchange rate risk. The portfolio
managers believe the use of these instruments will benefit the
Portfolios. However, a Portfolio's performance could be worse than if
the Portfolio had not used such instruments if a portfolio manager's
judgement proves incorrect. Risks associated with the use of
derivative instruments are described in the SAI.
6. I'VE HEARD A LOT ABOUT HOW THE CHANGE TO THE YEAR 2000 COULD AFFECT COMPUTER
SYSTEMS. DOES THIS CREATE ANY SPECIAL RISKS?
The portfolio managers carefully research each potential investment
before making an investment decision and, among other things, consider
Year 2000 readiness when selecting portfolio holdings. However, there
is no guarantee that the information a portfolio manager receives
regarding a company's Year 2000 readiness is completely accurate. If a
company has not satisfactorily addressed Year 2000 issues, the
Portfolio's performance could suffer.
12 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Management of the portfolios
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Janus Capital, 100 Fillmore Street, Denver, Colorado 80206-4928, is
the investment adviser to each of the Portfolios and is responsible
for the day-to-day management of the investment portfolios and other
business affairs of the Portfolios.
Janus Capital began serving as investment adviser to Janus Fund in
1970 and currently serves as investment adviser to all of the Janus
retail funds, acts as sub-adviser for a number of private-label mutual
funds and provides separate account advisory services for
institutional accounts.
Janus Capital furnishes continuous advice and recommendations
concerning each Portfolio's investments. Janus Capital also furnishes
certain administrative, compliance and accounting services for the
Portfolios, and may be reimbursed by the Portfolios for its costs in
providing those services. In addition, Janus Capital employees serve
as officers of the Trust and Janus Capital provides office space for
the Portfolios and pays the salaries, fees and expenses of all
Portfolio officers and those Trustees who are affiliated with Janus
Capital.
Participating insurance companies that purchase the Portfolios' shares
may perform certain administrative services relating to the Portfolios
and Janus Capital or the Portfolios may pay those companies for such
services.
MANAGEMENT EXPENSES AND EXPENSE LIMITS
Each Portfolio pays Janus Capital a management fee which is calculated
daily. The advisory agreement with each Portfolio spells out the
management fee and other expenses that the Portfolios must pay. Each
of the Portfolios is subject to the following management fee schedule
(expressed as an annual rate). In addition, the Shares of each
Portfolio incur expenses not assumed by Janus Capital, including
transfer agent and custodian fees and expenses, legal and auditing
fees, printing and mailing costs of sending reports and other
information to existing shareholders, and independent Trustees' fees
and expenses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Daily
Net Assets Annual Rate Expense Limit
Fee Schedule of Portfolio Percentage (%) Percentage (%)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Growth, Aggressive Growth, First $300 Million 0.75 N/A(1)
International Growth and Next $200 Million 0.70
Worldwide Growth Portfolios Over $500 Million 0.65
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Janus Capital has agreed to reduce Growth, Aggressive Growth, International
Growth and Worldwide Growth Portfolio's management fee to the extent that
such fee exceeds the effective rate of the Janus retail fund corresponding
to such Portfolio. Janus Capital has agreed to continue such waivers until
at least the next annual renewal of the advisory contracts. The effective
rate is the management fee calculated by the corresponding retail fund as of
the last day of each calendar quarter (expressed as an annual rate). The
effective rates of Janus Fund, Janus Enterprise Fund, Janus Overseas Fund
and Janus Worldwide Fund were 0.65%, 0.69%, 0.66%, and 0.65%, respectively,
for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.
Management of the portfolios 13
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT PERSONNEL
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
LAURENCE J. CHANG
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and co-manager of International
Growth Portfolio and Janus Overseas Fund which he has co-managed
since May 1998 and April 1998, respectively. He served as
assistant portfolio manager for these funds since 1996. He is
also assistant portfolio manager for Worldwide Growth Portfolio
and Janus Worldwide Fund. Mr. Chang joined Janus Capital in 1993
after receiving a Masters Degree in Political Science from
Stanford University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
JAMES P. CRAIG, III
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Chief Investment Officer of Janus Capital. He is Executive
Vice President and portfolio manager of Growth Portfolio, which
he has managed since inception. He has managed Janus Fund since
1986 and has co-managed Janus Venture Fund since February 1,
1997. Mr. Craig previously managed Janus Venture Fund from its
inception, to December 1993, Janus Balanced Fund from December
1993 to December 1995 and Balanced Portfolio from September 1993
through April 1996. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from
the University of Alabama and a Master of Arts in Finance from
the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
JAMES P. GOFF
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Aggressive
Growth Portfolio, which he has managed since inception. Mr. Goff
joined Janus Capital in 1988 and has managed Janus Enterprise
Fund since its inception. Mr. Goff co-managed or managed Janus
Venture Fund from December 1993 to February 1, 1997. He holds a
Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Yale University and is a
Chartered Financial Analyst.
HELEN YOUNG HAYES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Worldwide
Growth Portfolio and co-manager of International Growth
Portfolio, which she has managed or co-managed since inception.
Ms. Hayes joined Janus Capital in 1987 and has managed or
co-managed Janus Worldwide Fund and Janus Overseas Fund since
their inceptions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from
Yale University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
14 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
ASSISTANT PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
DAVID C. DECKER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is an assistant portfolio manager of Growth Portfolio. He is also
an assistant portfolio manager of Janus Fund. He is Executive
Vice President and portfolio manager of Janus Special Situations
Fund. Mr. Decker received a Masters of Business Administration in
Finance from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and
a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Political Science from Tufts
University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
RON SACHS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is an assistant portfolio manager of Aggressive Growth Portfolio.
Mr. Sachs joined Janus Capital in 1996 as a research analyst.
Prior to coming to Janus, he worked as a consultant for Bain &
Company and as an attorney for Willkie, Farr & Gallagher. Mr.
Sachs graduated from Princeton cum laude with an undergraduate
degree in economics. He obtained his law degree from the
University of Michigan. Mr. Sachs is a Chartered Financial
Analyst.
Management of the portfolios 15
<PAGE>
Other information
CLASSES OF SHARES
Each Portfolio currently offers two classes of Shares, one of which,
the Institutional Shares, are offered pursuant to this prospectus and
are sold under the name Janus Aspen Series. The Shares offered by this
Prospectus are available only in connection with investment in and
payments under variable insurance contracts as well as certain
qualified retirement plans. Retirement Shares of each Portfolio are
offered by separate prospectus and are available only to qualified
plans using plan service providers that are compensated for providing
distribution and/or recordkeeping and other administrative services.
Because the expenses of each class may differ, the performance of each
class is expected to differ. If you would like additional information
about the Retirement Shares, please call 1-800-525-0020.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The Shares offered by this prospectus are available only to variable
annuity and variable life separate accounts of insurance companies
that are unaffiliated with Janus Capital and to certain qualified
retirement plans. Retirement Shares of the Portfolios (offered through
a separate prospectus) are available to certain qualified plans.
Although the Portfolios do not currently anticipate any disadvantages
to policy owners because each Portfolio offers its shares to such
entities, there is a possibility that a material conflict may arise.
The Trustees monitor events in order to identify any disadvantages or
material irreconcilable conflicts and to determine what action, if
any, should be taken in response. If a material disadvantage or
conflict occurs, the Trustees may require one or more insurance
company separate accounts or qualified plans to withdraw its
investments in one or more Portfolios or substitute Shares of another
Portfolio. If this occurs, a Portfolio may be forced to sell its
securities at disadvantageous prices. In addition, the Trustees may
refuse to sell Shares of any Portfolio to any separate account or
qualified plan or may suspend or terminate the offering of a
Portfolio's Shares if such action is required by law or regulatory
authority or is in the best interests of that Portfolio's
shareholders. It is possible that a qualified plan investing in the
Retirement Shares of the Portfolios could lose its qualified plan
status under the Internal Revenue Code, which could have adverse tax
consequences on insurance company separate accounts investing in the
Shares. Janus Capital intends to monitor such qualified plans and the
Portfolios may discontinue sales to a qualified plan and require plan
participants with existing investments in the Retirement Shares to
redeem those investments if a plan loses (or in the opinion of Janus
Capital is at risk of losing) its qualified plan status.
YEAR 2000
Preparing for Year 2000 is a high priority for Janus Capital, which
has established a dedicated group to address this issue. Janus Capital
has devoted considerable internal resources and has engaged one of the
foremost experts in the field to help achieve Year 2000 readiness.
Janus Capital does not anticipate that Year 2000-related issues will
have a material impact on its ability to continue to provide the
Portfolios with service at current levels; however, Janus Capital
cannot make any assurances that the steps it has taken to ensure Year
2000 readiness will be successful. In addition, there can be no
assurance that Year 2000 issues will not affect the companies in which
the Portfolios invest or worldwide markets and economies.
16 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Distributions and taxes
DISTRIBUTIONS
To avoid taxation of the Portfolios, the Internal Revenue Code
requires each Portfolio to distribute net income and any net gains
realized on its investments annually. A Portfolio's income from
dividends and interest and any net realized short-term gains are paid
to shareholders as ordinary income dividends. Net realized long-term
gains are paid to shareholders as capital gains distributions.
Each class of each Portfolio makes semi-annual distributions in June
and December of substantially all of its investment income and an
annual distribution in June of its net realized gains, if any. All
dividends and capital gains distributions from Shares of a Portfolio
will automatically be reinvested into additional Shares of that
Portfolio.
HOW DISTRIBUTIONS AFFECT NAV
Distributions are paid to shareholders as of the record date of the
distribution of a Portfolio, regardless of how long the shares have
been held. Undistributed income and realized gains are included in the
daily NAV of a Portfolio's Shares. The Share price of a Portfolio
drops by the amount of the distribution, net of any subsequent market
fluctuations. For example, assume that on December 31, the Shares of
Growth Portfolio declared a dividend in the amount of $0.25 per share.
If the price of Growth Portfolio's Shares was $10.00 on December 30,
the share price on December 31 would be $9.75, barring market
fluctuations.
TAXES
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS
Because Shares of the Portfolios may be purchased only through
variable insurance contracts and qualified plans, it is anticipated
that any income dividends or capital gains distributions made by the
Shares of a Portfolio will be exempt from current taxation if left to
accumulate within the variable insurance contract or qualified plan.
Generally, withdrawals from such contracts may be subject to ordinary
income tax and, if made before age 59 1/2, a 10% penalty tax. The tax
status of your investment depends on the features of your qualified
plan or variable insurance contract. Further information may be found
in your plan documents or in the prospectus of the separate account
offering such contract.
TAXATION OF THE PORTFOLIOS
Dividends, interest and some gains received by the Portfolios on
foreign securities may be subject to withholding of foreign taxes. The
Portfolios may from year to year make the election permitted under
Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code to pass through such taxes to
shareholders. If such election is not made, any foreign taxes paid or
accrued will represent an expense to the Portfolios which will reduce
their investment income.
The Portfolios do not expect to pay any federal income or excise taxes
because they intend to meet certain requirements of the Internal
Revenue Code. In addition, each Portfolio intends to qualify under the
Internal Revenue Code with respect to the diversification requirements
related to the tax-deferred status of insurance company separate
accounts.
Distributions and taxes 17
<PAGE>
Shareholder's guide
INVESTORS MAY NOT PURCHASE OR REDEEM SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIOS
DIRECTLY. SHARES MAY BE PURCHASED OR REDEEMED ONLY THROUGH VARIABLE
INSURANCE CONTRACTS OFFERED BY THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS OF PARTICIPATING
INSURANCE COMPANIES OR THROUGH QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS. CERTAIN
PORTFOLIOS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN CONNECTION WITH A PARTICULAR
CONTRACT AND CERTAIN CONTRACTS MAY LIMIT ALLOCATIONS AMONG THE
PORTFOLIOS. REFER TO THE PROSPECTUS FOR THE PARTICIPATING INSURANCE
COMPANY'S SEPARATE ACCOUNT OR YOUR PLAN DOCUMENTS FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON
PURCHASING OR SELLING OF VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACTS AND ON HOW TO
SELECT SPECIFIC PORTFOLIOS AS INVESTMENT OPTIONS FOR A CONTRACT OR A
QUALIFIED PLAN.
PRICING OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
Investments will be processed at the NAV next determined after an
order is received and accepted by a Portfolio or its agent. In order
to receive a day's price, your order must be received by the close of
the regular trading session of the New York Stock Exchange any day
that the NYSE is open. Securities are valued at market value or, if a
market quotation is not readily available, at their fair value
determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the
supervision of the Trustees. Short-term instruments maturing within 60
days are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
See the SAI for more detailed information.
To the extent a Portfolio holds securities that are primarily listed
on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the
Portfolios do not price their shares, the NAV of a Portfolio's shares
may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
redeem the Portfolio's shares.
PURCHASES
Purchases of Shares may be made only by the separate accounts of
insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable insurance
contracts or by qualified plans. Refer to the prospectus of the
appropriate insurance company separate account or your plan documents
for information on how to invest in the Shares of each Portfolio.
Participating insurance companies and certain other designated
organizations are authorized to receive purchase orders on the
Portfolios' behalf.
Each Portfolio reserves the right to reject any specific purchase
order. Purchase orders may be refused if, in Janus Capital's opinion,
they are of a size that would disrupt the management of a Portfolio.
Although there is no present intention to do so, the Portfolios may
discontinue sales of their shares if management and the Trustees
believe that continued sales may adversely affect a Portfolio's
ability to achieve its investment objective. If sales of a Portfolio's
Shares are discontinued, it is expected that existing policy owners
and plan participants invested in that Portfolio would be permitted to
continue to authorize investment in that Portfolio and to reinvest any
dividends or capital gains distributions, absent highly unusual
circumstances.
REDEMPTIONS
Redemptions, like purchases, may be effected only through the separate
accounts of participating insurance companies or through qualified
plans. Please refer to the appropriate separate account prospectus or
plan documents for details.
Shares of any Portfolio may be redeemed on any business day.
Redemptions are processed at the NAV next calculated after receipt and
acceptance of the redemption order by the Portfolio or its agent.
Redemption proceeds will normally be wired to the participating
insurance company the business day following receipt of the redemption
order, but in no event later than seven days after receipt of such
order.
18 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS
Shareholders will receive annual and semiannual reports including the
financial statements of the Shares of the Portfolios that they have
authorized for investment. Each report will show the investments owned
by each Portfolio and the market values thereof, as well as other
information about the Portfolios and their operations. The Trust's
fiscal year ends December 31.
Shareholder's guide 19
<PAGE>
Financial highlights
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand
the Institutional Shares' financial performance for each of the five
most recent fiscal years. Items 1 through 9 reflect financial results
for a single Share. Total return in the tables represents the rate
that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in each
of the Institutional Shares of the Portfolios (assuming reinvestment
of all dividends and distributions) but does not include charges and
expenses attributable to any insurance product. This information has
been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with
the Portfolios' financial statements, is included in the Annual
Report, which is available upon request and incorporated by reference
into the SAI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $18.48 $15.51 $13.45 $10.57 $10.32
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.05 0.15 0.17 0.28 0.09
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized
and unrealized) 6.36 3.34 2.29 2.90 0.20
4. Total from investment operations 6.41 3.49 2.46 3.18 0.29
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.05) (0.15) (0.17) (0.30) (0.04)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) (1.30) (0.37) (0.23) -- --
8. Total distributions (1.35) (0.52) (0.40) (0.30) (0.04)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $23.54 $18.48 $15.51 $13.45 $10.57
10. Total return 35.66% 22.75% 18.45% 30.17% 2.76%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $1,103,549 $608,281 $325,789 $126,911 $43,549
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $789,454 $477,914 $216,125 $77,344 $26,464
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.68%(6) 0.70%(5) 0.69%(4) 0.78%(3) N/A
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.68% 0.69% 0.69% 0.76% 0.88%(1)(2)
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets 0.26% 0.91% 1.39% 1.24% 1.45%
16. Portfolio turnover rate 73% 122% 87% 185% 169%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.23% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(3) The ratio was 0.98% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.83% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.78% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.75% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
20 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $20.55 $18.24 $17.08 $13.62 $11.80
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income -- -- -- 0.24 0.11
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized
and unrealized) 7.09 2.31 1.36 3.47 1.82
4. Total from investment operations 7.09 2.31 1.36 3.71 1.93
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) -- -- -- (0.25) (0.11)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- (0.01) -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) -- -- (0.19) -- --
8. Total distributions -- -- (0.20) (0.25) (0.11)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $27.64 $20.55 $18.24 $17.08 $13.62
10. Total return 34.26% 12.66% 7.95% 27.48% 16.33%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $772,943 $508,198 $383,693 $185,911 $41,289
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $576,444 $418,464 $290,629 $107,582 $14,152
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.75%(6) 0.76%(5) 0.76%(4) 0.86%(3) N/A
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.75% 0.76% 0.76% 0.84% 1.05%(1)(2)
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets (0.36%) (0.10%) (0.27%) 0.58% 2.18%
16. Portfolio turnover rate 132% 130% 88% 155% 259%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.14% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(3) The ratio was 0.93% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.83% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.78% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.75% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
Financial highlights 21
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994(1)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $18.48 $15.72 $11.95 $9.72 $10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.13 0.11 0.05 0.09 (0.09)
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 3.07 2.80 4.06 2.16 (0.19)
4. Total from investment operations 3.20 2.91 4.11 2.25 (0.28)
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.14) (0.11) (0.11) (0.02) --
6. Dividends (in excess of net investment income) -- -- -- -- --
7. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
8. Distributions (from capital gains) -- (0.01) (0.23) -- --
9. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.27) (0.03) -- -- --
10. Total distributions (0.41) (0.15) (0.34) (0.02) --
11. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $21.27 $18.48 $15.72 $11.95 $9.72
12. Total return* 17.23% 18.51% 34.71% 23.15% (2.80%)
13. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $311,110 $161,091 $27,192 $1,608 $1,353
14. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $234,421 $96,164 $7,437 $1,792 $1,421
15. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets** 0.86%(6) 0.96%(5) 1.26%(4) 2.69%(3) N/A
16. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets** 0.86% 0.96% 1.25% 2.50% 2.50%(2)
17. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets** 0.73% 0.70% 0.62% (0.80%) (1.30%)
18. Portfolio turnover rate** 93% 86% 65% 211% 275%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total return not annualized for periods of less than one full year.
** Annualized for periods of less than one full year.
(1) May 1, 1994 (inception) through December 31, 1994.
(2) The ratio was 4.67% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
(3) The ratio was 3.57% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
(4) The ratio was 2.21% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
(5) The ratio was 1.08% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.95% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
22 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $23.39 $19.44 $15.31 $12.07 $11.89
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.11 0.04
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 6.59 4.14 4.27 3.19 0.14
4. Total from investment operations 6.75 4.30 4.43 3.30 0.18
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.18) (0.17) (0.17) (0.06) --
6. Dividends (in excess of net investment income) -- (0.02) -- -- --
7. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
8. Distributions (from capital gains) -- (0.16) (0.13) -- --
9. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.87) -- -- -- --
10. Total distributions (1.05) (0.35) (0.30) (0.06) --
11. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $29.09 $23.39 $19.44 $15.31 $12.07
12. Total return 28.92% 22.15% 29.04% 27.37% 1.53%
13. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $2,890,375 $1,576,548 $582,603 $108,563 $37,728
14. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $2,217,695 $1,148,951 $304,111 $59,440 $22,896
15. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.72%(6) 0.74%(5) 0.80%(4) 0.90%(3) N/A
16. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.72% 0.74% 0.80% 0.87% 1.18%(1)(2)
17. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.64% 0.67% 0.83% 0.95% 0.50%
18. Portfolio turnover rate 77% 80% 62% 113% 217%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.49% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(3) The ratio was 1.09% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.91% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.81% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
Financial highlights 23
<PAGE>
Glossary of investment terms
This glossary provides a more detailed description of some of the
types of securities and other instruments in which the Portfolios may
invest. The Portfolios may invest in these instruments to the extent
permitted by their investment objectives and policies. The Portfolios
are not limited by this discussion and may invest in any other types
of instruments not precluded by the policies discussed elsewhere in
this Prospectus. Please refer to the SAI for a more detailed
discussion of certain instruments.
I. EQUITY AND DEBT SECURITIES
BONDS are debt securities issued by a company, municipality,
government or government agency. The issuer of a bond is required to
pay the holder the amount of the loan (or par value of the bond) at a
specified maturity and to make scheduled interest payments.
COMMERCIAL PAPER is a short-term debt obligation with a maturity
ranging from 1 to 270 days issued by banks, corporations and other
borrowers to investors seeking to invest idle cash. The Portfolios may
purchase commercial paper issued in private placements under Section
4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.
COMMON STOCKS are equity securities representing shares of ownership
in a company and usually carry voting rights and earns dividends.
Unlike preferred stock, dividends on common stock are not fixed but
are declared at the discretion of the issuer's board of directors.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES are preferred stocks or bonds that pay a fixed
dividend or interest payment and are convertible into common stock at
a specified price or conversion ratio.
DEBT SECURITIES are securities representing money borrowed that must
be repaid at a later date. Such securities have specific maturities
and usually a specific rate of interest or an original purchase
discount.
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS are receipts for shares of a foreign-based
corporation that entitle the holder to dividends and capital gains on
the underlying security. Receipts include those issued by domestic
banks (American Depositary Receipts), foreign banks (Global or
European Depositary Receipts) and broker-dealers (depositary shares).
FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES are securities that pay a specified rate of
return. The term generally includes short-and long-term government,
corporate and municipal obligations that pay a specified rate of
interest or coupons for a specified period of time, and preferred
stock, which pays fixed dividends. Coupon and dividend rates may be
fixed for the life of the issue or, in the case of adjustable and
floating rate securities, for a shorter period.
HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK SECURITIES are securities that are rated below
investment grade by the primary rating agencies (e.g., BB or lower by
Standard & Poor's and Ba or lower by Moody's). Other terms commonly
used to describe such securities include "lower rated bonds,"
"noninvestment grade bonds" and "junk bonds."
MORTGAGE- AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES are shares in a pool of
mortgages or other debt. These securities are generally pass-through
securities, which means that principal and interest payments on the
underlying securities (less servicing fees) are passed through to
shareholders on a pro rata basis. These securities involve prepayment
risk, which is the risk that the underlying mortgages or other debt
may be refinanced or paid off prior to their maturities during periods
of declining interest rates. In that case, a portfolio manager may
have to reinvest the proceeds from the securities at a lower rate.
Potential market gains on a security subject to prepayment risk may be
more limited than potential market gains on a comparable security that
is not subject to prepayment risk.
PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES (PFICS) are any foreign
corporations which generate certain amounts of passive income or hold
certain amounts of assets for the production of passive income.
Passive
24 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
income includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents and annuities.
To avoid taxes and interest that the Portfolios must pay if these
investments are profitable, the Portfolios may make various elections
permitted by the tax laws. These elections could require that the
Portfolios recognize taxable income, which in turn must be
distributed, before the securities are sold and before cash is
received to pay the distributions.
PAY-IN-KIND BONDS are debt securities that normally give the issuer an
option to pay cash at a coupon payment date or give the holder of the
security a similar bond with the same coupon rate and a face value
equal to the amount of the coupon payment that would have been made.
PREFERRED STOCKS are equity securities that generally pay dividends at
a specified rate and have preference over common stock in the payment
of dividends and liquidation. Preferred stock generally does not carry
voting rights.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS involve the purchase of a security by a
Portfolio and a simultaneous agreement by the seller (generally a bank
or dealer) to repurchase the security from the Portfolio at a
specified date or upon demand. This technique offers a method of
earning income on idle cash. These securities involve the risk that
the seller will fail to repurchase the security, as agreed. In that
case, a Portfolio will bear the risk of market value fluctuations
until the security can be sold and may encounter delays and incur
costs in liquidating the security.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS involve the sale of a security by a
Portfolio to another party (generally a bank or dealer) in return for
cash and an agreement by the Portfolio to buy the security back at a
specified price and time. This technique will be used primarily to
provide cash to satisfy unusually high redemption requests, or for
other temporary or emergency purposes.
RULE 144A SECURITIES are securities that are not registered for sale
to the general public under the Securities Act of 1933, but that may
be resold to certain institutional investors.
STANDBY COMMITMENTS are obligations purchased by a Portfolio from a
dealer that give the Portfolio the option to sell a security to the
dealer at a specified price.
STEP COUPON BONDS are debt securities that trade at a discount from
their face value and pay coupon interest. The discount from the face
value depends on the time remaining until cash payments begin,
prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security and the perceived
credit quality of the issuer.
STRIP BONDS are debt securities that are stripped of their interest
(usually by a financial intermediary) after the securities are issued.
The market value of these securities generally fluctuates more in
response to changes in interest rates than interest-paying securities
of comparable maturity.
TENDER OPTION BONDS are generally long-term securities that are
coupled with an option to tender the securities to a bank,
broker-dealer or other financial institution at periodic intervals and
receive the face value of the bond. This type of security is commonly
used as a means of enhancing the security's liquidity.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES include direct obligations of the U.S.
government that are supported by its full faith and credit. Treasury
bills have initial maturities of less than one year, Treasury notes
have initial maturities of one to ten years and Treasury bonds may be
issued with any maturity but generally have maturities of at least ten
years. U.S. government securities also include indirect obligations of
the U.S. government that are issued by federal agencies and government
sponsored entities. Unlike Treasury securities, agency securities
generally are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
government. Some agency securities are supported by the right of the
issuer to borrow from the Treasury, others are supported by the
discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the
agency's obligations and others are supported only by the credit of
the sponsoring agency.
Glossary of investment terms 25
<PAGE>
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES have variable or floating rates
of interest and, under certain limited circumstances, may have varying
principal amounts. These securities pay interest at rates that are
adjusted periodically according to a specified formula, usually with
reference to some interest rate index or market interest rate. The
floating rate tends to decrease the security's price sensitivity to
changes in interest rates.
WARRANTS are securities, typically issued with preferred stock or
bonds, that give the holder the right to buy a proportionate amount of
common stock at a specified price, usually at a price that is higher
than the market price at the time of issuance of the warrant. The
right may last for a period of years or indefinitely.
WHEN-ISSUED, DELAYED DELIVERY AND FORWARD TRANSACTIONS generally
involve the purchase of a security with payment and delivery at some
time in the future - i.e., beyond normal settlement. The Portfolios do
not earn interest on such securities until settlement and bear the
risk of market value fluctuations in between the purchase and
settlement dates. New issues of stocks and bonds, private placements
and U.S. government securities may be sold in this manner.
ZERO COUPON BONDS are debt securities that do not pay regular interest
at regular intervals, but are issued at a discount from face value.
The discount approximates the total amount of interest the security
will accrue from the date of issuance to maturity. The market value of
these securities generally fluctuates more in response to changes in
interest rates than interest-paying securities.
II. FUTURES, OPTIONS AND OTHER DERIVATIVES
FORWARD CONTRACTS are contracts to purchase or sell a specified amount
of a financial instrument for an agreed upon price at a specified
time. Forward contracts are not currently exchange traded and are
typically negotiated on an individual basis. The Portfolios may enter
into forward currency contracts to hedge against declines in the value
of securities denominated in, or whose value is tied to, a currency
other than the U.S. dollar or to reduce the impact of currency
appreciation on purchases of such securities. They may also enter into
forward contracts to purchase or sell securities or other financial
indices.
FUTURES CONTRACTS are contracts that obligate the buyer to receive and
the seller to deliver an instrument or money at a specified price on a
specified date. The Portfolios may buy and sell futures contracts on
foreign currencies, securities and financial indices including
interest rates or an index of U.S. government, foreign government,
equity or fixed-income securities. The Portfolios may also buy options
on futures contracts. An option on a futures contract gives the buyer
the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a futures contract
at a specified price on or before a specified date. Futures contracts
and options on futures are standardized and traded on designated
exchanges.
INDEXED/STRUCTURED SECURITIES are typically short- to
intermediate-term debt securities whose value at maturity or interest
rate is linked to currencies, interest rates, equity securities,
indices, commodity prices or other financial indicators. Such
securities may be positively or negatively indexed (i.e. their value
may increase or decrease if the reference index or instrument
appreciates). Indexed/structured securities may have return
characteristics similar to direct investments in the underlying
instruments and may be more volatile than the underlying instruments.
A Portfolio bears the market risk of an investment in the underlying
instruments, as well as the credit risk of the issuer.
INTEREST RATE SWAPS involve the exchange by two parties of their
respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange
of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments).
INVERSE FLOATERS are debt instruments whose interest rate bears an
inverse relationship to the interest rate on another instrument or
index. For example, upon reset the interest rate payable on a security
may go down when the underlying index has risen. Certain inverse
floaters may have an interest rate reset
26 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
mechanism that multiplies the effects of change in the underlying
index. Such mechanism may increase the volatility of the security's
market value.
OPTIONS are the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a
specified amount of securities or other assets on or before a fixed
date at a predetermined price. The Portfolios may purchase and write
put and call options on securities, securities indices and foreign
currencies.
Glossary of investment terms 27
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
1-800-29JANUS
100 Fillmore Street
Denver, Colorado 80206-4928
janus.com
You can request other information, including a Statement of
Additional Information, Annual Report or Semiannual Report, free of
charge, by contacting your plan sponsor or visiting our Web site at
janus.com. In the Portfolios' Annual Report, you will find a
discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that
significantly affected the Portfolios' performance during their last
fiscal year. Other information is also available from financial
intermediaries that sell Shares of the Portfolios.
The Statement of Additional Information provides detailed
information about the Portfolios and is incorporated into this
Prospectus by reference. You may review the Portfolios' Statement of
Additional Information at the Public Reference Room of the SEC or
get text only copies for a fee, by writing to or calling the Public
Reference Room, Washington, D.C. 20549-6009 (1-800-SEC-0330). You
may obtain the Statement of Additional Information for free from the
SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov.
Investment Company Act File No. 811-7736
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
Janus Aspen Series
PROSPECTUS
MAY 1, 1999
Growth Portfolio
International Growth Portfolio
Worldwide Growth Portfolio
Balanced Portfolio
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED ON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
This prospectus describes four mutual funds (the "Portfolios")
with different investment objectives, including growth of
capital and a combination of growth and income. Each Portfolio
of Janus Aspen Series currently offers two classes of shares.
The Institutional Shares, (the "Shares"), are sold under the
name of "Janus Aspen Series" and are offered by this prospectus
in connection with investment in and payments under variable
annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts, as well
as certain qualified retirement plans.
Janus Aspen Series sells and redeems its Shares at net asset
value without sales charges, commissions or redemption fees.
Each variable insurance contract involves fees and expenses that
are not described in this Prospectus. Certain Portfolios may not
be available in connection with a particular contract and
certain contracts may limit allocations among the Portfolios.
See the accompanying contract prospectus for information
regarding contract fees and expenses and any restrictions on
purchases or allocations.
This prospectus contains information that a prospective
purchaser of a variable insurance contract or plan participant
should consider in conjunction with the accompanying separate
account prospectus of the specific insurance company product
before allocating purchase payments or premiums to the
Portfolios.
<PAGE>
Table of contents
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
Growth Portfolios........................................ 2
Balanced Portfolio....................................... 6
Fees and expenses........................................ 8
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND
RISKS
Growth Portfolios........................................ 9
Balanced Portfolio....................................... 11
General portfolio policies............................... 12
Risks for the Portfolios................................. 14
MANAGEMENT OF THE PORTFOLIOS
Investment adviser....................................... 16
Management expenses and expense limits................... 16
Investment personnel..................................... 17
OTHER INFORMATION........................................... 19
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Distributions............................................ 20
Taxes.................................................... 20
SHAREHOLDER'S GUIDE
Pricing of portfolio shares.............................. 21
Purchases................................................ 21
Redemptions.............................................. 21
Shareholder communications............................... 22
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS........................................ 23
GLOSSARY
Glossary of investment terms............................. 27
</TABLE>
Table of contents 1
<PAGE>
Risk return summary
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
The Growth Portfolios are designed for long-term investors who seek
growth of capital and who can tolerate the greater risks associated
with common stock investments.
1. WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES OF THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital in a manner
consistent with the preservation of capital.
- INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital.
- WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital in a
manner consistent with the preservation of capital.
The Portfolios' Trustees may change these objectives without a
shareholder vote and the Portfolios will notify you of any changes
that are material. If there is a material change to a Portfolio's
objective or policies, you should consider whether that Portfolio
remains an appropriate investment for you. There is no guarantee
that a Portfolio will meet its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
The portfolio managers apply a "bottom up" approach in choosing
investments. In other words, they look for companies with earnings
growth potential one at a time. If a portfolio manager is unable to
find investments with earnings growth potential, a significant portion
of a Portfolio's assets may be in cash or similar investments.
GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks selected for their
growth potential. Although the Portfolio can invest in companies of
any size, it generally invests in larger, more established companies.
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO normally invests at least 65% of its
total assets in securities of issuers from at least five different
countries, excluding the United States. Although the Portfolio intends
to invest substantially all of its assets in issuers located outside
the United States, it may invest in U.S. issuers and it may at times
invest all of its assets in fewer than five countries, or even a
single country.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks of
companies of any size throughout the world. The Portfolio normally
invests in issuers from at least five different countries, including
the United States. The Portfolio may at times invest in fewer than
five countries or even a single country.
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
The biggest risk is that the Portfolios' returns may vary, and you
could lose money. If you are considering investing in any of the
Growth Portfolios, remember that they are each designed for long-term
investors who can accept the risks of investing in a portfolio with
significant common stock holdings. Common stocks tend to be more
volatile than other investment choices.
The value of a Portfolio may decrease if the value of an individual
company in the portfolio decreases. The value of a Portfolio could
also decrease if the stock market goes down. If the value of a
Portfolio decreases, its net asset value (NAV) will also decrease,
which means if you sell your shares in a Portfolio you would get back
less money.
2 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO AND WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO may have
significant exposure to foreign markets. As a result, their returns
and NAV may be affected to a large degree by fluctuations in currency
exchange rates or political or economic conditions in a particular
country.
An investment in these Portfolios is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency.
The following information provides an indication of the risks of
investing in the Growth Portfolios by showing how each of the Growth
Portfolios' performance has varied over time. The bar charts depict
the change in performance from year-to-year during the period
indicated, but do not include charges and expenses attributable to any
insurance product which would lower the performance illustrated. The
Portfolios do not impose any sales or other charges that would affect
total return computations. Total return figures include the effect of
each Portfolio's expenses. The tables compare the average annual
returns for the Shares of each Portfolio for the periods indicated to
a broad-based securities market index.
Risk return summary 3
<PAGE>
GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Growth Portfolio -
Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
2.76% 30.17% 18.45% 22.75% 35.66%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 27.71% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (10.92%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 35.66% 21.41% 20.91%
S&P 500 Index* 28.74% 24.08% 23.06%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 500 is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks,
a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for International Growth
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1995 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
23.15% 34.71% 18.51% 17.23%
1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 16.63% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (17.76%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year (5/2/94)
<S> <C> <C>
International Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 17.23% 18.87%
Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index* 20.00% 8.11%
-----------------------------
</TABLE>
* The Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index is a market
capitalization weighted index composed of companies representative
of the market structure of 20 Developed Market countries in Europe,
Australasia and the Far East.
4 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Worldwide Growth
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
1.53% 27.37% 29.04% 22.15% 28.92%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 20.87% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (16.03%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Worldwide Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 28.92% 21.32% 24.06%
Morgan Stanley International Worldwide Index* 24.34% 15.68% 14.39%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The Morgan Stanley International Worldwide Index is a market
capitalization weighted index composed of countries representative
of the market structure of 47 Developed and Emerging Markets.
The Growth Portfolios' past performance does not necessarily indicate
how they will perform in the future.
Risk return summary 5
<PAGE>
BALANCED PORTFOLIO
The Balanced Portfolio is designed for investors who primarily seek
growth of capital with current income. It is not designed for
investors who desire a consistent level of income.
1. WHAT IS THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- BALANCED PORTFOLIO seeks long-term capital growth, consistent
with preservation of capital and balanced by current income.
The Trustees may change this objective without a shareholder vote and
the Portfolio will notify you of any changes that are material. If
there is a material change to the Portfolio's objective or policies,
you should consider whether the Portfolio remains an appropriate
investment for you. There is no guarantee that the Portfolio will meet
its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE BALANCED PORTFOLIO?
The portfolio manager applies a "bottom up" approach in choosing
investments. In other words, he looks mostly for equity and
income-producing securities that meet his investment criteria one at a
time. If the portfolio manager is unable to find such investments,
much of the Portfolio's assets may be in cash or similar investments.
Balanced Portfolio normally invests 40-60% of its assets in securities
selected primarily for their growth potential and 40-60% of its assets
in securities selected primarily for their income potential. The
Portfolio will normally invest at least 25% of its assets in
fixed-income securities.
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN BALANCED PORTFOLIO?
The biggest risk is that the Portfolio's returns may vary, and you
could lose money. If you are considering investing in Balanced
Portfolio, remember that it is designed for long-term investors who
can accept the risks of investing in a portfolio with significant
common stock holdings. Common stocks tend to be more volatile than
other investment choices.
The value of the Portfolio may decrease if the value of an individual
company in the portfolio decreases. The value of the Portfolio could
also decrease if the stock market goes down. If the value of the
Portfolio decreases, its NAV will also decrease, which means if you
sell your shares in the Portfolio you would get back less money.
The income component of the Portfolio's holdings includes fixed-income
securities. A fundamental risk to the income component is that the
value of these securities will fall if interest rates rise. Generally,
the value of a fixed-income portfolio will decrease when interest
rates rise, which means the Portfolio's NAV may likewise decrease.
Another fundamental risk associated with fixed-income securities is
credit risk, which is the risk that an issuer of a bond will be unable
to make principal and interest payments when due.
An investment in the Portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency.
6 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
The following information provides an indication of the risks of
investing in Balanced Portfolio by showing how Balanced Portfolio's
performance has varied over time. The bar chart depicts the change in
performance from year-to-year during the period indicated, but does
not include charges and expenses attributable to any insurance product
which would lower the performance illustrated. The Portfolio does not
impose any sales or other charges that would affect total return
computations. Total return figures include the effect of each
Portfolio's expenses. The table compares the average annual returns
for the Shares of the Portfolio for the period indicated to a
broad-based securities market index.
BALANCED PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Balanced Portfolio -
Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
0.84% 24.79% 16.18% 22.10% 34.28%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 20.32% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (4.97%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balanced Portfolio - Institutional Shares 34.28% 19.11% 19.53%
S&P 500 Index* 28.74% 24.08% 23.06%
Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond Index** 9.47% 7.30% 6.90%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 500 is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks,
a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
** Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond Index is composed of all bonds that
are of investment grade with at least one year until maturity.
Balanced Portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate
how it will perform in the future.
Risk return summary 7
<PAGE>
FEES AND EXPENSES
SHAREHOLDER FEES, such as sales loads, redemption fees or exchange
fees, are charged directly to an investor's account. All Janus funds
are no-load investments, so you will not pay any shareholder fees when
you buy or sell shares of the Portfolios. However, each variable
insurance contract involves fees and expenses not described in this
prospectus. See the accompanying contract prospectus for information
regarding contract fees and expenses and any restrictions on purchases
or allocations.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES are paid out of a Portfolio's assets
and include fees for portfolio management, maintenance of shareholder
accounts, shareholder servicing, accounting and other services. You do
not pay these fees directly but, as the example on the next page
shows, these costs are borne indirectly by all shareholders.
This table and example are designed to assist participants in
qualified plans that invest in the Shares of the Portfolios in
understanding the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in
the Shares. The information shown is based upon gross expenses
(without the effect of expense offset arrangements) for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1998. OWNERS OF VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACTS
THAT INVEST IN THE SHARES SHOULD REFER TO THE VARIABLE INSURANCE
CONTRACT PROSPECTUS FOR A DESCRIPTION OF FEES AND EXPENSES, AS THE
TABLE AND EXAMPLE DO NOT REFLECT DEDUCTIONS AT THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
LEVEL OR CONTRACT LEVEL FOR ANY CHARGES THAT MAY BE INCURRED UNDER A
CONTRACT.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Annual Fund Total Annual Fund
Operating Expenses Operating Expenses
Management Other Without Waivers Total With Waivers
Fee Expenses or Reductions* Waivers and Reductions or Reductions*
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio 0.72% 0.03% 0.75% 0.07% 0.68%
International Growth Portfolio 0.75% 0.20% 0.95% 0.09% 0.86%
Worldwide Growth Portfolio 0.67% 0.07% 0.74% 0.02% 0.72%
Balanced Portfolio 0.72% 0.02% 0.74% N/A 0.74%
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* All expenses are stated both with and without contractual waivers and
fee reductions by Janus Capital. Fee reductions for Growth,
International Growth, Worldwide Growth, and Balanced Portfolios reduce
the Management Fee to the level of the corresponding Janus retail fund.
Other waivers, if applicable, are first applied against the Management
Fee and then against Other Expenses. Janus Capital has agreed to
continue the waivers and fee reductions until at least the next annual
renewal of the advisory agreement.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXAMPLE:
THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLE IS BASED ON EXPENSES WITHOUT WAIVERS OR
REDUCTIONS. This example is intended to help you compare the cost of
investing in the Portfolios with the cost of investing in other mutual
funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in each of the
Portfolios for the time periods indicated then redeem all of your shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year, and that the Portfolios' operating
expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
-----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio $77 $240 $417 $ 930
International Growth Portfolio $97 $303 $526 $1,166
Worldwide Growth Portfolio $76 $237 $411 $ 918
Balanced Portfolio $76 $237 $411 $ 918
</TABLE>
8 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Investment objectives, principal investment
strategies and risks
Each of the Portfolios has a similar investment objective and similar
principal investment strategies to a Janus retail fund:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Growth Portfolio Janus Fund
International Growth Portfolio Janus Overseas Fund
Worldwide Growth Portfolio Janus Worldwide Fund
Balanced Portfolio Janus Balanced Fund
</TABLE>
Although it is anticipated that each Portfolio and its corresponding
retail fund will hold similar securities, differences in asset size,
cash flow needs and other factors may result in differences in
investment performance. The expenses of each Portfolio and its
corresponding retail fund are expected to differ. The variable
contract owner will also bear various insurance related costs at the
insurance company level. You should review the accompanying separate
account prospectus for a summary of fees and expenses.
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
This section takes a closer look at the investment objectives of each
of the Growth Portfolios, their principal investment strategies and
certain risks of investing in the Growth Portfolios. Strategies and
policies that are noted as "fundamental" cannot be changed without a
shareholder vote.
Please carefully review the "Risks" section of this Prospectus on
pages 14-15 for a discussion of risks associated with certain
investment techniques. We've also included a Glossary with
descriptions of investment terms used throughout this Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital in a manner
consistent with the preservation of capital. It pursues its objective
by investing primarily in common stocks selected for their growth
potential. Although the Portfolio can invest in companies of any size,
it generally invests in larger, more established companies.
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
International Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital.
Normally, the Portfolio pursues its objective by investing at least
65% of its total assets in securities of issuers from at least five
different countries, excluding the United States. Although the
Portfolio intends to invest substantially all of its assets in issuers
located outside the United States, it may at times invest in U.S.
issuers and it may at times invest all of its assets in fewer than
five countries or even a single country.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Worldwide Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital in a
manner consistent with the preservation of capital. It pursues its
objective by investing primarily in common stocks of companies of any
size throughout the world. The Portfolio normally invests in issuers
from at least five different countries, including the United States.
The Portfolio may at times invest in fewer than five countries or even
a single country.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 9
<PAGE>
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
the Growth Portfolios' principal investment strategies.
1. HOW ARE COMMON STOCKS SELECTED?
Each of the Portfolios may invest substantially all of its assets in
common stocks if its portfolio manager believes that common stocks
will appreciate in value. The portfolio managers generally take a
"bottom up" approach to selecting companies. In other words, they seek
to identify individual companies with earnings growth potential that
may not be recognized by the market at large. They make this
assessment by looking at companies one at a time, regardless of size,
country of organization, place of principal business activity, or
other similar selection criteria. Realization of income is not a
significant consideration when choosing investments for the
Portfolios. Income realized on the Portfolios' investments will be
incidental to their objectives.
2. ARE THE SAME CRITERIA USED TO SELECT FOREIGN SECURITIES?
Generally, yes. The portfolio managers seek companies that meet their
selection criteria, regardless of where a company is located. Foreign
securities are generally selected on a stock-by-stock basis without
regard to any defined allocation among countries or geographic
regions. However, certain factors such as expected levels of
inflation, government policies influencing business conditions, the
outlook for currency relationships, and prospects for economic growth
among countries, regions or geographic areas may warrant greater
consideration in selecting foreign securities. There are no
limitations on the countries in which the Portfolios may invest and
the Portfolios may at times have significant foreign exposure.
3. WHAT DOES "MARKET CAPITALIZATION" MEAN?
Market capitalization is the most commonly used measure of the size
and value of a company. It is computed by multiplying the current
market price of a share of the company's stock by the total number of
its shares outstanding. Although the Portfolios offered by this
Prospectus do not emphasize companies of any particular size,
Portfolios with a larger asset base are more likely to invest in
larger, more established issuers.
10 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
BALANCED PORTFOLIO
This section takes a closer look at the investment objective of
Balanced Portfolio, its principal investment strategies and certain
risks of investing in Balanced Portfolio. Strategies and policies that
are noted as "fundamental" cannot be changed without a shareholder
vote.
Please carefully review the "Risks" section of this Prospectus on
pages 14-15 for a discussion of risks associated with certain
investment techniques. We've also included a Glossary with
descriptions of investment terms used throughout this Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Balanced Portfolio seeks long-term capital growth, consistent with
preservation of capital and balanced by current income. It pursues its
objective by normally investing 40-60% of its assets in securities
selected primarily for their growth potential and 40-60% of its assets
in securities selected primarily for their income potential. This
Portfolio normally invests at least 25% of its assets in fixed-income
securities.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
the Balanced Portfolio's principal investment strategies.
1. HOW ARE COMMON STOCKS SELECTED FOR BALANCED PORTFOLIO IN COMPARISON TO THE
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
Because income is a part of the investment objective of Balanced
Portfolio, the portfolio manager may consider dividend-paying
characteristics to a greater degree in selecting common stocks for
this Portfolio.
2. HOW ARE ASSETS ALLOCATED BETWEEN THE GROWTH AND INCOME COMPONENTS OF BALANCED
PORTFOLIO'S HOLDINGS?
Balanced Portfolio shifts assets between the growth and income
components of their holdings based on the portfolio manager's analysis
of relevant market, financial and economic conditions. If the
portfolio manager believes that growth securities will provide better
returns than the yields then available or expected on income-producing
securities, the Portfolio will place a greater emphasis on the growth
component.
3. WHAT TYPES OF SECURITIES MAKE UP THE GROWTH COMPONENT OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO'S
INVESTMENTS?
The growth component of Balanced Portfolio's investments is expected
to consist primarily of common stocks, but may also include warrants,
preferred stocks or convertible securities selected primarily for
their growth potential.
4. WHAT TYPES OF SECURITIES MAKE UP THE INCOME COMPONENT OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO'S
HOLDINGS?
The income component of Balanced Portfolio will consist of securities
that the portfolio manager believes have income potential. Such
securities may include equity securities, convertible securities and
all types of debt securities. Equity securities may be included in the
income component of the Portfolio if they currently pay dividends or
the portfolio manager believes they have the potential for either
increasing their dividends or commencing dividends, if none are
currently paid.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 11
<PAGE>
GENERAL PORTFOLIO POLICIES
Unless otherwise stated, each of the following policies applies to all
of the Portfolios. The percentage limitations included in these
policies and elsewhere in this Prospectus apply at the time of
purchase of the security. So, for example, if a Portfolio exceeds a
limit as a result of market fluctuations or the sale of other
securities, it will not be required to dispose of any securities.
CASH POSITION
When a portfolio manager believes that market conditions are
unfavorable for profitable investing, or when he or she is otherwise
unable to locate attractive investment opportunities, the Portfolios'
cash or similar investments may increase. In other words, the
Portfolios do not always stay fully invested in stocks and bonds. Cash
or similar investments generally are a residual - they represent the
assets that remain after a portfolio manager has committed available
assets to desirable investment opportunities. However, a portfolio
manager may also temporarily increase a Portfolio's cash position to
protect its assets or maintain liquidity. Partly because the portfolio
managers act independently of each other, the cash positions of the
Portfolios may vary significantly.
When a Portfolio's investments in cash or similar investments
increase, it may not participate in market advances or declines to the
same extent that it would if the Portfolio remained more fully
invested in stocks or bonds.
OTHER TYPES OF INVESTMENTS
The Growth Portfolios invest primarily in domestic and foreign equity
securities, which may include preferred stocks, common stocks,
warrants and securities convertible into common or preferred stocks.
The Balanced Portfolio also invests in domestic and foreign equity
securities with varying degrees of emphasis on income. The Portfolios
may also invest to a lesser degree in other types of securities. These
securities (which are described in the Glossary) may include:
- debt securities
- indexed/structured securities
- high-yield/high-risk securities (less than 35% of each Portfolio's
assets)
- options, futures, forwards and other types of derivatives for
hedging purposes or for non-hedging purposes such as seeking to
enhance return
- securities purchased on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward
commitment basis
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS
Each Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid
investments. An illiquid investment is a security or other position
that cannot be disposed of quickly in the normal course of business.
For example, some securities are not registered under U.S. securities
laws and cannot be sold to the U.S. public because of SEC regulations
(these are known as "restricted securities"). Under procedures adopted
by the Portfolios' Trustees, certain restricted securities may be
deemed liquid, and will not be counted toward this 15% limit.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
The Portfolios may invest without limit in foreign equity and debt
securities. The Portfolios may invest directly in foreign securities
denominated in a foreign currency and not publicly traded in the
United
12 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
States. Other ways of investing in foreign securities include
depositary receipts or shares, and passive foreign investment
companies.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Each Portfolio may invest in special situations. A special situation
arises when, in the opinion of a Portfolio's manager, the securities
of a particular issuer will be recognized and appreciate in value due
to a specific development with respect to that issuer. Developments
creating a special situation might include, among others, a new
product or process, a technological breakthrough, a management change
or other extraordinary corporate event, or differences in market
supply of and demand for the security. A Portfolio's performance could
suffer if the anticipated development in a "special situation"
investment does not occur or does not attract the expected attention.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Portfolios generally intend to purchase securities for long-term
investment although, to a limited extent, a Portfolio may purchase
securities in anticipation of relatively short-term price gains.
Short-term transactions may also result from liquidity needs,
securities having reached a price or yield objective, changes in
interest rates or the credit standing of an issuer, or by reason of
economic or other developments not foreseen at the time of the
investment decision. A Portfolio may also sell one security and
simultaneously purchase the same or a comparable security to take
advantage of short-term differentials in bond yields or securities
prices. Changes are made in a Portfolio's holdings whenever its
portfolio manager believes such changes are desirable. Portfolio
turnover rates are generally not a factor in making buy and sell
decisions.
Increased portfolio turnover may result in higher costs for brokerage
commissions, dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs and may also
result in taxable capital gains. Higher costs associated with
increased portfolio turnover may offset gains in a Portfolio's
performance.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 13
<PAGE>
RISKS FOR THE PORTFOLIOS
Because the Portfolios may invest substantially all of their assets in
common stocks, the main risk is the risk that the value of the stocks
they hold might decrease in response to the activities of an
individual company or in response to general market and/or economic
conditions. If this occurs, a Portfolio's share price may also
decrease. A Portfolio's performance may also be affected by risks
specific to certain types of investments, such as foreign securities,
derivative investments, non-investment grade debt securities or
companies with relatively small market capitalizations.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
some of the risks of investing in Growth, Worldwide Growth, International Growth
and Balanced Portfolios.
1. THE PORTFOLIOS MAY INVEST IN SMALLER OR NEWER COMPANIES. DOES THIS CREATE ANY
SPECIAL RISKS?
Smaller or newer companies may suffer more significant losses as well
as realize more substantial growth than larger or more established
issuers because they may lack depth of management, be unable to
generate funds necessary for growth or potential development, or be
developing or marketing new products or services for which markets are
not yet established and may never become established. In addition,
such companies may be insignificant factors in their industries and
may become subject to intense competition from larger or more
established companies. Securities of smaller or newer companies may
have more limited trading markets than the markets for securities of
larger or more established issuers, and may be subject to wide price
fluctuations. Investments in such companies tend to be more volatile
and somewhat more speculative.
2. HOW COULD THE PORTFOLIOS' INVESTMENTS IN FOREIGN SECURITIES AFFECT THEIR
PERFORMANCE?
The Portfolios may invest without limit in foreign securities either
indirectly (e.g., depositary receipts) or directly in foreign markets.
Investments in foreign securities, including those of foreign
governments, may involve greater risks than investing in domestic
securities because the Portfolios' performance may depend on issues
other than the performance of a particular company. These issues
include:
- CURRENCY RISK. As long as a Portfolio holds a foreign security, its
value will be affected by the value of the local currency relative
to the U.S. dollar. When a Portfolio sells a foreign denominated
security, its value may be worth less in U.S. dollars even if the
security increases in value in its home country. U.S. dollar
denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by
currency risk.
- POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RISK. Foreign investments may be subject to
heightened political and economic risks, particularly in emerging
markets which may have relatively unstable governments, immature
economic structures, national policies restricting investments by
foreigners, different legal systems, and economies based on only a
few industries. In some countries, there is the risk that the
government may take over the assets or operations of a company or
that the government may impose taxes or limits on the removal of a
Portfolio's assets from that country.
- REGULATORY RISK. There may be less government supervision of foreign
markets. As a result, foreign issuers may not be subject to the
uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and
practices applicable to domestic issuers and there may be less
publicly available information about foreign issuers.
- MARKET RISK. Foreign securities markets, particularly those of
emerging market countries, may be less liquid and more volatile than
domestic markets. Certain markets may require payment for securities
before delivery and delays may be encountered in settling securities
transactions. In some foreign markets, there may not be protection
against failure by other parties to complete transactions.
14 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
- TRANSACTION COSTS. Costs of buying, selling and holding foreign
securities, including brokerage, tax and custody costs, may be
higher than those involved in domestic transactions.
3. ARE THERE SPECIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTMENTS IN HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK
SECURITIES?
High-yield/high-risk securities (or "junk" bonds) are securities rated
below investment grade by the primary rating agencies such as Standard
& Poor's and Moody's. The value of lower quality securities generally
is more dependent on credit risk, or the ability of the issuer to meet
interest and principal payments, than investment grade debt
securities. Issuers of high-yield securities may not be as strong
financially as those issuing bonds with higher credit ratings and are
more vulnerable to real or perceived economic changes, political
changes or adverse developments specific to the issuer.
4. HOW DO THE PORTFOLIOS TRY TO REDUCE RISK?
The Portfolios may use futures, options and other derivative
instruments to "hedge" or protect their portfolios from adverse
movements in securities prices and interest rates. The Portfolios may
also use a variety of currency hedging techniques, including forward
currency contracts, to manage exchange rate risk. The portfolio
managers believe the use of these instruments will benefit the
Portfolios. However, a Portfolio's performance could be worse than if
the Portfolio had not used such instruments if a portfolio manager's
judgement proves incorrect. Risks associated with the use of
derivative instruments are described in the SAI.
5. I'VE HEARD A LOT ABOUT HOW THE CHANGE TO THE YEAR 2000 COULD AFFECT COMPUTER
SYSTEMS. DOES THIS CREATE ANY SPECIAL RISKS?
The portfolio managers carefully research each potential investment
before making an investment decision and, among other things, consider
Year 2000 readiness when selecting portfolio holdings. However, there
is no guarantee that the information a portfolio manager receives
regarding a company's Year 2000 readiness is completely accurate. If a
company has not satisfactorily addressed Year 2000 issues, the
Portfolio's performance could suffer.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 15
<PAGE>
Management of the portfolios
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Janus Capital, 100 Fillmore Street, Denver, Colorado 80206-4928, is
the investment adviser to each of the Portfolios and is responsible
for the day-to-day management of the investment portfolios and other
business affairs of the Portfolios.
Janus Capital began serving as investment adviser to Janus Fund in
1970 and currently serves as investment adviser to all of the Janus
retail funds, acts as sub-adviser for a number of private-label mutual
funds and provides separate account advisory services for
institutional accounts.
Janus Capital furnishes continuous advice and recommendations
concerning each Portfolio's investments. Janus Capital also furnishes
certain administrative, compliance and accounting services for the
Portfolios, and may be reimbursed by the Portfolios for its costs in
providing those services. In addition, Janus Capital employees serve
as officers of the Trust and Janus Capital provides office space for
the Portfolios and pays the salaries, fees and expenses of all
Portfolio officers and those Trustees who are affiliated with Janus
Capital.
Participating insurance companies that purchase the Portfolios' shares
may perform certain administrative services relating to the Portfolios
and Janus Capital or the Portfolios may pay those companies for such
services.
MANAGEMENT EXPENSES AND EXPENSE LIMITS
Each Portfolio pays Janus Capital a management fee which is calculated
daily. The advisory agreement with each Portfolio spells out the
management fee and other expenses that the Portfolios must pay. Each
of the Portfolios is subject to the following management fee schedule
(expressed as an annual rate). In addition, the Shares of each
Portfolio incur expenses not assumed by Janus Capital, including
transfer agent and custodian fees and expenses, legal and auditing
fees, printing and mailing costs of sending reports and other
information to existing shareholders, and independent Trustees' fees
and expenses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Daily
Net Assets Annual Rate Expense Limit
Fee Schedule of Portfolio Percentage (%) Percentage (%)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Growth,
International Growth, First $300 Million 0.75 N/A(1)
Worldwide Growth and Next $200 Million 0.70
Balanced Portfolios Over $500 Million 0.65
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Janus Capital has agreed to reduce Growth, International Growth, Worldwide
Growth and Balanced Portfolio's management fee to the extent that such fee
exceeds the effective rate of the Janus retail fund corresponding to such
Portfolio. Janus Capital has agreed to continue such waivers until at least
the next annual renewal of the advisory contracts. The effective rate is the
management fee calculated by the corresponding retail fund as of the last
day of each calendar quarter (expressed as an annual rate). The effective
rates of Janus Fund, Janus Overseas Fund, Janus Worldwide Fund and Janus
Balanced Fund were 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.65%, and 0.67%, respectively, for the
quarter ended March 31, 1999.
16 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT PERSONNEL
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
LAURENCE J. CHANG
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and co-manager of International
Growth Portfolio and Janus Overseas Fund which he has co-managed
since May 1998 and April 1998, respectively. He served as
assistant portfolio manager for these funds since 1996. He is
also assistant portfolio manager for Worldwide Growth Portfolio
and Janus Worldwide Fund. Mr. Chang joined Janus Capital in 1993
after receiving a Masters Degree in Political Science from
Stanford University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
JAMES P. CRAIG, III
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Chief Investment Officer of Janus Capital. He is Executive
Vice President and portfolio manager of Growth Portfolio, which
he has managed since inception. He has managed Janus Fund since
1986 and has co-managed Janus Venture Fund since February 1,
1997. Mr. Craig previously managed Janus Venture Fund from its
inception, to December 1993, Janus Balanced Fund from December
1993 to December 1995 and Balanced Portfolio from September 1993
through April 1996. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from
the University of Alabama and a Master of Arts in Finance from
the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
HELEN YOUNG HAYES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Worldwide
Growth Portfolio and co-manager of International Growth
Portfolio, which she has managed or co-managed since inception.
Ms. Hayes joined Janus Capital in 1987 and has managed or
co-managed Janus Worldwide Fund and Janus Overseas Fund since
their inceptions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from
Yale University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
BLAINE P. ROLLINS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Balanced
Portfolio, which he has managed since May 1996 and Equity Income
Portfolio, which he has managed since inception. He is an
assistant portfolio manager of Growth Portfolio. Mr. Rollins
joined Janus Capital in 1990 and has managed Janus Balanced Fund
since January 1996 and Janus Equity Income Fund since inception.
He has been an assistant portfolio manager of Janus Fund since
January 1995. He gained experience as a fixed-income trader and
equity research analyst prior to managing Balanced Portfolio. He
holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of
Colorado and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
Management of the portfolios 17
<PAGE>
ASSISTANT PORTFOLIO MANAGER
DAVID C. DECKER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is an assistant portfolio manager of Growth Portfolio. He is also
an assistant portfolio manager of Janus Fund. He is Executive
Vice President and portfolio manager of Janus Special Situations
Fund. Mr. Decker received a Masters of Business Administration in
Finance from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and
a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Political Science from Tufts
University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
18 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Other information
CLASSES OF SHARES
Each Portfolio currently offers two classes of Shares, one of which,
the Institutional Shares, are offered pursuant to this prospectus and
are sold under the name Janus Aspen Series. The Shares offered by this
Prospectus are available only in connection with investment in and
payments under variable insurance contracts as well as certain
qualified retirement plans. Retirement Shares of each Portfolio are
offered by separate prospectus and are available only to qualified
plans using plan service providers that are compensated for providing
distribution and/or recordkeeping and other administrative services.
Because the expenses of each class may differ, the performance of each
class is expected to differ. If you would like additional information
about the Retirement Shares, please call 1-800-525-0020.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The Shares offered by this prospectus are available only to variable
annuity and variable life separate accounts of insurance companies
that are unaffiliated with Janus Capital and to certain qualified
retirement plans. Retirement Shares of the Portfolios (offered through
a separate prospectus) are available to certain qualified plans.
Although the Portfolios do not currently anticipate any disadvantages
to policy owners because each Portfolio offers its shares to such
entities, there is a possibility that a material conflict may arise.
The Trustees monitor events in order to identify any disadvantages or
material irreconcilable conflicts and to determine what action, if
any, should be taken in response. If a material disadvantage or
conflict occurs, the Trustees may require one or more insurance
company separate accounts or qualified plans to withdraw its
investments in one or more Portfolios or substitute Shares of another
Portfolio. If this occurs, a Portfolio may be forced to sell its
securities at disadvantageous prices. In addition, the Trustees may
refuse to sell Shares of any Portfolio to any separate account or
qualified plan or may suspend or terminate the offering of a
Portfolio's Shares if such action is required by law or regulatory
authority or is in the best interests of that Portfolio's
shareholders. It is possible that a qualified plan investing in the
Retirement Shares of the Portfolios could lose its qualified plan
status under the Internal Revenue Code, which could have adverse tax
consequences on insurance company separate accounts investing in the
Shares. Janus Capital intends to monitor such qualified plans and the
Portfolios may discontinue sales to a qualified plan and require plan
participants with existing investments in the Retirement Shares to
redeem those investments if a plan loses (or in the opinion of Janus
Capital is at risk of losing) its qualified plan status.
YEAR 2000
Preparing for Year 2000 is a high priority for Janus Capital, which
has established a dedicated group to address this issue. Janus Capital
has devoted considerable internal resources and has engaged one of the
foremost experts in the field to help achieve Year 2000 readiness.
Janus Capital does not anticipate that Year 2000-related issues will
have a material impact on its ability to continue to provide the
Portfolios with service at current levels; however, Janus Capital
cannot make any assurances that the steps it has taken to ensure Year
2000 readiness will be successful. In addition, there can be no
assurance that Year 2000 issues will not affect the companies in which
the Portfolios invest or worldwide markets and economies.
Other information 19
<PAGE>
Distributions and taxes
DISTRIBUTIONS
To avoid taxation of the Portfolios, the Internal Revenue Code
requires each Portfolio to distribute net income and any net gains
realized on its investments annually. A Portfolio's income from
dividends and interest and any net realized short-term gains are paid
to shareholders as ordinary income dividends. Net realized long-term
gains are paid to shareholders as capital gains distributions.
Each class of each Portfolio makes semi-annual distributions in June
and December of substantially all of its investment income and an
annual distribution in June of its net realized gains, if any. All
dividends and capital gains distributions from Shares of a Portfolio
will automatically be reinvested into additional Shares of that
Portfolio.
HOW DISTRIBUTIONS AFFECT NAV
Distributions are paid to shareholders as of the record date of the
distribution of a Portfolio, regardless of how long the shares have
been held. Undistributed income and realized gains are included in the
daily NAV of a Portfolio's Shares. The Share price of a Portfolio
drops by the amount of the distribution, net of any subsequent market
fluctuations. For example, assume that on December 31, the Shares of
Growth Portfolio declared a dividend in the amount of $0.25 per share.
If the price of Growth Portfolio's Shares was $10.00 on December 30,
the share price on December 31 would be $9.75, barring market
fluctuations.
TAXES
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS
Because Shares of the Portfolios may be purchased only through
variable insurance contracts and qualified plans, it is anticipated
that any income dividends or capital gains distributions made by the
Shares of a Portfolio will be exempt from current taxation if left to
accumulate within the variable insurance contract or qualified plan.
Generally, withdrawals from such contracts may be subject to ordinary
income tax and, if made before age 59 1/2, a 10% penalty tax. The tax
status of your investment depends on the features of your qualified
plan or variable insurance contract. Further information may be found
in your plan documents or in the prospectus of the separate account
offering such contract.
TAXATION OF THE PORTFOLIOS
Dividends, interest and some gains received by the Portfolios on
foreign securities may be subject to withholding of foreign taxes. The
Portfolios may from year to year make the election permitted under
Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code to pass through such taxes to
shareholders. If such election is not made, any foreign taxes paid or
accrued will represent an expense to the Portfolios which will reduce
their investment income.
The Portfolios do not expect to pay any federal income or excise taxes
because they intend to meet certain requirements of the Internal
Revenue Code. In addition, each Portfolio intends to qualify under the
Internal Revenue Code with respect to the diversification requirements
related to the tax-deferred status of insurance company separate
accounts.
20 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Shareholder's guide
INVESTORS MAY NOT PURCHASE OR REDEEM SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIOS
DIRECTLY. SHARES MAY BE PURCHASED OR REDEEMED ONLY THROUGH VARIABLE
INSURANCE CONTRACTS OFFERED BY THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS OF PARTICIPATING
INSURANCE COMPANIES OR THROUGH QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS. CERTAIN
PORTFOLIOS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN CONNECTION WITH A PARTICULAR
CONTRACT AND CERTAIN CONTRACTS MAY LIMIT ALLOCATIONS AMONG THE
PORTFOLIOS. REFER TO THE PROSPECTUS FOR THE PARTICIPATING INSURANCE
COMPANY'S SEPARATE ACCOUNT OR YOUR PLAN DOCUMENTS FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON
PURCHASING OR SELLING OF VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACTS AND ON HOW TO
SELECT SPECIFIC PORTFOLIOS AS INVESTMENT OPTIONS FOR A CONTRACT OR A
QUALIFIED PLAN.
PRICING OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
Investments will be processed at the NAV next determined after an
order is received and accepted by a Portfolio or its agent. In order
to receive a day's price, your order must be received by the close of
the regular trading session of the New York Stock Exchange any day
that the NYSE is open. Securities are valued at market value or, if a
market quotation is not readily available, at their fair value
determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the
supervision of the Trustees. Short-term instruments maturing within 60
days are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
See the SAI for more detailed information.
To the extent a Portfolio holds securities that are primarily listed
on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the
Portfolios do not price their shares, the NAV of a Portfolio's shares
may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
redeem the Portfolio's shares.
PURCHASES
Purchases of Shares may be made only by the separate accounts of
insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable insurance
contracts or by qualified plans. Refer to the prospectus of the
appropriate insurance company separate account or your plan documents
for information on how to invest in the Shares of each Portfolio.
Participating insurance companies and certain other designated
organizations are authorized to receive purchase orders on the
Portfolios' behalf.
Each Portfolio reserves the right to reject any specific purchase
order. Purchase orders may be refused if, in Janus Capital's opinion,
they are of a size that would disrupt the management of a Portfolio.
Although there is no present intention to do so, the Portfolios may
discontinue sales of their shares if management and the Trustees
believe that continued sales may adversely affect a Portfolio's
ability to achieve its investment objective. If sales of a Portfolio's
Shares are discontinued, it is expected that existing policy owners
and plan participants invested in that Portfolio would be permitted to
continue to authorize investment in that Portfolio and to reinvest any
dividends or capital gains distributions, absent highly unusual
circumstances.
REDEMPTIONS
Redemptions, like purchases, may be effected only through the separate
accounts of participating insurance companies or through qualified
plans. Please refer to the appropriate separate account prospectus or
plan documents for details.
Shares of any Portfolio may be redeemed on any business day.
Redemptions are processed at the NAV next calculated after receipt and
acceptance of the redemption order by the Portfolio or its agent.
Redemption proceeds will normally be wired to the participating
insurance company the business day following receipt of the redemption
order, but in no event later than seven days after receipt of such
order.
Shareholder's guide 21
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS
Shareholders will receive annual and semiannual reports including the
financial statements of the Shares of the Portfolios that they have
authorized for investment. Each report will show the investments owned
by each Portfolio and the market values thereof, as well as other
information about the Portfolios and their operations. The Trust's
fiscal year ends December 31.
22 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Financial highlights
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand
the Institutional Shares' financial performance for each of the five
most recent fiscal years. Items 1 through 9 reflect financial results
for a single Share. Total return in the tables represents the rate
that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in each
of the Institutional Shares of the Portfolios (assuming reinvestment
of all dividends and distributions) but does not include charges and
expenses attributable to any insurance product. This information has
been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with
the Portfolios' financial statements, is included in the Annual
Report, which is available upon request and incorporated by reference
into the SAI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $18.48 $15.51 $13.45 $10.57 $10.32
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.05 0.15 0.17 0.28 0.09
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized
and unrealized) 6.36 3.34 2.29 2.90 0.20
4. Total from investment operations 6.41 3.49 2.46 3.18 0.29
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.05) (0.15) (0.17) (0.30) (0.04)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) (1.30) (0.37) (0.23) -- --
8. Total distributions (1.35) (0.52) (0.40) (0.30) (0.04)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $23.54 $18.48 $15.51 $13.45 $10.57
10. Total return 35.66% 22.75% 18.45% 30.17% 2.76%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $1,103,549 $608,281 $325,789 $126,911 $43,549
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $789,454 $477,914 $216,125 $77,344 $26,464
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.68%(6) 0.70%(5) 0.69%(4) 0.78%(3) N/A
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.68% 0.69% 0.69% 0.76% 0.88%(1)(2)
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets 0.26% 0.91% 1.39% 1.24% 1.45%
16. Portfolio turnover rate 73% 122% 87% 185% 169%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.23% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(3) The ratio was 0.98% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.83% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.78% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.75% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
Financial highlights 23
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994(1)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $18.48 $15.72 $11.95 $9.72 $10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.13 0.11 0.05 0.09 (0.09)
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 3.07 2.80 4.06 2.16 (0.19)
4. Total from investment operations 3.20 2.91 4.11 2.25 (0.28)
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.14) (0.11) (0.11) (0.02) --
6. Dividends (in excess of net investment income) -- -- -- -- --
7. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
8. Distributions (from capital gains) -- (0.01) (0.23) -- --
9. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.27) (0.03) -- -- --
10. Total distributions (0.41) (0.15) (0.34) (0.02) --
11. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $21.27 $18.48 $15.72 $11.95 $9.72
12. Total return* 17.23% 18.51% 34.71% 23.15% (2.80%)
13. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $311,110 $161,091 $27,192 $1,608 $1,353
14. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $234,421 $96,164 $7,437 $1,792 $1,421
15. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets** 0.86%(6) 0.96%(5) 1.26%(4) 2.69%(3) N/A
16. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets** 0.86% 0.96% 1.25% 2.50% 2.50%(2)
17. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets** 0.73% 0.70% 0.62% (0.80%) (1.30%)
18. Portfolio turnover rate** 93% 86% 65% 211% 275%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total return not annualized for periods of less than one full year.
** Annualized for periods of less than one full year.
(1) May 1, 1994 (inception) through December 31, 1994.
(2) The ratio was 4.67% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
(3) The ratio was 3.57% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
(4) The ratio was 2.21% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
(5) The ratio was 1.08% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.95% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
24 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $23.39 $19.44 $15.31 $12.07 $11.89
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.11 0.04
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 6.59 4.14 4.27 3.19 0.14
4. Total from investment operations 6.75 4.30 4.43 3.30 0.18
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.18) (0.17) (0.17) (0.06) --
6. Dividends (in excess of net investment income) -- (0.02) -- -- --
7. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
8. Distributions (from capital gains) -- (0.16) (0.13) -- --
9. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.87) -- -- -- --
10. Total distributions (1.05) (0.35) (0.30) (0.06) --
11. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $29.09 $23.39 $19.44 $15.31 $12.07
12. Total return 28.92% 22.15% 29.04% 27.37% 1.53%
13. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $2,890,375 $1,576,548 $582,603 $108,563 $37,728
14. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $2,217,695 $1,148,951 $304,111 $59,440 $22,896
15. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.72%(6) 0.74%(5) 0.80%(4) 0.90%(3) N/A
16. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.72% 0.74% 0.80% 0.87% 1.18%(1)(2)
17. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.64% 0.67% 0.83% 0.95% 0.50%
18. Portfolio turnover rate 77% 80% 62% 113% 217%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.49% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(3) The ratio was 1.09% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.91% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.81% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
Financial highlights 25
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCED PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $17.47 $14.77 $13.03 $10.63 $10.64
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.39 0.34 0.32 0.17 0.15
3. Net gains (or losses) on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 5.51 2.89 1.81 2.45 (0.06)
4. Total from investment operations 5.90 3.23 2.13 2.62 0.09
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.38) (0.35) (0.30) (0.22) (0.10)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) (0.45) (0.18) (0.09) -- --
8. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.04) -- -- -- --
9. Total distributions (0.87) (0.53) (0.39) (0.22) (0.10)
10. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $22.50 $17.47 $14.77 $13.03 $10.63
11. Total return 34.28% 22.10% 16.18% 24.79% 0.84%
12. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $882,495 $362,409 $85,480 $14,021 $3,153
13. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $555,002 $176,432 $43,414 $5,739 $2,336
14. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.74%(6) 0.83%(5) 0.94%(4) 1.37%(3) N/A
15. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.74% 0.82% 0.92% 1.30% 1.57%(1)(2)
16. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 2.41% 2.87% 2.92% 2.41% 1.90%
17. Portfolio turnover rate 70% 139% 103% 149% 158%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(3) The ratio was 1.55% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(4) The ratio was 1.07% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.83% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
26 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Glossary of investment terms
This glossary provides a more detailed description of some of the
types of securities and other instruments in which the Portfolios may
invest. The Portfolios may invest in these instruments to the extent
permitted by their investment objectives and policies. The Portfolios
are not limited by this discussion and may invest in any other types
of instruments not precluded by the policies discussed elsewhere in
this Prospectus. Please refer to the SAI for a more detailed
discussion of certain instruments.
I. EQUITY AND DEBT SECURITIES
BONDS are debt securities issued by a company, municipality,
government or government agency. The issuer of a bond is required to
pay the holder the amount of the loan (or par value of the bond) at a
specified maturity and to make scheduled interest payments.
COMMERCIAL PAPER is a short-term debt obligation with a maturity
ranging from 1 to 270 days issued by banks, corporations and other
borrowers to investors seeking to invest idle cash. The Portfolios may
purchase commercial paper issued in private placements under Section
4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.
COMMON STOCKS are equity securities representing shares of ownership
in a company and usually carry voting rights and earns dividends.
Unlike preferred stock, dividends on common stock are not fixed but
are declared at the discretion of the issuer's board of directors.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES are preferred stocks or bonds that pay a fixed
dividend or interest payment and are convertible into common stock at
a specified price or conversion ratio.
DEBT SECURITIES are securities representing money borrowed that must
be repaid at a later date. Such securities have specific maturities
and usually a specific rate of interest or an original purchase
discount.
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS are receipts for shares of a foreign-based
corporation that entitle the holder to dividends and capital gains on
the underlying security. Receipts include those issued by domestic
banks (American Depositary Receipts), foreign banks (Global or
European Depositary Receipts) and broker-dealers (depositary shares).
FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES are securities that pay a specified rate of
return. The term generally includes short-and long-term government,
corporate and municipal obligations that pay a specified rate of
interest or coupons for a specified period of time, and preferred
stock, which pays fixed dividends. Coupon and dividend rates may be
fixed for the life of the issue or, in the case of adjustable and
floating rate securities, for a shorter period.
HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK SECURITIES are securities that are rated below
investment grade by the primary rating agencies (e.g., BB or lower by
Standard & Poor's and Ba or lower by Moody's). Other terms commonly
used to describe such securities include "lower rated bonds,"
"noninvestment grade bonds" and "junk bonds."
MORTGAGE- AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES are shares in a pool of
mortgages or other debt. These securities are generally pass-through
securities, which means that principal and interest payments on the
underlying securities (less servicing fees) are passed through to
shareholders on a pro rata basis. These securities involve prepayment
risk, which is the risk that the underlying mortgages or other debt
may be refinanced or paid off prior to their maturities during periods
of declining interest rates. In that case, a portfolio manager may
have to reinvest the proceeds from the securities at a lower rate.
Potential market gains on a security subject to prepayment risk may be
more limited than potential market gains on a comparable security that
is not subject to prepayment risk.
PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES (PFICS) are any foreign
corporations which generate certain amounts of passive income or hold
certain amounts of assets for the production of passive income.
Passive
Glossary of investment terms 27
<PAGE>
income includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents and annuities.
To avoid taxes and interest that the Portfolios must pay if these
investments are profitable, the Portfolios may make various elections
permitted by the tax laws. These elections could require that the
Portfolios recognize taxable income, which in turn must be
distributed, before the securities are sold and before cash is
received to pay the distributions.
PAY-IN-KIND BONDS are debt securities that normally give the issuer an
option to pay cash at a coupon payment date or give the holder of the
security a similar bond with the same coupon rate and a face value
equal to the amount of the coupon payment that would have been made.
PREFERRED STOCKS are equity securities that generally pay dividends at
a specified rate and have preference over common stock in the payment
of dividends and liquidation. Preferred stock generally does not carry
voting rights.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS involve the purchase of a security by a
Portfolio and a simultaneous agreement by the seller (generally a bank
or dealer) to repurchase the security from the Portfolio at a
specified date or upon demand. This technique offers a method of
earning income on idle cash. These securities involve the risk that
the seller will fail to repurchase the security, as agreed. In that
case, a Portfolio will bear the risk of market value fluctuations
until the security can be sold and may encounter delays and incur
costs in liquidating the security.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS involve the sale of a security by a
Portfolio to another party (generally a bank or dealer) in return for
cash and an agreement by the Portfolio to buy the security back at a
specified price and time. This technique will be used primarily to
provide cash to satisfy unusually high redemption requests, or for
other temporary or emergency purposes.
RULE 144A SECURITIES are securities that are not registered for sale
to the general public under the Securities Act of 1933, but that may
be resold to certain institutional investors.
STANDBY COMMITMENTS are obligations purchased by a Portfolio from a
dealer that give the Portfolio the option to sell a security to the
dealer at a specified price.
STEP COUPON BONDS are debt securities that trade at a discount from
their face value and pay coupon interest. The discount from the face
value depends on the time remaining until cash payments begin,
prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security and the perceived
credit quality of the issuer.
STRIP BONDS are debt securities that are stripped of their interest
(usually by a financial intermediary) after the securities are issued.
The market value of these securities generally fluctuates more in
response to changes in interest rates than interest-paying securities
of comparable maturity.
TENDER OPTION BONDS are generally long-term securities that are
coupled with an option to tender the securities to a bank,
broker-dealer or other financial institution at periodic intervals and
receive the face value of the bond. This type of security is commonly
used as a means of enhancing the security's liquidity.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES include direct obligations of the U.S.
government that are supported by its full faith and credit. Treasury
bills have initial maturities of less than one year, Treasury notes
have initial maturities of one to ten years and Treasury bonds may be
issued with any maturity but generally have maturities of at least ten
years. U.S. government securities also include indirect obligations of
the U.S. government that are issued by federal agencies and government
sponsored entities. Unlike Treasury securities, agency securities
generally are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
government. Some agency securities are supported by the right of the
issuer to borrow from the Treasury, others are supported by the
discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the
agency's obligations and others are supported only by the credit of
the sponsoring agency.
28 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES have variable or floating rates
of interest and, under certain limited circumstances, may have varying
principal amounts. These securities pay interest at rates that are
adjusted periodically according to a specified formula, usually with
reference to some interest rate index or market interest rate. The
floating rate tends to decrease the security's price sensitivity to
changes in interest rates.
WARRANTS are securities, typically issued with preferred stock or
bonds, that give the holder the right to buy a proportionate amount of
common stock at a specified price, usually at a price that is higher
than the market price at the time of issuance of the warrant. The
right may last for a period of years or indefinitely.
WHEN-ISSUED, DELAYED DELIVERY AND FORWARD TRANSACTIONS generally
involve the purchase of a security with payment and delivery at some
time in the future - i.e., beyond normal settlement. The Portfolios do
not earn interest on such securities until settlement and bear the
risk of market value fluctuations in between the purchase and
settlement dates. New issues of stocks and bonds, private placements
and U.S. government securities may be sold in this manner.
ZERO COUPON BONDS are debt securities that do not pay regular interest
at regular intervals, but are issued at a discount from face value.
The discount approximates the total amount of interest the security
will accrue from the date of issuance to maturity. The market value of
these securities generally fluctuates more in response to changes in
interest rates than interest-paying securities.
II. FUTURES, OPTIONS AND OTHER DERIVATIVES
FORWARD CONTRACTS are contracts to purchase or sell a specified amount
of a financial instrument for an agreed upon price at a specified
time. Forward contracts are not currently exchange traded and are
typically negotiated on an individual basis. The Portfolios may enter
into forward currency contracts to hedge against declines in the value
of securities denominated in, or whose value is tied to, a currency
other than the U.S. dollar or to reduce the impact of currency
appreciation on purchases of such securities. They may also enter into
forward contracts to purchase or sell securities or other financial
indices.
FUTURES CONTRACTS are contracts that obligate the buyer to receive and
the seller to deliver an instrument or money at a specified price on a
specified date. The Portfolios may buy and sell futures contracts on
foreign currencies, securities and financial indices including
interest rates or an index of U.S. government, foreign government,
equity or fixed-income securities. The Portfolios may also buy options
on futures contracts. An option on a futures contract gives the buyer
the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a futures contract
at a specified price on or before a specified date. Futures contracts
and options on futures are standardized and traded on designated
exchanges.
INDEXED/STRUCTURED SECURITIES are typically short- to
intermediate-term debt securities whose value at maturity or interest
rate is linked to currencies, interest rates, equity securities,
indices, commodity prices or other financial indicators. Such
securities may be positively or negatively indexed (i.e. their value
may increase or decrease if the reference index or instrument
appreciates). Indexed/structured securities may have return
characteristics similar to direct investments in the underlying
instruments and may be more volatile than the underlying instruments.
A Portfolio bears the market risk of an investment in the underlying
instruments, as well as the credit risk of the issuer.
INTEREST RATE SWAPS involve the exchange by two parties of their
respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange
of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments).
INVERSE FLOATERS are debt instruments whose interest rate bears an
inverse relationship to the interest rate on another instrument or
index. For example, upon reset the interest rate payable on a security
may go down when the underlying index has risen. Certain inverse
floaters may have an interest rate reset
Glossary of investment terms 29
<PAGE>
mechanism that multiplies the effects of change in the underlying
index. Such mechanism may increase the volatility of the security's
market value.
OPTIONS are the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a
specified amount of securities or other assets on or before a fixed
date at a predetermined price. The Portfolios may purchase and write
put and call options on securities, securities indices and foreign
currencies.
30 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
1-800-29JANUS
100 Fillmore Street
Denver, Colorado 80206-4928
janus.com
You can request other information, including a Statement of
Additional Information, Annual Report or Semiannual Report, free of
charge, by contacting your plan sponsor or visiting our Web site at
janus.com. In the Portfolios' Annual Report, you will find a
discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that
significantly affected the Portfolios' performance during their last
fiscal year. Other information is also available from financial
intermediaries that sell Shares of the Portfolios.
The Statement of Additional Information provides detailed
information about the Portfolios and is incorporated into this
Prospectus by reference. You may review the Portfolios' Statement of
Additional Information at the Public Reference Room of the SEC or
get text only copies for a fee, by writing to or calling the Public
Reference Room, Washington, D.C. 20549-6009 (1-800-SEC-0330). You
may obtain the Statement of Additional Information for free from the
SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov.
Investment Company Act File No. 811-7736
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
Janus Aspen Series
PROSPECTUS
MAY 1, 1999
Capital Appreciation Portfolio
Worldwide Growth Portfolio
Balanced Portfolio
Money Market Portfolio
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED ON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
This prospectus describes four mutual funds (the "Portfolios")
with a variety of investment objectives, including growth of
capital, current income and a combination of growth and income.
Each Portfolio of Janus Aspen Series currently offers two
classes of shares. The Institutional Shares, (the "Shares"), are
sold under the name of "Janus Aspen Series" and are offered by
this prospectus in connection with investment in and payments
under variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance
contracts, as well as certain qualified retirement plans.
Janus Aspen Series sells and redeems its Shares at net asset
value without sales charges, commissions or redemption fees.
Each variable insurance contract involves fees and expenses that
are not described in this Prospectus. Certain Portfolios may not
be available in connection with a particular contract and
certain contracts may limit allocations among the Portfolios.
See the accompanying contract prospectus for information
regarding contract fees and expenses and any restrictions on
purchases or allocations.
This prospectus contains information that a prospective
purchaser of a variable insurance contract or plan participant
should consider in conjunction with the accompanying separate
account prospectus of the specific insurance company product
before allocating purchase payments or premiums to the
Portfolios.
<PAGE>
Table of contents
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
Growth Portfolios........................................ 2
Balanced Portfolio....................................... 5
Money Market Portfolio................................... 7
Fees and expenses........................................ 9
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND
RISKS
Growth Portfolios........................................ 10
Balanced Portfolio....................................... 12
General portfolio policies for Portfolios other than
Money Market Portfolio................................... 13
Risks for the Growth and Balanced Portfolios............. 15
Money Market Portfolio................................... 17
Investment techniques.................................... 18
MANAGEMENT OF THE PORTFOLIOS
Investment adviser....................................... 20
Management expenses and expense limits................... 20
Investment personnel..................................... 21
OTHER INFORMATION........................................... 22
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Distributions............................................ 23
Money Market Portfolios.................................. 23
Portfolios other than Money Market Portfolios............ 23
Taxes.................................................... 23
SHAREHOLDER'S GUIDE
Pricing of portfolio shares.............................. 25
Purchases................................................ 25
Redemptions.............................................. 26
Shareholder communications............................... 26
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS........................................ 27
GLOSSARY
Glossary of investment terms............................. 31
</TABLE>
Table of contents 1
<PAGE>
Risk return summary
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
The Growth Portfolios are designed for long-term investors who seek
growth of capital and who can tolerate the greater risks associated
with common stock investments.
1. WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES OF THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital.
- WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital in a
manner consistent with the preservation of capital.
The Portfolios' Trustees may change these objectives without a
shareholder vote and the Portfolios will notify you of any changes
that are material. If there is a material change to a Portfolio's
objective or policies, you should consider whether that Portfolio
remains an appropriate investment for you. There is no guarantee
that a Portfolio will meet its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
The portfolio managers apply a "bottom up" approach in choosing
investments. In other words, they look for companies with earnings
growth potential one at a time. If a portfolio manager is unable to
find investments with earnings growth potential, a significant portion
of a Portfolio's assets may be in cash or similar investments.
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks
selected for their growth potential. The Portfolio may invest in
companies of any size, from larger, well-established companies to
smaller, emerging growth companies.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks of
companies of any size throughout the world. The Portfolio normally
invests in issuers from at least five different countries, including
the United States. The Portfolio may at times invest in fewer than
five countries or even a single country.
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
The biggest risk is that the Portfolios' returns may vary, and you
could lose money. If you are considering investing in either of the
Growth Portfolios, remember that they are each designed for long-term
investors who can accept the risks of investing in a portfolio with
significant common stock holdings. Common stocks tend to be more
volatile than other investment choices.
The value of a Portfolio may decrease if the value of an individual
company in the portfolio decreases. The value of a Portfolio could
also decrease if the stock market goes down. If the value of a
Portfolio decreases, its net asset value (NAV) will also decrease,
which means if you sell your shares in a Portfolio you would get back
less money.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO may have significant exposure to foreign
markets. As a result, its returns and NAV may be affected to a large
degree by fluctuations in currency exchange rates or political or
economic conditions in a particular country.
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO is nondiversified. In other words, it
may hold larger positions in a smaller number of securities than a
diversified fund. As a result, a single security's increase or
decrease in value may have a greater impact on the Portfolio's NAV and
total return.
2 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
An investment in these Portfolios is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency.
The following information, provides an indication of the risks of
investing in the Growth Portfolios by showing how each of the Growth
Portfolios' performance has varied over time. The bar charts depict
the change in performance from year-to-year during the period
indicated, but do not include charges and expenses attributable to any
insurance product which would lower the performance illustrated. The
Portfolios do not impose any sales or other charges that would affect
total return computations. Total return figures include the effect of
each Portfolio's expenses. The tables compare the average annual
returns for the Shares of each Portfolio for the periods indicated to
a broad-based securities market index.
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Capital Appreciation
Portfolio - Institutional Shares for 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
58.11%
1998
The percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 33.98% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (9.98%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year (5/1/97)
<S> <C> <C>
Capital Appreciation Portfolio - Institutional Shares 58.11% 51.65%
S&P 500 Index* 28.74% 31.38%
-----------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 500 is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks,
a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
Risk return summary 3
<PAGE>
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Worldwide Growth
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
1.53% 27.37% 29.04% 22.15% 28.92%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 20.87% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (16.03%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Worldwide Growth Portfolio - Institutional Shares 28.92% 21.32% 24.06%
Morgan Stanley International Worldwide Index* 24.34% 15.68% 14.39%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The Morgan Stanley International Worldwide Index is a market
capitalization weighted index composed of countries representative
of the market structure of 47 Developed and Emerging Markets.
The Growth Portfolios' past performance does not necessarily indicate
how they will perform in the future.
4 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
BALANCED PORTFOLIO
Balanced Portfolio is designed for investors who primarily seek growth
of capital with current income. It is not designed for investors who
desire a consistent level of income.
1. WHAT IS THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- BALANCED PORTFOLIO seeks long-term capital growth, consistent
with preservation of capital and balanced by current income.
The Trustees may change this objective without a shareholder vote and
the Portfolio will notify you of any changes that are material. If
there is a material change to the Portfolio's objective or policies,
you should consider whether the Portfolio remains an appropriate
investment for you. There is no guarantee that the Portfolio will meet
its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO?
The portfolio manager applies a "bottom up" approach in choosing
investments. In other words, he looks mostly for equity and
income-producing securities that meet his investment criteria one at a
time. If a portfolio manager is unable to find such investments, much
of the Portfolio's assets may be in cash or similar investments.
Balanced Portfolio normally invests 40-60% of its assets in securities
selected primarily for their growth potential and 40-60% of its assets
in securities selected primarily for their income potential. The
Portfolio will normally invest at least 25% of its assets in
fixed-income securities.
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN BALANCED PORTFOLIO?
The biggest risk is that the Portfolio's returns may vary, and you
could lose money. If you are considering investing in Balanced
Portfolio, remember that it is designed for long-term investors who
can accept the risks of investing in a portfolio with significant
common stock holdings. Common stocks tend to be more volatile than
other investment choices.
The value of the Portfolio may decrease if the value of an individual
company in the portfolio decreases. The value of the Portfolio could
also decrease if the stock market goes down. If the value of the
Portfolio decreases, its NAV will also decrease, which means if you
sell your shares in the Portfolio you would get back less money.
The income component of the Portfolio's holdings includes fixed-income
securities. A fundamental risk to the income component is that the
value of these securities will fall if interest rates rise. Generally,
the value of a fixed-income portfolio will decrease when interest
rates rise, which means the Portfolio's NAV may likewise decrease.
Another fundamental risk associated with fixed-income securities is
credit risk, which is the risk that an issuer of a bond will be unable
to make principal and interest payments when due.
An investment in this Portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency.
Risk return summary 5
<PAGE>
The following information provides an indication of the risks of
investing in Balanced Portfolio by showing how Balanced Portfolio's
performance has varied over time. The bar chart depicts the change in
performance from year-to-year during the period indicated, but does
not include charges and expenses attributable to any insurance product
which would lower the performance illustrated. The Portfolio does not
impose any sales or other charges that would affect total return
computations. Total return figures include the effect of the
Portfolio's expenses. The table compares the average annual returns
for the Shares of the Portfolio for the period indicated to a
broad-based securities market index.
BALANCED PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Balanced Portfolio -
Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
0.84% 24.79% 16.18% 22.10% 34.28%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 20.32% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (4.97%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balanced Portfolio - Institutional Shares 34.28% 19.11% 19.53%
S&P 500 Index* 28.74% 24.08% 23.06%
Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond Index** 9.47% 7.30% 6.90%
----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 500 is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks,
a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
** Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond Index is composed of all bonds that
are of investment grade with at least one year until maturity.
Balanced Portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate
how it will perform in the future.
6 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO
Money Market Portfolio is designed for investors who seek current
income.
1. WHAT IS THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO seeks maximum current income to the extent
consistent with stability of capital.
The Trustees may change this objective without a shareholder vote and
the Portfolio will notify you of any changes that are material. If
there is a material change in the Portfolio's objective or policies,
you should consider whether it remains an appropriate investment for
you. There is no guarantee that the Portfolio will meet its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO?
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO will invest only in high-quality, short-term
money market instruments that present minimal credit risks, as
determined by Janus Capital. The Portfolio invests primarily in high
quality debt obligations and obligations of financial institutions.
Debt obligations may include commercial paper, notes and bonds, and
variable amount master demand notes. Obligations of financial
institutions include certificates of deposit and time deposits.
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO?
The Portfolio's yields will vary as the short-term securities in the
portfolio mature and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with
different interest rates. Over time, the real value of the Portfolio's
yield may be eroded by inflation. Although Money Market Portfolio
invests only in high-quality, short-term money market instruments,
there is a risk that the value of the securities it holds will fall as
a result of changes in interest rates, an issuer's actual or perceived
credit-worthiness or an issuer's ability to meet its obligations.
An investment in Money Market Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and
is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Although the Portfolio
seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it
is possible to lose money by investing in Money Market Portfolio.
Risk return summary 7
<PAGE>
The following information provides an indication of the risks of
investing in Money Market Portfolio by showing how Money Market
Portfolio's performance has varied over time, but does not include
charges and expenses attributable to any insurance product which would
lower the performance illustrated. The Portfolio does not impose any
sales or other charges that would affect total return or yield
computations. Total return and yield figures include the effect of the
Portfolio's expenses. The bar chart depicts the change in performance
from year to year.
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Money Market Portfolio -
Institutional Shares from 1996 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
5.05% 5.17% 5.36%
1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 1.35% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 1.22%
The 7-day yield for the Portfolio's Shares on December 31, 1998 was
4.87%. For the Portfolio's current yield, call the Janus
XpressLine(TM) at 1-888-979-7737.
Money Market Portfolio's past performance does not necessarily
indicate how it will perform in the future.
8 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
FEES AND EXPENSES
SHAREHOLDER FEES, such as sales loads, redemption fees or exchange
fees, are charged directly to an investor's account. All Janus funds
are no-load investments, so you will not pay any shareholder fees when
you buy or sell shares of the Portfolios. However, each variable
insurance contract involves fees and expenses not described in this
prospectus. See the accompanying contract prospectus for information
regarding contract fees and expenses and any restrictions on purchases
or allocations.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES are paid out of a Portfolio's assets
and include fees for portfolio management, maintenance of shareholder
accounts, shareholder servicing, accounting and other services. You do
not pay these fees directly but, as the example on the next page
shows, these costs are borne indirectly by all shareholders.
This table and example are designed to assist participants in
qualified plans that invest in the Shares of the Portfolios in
understanding the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in
the Shares. The information shown is based upon gross expenses
(without the effect of expense offset arrangements) for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1998. OWNERS OF VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACTS
THAT INVEST IN THE SHARES SHOULD REFER TO THE VARIABLE INSURANCE
CONTRACT PROSPECTUS FOR A DESCRIPTION OF FEES AND EXPENSES, AS THE
TABLE AND EXAMPLE DO NOT REFLECT DEDUCTIONS AT THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
LEVEL OR CONTRACT LEVEL FOR ANY CHARGES THAT MAY BE INCURRED UNDER A
CONTRACT.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Annual Fund Total Annual Fund
Operating Expenses Operating Expenses
Management Other Without Waivers Total With Waivers
Fee Expenses or Reductions* Waivers and Reductions or Reductions*
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Capital Appreciation Portfolio 0.75% 0.22% 0.97% 0.05% 0.92%
Worldwide Growth Portfolio 0.67% 0.07% 0.74% 0.02% 0.72%
Balanced Portfolio 0.72% 0.02% 0.74% N/A 0.74%
Money Market Portfolio 0.25% 0.09% 0.34% N/A 0.34%
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* All expenses are stated both with and without contractual waivers and
fee reductions by Janus Capital. Fee reductions for Capital
Appreciation, Worldwide Growth and Balanced Portfolios reduce the
Management Fee to the level of the corresponding Janus retail fund.
Other waivers, if applicable, are first applied against the Management
Fee and then against Other Expenses. Janus Capital has agreed to
continue the waivers and fee reductions until at least the next annual
renewal of the advisory agreement.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXAMPLE:
THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLE IS BASED ON EXPENSES WITHOUT WAIVERS OR
REDUCTIONS. This example is intended to help you compare the cost of
investing in the Portfolios with the cost of investing in other mutual
funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in each of the
Portfolios for the time periods indicated then redeem all of your shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year, and that the Portfolios' operating
expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
-----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Capital Appreciation Portfolio $ 99 $309 $ 536 $1,190
Worldwide Growth Portfolio $ 76 $237 $ 411 $ 918
Balanced Portfolio $ 76 $237 $ 411 $ 918
Money Market Portfolio $ 35 $109 $ 191 $ 431
</TABLE>
Risk return summary 9
<PAGE>
Investment objectives, principal investment
strategies and risks
Each of the Portfolios has a similar investment objective and similar
principal investment strategies to a Janus retail fund:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Capital Appreciation Portfolio Janus Twenty Fund*
Worldwide Growth Portfolio Janus Worldwide Fund
Balanced Portfolio Janus Balanced Fund
Money Market Portfolio Janus Money Market Fund
</TABLE>
* Prior to May 1, 1999 Capital Appreciation Portfolio was managed in a
similar manner to Janus Olympus Fund.
Although it is anticipated that each Portfolio and its corresponding
retail fund will hold similar securities, differences in asset size,
cash flow needs and other factors may result in differences in
investment performance. The expenses of each Portfolio and its
corresponding retail fund are expected to differ. The variable
contract owner will also bear various insurance related costs at the
insurance company level. You should review the accompanying separate
account prospectus for a summary of fees and expenses.
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
This section takes a closer look at the investment objectives of each
of the Growth Portfolios, their principal investment strategies and
certain risks of investing in the Growth Portfolios. Strategies and
policies that are noted as "fundamental" cannot be changed without a
shareholder vote.
Please carefully review the "Risks" section of this Prospectus on
pages 15-16 for a discussion of risks associated with certain
investment techniques. We've also included a Glossary with
descriptions of investment terms used throughout this Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO
Capital Appreciation Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital. It
pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks selected
for their growth potential. The Portfolio may invest in companies of
any size, from larger, well-established companies to smaller, emerging
growth companies.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Worldwide Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital in a
manner consistent with the preservation of capital. It pursues its
objective by investing primarily in common stocks of companies of any
size throughout the world. The Portfolio normally invests in issuers
from at least five different countries, including the United States.
The Portfolio may at times invest in fewer than five countries or even
a single country.
10 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
the Growth Portfolios' principal investment strategies.
1. HOW ARE COMMON STOCKS SELECTED?
Each of the Portfolios may invest substantially all of its assets in
common stocks if its portfolio manager believes that common stocks
will appreciate in value. The portfolio managers generally take a
"bottom up" approach to selecting companies. In other words, they seek
to identify individual companies with earnings growth potential that
may not be recognized by the market at large. They make this
assessment by looking at companies one at a time, regardless of size,
country of organization, place of principal business activity, or
other similar selection criteria. Realization of income is not a
significant consideration when choosing investments for the
Portfolios. Income realized on the Portfolios' investments will be
incidental to their objectives.
2. ARE THE SAME CRITERIA USED TO SELECT FOREIGN SECURITIES?
Generally, yes. The portfolio managers seek companies that meet their
selection criteria, regardless of where a company is located. Foreign
securities are generally selected on a stock-by-stock basis without
regard to any defined allocation among countries or geographic
regions. However, certain factors such as expected levels of
inflation, government policies influencing business conditions, the
outlook for currency relationships, and prospects for economic growth
among countries, regions or geographic areas may warrant greater
consideration in selecting foreign securities. There are no
limitations on the countries in which the Portfolios may invest and
the Portfolios may at times have significant foreign exposure.
3. WHAT DOES "MARKET CAPITALIZATION" MEAN?
Market capitalization is the most commonly used measure of the size
and value of a company. It is computed by multiplying the current
market price of a share of the company's stock by the total number of
its shares outstanding. Although the Growth Portfolios offered by this
Prospectus do not emphasize companies of any particular size,
Portfolios with a larger asset base are more likely to invest in
larger, more established issuers.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 11
<PAGE>
BALANCED PORTFOLIO
This section takes a closer look at the investment objective of
Balanced Portfolio, its principal investment strategies and certain
risks of investing in Balanced Portfolio. Strategies and policies that
are noted as "fundamental" cannot be changed without a shareholder
vote.
Please carefully review the "Risks" section of this Prospectus on
pages 15-16 for a discussion of risks associated with certain
investment techniques. We've also included a Glossary with
descriptions of investment terms used throughout this Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Balanced Portfolio seeks long-term capital growth, consistent with
preservation of capital and balanced by current income. It pursues its
objective by normally investing 40-60% of its assets in securities
selected primarily for their growth potential and 40-60% of its assets
in securities selected primarily for their income potential. This
Portfolio normally invests at least 25% of its assets in fixed-income
securities.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
Balanced Portfolio's principal investment strategies.
3. HOW ARE COMMON STOCKS SELECTED FOR BALANCED PORTFOLIO IN COMPARISON TO THE
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
Because income is a part of the investment objective of Balanced
Portfolio, the portfolio manager may consider dividend-paying
characteristics to a greater degree in selecting common stocks for
this Portfolio.
4. HOW ARE ASSETS ALLOCATED BETWEEN THE GROWTH AND INCOME COMPONENTS OF BALANCED
PORTFOLIO'S HOLDINGS?
Balanced Portfolio shifts assets between the growth and income
components of its holdings based on the portfolio manager's analysis
of relevant market, financial and economic conditions. If the
portfolio manager believes that growth securities will provide better
returns than the yields then available or expected on income-producing
securities, that Portfolio will place a greater emphasis on the growth
component.
5. WHAT TYPES OF SECURITIES MAKE UP THE GROWTH COMPONENT OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO'S
INVESTMENTS?
The growth component of Balanced Portfolio's investments is expected
to consist primarily of common stocks, but may also include warrants,
preferred stocks or convertible securities selected primarily for
their growth potential.
6. WHAT TYPES OF SECURITIES MAKE UP THE INCOME COMPONENT OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO'S
HOLDINGS?
The income component of Balanced Portfolio will consist of securities
that the portfolio manager believes have income potential. Such
securities may include equity securities, convertible securities and
all types of debt securities. Equity securities may be included in the
income component of the Portfolio if they currently pay dividends or
the portfolio manager believes they have the potential for either
increasing their dividends or commencing dividends, if none are
currently paid.
12 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
GENERAL PORTFOLIO POLICIES OF THE PORTFOLIOS OTHER THAN MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO
Unless otherwise stated, each of the following policies applies to all
of the Portfolios other than Money Market Portfolio. The percentage
limitations included in these policies and elsewhere in this
Prospectus apply at the time of purchase of the security. So, for
example, if a Portfolio exceeds a limit as a result of market
fluctuations or the sale of other securities, it will not be required
to dispose of any securities.
CASH POSITION
When a portfolio manager believes that market conditions are
unfavorable for profitable investing, or when he or she is otherwise
unable to locate attractive investment opportunities, the Portfolios'
cash or similar investments may increase. In other words, the
Portfolios do not always stay fully invested in stocks and bonds. Cash
or similar investments generally are a residual - they represent the
assets that remain after a portfolio manager has committed available
assets to desirable investment opportunities. However, a portfolio
manager may also temporarily increase a Portfolio's cash position to
protect its assets or maintain liquidity. Partly because the portfolio
managers act independently of each other, the cash positions of the
Portfolios may vary significantly.
When a Portfolio's investments in cash or similar investments
increase, it may not participate in market advances or declines to the
same extent that it would if the Portfolio remained more fully
invested in stocks or bonds.
OTHER TYPES OF INVESTMENTS
The Growth Portfolios invest primarily in domestic and foreign equity
securities, which may include preferred stocks, common stocks,
warrants and securities convertible into common or preferred stocks.
Balanced Portfolio also invests in domestic and foreign equity
securities with varying degrees of emphasis on income. The Portfolios
may also invest to a lesser degree in other types of securities. These
securities (which are described in the Glossary) may include:
- debt securities
- indexed/structured securities
- high-yield/high-risk securities (less than 35% of each Portfolio's
assets)
- options, futures, forwards and other types of derivatives for
hedging purposes or for non-hedging purposes such as seeking to
enhance return
- securities purchased on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward
commitment basis
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS
Each Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid
investments. An illiquid investment is a security or other position
that cannot be disposed of quickly in the normal course of business.
For example, some securities are not registered under U.S. securities
laws and cannot be sold to the U.S. public because of SEC regulations
(these are known as "restricted securities"). Under procedures adopted
by the Portfolios' Trustees, certain restricted securities may be
deemed liquid, and will not be counted toward this 15% limit.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
The Portfolios may invest without limit in foreign equity and debt
securities. The Portfolios may invest directly in foreign securities
denominated in a foreign currency and not publicly traded in the
United
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 13
<PAGE>
States. Other ways of investing in foreign securities include
depositary receipts or shares, and passive foreign investment
companies.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Each Portfolio may invest in special situations. A special situation
arises when, in the opinion of a Portfolio's manager, the securities
of a particular issuer will be recognized and appreciate in value due
to a specific development with respect to that issuer. Developments
creating a special situation might include, among others, a new
product or process, a technological breakthrough, a management change
or other extraordinary corporate event, or differences in market
supply of and demand for the security. A Portfolio's performance could
suffer if the anticipated development in a "special situation"
investment does not occur or does not attract the expected attention.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Portfolios generally intend to purchase securities for long-term
investment although, to a limited extent, a Portfolio may purchase
securities in anticipation of relatively short-term price gains.
Short-term transactions may also result from liquidity needs,
securities having reached a price or yield objective, changes in
interest rates or the credit standing of an issuer, or by reason of
economic or other developments not foreseen at the time of the
investment decision. A Portfolio may also sell one security and
simultaneously purchase the same or a comparable security to take
advantage of short-term differentials in bond yields or securities
prices. Changes are made in a Portfolio's holdings whenever its
portfolio manager believes such changes are desirable. Portfolio
turnover rates are generally not a factor in making buy and sell
decisions.
Increased portfolio turnover may result in higher costs for brokerage
commissions, dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs and may also
result in taxable capital gains. Higher costs associated with
increased portfolio turnover may offset gains in a Portfolio's
performance.
14 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
RISKS FOR THE GROWTH AND BALANCED PORTFOLIOS
Because the Portfolios may invest substantially all of their assets in
common stocks, the main risk is the risk that the value of the stocks
they hold might decrease in response to the activities of an
individual company or in response to general market and/or economic
conditions. If this occurs, a Portfolio's share price may also
decrease. A Portfolio's performance may also be affected by risks
specific to certain types of investments, such as foreign securities,
derivative investments, non-investment grade debt securities or
companies with relatively small market capitalizations.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
some of the risks of investing in the Growth and Balanced Portfolios.
1. THE PORTFOLIOS MAY INVEST IN SMALLER OR NEWER COMPANIES. DOES THIS CREATE ANY
SPECIAL RISKS?
Smaller or newer companies may suffer more significant losses as well
as realize more substantial growth than larger or more established
issuers because they may lack depth of management, be unable to
generate funds necessary for growth or potential development, or be
developing or marketing new products or services for which markets are
not yet established and may never become established. In addition,
such companies may be insignificant factors in their industries and
may become subject to intense competition from larger or more
established companies. Securities of smaller or newer companies may
have more limited trading markets than the markets for securities of
larger or more established issuers, and may be subject to wide price
fluctuations. Investments in such companies tend to be more volatile
and somewhat more speculative.
2. HOW DOES THE NONDIVERSIFIED STATUS OF CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO AFFECT
ITS RISK?
Diversification is a way to reduce risk by investing in a broad range
of stocks or other securities. A "nondiversified" portfolio has the
ability to take larger positions in a smaller number of issuers.
Because the appreciation or depreciation of a single stock may have a
greater impact on the NAV of a nondiversified portfolio, its share
price can be expected to fluctuate more than a comparable diversified
portfolio. This fluctuation, if significant, may affect the
performance of the Portfolio.
3. HOW COULD THE PORTFOLIOS' INVESTMENTS IN FOREIGN SECURITIES AFFECT THEIR
PERFORMANCE?
The Portfolios may invest without limit in foreign securities either
indirectly (e.g., depositary receipts) or directly in foreign markets.
Investments in foreign securities, including those of foreign
governments, may involve greater risks than investing in domestic
securities because the Portfolios' performance may depend on issues
other than the performance of a particular company. These issues
include:
- CURRENCY RISK. As long as a Portfolio holds a foreign security, its
value will be affected by the value of the local currency relative
to the U.S. dollar. When a Portfolio sells a foreign denominated
security, its value may be worth less in U.S. dollars even if the
security increases in value in its home country. U.S. dollar
denominated securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by
currency risk.
- POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RISK. Foreign investments may be subject to
heightened political and economic risks, particularly in emerging
markets which may have relatively unstable governments, immature
economic structures, national policies restricting investments by
foreigners, different legal systems, and economies based on only a
few industries. In some countries, there is the risk that the
government may take over the assets or operations of a company or
that the government may impose taxes or limits on the removal of a
Portfolio's assets from that country.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 15
<PAGE>
- REGULATORY RISK. There may be less government supervision of foreign
markets. As a result, foreign issuers may not be subject to the
uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and
practices applicable to domestic issuers and there may be less
publicly available information about foreign issuers.
- MARKET RISK. Foreign securities markets, particularly those of
emerging market countries, may be less liquid and more volatile than
domestic markets. Certain markets may require payment for securities
before delivery and delays may be encountered in settling securities
transactions. In some foreign markets, there may not be protection
against failure by other parties to complete transactions.
- TRANSACTION COSTS. Costs of buying, selling and holding foreign
securities, including brokerage, tax and custody costs, may be
higher than those involved in domestic transactions.
4. ARE THERE SPECIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTMENTS IN HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK
SECURITIES?
High-yield/high-risk securities (or "junk" bonds) are securities rated
below investment grade by the primary rating agencies such as Standard
& Poor's and Moody's. The value of lower quality securities generally
is more dependent on credit risk, or the ability of the issuer to meet
interest and principal payments, than investment grade debt
securities. Issuers of high-yield securities may not be as strong
financially as those issuing bonds with higher credit ratings and are
more vulnerable to real or perceived economic changes, political
changes or adverse developments specific to the issuer.
5. HOW DO THE PORTFOLIOS TRY TO REDUCE RISK?
The Portfolios may use futures, options and other derivative
instruments to "hedge" or protect their portfolios from adverse
movements in securities prices and interest rates. The Portfolios may
also use a variety of currency hedging techniques, including forward
currency contracts, to manage exchange rate risk. The portfolio
managers believe the use of these instruments will benefit the
Portfolios. However, a Portfolio's performance could be worse than if
the Portfolio had not used such instruments if a portfolio manager's
judgement proves incorrect. Risks associated with the use of
derivative instruments are described in the SAI.
6. I'VE HEARD A LOT ABOUT HOW THE CHANGE TO THE YEAR 2000 COULD AFFECT COMPUTER
SYSTEMS. DOES THIS CREATE ANY SPECIAL RISKS?
The portfolio managers carefully research each potential investment
before making an investment decision and, among other things, consider
Year 2000 readiness when selecting portfolio holdings. However, there
is no guarantee that the information a portfolio manager receives
regarding a company's Year 2000 readiness is completely accurate. If a
company has not satisfactorily addressed Year 2000 issues, the
Portfolio's performance could suffer.
16 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO
This section takes a closer look at the investment objective of Money
Market Portfolio, its principal investment strategies and certain
risks of investing in the Portfolio. Strategies and policies that are
noted as "fundamental" cannot be changed without a shareholder vote.
Money Market Portfolio is subject to certain specific SEC rule
requirements. Among other things, the Portfolio is limited to
investing in U.S. dollar-denominated instruments with a remaining
maturity of 397 days or less (as calculated pursuant to Rule 2a-7
under the 1940 Act).
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Money Market Portfolio seeks maximum current income to the extent
consistent with stability of capital. It pursues its objective by
investing primarily in high quality debt obligations and obligations
of financial institutions. Debt obligations may include commercial
paper, notes and bonds, and variable amount master demand notes.
Obligations of financial institutions include certificates of deposit
and time deposits.
Money Market Portfolio will:
- invest in high quality, short-term money market instruments that
present minimal credit risks, as determined by Janus Capital
- invest only in U.S. dollar-denominated instruments that have a
remaining maturity of 397 days or less (as calculated pursuant to
Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act)
- maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of 90 days or
less
TYPES OF INVESTMENTS
Money Market Portfolio invests primarily in:
- high quality debt obligations
- obligations of financial institutions
The Portfolio may also invest (to a lesser degree) in:
- U.S. Government Securities (securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities)
- municipal securities
DEBT OBLIGATIONS
The Portfolio may invest in debt obligations of domestic issuers. Debt
obligations include:
- commercial paper
- notes and bonds
- variable amount master demand notes (the payment obligations on
these instruments may be backed by securities, swap agreements or
other assets, by a guarantee of a third party or solely by the
unsecured promise of the issuer to make payments when due)
- privately issued commercial paper or other securities that are
restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 17
<PAGE>
OBLIGATIONS OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Examples of obligations of financial institutions include:
- negotiable certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, time
deposits and other obligations of U.S. banks (including savings and
loan associations) having total assets in excess of one billion
dollars and U.S. branches of foreign banks having total assets in
excess of ten billion dollars
- Eurodollar and Yankee bank obligations (Eurodollar bank obligations
are dollar-denominated certificates of deposit or time deposits
issued outside the U.S. capital markets by foreign branches of U.S.
banks and by foreign banks. Yankee bank obligations are
dollar-denominated obligations issued in the U.S. capital markets by
foreign banks)
- other U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of foreign banks having
total assets in excess of ten billion dollars that Janus Capital
believes are of an investment quality comparable to obligations of
U.S. banks in which the Portfolio may invest
Foreign, Eurodollar (and to a limited extent, Yankee) bank obligations
are subject to certain sovereign risks. One such risk is the
possibility that a foreign government might prevent dollar-denominated
funds from flowing across its borders. Other risks include: adverse
political and economic developments in a foreign country; the extent
and quality of government regulation of financial markets and
institutions; the imposition of foreign withholding taxes; and
expropriation or nationalization of foreign issuers.
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
The following is a description of other investment techniques that
Money Market Portfolio may use:
PARTICIPATION INTERESTS
A participation interest gives Money Market Portfolio a proportionate,
undivided interest in underlying debt securities and sometimes carries
a demand feature.
DEMAND FEATURES
Demand features give Money Market Portfolio the right to resell
securities at specified periods prior to their maturity dates. Demand
features may shorten the life of a variable or floating rate security,
enhance the instrument's credit quality and provide a source of
liquidity.
Demand features are often issued by third party financial
institutions, generally domestic and foreign banks. Accordingly, the
credit quality and liquidity of Money Market Portfolio's investments
may be dependent in part on the credit quality of the banks supporting
Money Market Portfolio's investments. This will result in exposure to
risks pertaining to the banking industry, including the foreign
banking industry. Brokerage firms and insurance companies also provide
certain liquidity and credit support.
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES
Money Market Portfolio may invest in securities which have variable or
floating rates of interest. These securities pay interest at rates
that are adjusted periodically according to a specified formula,
usually with reference to an interest rate index or market interest
rate. Variable and floating rate securities are subject to changes in
value based on changes in market interest rates or changes in the
issuer's or guarantor's creditworthiness.
18 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
MORTGAGE- AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
Money Market Portfolio may purchase fixed or variable rate
mortgage-backed securities issued by the Government National Mortgage
Association, Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home
Loan Mortgage Corporation, or other governmental or government-related
entity. The Portfolio may purchase other mortgage- and asset-backed
securities including securities backed by automobile loans, equipment
leases or credit card receivables.
Unlike traditional debt instruments, payments on these securities
include both interest and a partial payment of principal. Prepayments
of the principal of underlying loans may shorten the effective
maturities of these securities and may result in the Portfolio having
to reinvest proceeds at a lower interest rate.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
Money Market Portfolio may enter into collateralized repurchase
agreements. Repurchase agreements are transactions in which the
Portfolio purchases securities and simultaneously commits to resell
those securities to the seller at an agreed-upon price on an
agreed-upon future date. The repurchase price reflects a market rate
of interest and is collateralized by cash or securities.
If the seller of the securities underlying a repurchase agreement
fails to pay the agreed resale price on the agreed delivery date,
Money Market Portfolio may incur costs in disposing of the collateral
and may experience losses if there is any delay in its ability to do
so.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 19
<PAGE>
Management of the portfolios
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Janus Capital, 100 Fillmore Street, Denver, Colorado 80206-4928, is
the investment adviser to each of the Portfolios and is responsible
for the day-to-day management of the investment portfolios and other
business affairs of the Portfolios.
Janus Capital began serving as investment adviser to Janus Fund in
1970 and currently serves as investment adviser to all of the Janus
retail funds, acts as sub-adviser for a number of private-label mutual
funds and provides separate account advisory services for
institutional accounts.
Janus Capital furnishes continuous advice and recommendations
concerning each Portfolio's investments. Janus Capital also furnishes
certain administrative, compliance and accounting services for the
Portfolios, and may be reimbursed by the Portfolios for its costs in
providing those services. In addition, Janus Capital employees serve
as officers of the Trust and Janus Capital provides office space for
the Portfolios and pays the salaries, fees and expenses of all
Portfolio officers and those Trustees who are affiliated with Janus
Capital.
Participating insurance companies that purchase the Portfolios' shares
may perform certain administrative services relating to the Portfolios
and Janus Capital or the Portfolios may pay those companies for such
services.
MANAGEMENT EXPENSES AND EXPENSE LIMITS
Each Portfolio pays Janus Capital a management fee which is calculated
daily. The advisory agreement with each Portfolio spells out the
management fee and other expenses that the Portfolios must pay. Each
of the Portfolios is subject to the following management fee schedule
(expressed as an annual rate). In addition, the Shares of each
Portfolio incur expenses not assumed by Janus Capital, including
transfer agent and custodian fees and expenses, legal and auditing
fees, printing and mailing costs of sending reports and other
information to existing shareholders, and independent Trustees' fees
and expenses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Daily
Net Assets Annual Rate Expense Limit
Fee Schedule of Portfolio Percentage (%) Percentage (%)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Capital Appreciation, First $300 Million 0.75 N/A(1)
Worldwide Growth and Next $200 Million 0.70
Balanced Portfolios Over $500 Million 0.65
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Money Market Portfolio All Asset Levels 0.25 0.50(2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Janus Capital has agreed to reduce Capital Appreciation, Worldwide Growth
and Balanced Portfolio's management fee to the extent that such fee exceeds
the effective rate of the Janus retail fund corresponding to such Portfolio.
Janus Capital has agreed to continue such waivers until at least the next
annual renewal of the advisory contracts. The effective rate is the
management fee calculated by the corresponding retail fund as of the last
day of each calendar quarter (expressed as an annual rate). The effective
rates of Janus Olympus Fund, Janus Worldwide Fund and Janus Balanced Fund
were 0.67%, 0.65%, and 0.67%, respectively, for the quarter ended March 31,
1999.
(2) Janus Capital has agreed to limit the Portfolio's expenses as indicated
until at least the next annual renewal of the advisory contracts.
20 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT PERSONNEL
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
HELEN YOUNG HAYES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Worldwide
Growth Portfolio and co-manager of International Growth
Portfolio, which she has managed or co-managed since inception.
Ms. Hayes joined Janus Capital in 1987 and has managed or
co-managed Janus Worldwide Fund and Janus Overseas Fund since
their inceptions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from
Yale University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
SHARON S. PICHLER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Money Market
Portfolio, which she has managed since inception. She also has
managed Janus Money Market Fund, Janus Government Money Market
Fund and Janus Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund since inception. She
holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Michigan State
University and a Master of Business Administration from the
University of Texas at San Antonio. Ms. Pichler is a Chartered
Financial Analyst.
BLAINE P. ROLLINS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Balanced
Portfolio, which he has managed since May 1996 and Equity Income
Portfolio, which he has managed since inception. He is an
assistant portfolio manager of Growth Portfolio. Mr. Rollins
joined Janus Capital in 1990 and has managed Janus Balanced Fund
since January 1996 and Janus Equity Income Fund since inception.
He has been an assistant portfolio manager of Janus Fund since
January 1995. He gained experience as a fixed-income trader and
equity research analyst prior to managing Balanced Portfolio. He
holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of
Colorado and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
SCOTT W. SCHOELZEL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Capital
Appreciation Portfolio, which he has managed since its inception.
He is portfolio manager of Janus Twenty Fund, which he has
managed since August 1997. He previously managed Janus Olympus
Fund from its inception to August 1997. Mr. Schoelzel joined
Janus Capital in January 1994. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in
Business from Colorado College.
Management of the portfolios 21
<PAGE>
Other information
CLASSES OF SHARES
Each Portfolio currently offers two classes of Shares, one of which,
the Institutional Shares, are offered pursuant to this prospectus and
are sold under the name Janus Aspen Series. The Shares offered by this
Prospectus are available only in connection with investment in and
payments under variable insurance contracts as well as certain
qualified retirement plans. Retirement Shares of each Portfolio are
offered by separate prospectus and are available only to qualified
plans using plan service providers that are compensated for providing
distribution and/or recordkeeping and other administrative services.
Because the expenses of each class may differ, the performance of each
class is expected to differ. If you would like additional information
about the Retirement Shares, please call 1-800-525-0020.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The Shares offered by this prospectus are available only to variable
annuity and variable life separate accounts of insurance companies
that are unaffiliated with Janus Capital and to certain qualified
retirement plans. Retirement Shares of the Portfolios (offered through
a separate prospectus) are available to certain qualified plans.
Although the Portfolios do not currently anticipate any disadvantages
to policy owners because each Portfolio offers its shares to such
entities, there is a possibility that a material conflict may arise.
The Trustees monitor events in order to identify any disadvantages or
material irreconcilable conflicts and to determine what action, if
any, should be taken in response. If a material disadvantage or
conflict occurs, the Trustees may require one or more insurance
company separate accounts or qualified plans to withdraw its
investments in one or more Portfolios or substitute Shares of another
Portfolio. If this occurs, a Portfolio may be forced to sell its
securities at disadvantageous prices. In addition, the Trustees may
refuse to sell Shares of any Portfolio to any separate account or
qualified plan or may suspend or terminate the offering of a
Portfolio's Shares if such action is required by law or regulatory
authority or is in the best interests of that Portfolio's
shareholders. It is possible that a qualified plan investing in the
Retirement Shares of the Portfolios could lose its qualified plan
status under the Internal Revenue Code, which could have adverse tax
consequences on insurance company separate accounts investing in the
Shares. Janus Capital intends to monitor such qualified plans and the
Portfolios may discontinue sales to a qualified plan and require plan
participants with existing investments in the Retirement Shares to
redeem those investments if a plan loses (or in the opinion of Janus
Capital is at risk of losing) its qualified plan status.
YEAR 2000
Preparing for Year 2000 is a high priority for Janus Capital, which
has established a dedicated group to address this issue. Janus Capital
has devoted considerable internal resources and has engaged one of the
foremost experts in the field to help achieve Year 2000 readiness.
Janus Capital does not anticipate that Year 2000-related issues will
have a material impact on its ability to continue to provide the
Portfolios with service at current levels; however, Janus Capital
cannot make any assurances that the steps it has taken to ensure Year
2000 readiness will be successful. In addition, there can be no
assurance that Year 2000 issues will not affect the companies in which
the Portfolios invest or worldwide markets and economies.
22 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Distributions and taxes
DISTRIBUTIONS
To avoid taxation of the Portfolios, the Internal Revenue Code
requires each Portfolio to distribute net income and any net gains
realized on its investments annually. A Portfolio's income from
dividends and interest and any net realized short-term gains are paid
to shareholders as ordinary income dividends. Net realized long-term
gains are paid to shareholders as capital gains distributions.
PORTFOLIOS OTHER THAN MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO
Each class of each Portfolio, other than Money Market Portfolio, makes
semi-annual distributions in June and December of substantially all of
its investment income and an annual distribution in June of its net
realized gains, if any. All dividends and capital gains distributions
from Shares of a Portfolio will automatically be reinvested into
additional Shares of that Portfolio.
HOW DISTRIBUTIONS AFFECT NAV
Distributions, other than daily income dividends, are paid to
shareholders as of the record date of the distribution of a Portfolio,
regardless of how long the shares have been held. Undistributed income
and realized gains are included in the daily NAV of a Portfolio's
Shares. The Share price of a Portfolio drops by the amount of the
distribution, net of any subsequent market fluctuations. For example,
assume that on December 31, the Shares of Growth Portfolio declared a
dividend in the amount of $0.25 per share. If the price of Growth
Portfolio's Shares was $10.00 on December 30, the share price on
December 31 would be $9.75, barring market fluctuations.
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO
For the Shares of Money Market Portfolio, dividends representing
substantially all of the net investment income and any net realized
gains on sales of securities are declared daily, Saturdays, Sundays
and holidays included, and distributed on the last business day of
each month. If a month begins on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday,
dividends for those days are declared at the end of the preceding
month and distributed on the first business day of the month. All
distributions will be automatically reinvested in Shares of the
Portfolio.
TAXES
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS
Because Shares of the Portfolios may be purchased only through
variable insurance contracts and qualified plans, it is anticipated
that any income dividends or capital gains distributions made by the
Shares of a Portfolio will be exempt from current taxation if left to
accumulate within the variable insurance contract or qualified plan.
Generally, withdrawals from such contracts may be subject to ordinary
income tax and, if made before age 59 1/2, a 10% penalty tax. The tax
status of your investment depends on the features of your qualified
plan or variable insurance contract. Further information may be found
in your plan documents or in the prospectus of the separate account
offering such contract.
TAXATION OF THE PORTFOLIOS
Dividends, interest and some gains received by the Portfolios on
foreign securities may be subject to withholding of foreign taxes. The
Portfolios may from year to year make the election permitted under
Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code to pass through such taxes to
shareholders. If such election is not made, any foreign taxes paid or
accrued will represent an expense to the Portfolios which will reduce
their investment income.
Distributions and taxes 23
<PAGE>
The Portfolios do not expect to pay any federal income or excise taxes
because they intend to meet certain requirements of the Internal
Revenue Code. In addition, each Portfolio intends to qualify under the
Internal Revenue Code with respect to the diversification requirements
related to the tax-deferred status of insurance company separate
accounts.
24 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Shareholder's guide
INVESTORS MAY NOT PURCHASE OR REDEEM SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIOS
DIRECTLY. SHARES MAY BE PURCHASED OR REDEEMED ONLY THROUGH VARIABLE
INSURANCE CONTRACTS OFFERED BY THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS OF PARTICIPATING
INSURANCE COMPANIES OR THROUGH QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS. CERTAIN
PORTFOLIOS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN CONNECTION WITH A PARTICULAR
CONTRACT AND CERTAIN CONTRACTS MAY LIMIT ALLOCATIONS AMONG THE
PORTFOLIOS. REFER TO THE PROSPECTUS FOR THE PARTICIPATING INSURANCE
COMPANY'S SEPARATE ACCOUNT OR YOUR PLAN DOCUMENTS FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON
PURCHASING OR SELLING OF VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACTS AND ON HOW TO
SELECT SPECIFIC PORTFOLIOS AS INVESTMENT OPTIONS FOR A CONTRACT OR A
QUALIFIED PLAN.
PRICING OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
Investments will be processed at the NAV next determined after an
order is received and accepted by a Portfolio or its agent. In order
to receive a day's price, your order must be received by the close of
the regular trading session of the New York Stock Exchange any day
that the NYSE is open. Securities of the Portfolios other than Money
Market Portfolio are valued at market value or, if a market quotation
is not readily available, at their fair value determined in good faith
under procedures established by and under the supervision of the
Trustees. Short-term instruments maturing within 60 days are valued at
amortized cost, which approximates market value. See the SAI for more
detailed information.
To the extent a Portfolio holds securities that are primarily listed
on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the
Portfolios do not price their shares, the NAV of a Portfolio's shares
may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
redeem the Portfolio's shares.
Money Market Portfolio's securities are valued at their amortized
cost. Amortized cost valuation involves valuing an instrument at its
cost and thereafter assuming a constant amortization to maturity (or
such other date as permitted by Rule 2a-7) of any discount or premium.
If fluctuating interest rates cause the market value of the portfolio
to deviate more than 1/2 of 1% from the value determined on the basis
of amortized cost, the Trustees will consider whether any action, such
as adjusting the Share's NAV to reflect current market conditions,
should be initiated to prevent any material dilutive effect on
shareholders.
PURCHASES
Purchases of Shares may be made only by the separate accounts of
insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable insurance
contracts or by qualified plans. Refer to the prospectus of the
appropriate insurance company separate account or your plan documents
for information on how to invest in the Shares of each Portfolio.
Participating insurance companies and certain other designated
organizations are authorized to receive purchase orders on the
Portfolios' behalf.
Each Portfolio reserves the right to reject any specific purchase
order. Purchase orders may be refused if, in Janus Capital's opinion,
they are of a size that would disrupt the management of a Portfolio.
Although there is no present intention to do so, the Portfolios may
discontinue sales of their shares if management and the Trustees
believe that continued sales may adversely affect a Portfolio's
ability to achieve its investment objective. If sales of a Portfolio's
Shares are discontinued, it is expected that existing policy owners
and plan participants invested in that Portfolio would be permitted to
continue to authorize investment in that Portfolio and to reinvest any
dividends or capital gains distributions, absent highly unusual
circumstances.
Shareholder's guide 25
<PAGE>
REDEMPTIONS
Redemptions, like purchases, may be effected only through the separate
accounts of participating insurance companies or through qualified
plans. Please refer to the appropriate separate account prospectus or
plan documents for details.
Shares of any Portfolio may be redeemed on any business day.
Redemptions are processed at the NAV next calculated after receipt and
acceptance of the redemption order by the Portfolio or its agent.
Redemption proceeds will normally be wired to the participating
insurance company the business day following receipt of the redemption
order, but in no event later than seven days after receipt of such
order.
SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS
Shareholders will receive annual and semiannual reports including the
financial statements of the Shares of the Portfolios that they have
authorized for investment. Each report will show the investments owned
by each Portfolio and the market values thereof, as well as other
information about the Portfolios and their operations. The Trust's
fiscal year ends December 31.
26 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Financial highlights
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand
the Institutional Shares' financial performance for each of the five
most recent fiscal years or the life of the Portfolio if less than
five years. Items 1 through 9 reflect financial results for a single
Share. Total return in the tables represents the rate that an investor
would have earned (or lost) on an investment in each of the
Institutional Shares of the Portfolios (assuming reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions) but does not include charges and expenses
attributable to any insurance product. This information has been
audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with the
Portfolios' financial statements, is included in the Annual Report,
which is available upon request and incorporated by reference into the
SAI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending
December 31
1998 1997(1)
<S> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $12.62 $10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.01 0.05
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 7.32 2.61
4. Total from investment operations 7.33 2.66
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.01) (0.04)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) -- --
8. Total distributions (0.01) (0.04)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $19.94 $12.62
10. Total return* 58.11% 26.60%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $74,187 $6,833
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $25,964 $2,632
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets** 0.92%(3) 1.26%(2)
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets** 0.91% 1.25%
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets** 0.27% 1.43%
16. Portfolio turnover rate** 91% 101%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total return not annualized for periods of less than one full year.
** Annualized for periods of less than one full year.
(1) May 1, 1997 (inception) through December 31, 1997.
(2) The ratio was 2.19% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Olympus Fund.
(3) The ratio was 0.97% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Olympus Fund.
Financial highlights 27
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $23.39 $19.44 $15.31 $12.07 $11.89
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.11 0.04
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 6.59 4.14 4.27 3.19 0.14
4. Total from investment operations 6.75 4.30 4.43 3.30 0.18
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.18) (0.17) (0.17) (0.06) --
6. Dividends (in excess of net investment income) -- (0.02) -- -- --
7. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
8. Distributions (from capital gains) -- (0.16) (0.13) -- --
9. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.87) -- -- -- --
10. Total distributions (1.05) (0.35) (0.30) (0.06) --
11. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $29.09 $23.39 $19.44 $15.31 $12.07
12. Total return 28.92% 22.15% 29.04% 27.37% 1.53%
13. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $2,890,375 $1,576,548 $582,603 $108,563 $37,728
14. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $2,217,695 $1,148,951 $304,111 $59,440 $22,896
15. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.72%(6) 0.74%(5) 0.80%(4) 0.90%(3) N/A
16. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.72% 0.74% 0.80% 0.87% 1.18%(1)(2)
17. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.64% 0.67% 0.83% 0.95% 0.50%
18. Portfolio turnover rate 77% 80% 62% 113% 217%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.49% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(3) The ratio was 1.09% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.91% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.81% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
28 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCED PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $17.47 $14.77 $13.03 $10.63 $10.64
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.39 0.34 0.32 0.17 0.15
3. Net gains (or losses) on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 5.51 2.89 1.81 2.45 (0.06)
4. Total from investment operations 5.90 3.23 2.13 2.62 0.09
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.38) (0.35) (0.30) (0.22) (0.10)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) (0.45) (0.18) (0.09) -- --
8. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.04) -- -- -- --
9. Total distributions (0.87) (0.53) (0.39) (0.22) (0.10)
10. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $22.50 $17.47 $14.77 $13.03 $10.63
11. Total return 34.28% 22.10% 16.18% 24.79% 0.84%
12. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $882,495 $362,409 $85,480 $14,021 $3,153
13. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $555,002 $176,432 $43,414 $5,739 $2,336
14. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.74%(6) 0.83%(5) 0.94%(4) 1.37%(3) N/A
15. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.74% 0.82% 0.92% 1.30% 1.57%(1)(2)
16. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 2.41% 2.87% 2.92% 2.41% 1.90%
17. Portfolio turnover rate 70% 139% 103% 149% 158%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(3) The ratio was 1.55% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(4) The ratio was 1.07% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.83% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
Financial highlights 29
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995(1)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.04
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) -- -- -- --
4. Total from investment operations 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.04
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.05) (0.05) (0.05) (0.04)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) -- -- -- --
8. Total distributions (0.05) (0.05) (0.05) (0.04)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00
10. Total return* 5.36% 5.17% 5.05% 3.63%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $38,690 $15,374 $6,016 $1,735
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $31,665 $8,926 $3,715 $1,543
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets** 0.34% 0.50% 0.50% 0.50%
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets** 0.34% 0.50%(4) 0.50%(3) 0.50%(2)
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets** 5.21% 5.17% 4.93% 5.30%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total return not annualized for periods of less than one year.
** Annualized for periods of less than one full year.
(1) May 1, 1995 (inception) to December 31, 1995.
(2) The ratio was 1.07% before waiver of certain fees incurred by the Portfolio.
(3) The ratio was 0.78% before waiver of certain fees incurred by the Portfolio.
(4) The ratio was 0.55% before waiver of certain fees incurred by the Portfolio.
30 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Glossary of investment terms
This glossary provides a more detailed description of some of the
types of securities and other instruments in which the Portfolios may
invest. The Portfolios may invest in these instruments to the extent
permitted by their investment objectives and policies. The Portfolios
are not limited by this discussion and may invest in any other types
of instruments not precluded by the policies discussed elsewhere in
this Prospectus. Please refer to the SAI for a more detailed
discussion of certain instruments.
I. EQUITY AND DEBT SECURITIES
BONDS are debt securities issued by a company, municipality,
government or government agency. The issuer of a bond is required to
pay the holder the amount of the loan (or par value of the bond) at a
specified maturity and to make scheduled interest payments.
COMMERCIAL PAPER is a short-term debt obligation with a maturity
ranging from 1 to 270 days issued by banks, corporations and other
borrowers to investors seeking to invest idle cash. The Portfolios may
purchase commercial paper issued in private placements under Section
4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.
COMMON STOCKS are equity securities representing shares of ownership
in a company and usually carry voting rights and earns dividends.
Unlike preferred stock, dividends on common stock are not fixed but
are declared at the discretion of the issuer's board of directors.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES are preferred stocks or bonds that pay a fixed
dividend or interest payment and are convertible into common stock at
a specified price or conversion ratio.
DEBT SECURITIES are securities representing money borrowed that must
be repaid at a later date. Such securities have specific maturities
and usually a specific rate of interest or an original purchase
discount.
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS are receipts for shares of a foreign-based
corporation that entitle the holder to dividends and capital gains on
the underlying security. Receipts include those issued by domestic
banks (American Depositary Receipts), foreign banks (Global or
European Depositary Receipts) and broker-dealers (depositary shares).
FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES are securities that pay a specified rate of
return. The term generally includes short-and long-term government,
corporate and municipal obligations that pay a specified rate of
interest or coupons for a specified period of time, and preferred
stock, which pays fixed dividends. Coupon and dividend rates may be
fixed for the life of the issue or, in the case of adjustable and
floating rate securities, for a shorter period.
HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK SECURITIES are securities that are rated below
investment grade by the primary rating agencies (e.g., BB or lower by
Standard & Poor's and Ba or lower by Moody's). Other terms commonly
used to describe such securities include "lower rated bonds,"
"noninvestment grade bonds" and "junk bonds."
MORTGAGE- AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES are shares in a pool of
mortgages or other debt. These securities are generally pass-through
securities, which means that principal and interest payments on the
underlying securities (less servicing fees) are passed through to
shareholders on a pro rata basis. These securities involve prepayment
risk, which is the risk that the underlying mortgages or other debt
may be refinanced or paid off prior to their maturities during periods
of declining interest rates. In that case, a portfolio manager may
have to reinvest the proceeds from the securities at a lower rate.
Potential market gains on a security subject to prepayment risk may be
more limited than potential market gains on a comparable security that
is not subject to prepayment risk.
PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES (PFICS) are any foreign
corporations which generate certain amounts of passive income or hold
certain amounts of assets for the production of passive income.
Passive
Glossary of investment terms 31
<PAGE>
income includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents and annuities.
To avoid taxes and interest that the Portfolios must pay if these
investments are profitable, the Portfolios may make various elections
permitted by the tax laws. These elections could require that the
Portfolios recognize taxable income, which in turn must be
distributed, before the securities are sold and before cash is
received to pay the distributions.
PAY-IN-KIND BONDS are debt securities that normally give the issuer an
option to pay cash at a coupon payment date or give the holder of the
security a similar bond with the same coupon rate and a face value
equal to the amount of the coupon payment that would have been made.
PREFERRED STOCKS are equity securities that generally pay dividends at
a specified rate and have preference over common stock in the payment
of dividends and liquidation. Preferred stock generally does not carry
voting rights.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS involve the purchase of a security by a
Portfolio and a simultaneous agreement by the seller (generally a bank
or dealer) to repurchase the security from the Portfolio at a
specified date or upon demand. This technique offers a method of
earning income on idle cash. These securities involve the risk that
the seller will fail to repurchase the security, as agreed. In that
case, a Portfolio will bear the risk of market value fluctuations
until the security can be sold and may encounter delays and incur
costs in liquidating the security.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS involve the sale of a security by a
Portfolio to another party (generally a bank or dealer) in return for
cash and an agreement by the Portfolio to buy the security back at a
specified price and time. This technique will be used primarily to
provide cash to satisfy unusually high redemption requests, or for
other temporary or emergency purposes.
RULE 144A SECURITIES are securities that are not registered for sale
to the general public under the Securities Act of 1933, but that may
be resold to certain institutional investors.
STANDBY COMMITMENTS are obligations purchased by a Portfolio from a
dealer that give the Portfolio the option to sell a security to the
dealer at a specified price.
STEP COUPON BONDS are debt securities that trade at a discount from
their face value and pay coupon interest. The discount from the face
value depends on the time remaining until cash payments begin,
prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security and the perceived
credit quality of the issuer.
STRIP BONDS are debt securities that are stripped of their interest
(usually by a financial intermediary) after the securities are issued.
The market value of these securities generally fluctuates more in
response to changes in interest rates than interest-paying securities
of comparable maturity.
TENDER OPTION BONDS are generally long-term securities that are
coupled with an option to tender the securities to a bank,
broker-dealer or other financial institution at periodic intervals and
receive the face value of the bond. This type of security is commonly
used as a means of enhancing the security's liquidity.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES include direct obligations of the U.S.
government that are supported by its full faith and credit. Treasury
bills have initial maturities of less than one year, Treasury notes
have initial maturities of one to ten years and Treasury bonds may be
issued with any maturity but generally have maturities of at least ten
years. U.S. government securities also include indirect obligations of
the U.S. government that are issued by federal agencies and government
sponsored entities. Unlike Treasury securities, agency securities
generally are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
government. Some agency securities are supported by the right of the
issuer to borrow from the Treasury, others are supported by the
discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the
agency's obligations and others are supported only by the credit of
the sponsoring agency.
32 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES have variable or floating rates
of interest and, under certain limited circumstances, may have varying
principal amounts. These securities pay interest at rates that are
adjusted periodically according to a specified formula, usually with
reference to some interest rate index or market interest rate. The
floating rate tends to decrease the security's price sensitivity to
changes in interest rates.
WARRANTS are securities, typically issued with preferred stock or
bonds, that give the holder the right to buy a proportionate amount of
common stock at a specified price, usually at a price that is higher
than the market price at the time of issuance of the warrant. The
right may last for a period of years or indefinitely.
WHEN-ISSUED, DELAYED DELIVERY AND FORWARD TRANSACTIONS generally
involve the purchase of a security with payment and delivery at some
time in the future - i.e., beyond normal settlement. The Portfolios do
not earn interest on such securities until settlement and bear the
risk of market value fluctuations in between the purchase and
settlement dates. New issues of stocks and bonds, private placements
and U.S. government securities may be sold in this manner.
ZERO COUPON BONDS are debt securities that do not pay regular interest
at regular intervals, but are issued at a discount from face value.
The discount approximates the total amount of interest the security
will accrue from the date of issuance to maturity. The market value of
these securities generally fluctuates more in response to changes in
interest rates than interest-paying securities.
II. FUTURES, OPTIONS AND OTHER DERIVATIVES
FORWARD CONTRACTS are contracts to purchase or sell a specified amount
of a financial instrument for an agreed upon price at a specified
time. Forward contracts are not currently exchange traded and are
typically negotiated on an individual basis. The Portfolios may enter
into forward currency contracts to hedge against declines in the value
of securities denominated in, or whose value is tied to, a currency
other than the U.S. dollar or to reduce the impact of currency
appreciation on purchases of such securities. They may also enter into
forward contracts to purchase or sell securities or other financial
indices.
FUTURES CONTRACTS are contracts that obligate the buyer to receive and
the seller to deliver an instrument or money at a specified price on a
specified date. The Portfolios may buy and sell futures contracts on
foreign currencies, securities and financial indices including
interest rates or an index of U.S. government, foreign government,
equity or fixed-income securities. The Portfolios may also buy options
on futures contracts. An option on a futures contract gives the buyer
the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a futures contract
at a specified price on or before a specified date. Futures contracts
and options on futures are standardized and traded on designated
exchanges.
INDEXED/STRUCTURED SECURITIES are typically short- to
intermediate-term debt securities whose value at maturity or interest
rate is linked to currencies, interest rates, equity securities,
indices, commodity prices or other financial indicators. Such
securities may be positively or negatively indexed (i.e. their value
may increase or decrease if the reference index or instrument
appreciates). Indexed/structured securities may have return
characteristics similar to direct investments in the underlying
instruments and may be more volatile than the underlying instruments.
A Portfolio bears the market risk of an investment in the underlying
instruments, as well as the credit risk of the issuer.
INTEREST RATE SWAPS involve the exchange by two parties of their
respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange
of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments).
INVERSE FLOATERS are debt instruments whose interest rate bears an
inverse relationship to the interest rate on another instrument or
index. For example, upon reset the interest rate payable on a security
may go down when the underlying index has risen. Certain inverse
floaters may have an interest rate reset
Glossary of investment terms 33
<PAGE>
mechanism that multiplies the effects of change in the underlying
index. Such mechanism may increase the volatility of the security's
market value.
OPTIONS are the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a
specified amount of securities or other assets on or before a fixed
date at a predetermined price. The Portfolios may purchase and write
put and call options on securities, securities indices and foreign
currencies.
34 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
1-800-29JANUS
100 Fillmore Street
Denver, Colorado 80206-4928
janus.com
You can request other information, including a Statement of
Additional Information, Annual Report or Semiannual Report, free of
charge, by contacting your plan sponsor or visiting our Web site at
janus.com. In the Portfolios' Annual Report, you will find a
discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that
significantly affected the Portfolios' performance during their last
fiscal year. Other information is also available from financial
intermediaries that sell Shares of the Portfolios.
The Statement of Additional Information provides detailed
information about the Portfolios and is incorporated into this
Prospectus by reference. You may review the Portfolios' Statement of
Additional Information at the Public Reference Room of the SEC or
get text only copies for a fee, by writing to or calling the Public
Reference Room, Washington, D.C. 20549-6009 (1-800-SEC-0330). You
may obtain the Statement of Additional Information for free from the
SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov.
Investment Company Act File No. 811-7736
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
Janus Aspen Series
PROSPECTUS
MAY 1, 1999
Growth Portfolio
Aggressive Growth Portfolio
Capital Appreciation Portfolio
International Growth Portfolio
Worldwide Growth Portfolio
Balanced Portfolio
Equity Income Portfolio
Growth and Income Portfolio
Flexible Income Portfolio
High-Yield Portfolio
Money Market Portfolio
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT
APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR
PASSED ON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
This prospectus describes eleven mutual funds (the "Portfolios")
with a variety of investment objectives, including growth of
capital, current income and a combination of growth and income.
Each Portfolio of Janus Aspen Series currently offers two
classes of shares. The Institutional Shares, (the "Shares"), are
sold under the name of "Janus Aspen Series" and are offered by
this prospectus in connection with investment in and payments
under variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance
contracts, as well as certain qualified retirement plans.
Janus Aspen Series sells and redeems its Shares at net asset
value without sales charges, commissions or redemption fees.
Each variable insurance contract involves fees and expenses that
are not described in this Prospectus. Certain Portfolios may not
be available in connection with a particular contract and
certain contracts may limit allocations among the Portfolios.
See the accompanying contract prospectus for information
regarding contract fees and expenses and any restrictions on
purchases or allocations.
This prospectus contains information that a prospective
purchaser of a variable insurance contract or plan participant
should consider in conjunction with the accompanying separate
account prospectus of the specific insurance company product
before allocating purchase payments or premiums to the
Portfolios.
<PAGE>
Table of contents
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
Growth Portfolios....................................... 2
Combination Portfolios.................................. 7
Fixed-Income Portfolios................................. 11
Money Market Portfolio.................................. 14
Fees and expenses....................................... 16
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND
RISKS
Growth Portfolios....................................... 18
Combination Portfolios.................................. 21
Fixed-Income Portfolios................................. 24
General portfolio policies for Portfolios other than
Money Market Portfolio................................ 26
Risks for Growth, Global Growth and Combination
Portfolios............................................ 29
Risks for Fixed-Income Portfolios....................... 30
Risks Common to All Non-Money Market Portfolios......... 31
Money Market Portfolio.................................. 33
Investment techniques................................... 35
MANAGEMENT OF THE PORTFOLIOS
Investment adviser...................................... 37
Management expenses and expense limits.................. 37
Investment personnel.................................... 39
OTHER INFORMATION.......................................... 44
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Distributions........................................... 46
Taxes................................................... 46
SHAREHOLDER'S GUIDE
Pricing of portfolio shares............................. 48
Purchases............................................... 49
Redemptions............................................. 49
Shareholder communications.............................. 49
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS....................................... 50
GLOSSARY
Glossary of investment terms............................ 61
RATING CATEGORIES
Explanation of rating categories........................ 66
</TABLE>
Table of contents 1
<PAGE>
Risk return summary
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
The Growth Portfolios are designed for long-term investors who seek
growth of capital and who can tolerate the greater risks associated with
common stock investments.
1. WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES OF THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOMESTIC GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
- GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital in a manner
consistent with the preservation of capital.
- AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO AND CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO seek
long-term growth of capital.
GLOBAL GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
- INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital.
- WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital in a
manner consistent with the preservation of capital.
The Portfolios' Trustees may change these objectives without a
shareholder vote and the Portfolios will notify you of any changes
that are material. If there is a material change to a Portfolio's
objective or policies, you should consider whether that Portfolio
remains an appropriate investment for you. There is no guarantee that
a Portfolio will meet its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
The portfolio managers apply a "bottom up" approach in choosing
investments. In other words, they look for companies with earnings growth
potential one at a time. If a portfolio manager is unable to find
investments with earnings growth potential, a significant portion of a
Portfolio's assets may be in cash or similar investments.
GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks selected for their
growth potential. Although the Portfolio can invest in companies of any
size, it generally invests in larger, more established companies.
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks selected
for their growth potential, and normally invests at least 50% of its
equity assets in medium-sized companies.
2 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks
selected for their growth potential. The Portfolio may invest in
companies of any size, from larger, well-established companies to
smaller, emerging growth companies.
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO normally invests at least 65% of its total
assets in securities of issuers from at least five different countries,
excluding the United States. Although the Portfolio intends to invest
substantially all of its assets in issuers located outside the United
States, it may invest in U.S. issuers and it may at times invest all of
its assets in fewer than five countries, or even a single country.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO invests primarily in common stocks of
companies of any size throughout the world. The Portfolio normally
invests in issuers from at least five different countries, including the
United States. The Portfolio may at times invest in fewer than five
countries or even a single country.
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
The biggest risk is that the Portfolios' returns may vary, and you could
lose money. If you are considering investing in any of the Growth
Portfolios, remember that they are each designed for long-term investors
who can accept the risks of investing in a portfolio with significant
common stock holdings. Common stocks tend to be more volatile than other
investment choices.
The value of a Portfolio may decrease if the value of an individual
company in the portfolio decreases. The value of a Portfolio could also
decrease if the stock market goes down. If the value of a Portfolio
decreases, its net asset value (NAV) will also decrease, which means if
you sell your shares in a Portfolio you would get back less money.
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO AND WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO may have
significant exposure to foreign markets. As a result, their returns and
NAV may be affected to a large degree by fluctuations in currency
exchange rates or political or economic conditions in a particular
country.
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO AND CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO are
nondiversified. In other words, they may hold larger positions in a
smaller number of securities than a diversified fund. As a result, a
single security's increase or decrease in value may have a greater impact
on a Portfolio's NAV and total return.
An investment in these Portfolios is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any
other government agency.
Risk return summary 3
<PAGE>
The following information provides some indication of the risks of
investing in the Growth Portfolios by showing how each of the Growth
Portfolios' performance has varied over time. The bar charts depict the
change in performance from year-to-year during the period indicated, but
do not include charges and expenses attributable to any insurance product
which would lower the performance illustrated. The Portfolios do not
impose any sales or other charges that would affect total return
computations. Total return figures include the effect of each Portfolio's
expenses. The tables compare the average annual returns for the Shares of
each Portfolio for the periods indicated to a broad-based securities
market index.
GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Growth Portfolio -
Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
2.76% 30.17% 18.45% 22.75% 35.66%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 27.71% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (10.92%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
-------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio - Institutional
Shares 35.66% 21.41% 20.91%
S&P 500 Index* 28.74% 24.08% 23.06%
--------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 500 is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks, a
widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
4 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Aggressive Growth
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
16.33% 27.48% 7.95% 12.66% 34.26%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 34.65% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (14.98%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Aggressive Growth Portfolio -
Institutional Shares 34.26% 19.35% 21.96%
S&P 400 Mid Cap Index* 18.25% 18.67% 18.06%
--------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 400 Mid Cap Index is an unmanaged group of 400 domestic stocks
chosen for their market size, liquidity and industry group
representation.
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Capital Appreciation
Portfolio - Institutional Shares for 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
58.11%
1998
The percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 33.98% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (9.98%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year (5/1/97)
<S> <C> <C>
Capital Appreciation Portfolio -
Institutional Shares 58.11% 51.65%
S&P 500 Index* 28.74% 31.38%
----------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 500 is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks, a
widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
Risk return summary 5
<PAGE>
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for International Growth
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1995 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
23.15% 34.71% 18.51% 17.23%
1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 16.63% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (17.76%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year (5/2/94)
<S> <C> <C>
International Growth
Portfolio - Institutional Shares 17.23% 18.87%
Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE
Index* 20.00% 8.11%
----------------------------
</TABLE>
* The Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index is a market
capitalization weighted index composed of companies representative of
the market structure of 20 Developed Market countries in Europe,
Australasia and the Far East.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Worldwide Growth
Portfolio - Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
1.53% 27.37% 29.04% 22.15% 28.92%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 20.87% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (16.03%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Worldwide Growth Portfolio -
Institutional Shares 28.92% 21.32% 24.06%
Morgan Stanley International
Worldwide Index* 24.34% 15.68% 14.39%
--------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The Morgan Stanley International Worldwide Index is a market
capitalization weighted index composed of countries representative of
the market structure of 47 Developed and Emerging Markets.
The Growth Portfolios' past performance does not necessarily indicate how
they will perform in the future.
6 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
COMBINATION PORTFOLIOS
The Combination Portfolios are designed for investors who primarily seek
growth of capital with varying degrees of emphasis on income. They are
not designed for investors who desire a consistent level of income.
1. WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES OF THE COMBINATION PORTFOLIOS?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- BALANCED PORTFOLIO seeks long-term capital growth, consistent with
preservation of capital and balanced by current income.
- EQUITY INCOME PORTFOLIO seeks current income and long-term growth of
capital.
- GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO seeks long-term capital growth and
current income.
The Trustees may change these objectives without a shareholder vote and
the Portfolios will notify you of any changes that are material. If there
is a material change to a Portfolio's objective or policies, you should
consider whether that Portfolio remains an appropriate investment for
you. There is no guarantee that a Portfolio will meet its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE COMBINATION PORTFOLIOS?
The portfolio managers apply a "bottom up" approach in choosing
investments. In other words, they look mostly for equity and
income-producing securities that meet their investment criteria one at a
time. If a portfolio manager is unable to find such investments, much of
a Portfolio's assets may be in cash or similar investments.
BALANCED PORTFOLIO normally invests 40-60% of its assets in securities
selected primarily for their growth potential and 40-60% of its assets in
securities selected primarily for their income potential. The Portfolio
will normally invest at least 25% of its assets in fixed-income
securities.
EQUITY INCOME PORTFOLIO normally emphasizes investments in common stocks,
and growth potential is a significant investment consideration. Normally,
it invests at least 65% of its assets in income-producing equity
securities.
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO normally emphasizes investments in common
stocks. It will normally invest up to 75% of its assets in equity
securities selected primarily for their growth potential, and at least
25% of its assets in securities the portfolio manager believes have
income potential. Equity securities may make up part of this income
component if they currently pay dividends or
Risk return summary 7
<PAGE>
the portfolio manager believes they have potential for increasing or
commencing dividend payments.
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE COMBINATION PORTFOLIOS?
The biggest risk is that the Portfolios' returns may vary, and you could
lose money. If you are considering investing in any of the Combination
Portfolios, remember that they are each designed for long-term investors
who can accept the risks of investing in a portfolio with significant
common stock holdings. Common stocks tend to be more volatile than other
investment choices.
The value of a Portfolio may decrease if the value of an individual
company in the portfolio decreases. The value of a Portfolio could also
decrease if the stock market goes down. If the value of a Portfolio
decreases, its NAV will also decrease, which means if you sell your
shares in a Portfolio you would get back less money.
The income component of the Portfolios' holdings includes fixed-income
securities. A fundamental risk to the income component is that the value
of these securities will fall if interest rates rise. Generally, the
value of a fixed-income portfolio will decrease when interest rates rise,
which means the Portfolio's NAV may likewise decrease. Another
fundamental risk associated with fixed-income securities is credit risk,
which is the risk that an issuer of a bond will be unable to make
principal and interest payments when due.
An investment in these Portfolios is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any
other government agency.
8 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
The following information provides some indication of the risks of
investing in the Combination Portfolios by showing how each Combination
Portfolio's performance has varied over time. The bar chart depicts the
change in performance from year-to-year during the period indicated, but
do not include charges and expenses attributable to any insurance product
which would lower the performance illustrated. The Portfolios do not
impose any sales or other charges that would affect total return
computations. Total return figures include the effect of each Portfolio's
expenses. The tables compare the average annual returns for the Shares of
each Portfolio for the period indicated to a broad-based securities
market index.
BALANCED PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Balanced Portfolio -
Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
0.84% 24.79% 16.18% 22.10% 34.28%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 20.32% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (4.97%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balanced Portfolio - Institutional
Shares 34.28% 19.11% 19.53%
S&P 500 Index* 28.74% 24.08% 23.06%
Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond
Index** 9.47% 7.30% 6.90%
--------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 500 is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks, a
widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
** Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond Index is composed of all bonds that
are of investment grade with at least one year until maturity.
Risk return summary 9
<PAGE>
EQUITY INCOME PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Equity Income Portfolio -
Institutional Shares for 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
46.24%
1998
The percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 4th-1998 28.51% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (7.18%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year (5/1/97)
<S> <C> <C>
Equity Income Portfolio - Institutional
Shares 46.24% 50.20%
S&P 500 Index* 28.74% 31.38%
----------------------------
</TABLE>
* The S&P 500 is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks, a
widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
Growth and Income Portfolio does not have a full calendar year return
because the Portfolio commenced operations on May 1, 1998.
The Combination Portfolios' past performance does not necessarily
indicate how they will perform in the future.
10 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
FIXED-INCOME PORTFOLIOS
The Fixed-Income Portfolios are designed for long-term investors who
primarily seek current income.
1. WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES OF THE FIXED-INCOME PORTFOLIOS?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO seeks to obtain maximum total return,
consistent with preservation of capital.
- HIGH-YIELD PORTFOLIO seeks to obtain high current income. Capital
appreciation is a secondary objective when consistent with its
primary objective.
The Trustees may change these objectives without a shareholder vote and
the Portfolios will notify you of any changes that are material. If there
is a material change to a Portfolio's objective or policies, you should
consider whether it remains an appropriate investment for you. There is
no guarantee that a Portfolio will meet its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE FIXED-INCOME PORTFOLIOS?
In addition to considering economic factors such as the effect of
interest rates on a Portfolio's investments, the portfolio managers apply
a "bottom up" approach in choosing investments. In other words, they look
mostly for income-producing securities that meet their investment
criteria one at a time. If a portfolio manager is unable to find such
investments, a Portfolio's assets may be in cash or similar investments.
FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO invests primarily in a wide variety of income-
producing securities such as corporate bonds and notes, government
securities and preferred stock. As a fundamental policy, the Portfolio
will invest at least 80% of its assets in income-producing securities.
The Portfolio may own an unlimited amount of high-yield/high-risk
fixed-income securities, and these securities may be a big part of the
portfolio.
HIGH-YIELD PORTFOLIO normally invests at least 65% of its assets in
high-yield/ high-risk fixed-income securities, and may at times invest
all of its assets in these securities.
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FIXED-INCOME PORTFOLIOS?
Although the Fixed-Income Portfolios may be less volatile than funds that
invest most of their assets in common stocks, the Portfolios' returns and
yields will vary, and you could lose money.
Risk return summary 11
<PAGE>
The Portfolios invest in a variety of fixed-income securities. A
fundamental risk is that the value of these securities will fall if
interest rates rise. Generally, the value of a fixed-income portfolio
will decrease when interest rates rise, which means the Portfolio's NAV
will likewise decrease. Another fundamental risk associated with
fixed-income funds is credit risk, which is the risk that an issuer will
be unable to make principal and interest payments when due.
FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO AND HIGH-YIELD PORTFOLIO may invest an
unlimited amount of their assets in high-yield/high-risk securities, also
known as "junk" bonds which may be sensitive to economic changes,
political changes, or adverse developments specific to the company that
issued the bond. These securities generally have a greater credit risk
than other types of fixed-income securities. Because of these factors,
the performance and NAV of the Fixed-Income Portfolios may vary
significantly, depending upon their holdings of junk bonds.
An investment in these Portfolios is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any
other government agency.
12 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
The following information provides some indication of the risks of
investing in the Fixed-Income Portfolios by showing how each Fixed-Income
Portfolio's performance has varied over time. The bar charts depict the
change in performance from year-to-year during the period indicated, but
do not include charges and expenses attributable to any insurance product
which would lower the performance illustrated. The Portfolios do not
impose any sales or other charges that would affect total return
computations. Total return figures include the effect of each Portfolio's
expenses. The tables compare the average annual returns for the Shares of
each Portfolio for the periods indicated to a broad-based securities
market index.
FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Flexible Income Portfolio -
Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
(0.91%) 23.86% 9.19% 11.76% 9.11%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 2nd-1995 27.71% Worst Quarter 1st-1996 (1.08%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year 5 years (9/13/93)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Flexible Income Portfolio -
Institutional Shares 9.11% 10.32% 9.87%
Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond
Index* 9.47% 7.30% 6.90%
--------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Lehman Brothers Gov't/Corp Bond Index is composed of all bonds that
are of investment grade with at least one year until maturity.
Risk return summary 13
<PAGE>
HIGH-YIELD PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for High-Yield Portfolio -
Institutional Shares from 1994 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
15.98% 1.26%
1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 1st-1998 5.52% Worst Quarter 3rd-1998 (6.07%)
Average annual total return for periods ended 12/31/98
------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Since Inception
1 year (5/1/96)
<S> <C> <C>
High-Yield Portfolio - Institutional Shares 1.26% 10.97%
Lehman Brothers High-Yield Bond Index* 1.60% 7.15%
---------------------------
</TABLE>
* Lehman Brothers High-Yield Bond Index is composed of fixed-rate,
publicly issued, noninvestment grade debt.
The Fixed-Income Portfolios' past performance does not necessarily
indicate how they will perform in the future.
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO
Money Market Portfolio is designed for investors who seek current income.
1. WHAT IS THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO seeks maximum current income to the extent
consistent with stability of capital.
The Trustees may change this objective without a shareholder vote and the
Portfolio will notify you of any changes that are material. If there is a
material change in the Portfolio's objective or policies, you should
consider whether it remains an appropriate investment for you. There is
no guarantee that the Portfolio will meet its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO?
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO will invest only in high-quality, short-term money
market instruments that present minimal credit risks, as determined by
Janus Capital. The Portfolio invests primarily in high quality debt
obligations and
14 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
obligations of financial institutions. Debt obligations may include
commercial paper, notes and bonds, and variable amount master demand
notes. Obligations of financial institutions include certificates of
deposit and time deposits.
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO?
The Portfolio's yields will vary as the short-term securities in the
portfolio mature and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with
different interest rates. Over time, the real value of the Portfolio's
yield may be eroded by inflation. Although Money Market Portfolio invests
only in high-quality, short-term money market instruments, there is a
risk that the value of the securities it holds will fall as a result of
changes in interest rates, an issuer's actual or perceived credit-
worthiness or an issuer's ability to meet its obligations.
An investment in Money Market Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is
not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency. Although the Portfolio seeks to preserve the
value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money
by investing in Money Market Portfolio.
Risk return summary 15
<PAGE>
The following information provides some indication of the risks of
investing in the Money Market Portfolio by showing how Money Market
Portfolio's performance has varied over time. The bar chart depicts the
change in performance from year to year, but does not include charges and
expenses attributable to any insurance product which would lower the
performance illustrated. The Portfolio does not impose any sales or other
charges that would affect total return computations. Total return figures
include the effect of the Portfolio's expenses.
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
A BAR CHART showing Total Annual Returns for Money Market Portfolio -
Institutional Shares from 1996 through 1998:
Annual returns for periods ended 12/31
5.05% 5.17% 5.36%
1996 1997 1998
Each percentage is represented by a bar of proportionate size with
the actual return printed above the bar.
Best Quarter 3rd-1998 1.35% Worst Quarter 2nd-1996 1.22%
The 7-day yield for the Portfolio's Shares on December 31, 1998 was
4.87%. For the Portfolio's current yield, call the Janus XpressLine(TM)
at 1-888-979-7737.
Money Market Portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate
how it will perform in the future.
FEES AND EXPENSES
SHAREHOLDER FEES, such as sales loads, redemption fees or exchange fees,
are charged directly to an investor's account. All Janus funds are
no-load investments, so you will not pay any shareholder fees when you
buy or sell shares of the Portfolios. However, each variable insurance
contract involves fees and expenses not described in this prospectus. See
the accompanying contract prospectus for information regarding contract
fees and expenses and any restrictions on purchases or allocations.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES are paid out of a Portfolio's assets and
include fees for portfolio management, maintenance of shareholder
accounts, shareholder servicing, accounting and other services. You do
not pay these fees directly but, as the example on the next page shows,
these costs are borne indirectly by all shareholders.
16 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
This table and example are designed to assist participants in qualified
plans that invest in the Shares of the Portfolios in understanding the
fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in the Shares. The
information shown is based upon gross expenses (without the effect of
expense offset arrangements) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998.
OWNERS OF VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACTS THAT INVEST IN THE SHARES SHOULD
REFER TO THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT PROSPECTUS FOR A DESCRIPTION OF
FEES AND EXPENSES, AS THE TABLE AND EXAMPLE DO NOT REFLECT DEDUCTIONS AT
THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT LEVEL OR CONTRACT LEVEL FOR ANY CHARGES THAT MAY BE
INCURRED UNDER A CONTRACT.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Annual Total Annual
Fund Operating Fund Operating
Expenses Without Total Expenses With
Management Other Waivers or Waivers Waivers or
Fee Expenses Reductions* and Reductions Reductions*
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio 0.72% 0.03% 0.75% 0.07% 0.68%
Aggressive Growth Portfolio 0.72% 0.03% 0.75% N/A 0.75%
Capital Appreciation Portfolio 0.75% 0.22% 0.97% 0.05% 0.92%
International Growth Portfolio 0.75% 0.20% 0.95% 0.09% 0.86%
Worldwide Growth Portfolio 0.67% 0.07% 0.74% 0.02% 0.72%
Balanced Portfolio 0.72% 0.02% 0.74% N/A 0.74%
Equity Income Portfolio 0.75% 1.11% 1.86% 0.61% 1.25%
Growth and Income Portfolio 0.75% 2.31% 3.06% 1.81% 1.25%
Flexible Income Portfolio 0.65% 0.08% 0.73% N/A 0.73%
High-Yield Portfolio 0.75% 1.36% 2.11% 1.11% 1.00%
Money Market Portfolio 0.25% 0.09% 0.34% N/A 0.34%
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* All expenses are stated both with and without contractual waivers and fee
reductions by Janus Capital. Fee reductions for the Growth, Aggressive
Growth, Capital Appreciation, International Growth, Worldwide Growth,
Balanced, Equity Income and Growth and Income Portfolios reduce the
Management Fee to the level of the corresponding Janus retail fund. Other
waivers, if applicable, are first applied against the Management Fee and
then against Other Expenses. Janus Capital has agreed to continue the
waivers and fee reductions until at least the next annual renewal of the
advisory agreement.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXAMPLE:
THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLE IS BASED ON EXPENSES WITHOUT WAIVERS OR REDUCTIONS.
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Portfolios with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example
assumes that you invest $10,000 in each of the Portfolios for the time
periods indicated then redeem all of your shares at the end of those
periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each
year, and that the Portfolios' operating expenses remain the same. Although
your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your
costs would be:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
-----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio $ 77 $240 $ 417 $ 930
Aggressive Growth Portfolio $ 77 $240 $ 417 $ 930
Capital Appreciation Portfolio $ 99 $309 $ 536 $1,190
International Growth Portfolio $ 97 $303 $ 526 $1,166
Worldwide Growth Portfolio $ 76 $237 $ 411 $ 918
Balanced Portfolio $ 76 $237 $ 411 $ 918
Equity Income Portfolio $189 $585 $1,006 $2,180
Growth and Income Portfolio $309 $945 $1,606 $3,374
Flexible Income Portfolio $ 75 $233 $ 406 $ 906
High-Yield Portfolio $214 $661 $1,134 $2,441
Money Market Portfolio $ 35 $109 $ 191 $ 431
</TABLE>
Risk return summary 17
<PAGE>
Investment objectives, principal
investment
strategies and risks
Each of the Portfolios has a similar investment objective and similar
principal investment strategies to a Janus retail fund:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Growth Portfolio Janus Fund
Aggressive Growth Portfolio Janus Enterprise Fund
Capital Appreciation Portfolio Janus Twenty Fund*
International Growth Portfolio Janus Overseas Fund
Worldwide Growth Portfolio Janus Worldwide Fund
Balanced Portfolio Janus Balanced Fund
Equity Income Portfolio Janus Equity Income Fund
Growth and Income Portfolio Janus Growth and Income Fund
Flexible Income Portfolio Janus Flexible Income Fund
High-Yield Portfolio Janus High-Yield Fund
Money Market Portfolio Janus Money Market Fund
</TABLE>
* Prior to May 1, 1999 Capital Appreciation Portfolio was managed in a
similar manner to Janus Olympus Fund.
Although it is anticipated that each Portfolio and its corresponding
retail fund will hold similar securities, differences in asset size, cash
flow needs and other factors may result in differences in investment
performance. The expenses of each Portfolio and its corresponding retail
fund are expected to differ. The variable contract owner will also bear
various insurance related costs at the insurance company level. You
should review the accompanying separate account prospectus for a summary
of fees and expenses.
GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
This section takes a closer look at the investment objectives of each of
the Growth Portfolios, their principal investment strategies and certain
risks of investing in the Growth Portfolios. Strategies and policies that
are noted as "fundamental" cannot be changed without a shareholder vote.
Please carefully review the "Risks" section of this Prospectus on pages
24-27 for a discussion of risks associated with certain investment
techniques. We've also included a Glossary with descriptions of
investment terms used throughout this Prospectus.
18 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
DOMESTIC GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital in a manner consistent
with the preservation of capital. It pursues its objective by investing
primarily in common stocks selected for their growth potential. Although
the Portfolio can invest in companies of any size, it generally invests
in larger, more established companies.
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Aggressive Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital. It pursues
its objective by investing primarily in common stocks selected for their
growth potential, and normally invests at least 50% of its equity assets
in medium-sized companies. Medium-sized companies are those whose market
capitalizations fall within the range of companies in the S&P MidCap 400
Index. Market capitalization is a commonly used measure of the size and
value of a company. The market capitalizations within the Index will
vary, but as of December 31, 1998, they ranged from approximately $142
million to $73 billion.
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO
Capital Appreciation Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital. It
pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks selected
for their growth potential. The Portfolio may invest in companies of any
size, from larger, well-established companies to smaller, emerging growth
companies.
GLOBAL GROWTH PORTFOLIOS
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
International Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital.
Normally, the Portfolio pursues its objective by investing at least 65%
of its total assets in securities of issuers from at least five different
countries, excluding the United States. Although the Portfolio intends to
invest substantially all of its assets in issuers located outside the
United States, it may at times invest in U.S. issuers and it may at times
invest all of its assets in fewer than five countries or even a single
country.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Worldwide Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital in a manner
consistent with the preservation of capital. It pursues its objective by
investing
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 19
<PAGE>
primarily in common stocks of companies of any size throughout the world.
The Portfolio normally invests in issuers from at least five different
countries, including the United States. The Portfolio may at times invest
in fewer than five countries or even a single country.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
the Growth Portfolios' principal investment strategies.
1. HOW ARE COMMON STOCKS SELECTED?
Each of the Portfolios may invest substantially all of its assets in
common stocks if its portfolio manager believes that common stocks will
appreciate in value. The portfolio managers generally take a "bottom up"
approach to selecting companies. In other words, they seek to identify
individual companies with earnings growth potential that may not be
recognized by the market at large. They make this assessment by looking
at companies one at a time, regardless of size, country of organization,
place of principal business activity, or other similar selection
criteria. Realization of income is not a significant consideration when
choosing investments for the Portfolios. Income realized on the
Portfolios' investments will be incidental to their objectives.
2. ARE THE SAME CRITERIA USED TO SELECT FOREIGN SECURITIES?
Generally, yes. The portfolio managers seek companies that meet their
selection criteria, regardless of where a company is located. Foreign
securities are generally selected on a stock-by-stock basis without
regard to any defined allocation among countries or geographic regions.
However, certain factors such as expected levels of inflation, government
policies influencing business conditions, the outlook for currency
relationships, and prospects for economic growth among countries, regions
or geographic areas may warrant greater consideration in selecting
foreign securities. There are no limitations on the countries in which
the Portfolios may invest and the Portfolios may at times have
significant foreign exposure.
3. WHAT DOES "MARKET CAPITALIZATION" MEAN?
Market capitalization is the most commonly used measure of the size and
value of a company. It is computed by multiplying the current market
price of a share of the company's stock by the total number of its shares
outstanding. As noted previously, market capitalization is an important
investment criteria for Aggressive Growth Portfolio. Although the other
Growth Portfolios offered by this Prospectus do not emphasize companies
of any particular size, Portfolios with a larger asset base are more
likely to invest in larger, more established issuers.
20 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
COMBINATION PORTFOLIOS
This section takes a closer look at the investment objectives of each of
the Combination Portfolios, their principal investment strategies and
certain risks of investing in the Combination Portfolios. Strategies and
policies that are noted as "fundamental" cannot be changed without a
shareholder vote.
Please carefully review the "Risks" section of this Prospectus on pages
24-27 for a discussion of risks associated with certain investment
techniques. We've also included a Glossary with descriptions of
investment terms used throughout this Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
BALANCED PORTFOLIO
Balanced Portfolio seeks long-term capital growth, consistent with
preservation of capital and balanced by current income. It pursues its
objective by normally investing 40-60% of its assets in securities
selected primarily for their growth potential and 40-60% of its assets in
securities selected primarily for their income potential. This Portfolio
normally invests at least 25% of its assets in fixed-income securities.
EQUITY INCOME PORTFOLIO
Equity Income Portfolio seeks current income and long-term growth of
capital. It pursues its objective by normally emphasizing investments in
common stock, and growth potential is a significant investment
consideration. The Portfolio tries to provide a lower level of volatility
than the S&P 500 Index. Normally, it invests at least 65% of its assets
in income-producing equity securities including common and preferred
stocks, warrants and securities that are convertible to common or
preferred stocks.
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO
Growth and Income Portfolio seeks long-term capital growth and current
income. It normally emphasizes investments in common stocks. It will
normally invest up to 75% of its assets in equity securities selected
primarily for their growth potential, and at least 25% of its assets in
securities the portfolio manager believes have income potential. Because
of this investment strategy, the Portfolio is not designed for investors
who need consistent income.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 21
<PAGE>
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
the Combination Portfolios' principal investment strategies.
1. HOW DO THE COMBINATION PORTFOLIOS DIFFER FROM EACH OTHER?
Growth and Income Portfolio places a greater emphasis on aggressive
growth stocks and may derive a greater portion of its income from
dividend-paying common stocks. Because of these factors, its NAV can be
expected to fluctuate more than the other Combination Portfolios.
Although Equity Income Portfolio invests substantially all of its assets
in common stocks, it emphasizes investments in dividend-paying common
stocks and other equity securities characterized by relatively greater
price stability, and thus may be expected to be less volatile than Growth
and Income Portfolio, as discussed in more detail below. Balanced
Portfolio places a greater emphasis on the income component of its
portfolio and invests to a greater degree in securities selected
primarily for their income potential. As a result it is expected to be
the least volatile of the Combination Portfolios.
2. HOW DOES EQUITY INCOME PORTFOLIO TRY TO LIMIT PORTFOLIO VOLATILITY?
Equity Income Portfolio seeks to provide a lower level of volatility than
the stock market at large, as measured by the S&P 500. The lower
volatility sought by this Portfolio is expected to result primarily from
investments in dividend-paying common stocks and other equity securities
characterized by relatively greater price stability. The greater price
stability sought by Equity Income Portfolio may be characteristic of
companies that generate above average free cash flows. A company may use
free cash flows for a number of purposes including commencing or
increasing dividend payments, repurchasing its own stock or retiring
outstanding debt. The portfolio manager also considers growth potential
in selecting this Portfolio's securities and may hold securities selected
solely for their growth potential.
3. HOW ARE COMMON STOCKS SELECTED FOR THE COMBINATION PORTFOLIOS IN COMPARISON
TO THE GROWTH PORTFOLIOS?
Because income is a part of the investment objective of the Combination
Portfolios, a portfolio manager may consider dividend-paying
characteristics to a greater degree in selecting common stocks for these
Portfolios.
4. HOW ARE ASSETS ALLOCATED BETWEEN THE GROWTH AND INCOME COMPONENTS OF BALANCED
PORTFOLIO'S AND GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO'S HOLDINGS?
Balanced Portfolio and Growth and Income Portfolio shift assets between
the growth and income components of their holdings based on the portfolio
managers' analysis of relevant market, financial and economic conditions.
If a portfolio manager believes that growth securities will provide
better returns than
22 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
the yields then available or expected on income-producing securities,
that Portfolio will place a greater emphasis on the growth component.
5. WHAT TYPES OF SECURITIES MAKE UP THE GROWTH COMPONENT OF THE COMBINATION
PORTFOLIOS' INVESTMENTS?
The growth component of the Combination Portfolios' investments is
expected to consist primarily of common stocks, but may also include
warrants, preferred stocks or convertible securities selected primarily
for their growth potential.
6. WHAT TYPES OF SECURITIES MAKE UP THE INCOME COMPONENT OF BALANCED PORTFOLIO'S
AND GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO'S HOLDINGS?
The income component of Balanced Portfolio and Growth and Income
Portfolio will consist of securities that the portfolio managers believe
have income potential. Such securities may include equity securities,
convertible securities and all types of debt securities. Equity
securities may be included in the income component of a Portfolio if they
currently pay dividends or the portfolio manager believes they have the
potential for either increasing their dividends or commencing dividends,
if none are currently paid.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 23
<PAGE>
FIXED-INCOME PORTFOLIOS
This section takes a closer look at the investment objectives of each of
the Fixed-Income Portfolios, their principal investment strategies and
certain risks of investing in the Fixed-Income Portfolios. Strategies and
policies that are noted as "fundamental" cannot be changed without a
shareholder vote.
Please carefully review the "Risks" section of this Prospectus on pages
24-27 for a discussion of risks associated with certain investment
techniques. We've also included a Glossary with descriptions of
investment terms used throughout this Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
In addition to considering economic factors such as the effect of
interest rates on a Portfolio's investments, the portfolio managers apply
a "bottom up" approach in choosing investments. In other words, they look
mostly for income-producing securities that meet their investment
criteria one at a time. If a portfolio manager is unable to find such
investments, much of a Portfolio's assets may be in cash or similar
investments.
FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO
Flexible Income Portfolio seeks to obtain maximum total return,
consistent with preservation of capital. It pursues its objective by
primarily investing in a wide variety of income-producing securities such
as corporate bonds and notes, government securities and preferred stock.
As a fundamental policy, the Portfolio will invest at least 80% of its
assets in income-producing securities. The Portfolio may own an unlimited
amount of high-yield/high-risk securities, and these may be a big part of
the portfolio. This Portfolio generates total return from a combination
of current income and capital appreciation, but income is usually the
dominant portion.
HIGH-YIELD PORTFOLIO
High-Yield Portfolio seeks to obtain high current income. Capital
appreciation is a secondary objective when consistent with its primary
objective. It pursues its objectives by normally investing 65% of its
assets in high-yield/high-risk fixed-income securities, and may at times
invest all of its assets in these securities.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
the Fixed-Income Portfolios' principal investment strategies.
1. HOW DO INTEREST RATES AFFECT THE VALUE OF MY INVESTMENT?
Generally, a fixed-income security will increase in value when interest
rates fall and decrease in value when interest rates rise. Longer-term
securities are
24 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
generally more sensitive to interest rate changes than shorter-term
securities, but they generally offer higher yields to compensate
investors for the associated risks. High-yield bond prices are generally
less directly responsive to interest rate changes than investment grade
issues and may not always follow this pattern. A bond fund's
average-weighted effective maturity and its duration are measures of how
the fund may react to interest rate changes.
2. HOW DO THE FIXED-INCOME PORTFOLIOS MANAGE INTEREST RATE RISK?
Each Fixed-Income Portfolio may vary the average-weighted effective
maturity of its assets to reflect its portfolio manager's analysis of
interest rate trends and other factors. A Portfolio's average-weighted
effective maturity will tend to be shorter when the portfolio manager
expects interest rates to rise and longer when its portfolio manager
expects interest rates to fall. The Portfolios may also use futures,
options and other derivatives to manage interest rate risks.
3. WHAT IS MEANT BY A PORTFOLIO'S "AVERAGE-WEIGHTED EFFECTIVE MATURITY"?
The stated maturity of a bond is the date when the issuer must repay the
bond's entire principal value to an investor. Some types of bonds may
also have an "effective maturity" that is shorter than the stated date
due to prepayment or call provisions. Securities without prepayment or
call provisions generally have an effective maturity equal to their
stated maturity. Dollar-weighted effective maturity is calculated by
averaging the effective maturity of bonds held by a Portfolio with each
effective maturity "weighted" according to the percentage of net assets
that it represents.
4. WHAT IS MEANT BY A PORTFOLIO'S "DURATION"?
A bond's duration indicates the time it will take an investor to recoup
his investment. Unlike average maturity, duration reflects both principal
and interest payments. Generally, the higher the coupon rate on a bond,
the lower its duration will be. The duration of a bond portfolio is
calculated by averaging the duration of bonds held by a fund with each
duration "weighted" according to the percentage of net assets that it
represents. Because duration accounts for interest payments, a
Portfolio's duration is usually shorter than its average maturity.
5. WHAT IS A HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK SECURITY?
A high-yield/high-risk security (also called a "junk" bond) is a debt
security rated below investment grade by major rating agencies (i.e., BB
or lower by Standard & Poor's or Ba or lower by Moody's) or an unrated
bond of similar quality. It presents greater risk of default (the failure
to make timely interest and principal payments) than higher quality
bonds.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 25
<PAGE>
GENERAL PORTFOLIO POLICIES OF THE PORTFOLIOS OTHER THAN MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO
Unless otherwise stated, each of the following policies applies to all of
the Portfolios other than Money Market Portfolio. The percentage
limitations included in these policies and elsewhere in this Prospectus
apply at the time of purchase of the security. So, for example, if a
Portfolio exceeds a limit as a result of market fluctuations or the sale
of other securities, it will not be required to dispose of any
securities.
CASH POSITION
When a portfolio manager believes that market conditions are unfavorable
for profitable investing, or when he or she is otherwise unable to locate
attractive investment opportunities, the Portfolios' cash or similar
investments may increase. In other words, the Portfolios do not always
stay fully invested in stocks and bonds. Cash or similar investments
generally are a residual - they represent the assets that remain after a
portfolio manager has committed available assets to desirable investment
opportunities. However, a portfolio manager may also temporarily increase
a Portfolio's cash position to protect its assets or maintain liquidity.
Partly because the portfolio managers act independently of each other,
the cash positions of the Portfolios may vary significantly.
When a Portfolio's investments in cash or similar investments increase,
it may not participate in market advances or declines to the same extent
that it would if the Portfolio remained more fully invested in stocks or
bonds.
OTHER TYPES OF INVESTMENTS
The Growth and Global Growth Portfolios invest primarily in domestic and
foreign equity securities, which may include preferred stocks, common
stocks, warrants and securities convertible into common or preferred
stocks. The Combination Portfolios also invest in domestic and foreign
equity securities with varying degrees of emphasis on income. The
Portfolios may also invest to a lesser degree in other types of
securities. These securities (which are described in the Glossary) may
include:
- debt securities
- indexed/structured securities
- high-yield/high-risk securities (less than 35% of each Portfolio's
assets)
- options, futures, forwards and other types of derivatives for hedging
purposes or for non-hedging purposes such as seeking to enhance return
26 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
- securities purchased on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward
commitment basis
The Fixed-Income Portfolios invest primarily in fixed-income securities
which may include corporate bonds and notes, government securities,
preferred stock, high-yield/high-risk fixed-income securities and
municipal obligations. The Portfolios may also invest to a lesser degree
in other types of securities. These securities (which are described in
the Glossary) may include:
- common stocks
- mortgage- and asset-backed securities
- zero coupon, pay-in-kind and step coupon securities
- options, futures, forwards and other types of derivatives for hedging
purposes or for non-hedging purposes such as seeking to enhance return
- securities purchased on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward
commitment basis
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS
Each Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid
investments. An illiquid investment is a security or other position that
cannot be disposed of quickly in the normal course of business. For
example, some securities are not registered under U.S. securities laws
and cannot be sold to the U.S. public because of SEC regulations (these
are known as "restricted securities"). Under procedures adopted by the
Portfolios' Trustees, certain restricted securities may be deemed liquid,
and will not be counted toward this 15% limit.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
The Portfolios may invest without limit in foreign equity and debt
securities. The Portfolios may invest directly in foreign securities
denominated in a foreign currency and not publicly traded in the United
States. Other ways of investing in foreign securities include depositary
receipts or shares, and passive foreign investment companies.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Each Portfolio may invest in special situations. A special situation
arises when, in the opinion of a Portfolio's manager, the securities of a
particular issuer will be recognized and appreciate in value due to a
specific development with respect to that issuer. Developments creating a
special situation might include, among others, a new product or process,
a technological breakthrough, a management change or other extraordinary
corporate event, or differences in
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 27
<PAGE>
market supply of and demand for the security. A Portfolio's performance
could suffer if the anticipated development in a "special situation"
investment does not occur or does not attract the expected attention.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Portfolios generally intend to purchase securities for long-term
investment although, to a limited extent, a Portfolio may purchase
securities in anticipation of relatively short-term price gains.
Short-term transactions may also result from liquidity needs, securities
having reached a price or yield objective, changes in interest rates or
the credit standing of an issuer, or by reason of economic or other
developments not foreseen at the time of the investment decision. A
Portfolio may also sell one security and simultaneously purchase the same
or a comparable security to take advantage of short-term differentials in
bond yields or securities prices. Changes are made in a Portfolio's
holdings whenever its portfolio manager believes such changes are
desirable. Portfolio turnover rates are generally not a factor in making
buy and sell decisions.
Increased portfolio turnover may result in higher costs for brokerage
commissions, dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs and may also
result in taxable capital gains. Higher costs associated with increased
portfolio turnover may offset gains in a Portfolio's performance.
28 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
RISKS FOR GROWTH, GLOBAL GROWTH AND COMBINATION PORTFOLIOS
Because the Portfolios may invest substantially all of their assets in
common stocks, the main risk is the risk that the value of the stocks
they hold might decrease in response to the activities of an individual
company or in response to general market and/or economic conditions. If
this occurs, a Portfolio's share price may also decrease. A Portfolio's
performance may also be affected by risks specific to certain types of
investments, such as foreign securities, derivative investments,
non-investment grade debt securities or companies with relatively small
market capitalizations.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
some of the risks of investing in the Growth, Global Growth and Combination
Portfolios.
1. THE PORTFOLIOS MAY INVEST IN SMALLER OR NEWER COMPANIES. DOES THIS CREATE ANY
SPECIAL RISKS?
Smaller or newer companies may suffer more significant losses as well as
realize more substantial growth than larger or more established issuers
because they may lack depth of management, be unable to generate funds
necessary for growth or potential development, or be developing or
marketing new products or services for which markets are not yet
established and may never become established. In addition, such companies
may be insignificant factors in their industries and may become subject
to intense competition from larger or more established companies.
Securities of smaller or newer companies may have more limited trading
markets than the markets for securities of larger or more established
issuers, and may be subject to wide price fluctuations. Investments in
such companies tend to be more volatile and somewhat more speculative.
2. HOW DOES THE NONDIVERSIFIED STATUS OF AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO AND CAPITAL
APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO AFFECT THEIR RISK?
Diversification is a way to reduce risk by investing in a broad range of
stocks or other securities. A "nondiversified" portfolio has the ability
to take larger positions in a smaller number of issuers. Because the
appreciation or depreciation of a single stock may have a greater impact
on the NAV of a nondiversified portfolio, its share price can be expected
to fluctuate more than a comparable diversified portfolio. This
fluctuation, if significant, may affect the performance of a Portfolio.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 29
<PAGE>
RISKS FOR FIXED-INCOME PORTFOLIOS
Because the Portfolios invest substantially all of their assets in
fixed-income securities, they are subject to risks such as credit or
default risks, and decreased value due to interest rate increases. A
Portfolio's performance may also be affected by risks to certain types of
investments, such as foreign securities and derivative instruments.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
some of the risks of investing in the Fixed-Income Portfolios.
1. HOW DO THE FIXED-INCOME PORTFOLIOS DIFFER FROM EACH OTHER IN TERMS OF PRIMARY
INVESTMENT TYPE, CREDIT RISK AND INTEREST RATE RISK?
Flexible Income Portfolio and High-Yield Portfolio invest primarily in
corporate bonds. High-Yield Portfolio's credit risk is generally higher
than Flexible Income Portfolio. Flexible Income Portfolio's interest rate
risk is generally higher than High-Yield Portfolio.
2. WHAT IS MEANT BY "CREDIT QUALITY" AND WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH IT?
Credit quality measures the likelihood that the issuer will meet its
obligations on a bond. One of the fundamental risks associated with all
fixed-income funds is credit risk, which is the risk that an issuer will
be unable to make principal and interest payments when due. U.S.
government securities are generally considered to be the safest type of
investment in terms of credit risk. Municipal obligations generally rank
between U.S. government securities and corporate debt securities in terms
of credit safety. Corporate debt securities, particularly those rated
below investment grade, present the highest credit risk.
3. HOW IS CREDIT QUALITY MEASURED?
Ratings published by nationally recognized statistical rating agencies
such as Standard & Poor's Ratings Service and Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. are widely accepted measures of credit risk. The lower a bond issue
is rated by an agency, the more credit risk it is considered to
represent. Lower rated bonds generally pay higher yields to compensate
investors for the associated risk. Please refer to "Explanation of Rating
Categories" on page 55 for a description of rating categories.
30 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
RISKS COMMON TO ALL NON-MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIOS
The following questions and answers discuss risks that apply to all Portfolios
other than Money Market Portfolio.
1. HOW COULD THE PORTFOLIOS' INVESTMENTS IN FOREIGN SECURITIES AFFECT THEIR
PERFORMANCE?
The Portfolios may invest without limit in foreign securities either
indirectly (e.g., depositary receipts) or directly in foreign markets.
Investments in foreign securities, including those of foreign
governments, may involve greater risks than investing in domestic
securities because the Portfolios' performance may depend on issues other
than the performance of a particular company. These issues include:
- CURRENCY RISK. As long as a Portfolio holds a foreign security, its
value will be affected by the value of the local currency relative to
the U.S. dollar. When a Portfolio sells a foreign denominated security,
its value may be worth less in U.S. dollars even if the security
increases in value in its home country. U.S. dollar denominated
securities of foreign issuers may also be affected by currency risk.
- POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RISK. Foreign investments may be subject to
heightened political and economic risks, particularly in emerging
markets which may have relatively unstable governments, immature
economic structures, national policies restricting investments by
foreigners, different legal systems, and economies based on only a few
industries. In some countries, there is the risk that the government
may take over the assets or operations of a company or that the
government may impose taxes or limits on the removal of a Portfolio's
assets from that country.
- REGULATORY RISK. There may be less government supervision of foreign
markets. As a result, foreign issuers may not be subject to the uniform
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices
applicable to domestic issuers and there may be less publicly available
information about foreign issuers.
- MARKET RISK. Foreign securities markets, particularly those of emerging
market countries, may be less liquid and more volatile than domestic
markets. Certain markets may require payment for securities before
delivery and delays may be encountered in settling securities
transactions. In some foreign markets, there may not be protection
against failure by other parties to complete transactions.
- TRANSACTION COSTS. Costs of buying, selling and holding foreign
securities, including brokerage, tax and custody costs, may be higher
than those involved in domestic transactions.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 31
<PAGE>
2. ARE THERE SPECIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTMENTS IN HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK
SECURITIES?
High-yield/high-risk securities (or "junk" bonds) are securities rated
below investment grade by the primary rating agencies such as Standard &
Poor's and Moody's. The value of lower quality securities generally is
more dependent on credit risk, or the ability of the issuer to meet
interest and principal payments, than investment grade debt securities.
Issuers of high-yield securities may not be as strong financially as
those issuing bonds with higher credit ratings and are more vulnerable to
real or perceived economic changes, political changes or adverse
developments specific to the issuer.
The junk bond market can experience sudden and sharp price swings.
Because Flexible Income Portfolio and High-Yield Portfolio may invest a
significant portion of their assets in high-yield/high-risk securities,
investors should be willing to tolerate a corresponding increase in the
risk of significant and sudden changes in NAV.
Please refer to "Explanation of Rating Categories" on page 55 for a
description of bond rating categories.
3. HOW DO THE PORTFOLIOS TRY TO REDUCE RISK?
The Portfolios may use futures, options and other derivative instruments
to "hedge" or protect their portfolios from adverse movements in
securities prices and interest rates. The Portfolios may also use a
variety of currency hedging techniques, including forward currency
contracts, to manage exchange rate risk. The portfolio managers believe
the use of these instruments will benefit the Portfolios. However, a
Portfolio's performance could be worse than if the Portfolio had not used
such instruments if a portfolio manager's judgement proves incorrect.
Risks associated with the use of derivative instruments are described in
the SAI.
4. I'VE HEARD A LOT ABOUT HOW THE CHANGE TO THE YEAR 2000 COULD AFFECT COMPUTER
SYSTEMS. DOES THIS CREATE ANY SPECIAL RISKS?
The portfolio managers carefully research each potential investment
before making an investment decision and, among other things, consider
Year 2000 readiness when selecting portfolio holdings. However, there is
no guarantee that the information a portfolio manager receives regarding
a company's Year 2000 readiness is completely accurate. If a company has
not satisfactorily addressed Year 2000 issues, the Portfolio's
performance could suffer.
32 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO
This section takes a closer look at the investment objective of Money
Market Portfolio, its principal investment strategies and certain risks
of investing in the Portfolio. Strategies and policies that are noted as
"fundamental" cannot be changed without a shareholder vote.
Money Market Portfolio is subject to certain specific SEC rule
requirements. Among other things, the Portfolio is limited to investing
in U.S. dollar-denominated instruments with a remaining maturity of 397
days or less (as calculated pursuant to Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act).
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Money Market Portfolio seeks maximum current income to the extent
consistent with stability of capital. It pursues its objective by
investing primarily in high quality debt obligations and obligations of
financial institutions. Debt obligations may include commercial paper,
notes and bonds, and variable amount master demand notes. Obligations of
financial institutions include certificates of deposit and time deposits.
Money Market Portfolio will:
- invest in high quality, short-term money market instruments that
present minimal credit risks, as determined by Janus Capital
- invest only in U.S. dollar-denominated instruments that have a
remaining maturity of 397 days or less (as calculated pursuant to Rule
2a-7 under the 1940 Act)
- maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of 90 days or
less
TYPES OF INVESTMENTS
Money Market Portfolio invests primarily in:
- high quality debt obligations
- obligations of financial institutions
The Portfolio may also invest (to a lesser degree) in:
- U.S. Government Securities (securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government, its agencies and instrumentalities)
- municipal securities
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 33
<PAGE>
DEBT OBLIGATIONS
The Portfolio may invest in debt obligations of domestic issuers. Debt
obligations include:
- commercial paper
- notes and bonds
- variable amount master demand notes (the payment obligations on these
instruments may be backed by securities, swap agreements or other
assets, by a guarantee of a third party or solely by the unsecured
promise of the issuer to make payments when due)
- privately issued commercial paper or other securities that are
restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws
OBLIGATIONS OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Examples of obligations of financial institutions include:
- negotiable certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, time deposits
and other obligations of U.S. banks (including savings and loan
associations) having total assets in excess of one billion dollars and
U.S. branches of foreign banks having total assets in excess of ten
billion dollars
- Eurodollar and Yankee bank obligations (Eurodollar bank obligations are
dollar-denominated certificates of deposit or time deposits issued
outside the U.S. capital markets by foreign branches of U.S. banks and
by foreign banks. Yankee bank obligations are dollar-denominated
obligations issued in the U.S. capital markets by foreign banks)
- other U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of foreign banks having total
assets in excess of ten billion dollars that Janus Capital believes are
of an investment quality comparable to obligations of U.S. banks in
which the Portfolio may invest
Foreign, Eurodollar (and to a limited extent, Yankee) bank obligations
are subject to certain sovereign risks. One such risk is the possibility
that a foreign government might prevent dollar-denominated funds from
flowing across its borders. Other risks include: adverse political and
economic developments in a foreign country; the extent and quality of
government regulation of financial markets and institutions; the
imposition of foreign withholding taxes; and expropriation or
nationalization of foreign issuers.
34 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
The following is a description of other investment techniques that Money
Market Portfolio may use:
PARTICIPATION INTERESTS
A participation interest gives Money Market Portfolio a proportionate,
undivided interest in underlying debt securities and sometimes carries a
demand feature.
DEMAND FEATURES
Demand features give Money Market Portfolio the right to resell
securities at specified periods prior to their maturity dates. Demand
features may shorten the life of a variable or floating rate security,
enhance the instrument's credit quality and provide a source of
liquidity.
Demand features are often issued by third party financial institutions,
generally domestic and foreign banks. Accordingly, the credit quality and
liquidity of Money Market Portfolio's investments may be dependent in
part on the credit quality of the banks supporting Money Market
Portfolio's investments. This will result in exposure to risks pertaining
to the banking industry, including the foreign banking industry.
Brokerage firms and insurance companies also provide certain liquidity
and credit support.
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES
Money Market Portfolio may invest in securities which have variable or
floating rates of interest. These securities pay interest at rates that
are adjusted periodically according to a specified formula, usually with
reference to an interest rate index or market interest rate. Variable and
floating rate securities are subject to changes in value based on changes
in market interest rates or changes in the issuer's or guarantor's
creditworthiness.
MORTGAGE- AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
Money Market Portfolio may purchase fixed or variable rate
mortgage-backed securities issued by the Government National Mortgage
Association, Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation, or other governmental or government-related entity.
The Portfolio may purchase other mortgage- and asset-backed securities
including securities backed by automobile loans, equipment leases or
credit card receivables.
Unlike traditional debt instruments, payments on these securities include
both interest and a partial payment of principal. Prepayments of the
principal of underlying loans may shorten the effective maturities of
these securities and may result in the Portfolio having to reinvest
proceeds at a lower interest rate.
Investment objectives, principal investment strategies and risks 35
<PAGE>
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
Money Market Portfolio may enter into collateralized repurchase
agreements. Repurchase agreements are transactions in which the Portfolio
purchases securities and simultaneously commits to resell those
securities to the seller at an agreed-upon price on an agreed-upon future
date. The repurchase price reflects a market rate of interest and is
collateralized by cash or securities.
If the seller of the securities underlying a repurchase agreement fails
to pay the agreed resale price on the agreed delivery date, Money Market
Portfolio may incur costs in disposing of the collateral and may
experience losses if there is any delay in its ability to do so.
36 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Management of the portfolios
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Janus Capital, 100 Fillmore Street, Denver, Colorado 80206-4928, is the
investment adviser to each of the Portfolios and is responsible for the
day-to-day management of the investment portfolios and other business
affairs of the Portfolios.
Janus Capital began serving as investment adviser to Janus Fund in 1970
and currently serves as investment adviser to all of the Janus retail
funds, acts as sub-adviser for a number of private-label mutual funds and
provides separate account advisory services for institutional accounts.
Janus Capital furnishes continuous advice and recommendations concerning
each Portfolio's investments. Janus Capital also furnishes certain
administrative, compliance and accounting services for the Portfolios,
and may be reimbursed by the Portfolios for its costs in providing those
services. In addition, Janus Capital employees serve as officers of the
Trust and Janus Capital provides office space for the Portfolios and pays
the salaries, fees and expenses of all Portfolio officers and those
Trustees who are affiliated with Janus Capital.
Participating insurance companies that purchase the Portfolios' shares
may perform certain administrative services relating to the Portfolios
and Janus Capital or the Portfolios may pay those companies for such
services.
MANAGEMENT EXPENSES AND EXPENSE LIMITS
Each Portfolio pays Janus Capital a management fee which is calculated
daily. The advisory agreement with each Portfolio spells out the
management fee and other expenses that the Portfolios must pay. Each of
the Portfolios is subject to the following management fee schedule
(expressed as an annual rate). In addition, the Shares of each Portfolio
incur expenses not assumed by Janus Capital, including transfer agent and
custodian fees and expenses, legal and auditing fees, printing and
mailing costs of sending reports and other information to existing
shareholders, and independent Trustees' fees and expenses.
Management of the portfolios 37
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Daily
Net Assets Annual Rate Expense Limit
Fee Schedule of Portfolio Percentage (%) Percentage (%)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Portfolio
Aggressive Growth Portfolio First $300 Million 0.75 N/A(1)
Capital Appreciation Portfolio Next $200 Million 0.70
International Growth Portfolio Over $500 Million 0.65
Worldwide Growth Portfolio
Balanced Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity Income Portfolio First $300 Million 0.75
Growth and Income Portfolio Next $200 Million 0.70 1.25(1)(2)
Over $500 Million 0.65
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flexible Income Portfolio First $300 Million 0.65 1.00(2)
Over $300 Million 0.55
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
High-Yield Portfolio First $300 Million 0.75 1.00(2)
Over $300 Million 0.65
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Money Market Portfolio All Asset Levels 0.25 0.50(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Janus Capital has agreed to reduce Growth, Aggressive Growth, Capital
Appreciation, International Growth, Worldwide Growth, Balanced, Equity
Income and Growth and Income Portfolio's management fee to the extent that
such fee exceeds the effective rate of the Janus retail fund corresponding
to such Portfolio. Janus Capital has agreed to continue such waivers until
at least the next annual renewal of the advisory contracts. The effective
rate is the management fee calculated by the corresponding retail fund as of
the last day of each calendar quarter (expressed as an annual rate). The
effective rates of Janus Fund, Janus Enterprise Fund, Janus Olympus Fund,
Janus Overseas Fund, Janus Worldwide Fund, Janus Balanced Fund, Janus Equity
Income Fund, and Janus Growth and Income Fund were 0.65%, 0.69%, 0.67%,
0.66%, 0.65%, 0.67%, 0.72%, and 0.66%, respectively, for the quarter ended
March 31, 1999 (to be filed by amendment).
(2) Janus Capital has agreed to limit the Portfolios' expenses as indicated
until at least the next annual renewal of the advisory contracts.
38 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT PERSONNEL
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
LAURENCE J. CHANG
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and co-manager of International
Growth Portfolio and Janus Overseas Fund which he has
co-managed since May 1998 and April 1998, respectively. He
served as assistant portfolio manager for these funds since
1996. He is also assistant portfolio manager for Worldwide
Growth Portfolio and Janus Worldwide Fund. Mr. Chang joined
Janus Capital in 1993 after receiving a Masters Degree in
Political Science from Stanford University. He is a Chartered
Financial Analyst.
DAVID J. CORKINS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Growth
and Income Portfolio which he has managed since its inception.
He is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Janus
Growth and Income Fund which he has managed since August 1997.
He previously served as an assistant portfolio manager of
Janus Mercury Fund. He joined Janus in 1995 as a research
analyst specializing in domestic financial services companies
and a variety of foreign industries. Prior to joining Janus,
he was the Chief Financial Officer of Chase U.S. Consumer
Services, Inc., a Chase Manhattan mortgage business. He holds
a Bachelor of Arts in English and Russian from Dartmouth and
received his Master of Business Administration from Columbia
University in 1993.
JAMES P. CRAIG, III
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Chief Investment Officer of Janus Capital. He is Executive
Vice President and portfolio manager of Growth Portfolio,
which he has managed since inception. He has managed Janus
Fund since 1986 and has co-managed Janus Venture Fund since
February 1, 1997. Mr. Craig previously managed Janus Venture
Fund from its inception, to December 1993, Janus Balanced Fund
from December 1993 to December 1995 and Balanced Portfolio
from September 1993 through April 1996. He holds a Bachelor of
Arts in Business from the University of Alabama and a Master
of Arts in Finance from the Wharton School of the University
of Pennsylvania.
Management of the portfolios 39
<PAGE>
JAMES P. GOFF
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of
Aggressive Growth Portfolio, which he has managed since
inception. Mr. Goff joined Janus Capital in 1988 and has
managed Janus Enterprise Fund since its inception. Mr. Goff
co-managed or managed Janus Venture Fund from December 1993 to
February 1, 1997. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics
from Yale University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
HELEN YOUNG HAYES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Worldwide
Growth Portfolio and co-manager of International Growth
Portfolio, which she has managed or co-managed since
inception. Ms. Hayes joined Janus Capital in 1987 and has
managed or co-managed Janus Worldwide Fund and Janus Overseas
Fund since their inceptions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in
Economics from Yale University and is a Chartered Financial
Analyst.
SHARON S. PICHLER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Money
Market Portfolio, which she has managed since inception. She
also has managed Janus Money Market Fund, Janus Government
Money Market Fund and Janus Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund since
inception. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from
Michigan State University and a Master of Business
Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Ms. Pichler is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
40 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
BLAINE P. ROLLINS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Balanced
Portfolio, which he has managed since May 1996 and Equity
Income Portfolio, which he has managed since inception. He is
an assistant portfolio manager of Growth Portfolio. Mr.
Rollins joined Janus Capital in 1990 and has managed Janus
Balanced Fund since January 1996 and Janus Equity Income Fund
since inception. He has been an assistant portfolio manager of
Janus Fund since January 1995. He gained experience as a
fixed-income trader and equity research analyst prior to
managing Balanced Portfolio. He holds a Bachelor of Science in
Finance from the University of Colorado and is a Chartered
Financial Analyst.
SANDY R. RUFENACHT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of
High-Yield Portfolio, which he has managed or co-managed since
October 1996. He previously co-managed Flexible Income
Portfolio from January 1997 to May 1998. Mr. Rufenacht joined
Janus Capital in 1990 and has managed Janus Short-Term Bond
Fund since January 1996. He is also the portfolio manager of
Janus High-Yield Fund. He previously co-managed Janus Flexible
Income Fund from June 1996 to February 1998. He holds a
Bachelor of Arts in Business from the University of Northern
Colorado.
SCOTT W. SCHOELZEL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Capital
Appreciation Portfolio, which he has managed since its
inception. He is portfolio manager of Janus Twenty Fund, which
he has managed since August 1997. He previously managed Janus
Olympus Fund from its inception to August 1997. Mr. Schoelzel
joined Janus Capital in January 1994. He holds a Bachelor of
Arts in Business from Colorado College.
Management of the portfolios 41
<PAGE>
RONALD V. SPEAKER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Flexible
Income Portfolio which he has managed or co-managed since its
inception. He previously served as co-manager of High-Yield
Portfolio, from its inception to May 1998. He managed
Short-Term Bond Portfolio from its inception through April
1996. Mr. Speaker joined Janus Capital in 1986. He has managed
or co-managed Janus Flexible Income Fund since December 1991
and previously managed both Janus Short-Term Bond Fund and
Janus Federal Tax-Exempt Fund from inception through December
1995. He previously managed or co-managed Janus High-Yield
Fund from its inception to February 1998. He holds a Bachelor
of Arts in Finance from the University of Colorado and is a
Chartered Financial Analyst.
In January 1997, Mr. Speaker settled an SEC administrative
action involving two personal trades made by him in January of
1993. Without admitting or denying the allegations, Mr.
Speaker agreed to civil money penalty, disgorgement, and
interest payments totaling $37,199 and to a 90-day suspension
which ended on April 25, 1997.
ASSISTANT PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
DAVID C. DECKER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is an assistant portfolio manager of the Growth Portfolio. He
is also an assistant portfolio manager of Janus Fund. He is
Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of Janus
Special Situations Fund. Mr. Decker received a Masters of
Business Administration in Finance from the Fuqua School of
Business at Duke University and a Bachelor's Degree in
Economics and Political Science from Tufts University. He is a
Chartered Financial Analyst.
42 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
RON SACHS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is an assistant portfolio manager of Aggressive Growth
Portfolio. Mr. Sachs joined Janus Capital in 1996 as a
research analyst. Prior to coming to Janus, he worked as a
consultant for Bain & Company and as an attorney for Willkie,
Farr & Gallagher. Mr. Sachs graduated from Princeton cum laude
with an undergraduate degree in economics. He obtained his law
degree from the University of Michigan. Mr. Sachs is a
Chartered Financial Analyst.
JOHN H. SCHREIBER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is an assistant portfolio manager of Equity Income Portfolio.
Mr. Schreiber joined Janus Capital in 1997 as an equity
research analyst. Prior to coming to Janus he was an equity
analyst with Fidelity Investments. Mr. Schreiber holds a
Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the
University of Washington and an MBA from Harvard University.
He is a candidate for the Chartered Financial Analyst
designation.
Management of the portfolios 43
<PAGE>
Other information
CLASSES OF SHARES
Each Portfolio currently offers two classes of Shares, one of which, the
Institutional Shares, are offered pursuant to this prospectus and are
sold under the name Janus Aspen Series. The Shares offered by this
Prospectus are available only in connection with investment in and
payments under variable insurance contracts as well as certain qualified
retirement plans. Retirement Shares of each Portfolio are offered by
separate prospectus and are available only to participant directed
qualified plans using plan service providers that are compensated for
providing distribution and/or recordkeeping and other administrative
services provided to plan participants. Because the expenses of each
class may differ, the performance of each class is expected to differ. If
you would like additional information about the Retirement Shares, please
call 1-800-525-0020.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The Shares offered by this prospectus are available only to variable
annuity and variable life separate accounts of insurance companies that
are unaffiliated with Janus Capital and to certain qualified retirement
plans. Retirement Shares of the Portfolios (offered through a separate
prospectus) are available to certain participant directed qualified
plans. Although the Portfolios do not currently anticipate any
disadvantages to policy owners because each Portfolio offers its shares
to such entities, there is a possibility that a material conflict may
arise. The Trustees monitor events in order to identify any disadvantages
or material irreconcilable conflicts and to determine what action, if
any, should be taken in response. If a material disadvantage or conflict
occurs, the Trustees may require one or more insurance company separate
accounts or qualified plans to withdraw its investments in one or more
Portfolios or substitute Shares of another Portfolio. If this occurs, a
Portfolio may be forced to sell its securities at disadvantageous prices.
In addition, the Trustees may refuse to sell Shares of any Portfolio to
any separate account or qualified plan or may suspend or terminate the
offering of a Portfolio's Shares if such action is required by law or
regulatory authority or is in the best interests of that Portfolio's
shareholders. It is possible that a qualified plan investing in the
Retirement Shares of the Portfolios could lose its qualified plan status
under the Internal Revenue Code, which could have adverse tax
consequences on insurance company separate accounts investing in the
Shares. Janus Capital intends to monitor such qualified plans and the
Portfolios may discontinue sales to a qualified plan and require plan
participants with existing investments in the Retirement Shares to redeem
those investments if a plan loses (or in the opinion of Janus Capital is
at risk of losing) its qualified plan status.
44 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
YEAR 2000
Preparing for Year 2000 is a high priority for Janus Capital, which has
established a dedicated group to address this issue. Janus Capital has
devoted considerable internal resources and has engaged one of the
foremost experts in the field to help achieve Year 2000 readiness. Janus
Capital does not anticipate that Year 2000-related issues will have a
material impact on its ability to continue to provide the Portfolios with
service at current levels; however, Janus Capital cannot make any
assurances that the steps it has taken to ensure Year 2000 readiness will
be successful. In addition, there can be no assurance that Year 2000
issues will not affect the companies in which the Portfolios invest or
worldwide markets and economies.
Other information 45
<PAGE>
Distributions and taxes
DISTRIBUTIONS
To avoid taxation of the Portfolios, the Internal Revenue Code requires
each Portfolio to distribute net income and any net gains realized on its
investments annually. A Portfolio's income from dividends and interest
and any net realized short-term gains are paid to shareholders as
ordinary income dividends. Net realized long-term gains are paid to
shareholders as capital gains distributions.
PORTFOLIOS OTHER THAN MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO
Each class of each Portfolio, other than Money Market Portfolio, makes
semi-annual distributions in June and December of substantially all of
its investment income and an annual distribution in June of its net
realized gains, if any. All dividends and capital gains distributions
from Shares of a Portfolio will automatically be reinvested into
additional Shares of that Portfolio.
HOW DISTRIBUTIONS AFFECT NAV
Distributions, other than daily income dividends, are paid to
shareholders as of the record date of the distribution of a Portfolio,
regardless of how long the shares have been held. Undistributed income
and realized gains are included in the daily NAV of a Portfolio's Shares.
The Share price of a Portfolio drops by the amount of the distribution,
net of any subsequent market fluctuations. For example, assume that on
December 31, the Shares of Growth Portfolio declared a dividend in the
amount of $0.25 per share. If the price of Growth Portfolio's Shares was
$10.00 on December 30, the share price on December 31 would be $9.75,
barring market fluctuations.
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO
For the Shares of Money Market Portfolio, dividends representing
substantially all of the net investment income and any net realized gains
on sales of securities are declared daily, Saturdays, Sundays and
holidays included, and distributed on the last business day of each
month. If a month begins on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, dividends for
those days are declared at the end of the preceding month and distributed
on the first business day of the month. All distributions will be
automatically reinvested in Shares of the Portfolio.
TAXES
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS
Because Shares of the Portfolios may be purchased only through variable
insurance contracts and qualified plans, it is anticipated that any
income dividends or capital gains distributions made by the Shares of a
Portfolio will be
46 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
exempt from current taxation if left to accumulate within the variable
insurance contract or qualified plan. Generally, withdrawals from such
contracts may be subject to ordinary income tax and, if made before age
59 1/2, a 10% penalty tax. The tax status of your investment depends on
the features of your qualified plan or variable insurance contract.
Further information may be found in your plan documents or in the
prospectus of the separate account offering such contract.
TAXATION OF THE PORTFOLIOS
Dividends, interest and some gains received by the Portfolios on foreign
securities may be subject to withholding of foreign taxes. The Portfolios
may from year to year make the election permitted under Section 853 of
the Internal Revenue Code to pass through such taxes to shareholders. If
such election is not made, any foreign taxes paid or accrued will
represent an expense to the Portfolios which will reduce their investment
income.
The Portfolios do not expect to pay any federal income or excise taxes
because they intend to meet certain requirements of the Internal Revenue
Code. In addition, each Portfolio intends to qualify under the Internal
Revenue Code with respect to the diversification requirements related to
the tax-deferred status of insurance company separate accounts.
Distributions and taxes 47
<PAGE>
Shareholder's guide
INVESTORS MAY NOT PURCHASE OR REDEEM SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIOS DIRECTLY.
SHARES MAY BE PURCHASED OR REDEEMED ONLY THROUGH VARIABLE INSURANCE
CONTRACTS OFFERED BY THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS OF PARTICIPATING INSURANCE
COMPANIES OR THROUGH QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS. CERTAIN PORTFOLIOS MAY
NOT BE AVAILABLE IN CONNECTION WITH A PARTICULAR CONTRACT AND CERTAIN
CONTRACTS MAY LIMIT ALLOCATIONS AMONG THE PORTFOLIOS. REFER TO THE
PROSPECTUS FOR THE PARTICIPATING INSURANCE COMPANY'S SEPARATE ACCOUNT OR
YOUR PLAN DOCUMENTS FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON PURCHASING OR SELLING OF VARIABLE
INSURANCE CONTRACTS AND ON HOW TO SELECT SPECIFIC PORTFOLIOS AS
INVESTMENT OPTIONS FOR A CONTRACT OR A QUALIFIED PLAN.
PRICING OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
Investments will be processed at the NAV next determined after an order
is received and accepted by a Portfolio or its agent. In order to receive
a day's price, your order must be received by the close of the regular
trading session of the New York Stock Exchange any day that the NYSE is
open. Securities of the Portfolios other than Money Market Portfolio are
valued at market value or, if a market quotation is not readily
available, at their fair value determined in good faith under procedures
established by and under the supervision of the Trustees. Short-term
instruments maturing within 60 days are valued at amortized cost, which
approximates market value. See the SAI for more detailed information.
To the extent a Portfolio holds securities that are primarily listed on
foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the
Portfolios do not price their shares, the NAV of a Portfolio's shares may
change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem
the Portfolio's shares.
Money Market Portfolio's securities are valued at their amortized cost.
Amortized cost valuation involves valuing an instrument at its cost and
thereafter assuming a constant amortization to maturity (or such other
date as permitted by Rule 2a-7) of any discount or premium. If
fluctuating interest rates cause the market value of the portfolio to
deviate more than 1/2 of 1% from the value determined on the basis of
amortized cost, the Trustees will consider whether any action, such as
adjusting the Share's NAV to reflect current market conditions, should be
initiated to prevent any material dilutive effect on shareholders.
48 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
PURCHASES
Purchases of Shares may be made only by the separate accounts of
insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable insurance
contracts or by qualified plans. Refer to the prospectus of the
appropriate insurance company separate account or your plan documents for
information on how to invest in the Shares of each Portfolio.
Participating insurance companies and certain other designated
organizations are authorized to receive purchase orders on the
Portfolios' behalf.
Each Portfolio reserves the right to reject any specific purchase order.
Purchase orders may be refused if, in Janus Capital's opinion, they are
of a size that would disrupt the management of a Portfolio. Although
there is no present intention to do so, the Portfolios may discontinue
sales of their shares if management and the Trustees believe that
continued sales may adversely affect a Portfolio's ability to achieve its
investment objective. If sales of a Portfolio's Shares are discontinued,
it is expected that existing policy owners and plan participants invested
in that Portfolio would be permitted to continue to authorize investment
in that Portfolio and to reinvest any dividends or capital gains
distributions, absent highly unusual circumstances.
REDEMPTIONS
Redemptions, like purchases, may be effected only through the separate
accounts of participating insurance companies or through qualified plans.
Please refer to the appropriate separate account prospectus or plan
documents for details.
Shares of any Portfolio may be redeemed on any business day. Redemptions
are processed at the NAV next calculated after receipt and acceptance of
the redemption order by the Portfolio or its agent. Redemption proceeds
will normally be wired to the participating insurance company the
business day following receipt of the redemption order, but in no event
later than seven days after receipt of such order.
SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS
Shareholders will receive annual and semiannual reports including the
financial statements of the Shares of the Portfolios that they have
authorized for investment. Each report will show the investments owned by
each Portfolio and the market values thereof, as well as other
information about the Portfolios and their operations. The Trust's fiscal
year ends December 31.
Shareholder's guide 49
<PAGE>
Financial highlights
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the
Institutional Shares' financial performance for each of the five most
recent fiscal years or the life of the Portfolio if less than five years.
Items 1 through 9 reflect financial results for a single Share. Total
return in the tables represents the rate that an investor would have
earned (or lost) on an investment in each of the Institutional Shares of
the Portfolios (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions)
but does not include charges and expenses attributable to any insurance
product. This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
whose report, along with the Portfolios' financial statements, is
included in the Annual Report, which is available upon request and
incorporated by reference into the SAI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $18.48 $15.51 $13.45 $10.57 $10.32
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.05 0.15 0.17 0.28 0.09
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized
and unrealized) 6.36 3.34 2.29 2.90 0.20
4. Total from investment operations 6.41 3.49 2.46 3.18 0.29
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.05) (0.15) (0.17) (0.30) (0.04)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) (1.30) (0.37) (0.23) -- --
8. Total distributions (1.35) (0.52) (0.40) (0.30) (0.04)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $23.54 $18.48 $15.51 $13.45 $10.57
10. Total return 35.66% 22.75% 18.45% 30.17% 2.76%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $1,103,549 $608,281 $325,789 $126,911 $43,549
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $789,454 $477,914 $216,125 $77,344 $26,464
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.68%(6) 0.70%(5) 0.69%(4) 0.78%(3) N/A
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.68% 0.69% 0.69% 0.76% 0.88%(1)(2)
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets 0.26% 0.91% 1.39% 1.24% 1.45%
16. Portfolio turnover rate 73% 122% 87% 185% 169%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.23% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(3) The ratio was 0.98% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.83% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.78% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.75% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Fund.
50 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $20.55 $18.24 $17.08 $13.62 $11.80
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income -- -- -- 0.24 0.11
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized
and unrealized) 7.09 2.31 1.36 3.47 1.82
4. Total from investment operations 7.09 2.31 1.36 3.71 1.93
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) -- -- -- (0.25) (0.11)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- (0.01) -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) -- -- (0.19) -- --
8. Total distributions -- -- (0.20) (0.25) (0.11)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $27.64 $20.55 $18.24 $17.08 $13.62
10. Total return 34.26% 12.66% 7.95% 27.48% 16.33%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $772,943 $508,198 $383,693 $185,911 $41,289
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $576,444 $418,464 $290,629 $107,582 $14,152
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.75%(6) 0.76%(5) 0.76%(4) 0.86%(3) N/A
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.75% 0.76% 0.76% 0.84% 1.05%(1)(2)
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets (0.36%) (0.10%) (0.27%) 0.58% 2.18%
16. Portfolio turnover rate 132% 130% 88% 155% 259%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.14% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(3) The ratio was 0.93% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.83% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.78% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.75% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Enterprise Fund.
Financial highlights 51
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending
December 31
1998 1997(1)
<S> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $12.62 $10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.01 0.05
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 7.32 2.61
4. Total from investment operations 7.33 2.66
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.01) (0.04)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) -- --
8. Total distributions (0.01) (0.04)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $19.94 $12.62
10. Total return* 58.11% 26.60%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $74,187 $6,833
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $25,964 $2,632
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets** 0.92%(3) 1.26%(2)
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets** 0.91% 1.25%
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets** 0.27% 1.43%
16. Portfolio turnover rate** 91% 101%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total return not annualized for periods of less than one full year.
** Annualized for periods of less than one full year.
(1) May 1, 1997 (inception) through December 31, 1997.
(2) The ratio was 2.19% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Olympus Fund.
(3) The ratio was 0.97% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Olympus Fund.
52 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994(1)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $18.48 $15.72 $11.95 $9.72 $10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.13 0.11 0.05 0.09 (0.09)
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 3.07 2.80 4.06 2.16 (0.19)
4. Total from investment operations 3.20 2.91 4.11 2.25 (0.28)
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.14) (0.11) (0.11) (0.02) --
6. Dividends (in excess of net investment income) -- -- -- -- --
7. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
8. Distributions (from capital gains) -- (0.01) (0.23) -- --
9. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.27) (0.03) -- -- --
10. Total distributions (0.41) (0.15) (0.34) (0.02) --
11. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $21.27 $18.48 $15.72 $11.95 $9.72
12. Total return* 17.23% 18.51% 34.71% 23.15% (2.80%)
13. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $311,110 $161,091 $27,192 $1,608 $1,353
14. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $234,421 $96,164 $7,437 $1,792 $1,421
15. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets** 0.86%(6) 0.96%(5) 1.26%(4) 2.69%(3) N/A
16. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets** 0.86% 0.96% 1.25% 2.50% 2.50%(2)
17. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets** 0.73% 0.70% 0.62% (0.80%) (1.30%)
18. Portfolio turnover rate** 93% 86% 65% 211% 275%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total return not annualized for periods of less than one full year.
** Annualized for periods of less than one full year.
(1) May 1, 1994 (inception) through December 31, 1994.
(2) The ratio was 4.67% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
(3) The ratio was 3.57% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
(4) The ratio was 2.21% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
(5) The ratio was 1.08% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.95% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Overseas Fund.
Financial highlights 53
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $23.39 $19.44 $15.31 $12.07 $11.89
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.11 0.04
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both
realized and unrealized) 6.59 4.14 4.27 3.19 0.14
4. Total from investment operations 6.75 4.30 4.43 3.30 0.18
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.18) (0.17) (0.17) (0.06) --
6. Dividends (in excess of net investment income) -- (0.02) -- -- --
7. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
8. Distributions (from capital gains) -- (0.16) (0.13) -- --
9. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.87) -- -- -- --
10. Total distributions (1.05) (0.35) (0.30) (0.06) --
11. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $29.09 $23.39 $19.44 $15.31 $12.07
12. Total return 28.92% 22.15% 29.04% 27.37% 1.53%
13. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $2,890,375 $1,576,548 $582,603 $108,563 $37,728
14. Average net assets for the period (in
thousands) $2,217,695 $1,148,951 $304,111 $59,440 $22,896
15. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.72%(6) 0.74%(5) 0.80%(4) 0.90%(3) N/A
16. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.72% 0.74% 0.80% 0.87% 1.18%(1)(2)
17. Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets 0.64% 0.67% 0.83% 0.95% 0.50%
18. Portfolio turnover rate 77% 80% 62% 113% 217%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.49% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(3) The ratio was 1.09% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(4) The ratio was 0.91% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.81% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Worldwide Fund.
54 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCED PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $17.47 $14.77 $13.03 $10.63 $10.64
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.39 0.34 0.32 0.17 0.15
3. Net gains (or losses) on securities (both realized
and unrealized) 5.51 2.89 1.81 2.45 (0.06)
4. Total from investment operations 5.90 3.23 2.13 2.62 0.09
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.38) (0.35) (0.30) (0.22) (0.10)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) (0.45) (0.18) (0.09) -- --
8. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.04) -- -- -- --
9. Total distributions (0.87) (0.53) (0.39) (0.22) (0.10)
10. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $22.50 $17.47 $14.77 $13.03 $10.63
11. Total return 34.28% 22.10% 16.18% 24.79% 0.84%
12. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $882,495 $362,409 $85,480 $14,021 $3,153
13. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $555,002 $176,432 $43,414 $5,739 $2,336
14. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.74%(6) 0.83%(5) 0.94%(4) 1.37%(3) N/A
15. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.74% 0.82% 0.92% 1.30% 1.57%(1)(2)
16. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 2.41% 2.87% 2.92% 2.41% 1.90%
17. Portfolio turnover rate 70% 139% 103% 149% 158%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Commissions payable by the Portfolio for transactions effected by a
broker-dealer affiliated with Janus Capital were credited against the
Portfolio's operating expenses. The effect of such directed brokerage
arrangement was de minimis.
(2) The ratio was 1.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(3) The ratio was 1.55% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(4) The ratio was 1.07% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(5) The ratio was 0.83% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
(6) The ratio was 0.74% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Balanced Fund.
Financial highlights 55
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EQUITY INCOME PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending
December 31
1998 1997(1)
<S> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $13.46 $10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.02 0.01
3. Net gains (or losses) on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 6.16 3.46
4. Total from investment operations 6.18 3.47
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.02) (0.01)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) (0.21) --
8. Total distributions (0.23) (0.01)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $19.41 $13.46
10. Total return* 46.24% 34.70%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $9,017 $3,047
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $5,629 $1,101
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets** 1.25%(3) 1.25%(2)
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets** 1.25% 1.25%
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets** 0.17% 0.35%
16. Portfolio turnover rate** 79% 128%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total return not annualized for periods of less than one full year.
** Annualized for periods of less than one full year.
(1) May 1, 1997 (inception) through December 31, 1997.
(2) The ratio was 5.75% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Equity Income Fund.
(3) The ratio was 1.86% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Equity Income Fund.
56 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Period ending
December 31
1998(1)
<S> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.02
3. Net gains (or losses) on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 1.96
4. Total from investment operations 1.98
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.02)
6. Tax return of capital distributions --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) --
8. Total distributions (0.02)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $11.96
10. Total return* 19.80%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $6,413
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $2,883
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets** 1.25%(2)
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets** 1.25%
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets** 0.66%
16. Portfolio turnover rate** 62%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total return not annualized.
** Annualized.
(1) May 1, 1998 (inception) through December 31, 1998.
(2) The ratio was 3.06% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Growth and Income Fund.
Financial highlights 57
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $11.78 $11.24 $11.11 $9.48 $9.97
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.64 0.67 0.74 0.53 0.47
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 0.41 0.62 0.24 1.70 (0.56)
4. Total from investment operations 1.05 1.29 0.98 2.23 (0.09)
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.67) (0.64) (0.72) (0.60) (0.40)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) (0.11) (0.11) (0.13) -- --
8. Total distributions (0.78) (0.75) (0.85) (0.60) (0.40)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $12.05 $11.78 $11.24 $11.11 $9.48
10. Total return 9.11% 11.76% 9.19% 23.86% (0.91%)
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $129,582 $54,098 $25,315 $10,831 $1,924
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $86,627 $36,547 $17,889 $5,556 $1,636
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets 0.73% 0.75% 0.84% 1.07% N/A
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.73% 0.75% 0.83% 1.00% 1.00%(1)
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 6.36% 6.90% 7.31% 7.46% 5.49%
16. Portfolio turnover rate 145% 119% 250% 236% 234%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) The ratio was 1.35% before waiver of certain fees incurred by the Portfolio.
58 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HIGH-YIELD PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996(1)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $11.78 $10.83 $10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.87 0.70 0.43
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) (0.70) 0.99 0.80
4. Total from investment operations 0.17 1.69 1.23
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.89) (0.68) (0.40)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) (0.05) (0.06) --
8. Distributions (in excess of realized gains) (0.16) -- --
9. Total distributions (1.10) (0.74) (0.40)
10. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $10.85 $11.78 $10.83
11. Total return* 1.26% 15.98% 12.40%
12. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $2,977 $2,914 $783
13. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $3,281 $1,565 $459
14. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets** 1.00%(4) 1.00%(3) 1.01(2)
15. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets** 1.00% 1.00% 1.00%
16. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets** 7.76% 7.98% 5.74%
17. Portfolio turnover rate** 301% 299% 301%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total return not annualized for periods of less than one full year.
** Annualized for periods of less than one full year.
(1) May 1, 1996 (inception) through December 31, 1996.
(2) The ratio was 6.29% before waiver of certain fees incurred by the Portfolio.
(3) The ratio was 3.27% before waiver of certain fees incurred by the Portfolio.
(4) The ratio was 2.11% before waiver of certain fees incurred by the Portfolio.
Financial highlights 59
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ending December 31
1998 1997 1996 1995(1)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.04
3. Net gains or losses on securities (both realized and
unrealized) -- -- -- --
4. Total from investment operations 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.04
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.05) (0.05) (0.05) (0.04)
6. Tax return of capital distributions -- -- -- --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) -- -- -- --
8. Total distributions (0.05) (0.05) (0.05) (0.04)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00
10. Total return* 5.36% 5.17% 5.05% 3.63%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $38,690 $15,374 $6,016 $1,735
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $31,665 $8,926 $3,715 $1,543
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets** 0.34% 0.50% 0.50% 0.50%
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets** 0.34% 0.50%(4) 0.50%(3) 0.50%(2)
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net assets** 5.21% 5.17% 4.93% 5.30%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total return not annualized for periods of less than one year.
** Annualized for periods of less than one full year.
(1) May 1, 1995 (inception) to December 31, 1995.
(2) The ratio was 1.07% before waiver of certain fees incurred by the Portfolio.
(3) The ratio was 0.78% before waiver of certain fees incurred by the Portfolio.
(4) The ratio was 0.55% before waiver of certain fees incurred by the Portfolio.
60 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Glossary of investment terms
This glossary provides a more detailed description of some of the types
of securities and other instruments in which the Portfolios may invest.
The Portfolios may invest in these instruments to the extent permitted by
their investment objectives and policies. The Portfolios are not limited
by this discussion and may invest in any other types of instruments not
precluded by the policies discussed elsewhere in this Prospectus. Please
refer to the SAI for a more detailed discussion of certain instruments.
I. EQUITY AND DEBT SECURITIES
BONDS are debt securities issued by a company, municipality, government
or government agency. The issuer of a bond is required to pay the holder
the amount of the loan (or par value of the bond) at a specified maturity
and to make scheduled interest payments.
COMMERCIAL PAPER is a short-term debt obligation with a maturity ranging
from 1 to 270 days issued by banks, corporations and other borrowers to
investors seeking to invest idle cash. The Portfolios may purchase
commercial paper issued in private placements under Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act of 1933.
COMMON STOCKS are equity securities representing shares of ownership in a
company and usually carry voting rights and earns dividends. Unlike
preferred stock, dividends on common stock are not fixed but are declared
at the discretion of the issuer's board of directors.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES are preferred stocks or bonds that pay a fixed
dividend or interest payment and are convertible into common stock at a
specified price or conversion ratio.
DEBT SECURITIES are securities representing money borrowed that must be
repaid at a later date. Such securities have specific maturities and
usually a specific rate of interest or an original purchase discount.
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS are receipts for shares of a foreign-based
corporation that entitle the holder to dividends and capital gains on the
underlying security. Receipts include those issued by domestic banks
(American Depositary Receipts), foreign banks (Global or European
Depositary Receipts) and broker-dealers (depositary shares).
FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES are securities that pay a specified rate of
return. The term generally includes short- and long-term government,
corporate and municipal obligations that pay a specified rate of interest
or coupons for a specified period of time, and preferred stock, which
pays fixed dividends. Coupon and dividend rates may be fixed for the life
of the issue or, in the case of adjustable and floating rate securities,
for a shorter period.
Glossary of investment terms 61
<PAGE>
HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK SECURITIES are securities that are rated below
investment grade by the primary rating agencies (e.g., BB or lower by
Standard & Poor's and Ba or lower by Moody's). Other terms commonly used
to describe such securities include "lower rated bonds," "noninvestment
grade bonds" and "junk bonds."
MORTGAGE- AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES are shares in a pool of mortgages
or other debt. These securities are generally pass-through securities,
which means that principal and interest payments on the underlying
securities (less servicing fees) are passed through to shareholders on a
pro rata basis. These securities involve prepayment risk, which is the
risk that the underlying mortgages or other debt may be refinanced or
paid off prior to their maturities during periods of declining interest
rates. In that case, a portfolio manager may have to reinvest the
proceeds from the securities at a lower rate. Potential market gains on a
security subject to prepayment risk may be more limited than potential
market gains on a comparable security that is not subject to prepayment
risk.
PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES (PFICS) are any foreign corporations
which generate certain amounts of passive income or hold certain amounts
of assets for the production of passive income. Passive income includes
dividends, interest, royalties, rents and annuities. To avoid taxes and
interest that the Portfolios must pay if these investments are
profitable, the Portfolios may make various elections permitted by the
tax laws. These elections could require that the Portfolios recognize
taxable income, which in turn must be distributed, before the securities
are sold and before cash is received to pay the distributions.
PAY-IN-KIND BONDS are debt securities that normally give the issuer an
option to pay cash at a coupon payment date or give the holder of the
security a similar bond with the same coupon rate and a face value equal
to the amount of the coupon payment that would have been made.
PREFERRED STOCKS are equity securities that generally pay dividends at a
specified rate and have preference over common stock in the payment of
dividends and liquidation. Preferred stock generally does not carry
voting rights.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS involve the purchase of a security by a Portfolio
and a simultaneous agreement by the seller (generally a bank or dealer)
to repurchase the security from the Portfolio at a specified date or upon
demand. This technique offers a method of earning income on idle cash.
These securities involve the risk that the seller will fail to repurchase
the security, as agreed. In that case, a Portfolio will bear the risk of
market value fluctuations until the security can be sold and may
encounter delays and incur costs in liquidating the security.
62 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS involve the sale of a security by a
Portfolio to another party (generally a bank or dealer) in return for
cash and an agreement by the Portfolio to buy the security back at a
specified price and time. This technique will be used primarily to
provide cash to satisfy unusually high redemption requests, or for other
temporary or emergency purposes.
RULE 144A SECURITIES are securities that are not registered for sale to
the general public under the Securities Act of 1933, but that may be
resold to certain institutional investors.
STANDBY COMMITMENTS are obligations purchased by a Portfolio from a
dealer that give the Portfolio the option to sell a security to the
dealer at a specified price.
STEP COUPON BONDS are debt securities that trade at a discount from their
face value and pay coupon interest. The discount from the face value
depends on the time remaining until cash payments begin, prevailing
interest rates, liquidity of the security and the perceived credit
quality of the issuer.
STRIP BONDS are debt securities that are stripped of their interest
(usually by a financial intermediary) after the securities are issued.
The market value of these securities generally fluctuates more in
response to changes in interest rates than interest-paying securities of
comparable maturity.
TENDER OPTION BONDS are generally long-term securities that are coupled
with an option to tender the securities to a bank, broker-dealer or other
financial institution at periodic intervals and receive the face value of
the bond. This type of security is commonly used as a means of enhancing
the security's liquidity.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES include direct obligations of the U.S.
government that are supported by its full faith and credit. Treasury
bills have initial maturities of less than one year, Treasury notes have
initial maturities of one to ten years and Treasury bonds may be issued
with any maturity but generally have maturities of at least ten years.
U.S. government securities also include indirect obligations of the U.S.
government that are issued by federal agencies and government sponsored
entities. Unlike Treasury securities, agency securities generally are not
backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Some agency
securities are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the
Treasury, others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S.
government to purchase the agency's obligations and others are supported
only by the credit of the sponsoring agency.
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES have variable or floating rates of
interest and, under certain limited circumstances, may have varying
principal amounts. These securities pay interest at rates that are
adjusted periodically according to a
Glossary of investment terms 63
<PAGE>
specified formula, usually with reference to some interest rate index or
market interest rate. The floating rate tends to decrease the security's
price sensitivity to changes in interest rates.
WARRANTS are securities, typically issued with preferred stock or bonds,
that give the holder the right to buy a proportionate amount of common
stock at a specified price, usually at a price that is higher than the
market price at the time of issuance of the warrant. The right may last
for a period of years or indefinitely.
WHEN-ISSUED, DELAYED DELIVERY AND FORWARD TRANSACTIONS generally involve
the purchase of a security with payment and delivery at some time in the
future - i.e., beyond normal settlement. The Portfolios do not earn
interest on such securities until settlement and bear the risk of market
value fluctuations in between the purchase and settlement dates. New
issues of stocks and bonds, private placements and U.S. government
securities may be sold in this manner.
ZERO COUPON BONDS are debt securities that do not pay regular interest at
regular intervals, but are issued at a discount from face value. The
discount approximates the total amount of interest the security will
accrue from the date of issuance to maturity. The market value of these
securities generally fluctuates more in response to changes in interest
rates than interest-paying securities.
II. FUTURES, OPTIONS AND OTHER DERIVATIVES
FORWARD CONTRACTS are contracts to purchase or sell a specified amount of
a financial instrument for an agreed upon price at a specified time.
Forward contracts are not currently exchange traded and are typically
negotiated on an individual basis. The Portfolios may enter into forward
currency contracts to hedge against declines in the value of securities
denominated in, or whose value is tied to, a currency other than the U.S.
dollar or to reduce the impact of currency appreciation on purchases of
such securities. They may also enter into forward contracts to purchase
or sell securities or other financial indices.
FUTURES CONTRACTS are contracts that obligate the buyer to receive and
the seller to deliver an instrument or money at a specified price on a
specified date. The Portfolios may buy and sell futures contracts on
foreign currencies, securities and financial indices including interest
rates or an index of U.S. government, foreign government, equity or
fixed-income securities. The Portfolios may also buy options on futures
contracts. An option on a futures contract gives the buyer the right, but
not the obligation, to buy or sell a futures contract at a specified
price on or before a specified date. Futures contracts and options on
futures are standardized and traded on designated exchanges.
64 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
INDEXED/STRUCTURED SECURITIES are typically short- to intermediate-term
debt securities whose value at maturity or interest rate is linked to
currencies, interest rates, equity securities, indices, commodity prices
or other financial indicators. Such securities may be positively or
negatively indexed (i.e. their value may increase or decrease if the
reference index or instrument appreciates). Indexed/structured securities
may have return characteristics similar to direct investments in the
underlying instruments and may be more volatile than the underlying
instruments. A Portfolio bears the market risk of an investment in the
underlying instruments, as well as the credit risk of the issuer.
INTEREST RATE SWAPS involve the exchange by two parties of their
respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange of
floating rate payments for fixed rate payments).
INVERSE FLOATERS are debt instruments whose interest rate bears an
inverse relationship to the interest rate on another instrument or index.
For example, upon reset the interest rate payable on a security may go
down when the underlying index has risen. Certain inverse floaters may
have an interest rate reset mechanism that multiplies the effects of
change in the underlying index. Such mechanism may increase the
volatility of the security's market value.
OPTIONS are the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a specified
amount of securities or other assets on or before a fixed date at a
predetermined price. The Portfolios may purchase and write put and call
options on securities, securities indices and foreign currencies.
Glossary of investment terms 65
<PAGE>
Explanation of rating categories
The following is a description of credit ratings issued by two of the
major credit ratings agencies. Credit ratings evaluate only the safety of
principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of lower
quality securities. Credit rating agencies may fail to change credit
ratings to reflect subsequent events on a timely basis. Although Janus
Capital considers security ratings when making investment decisions, it
also performs its own investment analysis and does not rely solely on the
ratings assigned by credit agencies.
STANDARD & POOR'S
RATINGS SERVICES
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
BOND RATING EXPLANATION
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Grade
AAA...................... Highest rating; extremely strong capacity
to pay principal and interest.
AA....................... High quality; very strong capacity to pay
principal and interest.
A........................ Strong capacity to pay principal and
interest; somewhat more susceptible to the
adverse effects of changing circumstances
and economic conditions.
BBB...................... Adequate capacity to pay principal and
interest; normally exhibit adequate
protection parameters, but adverse economic
conditions or changing circumstances more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to
pay principal and interest than for higher
rated bonds.
Non-Investment Grade
BB, B, CCC, CC, C........ Predominantly speculative with respect to
the issuer's capacity to meet required
interest and principal payments.
BB - lowest degree of speculation; C - the
highest degree of speculation. Quality and
protective characteristics outweighed by
large uncertainties or major risk exposure
to adverse conditions.
D........................ In default.
</TABLE>
66 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
BOND RATING EXPLANATION
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Grade
Aaa...................... Highest quality, smallest degree of
investment risk.
Aa....................... High quality; together with Aaa bonds, they
compose the high-grade bond group.
A........................ Upper-medium grade obligations; many
favorable investment attributes.
Baa...................... Medium-grade obligations; neither highly
protected nor poorly secured. Interest and
principal appear adequate for the present
but certain protective elements may be
lacking or may be unreliable over any great
length of time.
Non-Investment Grade
Ba....................... More uncertain, with speculative elements.
Protection of interest and principal
payments not well safeguarded during good
and bad times.
B........................ Lack characteristics of desirable
investment; potentially low assurance of
timely interest and principal payments or
maintenance of other contract terms over
time.
Caa...................... Poor standing, may be in default; elements
of danger with respect to principal or
interest payments.
Ca....................... Speculative in a high degree; could be in
default or have other marked shortcomings.
C........................ Lowest-rated; extremely poor prospects of
ever attaining investment standing.
</TABLE>
Unrated securities will be treated as noninvestment grade securities
unless a portfolio manager determines that such securities are the
equivalent of investment grade securities. Securities that have received
ratings from more than one agency are considered investment grade if at
least one agency has rated the security investment grade.
Explanation of rating categories 67
<PAGE>
SECURITIES HOLDINGS BY RATING CATEGORY
During the fiscal period ended December 31, 1998, the percentage of
securities holdings for the following Portfolios by rating category based
upon a weighted monthly average was:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO
------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
BONDS-S&P RATING:
AAA 24%
AA 4%
A 13%
BBB 18%
BB 13%
B 15%
CCC 1%
CC 0%
C 0%
Preferred Stock 2%
Cash and Options 10%
TOTAL 100%
------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HIGH-YIELD PORTFOLIO
------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
BONDS-S&P RATING:
AAA 3%
AA 0%
A 0%
BBB 1%
BB 2%
B 60%
CCC 2%
CC 0%
C 0%
Preferred Stock 3%
Cash and Options 29%
TOTAL 100%
------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
No other Portfolio described in this Prospectus held 5% or more of its
assets in bonds rated below investment grade for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998.
68 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
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69
<PAGE>
You can request other information, including a Statement of Additional
Information, Annual Report or Semiannual Report, free of charge, by contacting
your insurance company or plan sponsor or visiting our Web site at janus.com. In
the Portfolios' Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market
conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Portfolios'
performance during their last fiscal year. Other information is also available
from financial intermediaries that sell shares of the Portfolios.
The Statement of Additional Information provides detailed information about the
Portfolios and is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference. You may review
the Portfolios' Statement of Additional Information at the Public Reference Room
of the SEC or get text only copies for a fee, by writing to or calling the
Public Reference Room, Washington, D.C. 20549-6009 (1-800-SEC-0330). You may
obtain the Statement of Additional Information for free from the SEC's Web site
at http://www.sec.gov.
Investment Company Act File No. 811-7736
70
<PAGE>
(This page intentionally left blank)
71
<PAGE>
(This page intentionally left blank)
72
<PAGE>
(This page intentionally left blank)
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
Please direct all mail to:
WESTERN RESERVE LIFE ASSURANCE CO. OF
OHIO
Please complete and return Application
to:
IF MAILED:
Janus Retirement Advantage
c/o Western Reserve Life Assurance Co.
of Ohio
Attn: Annuity Dept.
P.O. Box 9052
Clearwater, FL 33758-9052
IF OVERNIGHT DELIVERY:
Janus Retirement Advantage
c/o Western Reserve Life Assurance Co.
of Ohio
Attn: Annuity Dept.
Spectrum Technology Park
8550 Ulmerton Rd., Suite 101
Largo, FL 33771
PCJR0599
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
Janus Aspen Series
PROSPECTUS
MAY 1, 1999
Growth and Income Portfolio
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED
OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED ON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
Janus Aspen Series consists of eleven mutual funds (the
"Portfolios"), one of which is described in this
prospectus. Each Portfolio currently offers two classes
of shares. The Institutional Shares, (the "Shares"),
are sold under the name of "Janus Aspen Series" and are
offered by this prospectus in connection with
investment in and payments under variable annuity
contracts and variable life insurance contracts, as
well as certain qualified retirement plans.
Janus Aspen Series sells and redeems its Shares at net
asset value without sales charges, commissions or
redemption fees. Each variable insurance contract
involves fees and expenses that are not described in
this Prospectus. See the accompanying contract
prospectus for information regarding contract fees and
expenses and any restrictions on purchases or
allocations.
This prospectus contains information that a prospective
purchaser of a variable insurance contract or plan
participant should consider in conjunction with the
accompanying separate account prospectus of the
specific insurance company product before allocating
purchase payments or premiums to the Portfolios.
<PAGE>
Table of contents
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
Growth and Income Portfolio.................. 2
Fees and expenses............................ 4
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT
STRATEGIES AND RISKS
Investment objective and principal investment
strategies................................... 6
General portfolio policies................... 8
Risks for Growth and Income Portfolio........ 12
MANAGEMENT OF THE PORTFOLIO
Investment adviser........................... 16
Management expenses and expense limits....... 17
Investment personnel......................... 18
OTHER INFORMATION............................... 19
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Distributions................................ 21
Taxes........................................ 21
SHAREHOLDER'S GUIDE
Purchases.................................... 23
Redemptions.................................. 24
Shareholder communications................... 24
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS............................ 25
GLOSSARY
Glossary of investment terms................. 27
</TABLE>
Table of contents 1
<PAGE>
Risk return summary
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO
Growth and Income Portfolio is designed for investors who
primarily seek growth of capital with some emphasis on income. It
is not designed for investors who desire a consistent level of
income.
1. WHAT IS THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO seeks long-term capital growth
and current income.
The Trustees may change this objective without a shareholder vote
and the Portfolio will notify you of any changes that are
material. If there is a material change to the Portfolio's
objective or policies, you should consider whether the Portfolio
remains an appropriate investment for you. There is no guarantee
that the Portfolio will meet its objective.
2. WHAT ARE THE MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO?
The portfolio manager applies a "bottom up" approach in choosing
investments. In other words, he looks mostly for equity and
income-producing securities that meet his investment criteria one
at a time. If the portfolio manager is unable to find such
investments, much of the Portfolio's assets may be in cash or
similar investments.
Growth and Income Portfolio normally emphasizes investments in
common stocks. It will normally invest up to 75% of its assets in
equity securities selected primarily for their growth potential,
and at least 25% of its assets in securities the portfolio
manager believes have income potential. Equity securities may
make up part of this income component if they currently pay
dividends or the portfolio manager believes they have potential
for increasing or commencing dividend payments.
2 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO?
The biggest risk is that the Portfolio's returns may vary, and
you could lose money. If you are considering investing in Growth
and Income Portfolio, remember that it is designed for long-term
investors who can accept the risks of investing in a portfolio
with significant common stock holdings. Common stocks tend to be
more volatile than other investment choices.
The value of the Portfolio may decrease if the value of an
individual company in the portfolio decreases. The value of the
Portfolio could also decrease if the stock market goes down. If
the value of the Portfolio decreases, its NAV will also decrease,
which means if you sell your shares in the Portfolio you would
get back less money.
The income component of the Portfolio's holdings includes fixed-
income securities. A fundamental risk to the income component is
that the value of these securities will fall if interest rates
rise. Generally, the value of a fixed-income portfolio will
decrease when interest rates rise, which means the Portfolio's
NAV may likewise decrease. Another fundamental risk associated
with fixed-income securities is credit risk, which is the risk
that an issuer of a bond will be unable to make principal and
interest payments when due.
An investment in this Portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency.
Risk return summary 3
<PAGE>
FEES AND EXPENSES
SHAREHOLDER FEES, such as sales loads, redemption fees or
exchange fees, are charged directly to an investor's account. All
Janus funds are no-load investments, so you will not pay any
shareholder fees when you buy or sell shares of the Portfolio.
However, each variable insurance contract involves fees and
expenses not described in this prospectus. See the accompanying
contract prospectus for information regarding contract fees and
expenses and any restrictions on purchases or allocations.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES are paid out of the Portfolio's
assets and include fees for portfolio management, maintenance of
shareholder accounts, shareholder servicing, accounting and other
services. You do not pay these fees directly but, as the example
on the next page shows, these costs are borne indirectly by all
shareholders.
4 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
This table and example are designed to assist participants in
qualified plans that invest in the Shares of the Portfolio in
understanding the fees and expenses that you may pay as an
investor in the Shares. The information shown is based upon gross
expenses (without the effect of expense offset arrangements) for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998. OWNERS OF VARIABLE
INSURANCE CONTRACTS THAT INVEST IN THE SHARES SHOULD REFER TO THE
VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT PROSPECTUS FOR A DESCRIPTION OF FEES
AND EXPENSES, AS THE TABLE AND EXAMPLE DO NOT REFLECT DEDUCTIONS
AT THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT LEVEL OR CONTRACT LEVEL FOR ANY CHARGES
THAT MAY BE INCURRED UNDER A CONTRACT.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Annual Fund Total Annual Fund
Operating Expenses Operating Expenses
Management Other Without Waivers Total With Waivers
Fee Expenses or Reductions* Waivers and Reductions or Reductions*
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Growth and Income
Portfolio 0.75% 2.31% 3.06% 1.81% 1.25%
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* All expenses are stated both with and without contractual waivers and
fee reductions by Janus Capital. Fee reductions for Growth and Income
Portfolio reduce the Management Fee to the level of Janus Growth and
Income Fund. Other waivers, if applicable, are first applied against the
Management Fee and then against Other Expenses. Janus Capital has agreed
to continue the waivers and fee reductions until at least the next
annual renewal of the advisory agreement.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXAMPLE:
THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLE IS BASED ON EXPENSES WITHOUT WAIVERS OR
REDUCTIONS. This example is intended to help you compare the cost of
investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual
funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for
the time periods indicated then redeem all of your shares at the end of
those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5%
return each year, and that the Portfolio's operating expenses remain the
same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions your costs would be:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
-----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Growth and Income Portfolio $309 $945 $1,606 $3,374
</TABLE>
Risk return summary 5
<PAGE>
Investment objective, principal investment
strategies and risks
Growth and Income Portfolio has a similar investment objective
and similar principal investment strategies to Janus Growth and
Income Fund.
Although it is anticipated that the Portfolio and its
corresponding retail fund will hold similar securities,
differences in asset size, cash flow needs and other factors may
result in differences in investment performance. The expenses of
Growth and Income Portfolio and Janus Growth and Income Fund are
expected to differ. The variable contract owner will also bear
various insurance related costs at the insurance company level.
You should review the accompanying separate account prospectus
for a summary of fees and expenses.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
This section takes a closer look at the investment objective of
Growth and Income Portfolio, its principal investment strategies
and certain risks of investing in the Portfolio. Strategies and
policies that are noted as "fundamental" cannot be changed
without a shareholder vote.
Please carefully review the "Risks" section of this Prospectus on
pages 12-15 for a discussion of risks associated with certain
investment techniques. We've also included a Glossary with
descriptions of investment terms used throughout this Prospectus.
Growth and Income Portfolio seeks long-term capital growth and
current income. It normally emphasizes investments in common
stocks. It will normally invest up to 75% of its assets in equity
securities selected primarily for their growth potential, and at
least 25% of its assets in securities the portfolio manager
believes have income potential. Because of this investment
strategy, the Portfolio is not designed for investors who need
consistent income.
6 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
Growth and Income Portfolio's principal investment strategies.
1. HOW ARE COMMON STOCKS SELECTED?
The Portfolio may invest substantially all of its assets in
common stocks if the portfolio manager believes that common
stocks will appreciate in value. The portfolio manager generally
takes a "bottom up" approach to selecting companies. In other
words, he seeks to identify individual companies with earnings
growth potential that may not be recognized by the market at
large. He makes this assessment by looking at companies one at a
time, regardless of size, country of organization, place of
principal business activity, or other similar selection criteria.
2. ARE THE SAME CRITERIA USED TO SELECT FOREIGN SECURITIES?
Generally, yes. The portfolio manager seeks companies that meet
his selection criteria, regardless of where a company is located.
Foreign securities are generally selected on a stock-by-stock
basis without regard to any defined allocation among countries or
geographic regions. However, certain factors such as expected
levels of inflation, government policies influencing business
conditions, the outlook for currency relationships, and prospects
for economic growth among countries, regions or geographic areas
may warrant greater consideration in selecting foreign
securities. There are no limitations on the countries in which
the Portfolio may invest.
3. HOW ARE ASSETS ALLOCATED BETWEEN THE GROWTH AND INCOME COMPONENTS OF GROWTH
AND INCOME PORTFOLIO'S HOLDINGS?
Growth and Income Portfolio shifts assets between the growth and
income components of its holdings based on the portfolio
manager's analysis of relevant market, financial and economic
conditions. If the portfolio manager believes that growth
securities will provide better returns than the yields then
available or expected on income-producing securities, the
Portfolio will place a greater emphasis on the growth component.
Investment objective, principal investment strategies and risks 7
<PAGE>
4. WHAT TYPES OF SECURITIES MAKE UP THE GROWTH COMPONENT OF GROWTH AND INCOME
PORTFOLIO'S INVESTMENTS?
The growth component of the Portfolio's investments is expected
to consist primarily of common stocks, but may also include
warrants, preferred stocks or convertible securities selected
primarily for their growth potential.
5. WHAT TYPES OF SECURITIES MAKE UP THE INCOME COMPONENT OF GROWTH AND INCOME
PORTFOLIO'S HOLDINGS?
The income component of Growth and Income Portfolio will consist
of securities that the portfolio manager believes have income
potential. Such securities may include equity securities,
convertible securities and all types of debt securities. Equity
securities may be included in the income component of the
Portfolio if they currently pay dividends or the portfolio
manager believes they have the potential for either increasing
their dividends or commencing dividends, if none are currently
paid.
6. HOW DO INTEREST RATES AFFECT THE VALUE OF MY INVESTMENT?
Generally, a fixed-income security will increase in value when
interest rates fall and decrease in value when interest rates
rise. Longer-term securities are generally more sensitive to
interest rate changes than shorter-term securities, but they
generally offer higher yields to compensate investors for the
associated risks. High-yield bond prices are generally less
directly responsive to interest rate changes than investment
grade issues and may not always follow this pattern.
GENERAL PORTFOLIO POLICIES
Unless otherwise stated, the percentage limitations included in
these policies and elsewhere in this Prospectus apply at the time
of purchase of the security. So, for example, if the Portfolio
exceeds a limit as a result of market fluctuations or the sale of
other securities, it will not be required to dispose of any
securities.
8 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
CASH POSITION
When the portfolio manager believes that market conditions are
unfavorable for profitable investing, or when he is otherwise
unable to locate attractive investment opportunities, the
Portfolio's cash or similar investments may increase. In other
words, the Portfolio does not always stay fully invested in
stocks and bonds. Cash or similar investments generally are a
residual - they represent the assets that remain after the
portfolio manager has committed available assets to desirable
investment opportunities. However, the portfolio manager may also
temporarily increase the Portfolio's cash position to protect its
assets or maintain liquidity.
When the Portfolio's investments in cash or similar investments
increase, it may not participate in market advances or declines
to the same extent that it would if the Portfolio remained more
fully invested in stocks or bonds.
OTHER TYPES OF INVESTMENTS
Growth and Income Portfolio also invests in domestic and foreign
equity securities with varying degrees of emphasis on income
which may include preferred stocks, common stocks, warrants and
securities convertible into common or preferred stocks. The
Portfolio may also invest to a lesser degree in other types of
securities. These securities (which are described in the
Glossary) may include:
- debt securities
- indexed/structured securities
- high-yield/high-risk securities (less than 35% of the
Portfolio's assets)
- options, futures, forwards and other types of derivatives for
hedging purposes or for non-hedging purposes such as seeking to
enhance return
- securities purchased on a when-issued, delayed delivery or
forward commitment basis.
Investment objective, principal investment strategies and risks 9
<PAGE>
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS
The Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid
investments. An illiquid investment is a security or other
position that cannot be disposed of quickly in the normal course
of business. For example, some securities are not registered
under U.S. securities laws and cannot be sold to the U.S. public
because of SEC regulations (these are known as "restricted
securities"). Under procedures adopted by the Portfolio's
Trustees, certain restricted securities may be deemed liquid, and
will not be counted toward this 15% limit.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
The Portfolio may invest without limit in foreign equity and debt
securities. The Portfolio may invest directly in foreign
securities denominated in a foreign currency and not publicly
traded in the United States. Other ways of investing in foreign
securities include depositary receipts or shares, and passive
foreign investment companies.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
The Portfolio may invest in special situations. A special
situation arises when, in the opinion of the Portfolio's manager,
the securities of a particular issuer will be recognized and
appreciate in value due to a specific development with respect to
that issuer. Developments creating a special situation might
include, among others, a new product or process, a technological
breakthrough, a management change or other extraordinary
corporate event, or differences in market supply of and demand
for the security. The Portfolio's performance could suffer if the
anticipated development in a "special situation" investment does
not occur or does not attract the expected attention.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Portfolio generally intends to purchase securities for
long-term investment although, to a limited extent, the Portfolio
may purchase securities in anticipation of relatively short-term
price gains. Short-term transactions may also result from
liquidity needs,
10 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
securities having reached a price or yield objective, changes in
interest rates or the credit standing of an issuer, or by reason
of economic or other developments not foreseen at the time of the
investment decision. The Portfolio may also sell one security and
simultaneously purchase the same or a comparable security to take
advantage of short-term differentials in bond yields or
securities prices. Changes are made in the Portfolio's holdings
whenever the portfolio manager believes such changes are
desirable. Portfolio turnover rates are generally not a factor in
making buy and sell decisions.
Increased portfolio turnover may result in higher costs for
brokerage commissions, dealer mark-ups and other transaction
costs and may also result in taxable capital gains. Higher costs
associated with increased portfolio turnover may offset gains in
the Portfolio's performance.
Investment objective, principal investment strategies and risks 11
<PAGE>
RISKS FOR GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO
Because the Portfolio may invest substantially all of its assets
in common stocks, the main risk is the risk that the value of the
stocks it holds might decrease in response to the activities of
an individual company or in response to general market and/or
economic conditions. If this occurs, the Portfolio's share price
may also decrease. The Portfolio's performance may also be
affected by risks specific to certain types of investments, such
as foreign securities, derivative investments, non-investment
grade debt securities or companies with relatively small market
capitalizations.
The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand
some of the risks of investing in Growth and Income Portfolio.
1. THE PORTFOLIO MAY INVEST IN SMALLER OR NEWER COMPANIES. DOES THIS CREATE ANY
SPECIAL RISKS?
Smaller or newer companies may suffer more significant losses as
well as realize more substantial growth than larger or more
established issuers because they may lack depth of management, be
unable to generate funds necessary for growth or potential
development, or be developing or marketing new products or
services for which markets are not yet established and may never
become established. In addition, such companies may be
insignificant factors in their industries and may become subject
to intense competition from larger or more established companies.
Securities of smaller or newer companies may have more limited
trading markets than the markets for securities of larger or more
established issuers, and may be subject to wide price
fluctuations. Investments in such companies tend to be more
volatile and somewhat more speculative.
2. HOW COULD THE PORTFOLIO'S INVESTMENTS IN FOREIGN SECURITIES AFFECT ITS
PERFORMANCE?
The Portfolio may invest without limit in foreign securities
either indirectly (e.g., depositary receipts) or directly in
foreign markets. Investments in foreign securities, including
those of foreign governments, may involve greater risks than
investing in domestic
12 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
securities because the Portfolio's performance may depend on
issues other than the performance of a particular company. These
issues include:
- CURRENCY RISK. As long as the Portfolio holds a foreign
security, its value will be affected by the value of the local
currency relative to the U.S. dollar. When the Portfolio sells
a foreign denominated security, its value may be worth less in
U.S. dollars even if the security increases in value in its
home country. U.S. dollar denominated securities of foreign
issuers may also be affected by currency risk.
- POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RISK. Foreign investments may be subject
to heightened political and economic risks, particularly in
emerging markets which may have relatively unstable
governments, immature economic structures, national policies
restricting investments by foreigners, different legal systems,
and economies based on only a few industries. In some
countries, there is the risk that the government may take over
the assets or operations of a company or that the government
may impose taxes or limits on the removal of the Portfolio's
assets from that country.
- REGULATORY RISK. There may be less government supervision of
foreign markets. As a result, foreign issuers may not be
subject to the uniform accounting, auditing and financial
reporting standards and practices applicable to domestic
issuers and there may be less publicly available information
about foreign issuers.
- MARKET RISK. Foreign securities markets, particularly those of
emerging market countries, may be less liquid and more volatile
than domestic markets. Certain markets may require payment for
securities before delivery and delays may be encountered in
settling securities transactions. In some foreign markets,
there may not be protection against failure by other parties to
complete transactions.
- TRANSACTION COSTS. Costs of buying, selling and holding foreign
securities, including brokerage, tax and custody costs, may be
higher than those involved in domestic transactions.
Investment objective, principal investment strategies and risks 13
<PAGE>
3. ARE THERE SPECIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTMENTS IN HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK
SECURITIES?
High-yield/high-risk securities (or "junk" bonds) are securities
rated below investment grade by the primary rating agencies such
as Standard & Poor's and Moody's. The value of lower quality
securities generally is more dependent on credit risk, or the
ability of the issuer to meet interest and principal payments,
than investment grade debt securities. Issuers of high-yield
securities may not be as strong financially as those issuing
bonds with higher credit ratings and are more vulnerable to real
or perceived economic changes, political changes or adverse
developments specific to the issuer.
4. WHAT IS MEANT BY "CREDIT QUALITY" AND WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH IT?
Credit quality measures the likelihood that the issuer will meet
its obligations on a bond. One of the fundamental risks
associated with all fixed-income securities is credit risk, which
is the risk that an issuer will be unable to make principal and
interest payments when due. U.S. government securities are
generally considered to be the safest type of investment in terms
of credit risk. Municipal obligations generally rank between U.S.
government securities and corporate debt securities in terms of
credit safety. Corporate debt securities, particularly those
rated below investment grade, present the highest credit risk.
5. HOW DOES THE PORTFOLIO TRY TO REDUCE RISK?
The Portfolio may use futures, options and other derivative
instruments to "hedge" or protect its portfolio from adverse
movements in securities prices and interest rates. The Portfolio
may also use a variety of currency hedging techniques, including
forward currency contracts, to manage exchange rate risk. The
portfolio manager believes the use of these instruments will
benefit the Portfolio. However, the Portfolio's performance could
be worse than if the Portfolio had not used such instruments if
the portfolio manager's judgement proves incorrect. Risks
associated with the use of derivative instruments are described
in the SAI.
14 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
6. I'VE HEARD A LOT ABOUT HOW THE CHANGE TO THE YEAR 2000 COULD AFFECT COMPUTER
SYSTEMS. DOES THIS CREATE ANY SPECIAL RISKS?
The portfolio manager carefully researches each potential
investment before making an investment decision and, among other
things, considers Year 2000 readiness when selecting portfolio
holdings. However, there is no guarantee that the information the
portfolio manager receives regarding a company's Year 2000
readiness is completely accurate. If a company has not
satisfactorily addressed Year 2000 issues, the Portfolio's
performance could suffer.
Investment objective, principal investment strategies and risks 15
<PAGE>
Management of the portfolio
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Janus Capital, 100 Fillmore Street, Denver, Colorado 80206-4928,
is the investment adviser to the Portfolio and is responsible for
the day-to-day management of the investment portfolio and other
business affairs of the Portfolio.
Janus Capital began serving as investment adviser to Janus Fund
in 1970 and currently serves as investment adviser to all of the
Janus retail funds, acts as sub-adviser for a number of
private-label mutual funds and provides separate account advisory
services for institutional accounts.
Janus Capital furnishes continuous advice and recommendations
concerning the Portfolio's investments. Janus Capital also
furnishes certain administrative, compliance and accounting
services for the Portfolio, and may be reimbursed by the
Portfolio for its costs in providing those services. In addition,
Janus Capital employees serve as officers of the Trust and Janus
Capital provides office space for the Portfolio and pays the
salaries, fees and expenses of all Portfolio officers and those
Trustees who are affiliated with Janus Capital.
Participating insurance companies that purchase the Portfolio's
shares may perform certain administrative services relating to
the Portfolio and Janus Capital or the Portfolio may pay those
companies for such services.
16 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT EXPENSES AND EXPENSE LIMITS
The Portfolio pays Janus Capital a management fee which is
calculated daily. The advisory agreement with the Portfolio
spells out the management fee and other expenses that the
Portfolio must pay. The Portfolio is subject to the following
management fee schedule (expressed as an annual rate). In
addition, the Shares of the Portfolio incur expenses not assumed
by Janus Capital, including transfer agent and custodian fees and
expenses, legal and auditing fees, printing and mailing costs of
sending reports and other information to existing shareholders,
and independent Trustees' fees and expenses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Daily
Net Assets Annual Rate Expense Limit
Fee Schedule of Portfolio Percentage (%) Percentage (%)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Growth and
Income Portfolio First $300 Million 0.75
Next $200 Million 0.70 1.25(1)(2)
Over $500 Million 0.65
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Janus Capital has agreed to reduce Growth and Income Portfolio's management
fee to the extent that such fee exceeds the effective rate of Janus Growth
and Income Fund. Janus Capital has agreed to continue such waivers until at
least the next annual renewal of the advisory contracts. The effective rate
is the management fee calculated by the corresponding retail fund as of the
last day of each calendar quarter (expressed as an annual rate). The
effective rate of Janus Growth and Income Fund was 0.66% for the quarter
ended March 31, 1999.
(2) Janus Capital has agreed to limit the Portfolio's expenses as indicated
until at least the next annual renewal of the advisory contracts.
Management of the portfolio 17
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT PERSONNEL
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
DAVID J. CORKINS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is Executive Vice President and portfolio manager of
Growth and Income Portfolio which he has managed since its
inception. He is Executive Vice President and portfolio
manager of Janus Growth and Income Fund which he has
managed since August 1997. He previously served as an
assistant portfolio manager of Janus Mercury Fund. He
joined Janus in 1995 as a research analyst specializing in
domestic financial services companies and a variety of
foreign industries. Prior to joining Janus, he was the
Chief Financial Officer of Chase U.S. Consumer Services,
Inc., a Chase Manhattan mortgage business. He holds a
Bachelor of Arts in English and Russian from Dartmouth and
received his Master of Business Administration from
Columbia University in 1993.
18 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Other information
CLASSES OF SHARES
The Portfolio currently offers two classes of Shares, one of
which, the Institutional Shares, are offered pursuant to this
prospectus and are sold under the name Janus Aspen Series. The
Shares offered by this Prospectus are available only in
connection with investment in and payments under variable
insurance contracts as well as certain qualified retirement
plans. Retirement Shares of the Portfolio are offered by separate
prospectus and are available only to qualified plans using plan
service providers that are compensated for providing distribution
and/or recordkeeping and other administrative services provided.
Because the expenses of each class may differ, the performance of
each class is expected to differ. If you would like additional
information about the Retirement Shares, please call
1-800-525-0020.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The Shares offered by this prospectus are available only to
variable annuity and variable life separate accounts of insurance
companies that are unaffiliated with Janus Capital and to certain
qualified retirement plans. Retirement Shares of the Portfolio
(offered through a separate prospectus) are available to certain
qualified plans. Although the Portfolio does not currently
anticipate any disadvantages to policy owners because the
Portfolio offers its shares to such entities, there is a
possibility that a material conflict may arise. The Trustees
monitor events in order to identify any disadvantages or material
irreconcilable conflicts and to determine what action, if any,
should be taken in response. If a material disadvantage or
conflict occurs, the Trustees may require one or more insurance
company separate accounts or qualified plans to withdraw its
investments in the Portfolio or substitute Shares of another
Portfolio. If this occurs, the Portfolio may be forced to sell
its securities at disadvantageous prices. In addition, the
Trustees may refuse to sell Shares of the Portfolio to any
separate account or qualified plan or may suspend or terminate
the offering of the Portfolio's Shares if such action is required
by law or regulatory authority or is in the best interests of the
Portfolio's shareholders. It is possible that a qualified plan
investing in the Retirement
Other information 19
<PAGE>
Shares of the Portfolio could lose its qualified plan status
under the Internal Revenue Code, which could have adverse tax
consequences on insurance company separate accounts investing in
the Shares. Janus Capital intends to monitor such qualified plans
and the Portfolio may discontinue sales to a qualified plan and
require plan participants with existing investments in the
Retirement Shares to redeem those investments if a plan loses (or
in the opinion of Janus Capital is at risk of losing) its
qualified plan status.
YEAR 2000
Preparing for Year 2000 is a high priority for Janus Capital,
which has established a dedicated group to address this issue.
Janus Capital has devoted considerable internal resources and has
engaged one of the foremost experts in the field to help achieve
Year 2000 readiness. Janus Capital does not anticipate that Year
2000-related issues will have a material impact on its ability to
continue to provide the Portfolio with service at current levels;
however, Janus Capital cannot make any assurances that the steps
it has taken to ensure Year 2000 readiness will be successful. In
addition, there can be no assurance that Year 2000 issues will
not affect the companies in which the Portfolio invests or
worldwide markets and economies.
20 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Distributions and taxes
DISTRIBUTIONS
To avoid taxation of the Portfolio, the Internal Revenue Code
requires the Portfolio to distribute net income and any net gains
realized on its investments annually. The Portfolio's income from
dividends and interest and any net realized short-term gains are
paid to shareholders as ordinary income dividends. Net realized
long-term gains are paid to shareholders as capital gains
distributions.
Each class of the Portfolio makes semi-annual distributions in
June and December of substantially all of its investment income
and an annual distribution in June of its net realized gains, if
any. All dividends and capital gains distributions from Shares of
the Portfolio will automatically be reinvested into additional
Shares of the Portfolio.
HOW DISTRIBUTIONS AFFECT NAV
Distributions are paid to shareholders as of the record date of
the distribution of the Portfolio, regardless of how long the
shares have been held. Undistributed income and realized gains
are included in the daily NAV of the Portfolio's Shares. The
Share price of the Portfolio drops by the amount of the
distribution, net of any subsequent market fluctuations. For
example, assume that on December 31, the Shares of Growth and
Income Portfolio declared a dividend in the amount of $0.25 per
share. If the price of Growth and Income Portfolio's Shares was
$10.00 on December 30, the share price on December 31 would be
$9.75, barring market fluctuations.
TAXES
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS
Because Shares of the Portfolio may be purchased only through
variable insurance contracts and qualified plans, it is
anticipated that any income dividends or capital gains
distributions made by the Shares of the Portfolio will be exempt
from current taxation if left to accumulate within the variable
insurance contract or qualified plan. Generally, withdrawals from
such contracts may be
Distributions and taxes 21
<PAGE>
subject to ordinary income tax and, if made before age 59 1/2, a
10% penalty tax. The tax status of your investment depends on the
features of your qualified plan or variable insurance contract.
Further information may be found in your plan documents or in the
prospectus of the separate account offering such contract.
TAXATION OF THE PORTFOLIO
Dividends, interest and some gains received by the Portfolio on
foreign securities may be subject to withholding of foreign
taxes. The Portfolio may from year to year make the election
permitted under Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code to pass
through such taxes to shareholders. If such election is not made,
any foreign taxes paid or accrued will represent an expense to
the Portfolio which will reduce their investment income.
The Portfolio does not expect to pay any federal income or excise
taxes because it intends to meet certain requirements of the
Internal Revenue Code. In addition, the Portfolio intends to
qualify under the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the
diversification requirements related to the tax-deferred status
of insurance company separate accounts.
22 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Shareholder's guide
INVESTORS MAY NOT PURCHASE OR REDEEM SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIO
DIRECTLY. SHARES MAY BE PURCHASED OR REDEEMED ONLY THROUGH
VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACTS OFFERED BY THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS OF
PARTICIPATING INSURANCE COMPANIES OR THROUGH QUALIFIED RETIREMENT
PLANS. REFER TO THE PROSPECTUS FOR THE PARTICIPATING INSURANCE
COMPANY'S SEPARATE ACCOUNT OR YOUR PLAN DOCUMENTS FOR
INSTRUCTIONS ON PURCHASING OR SELLING OF VARIABLE INSURANCE
CONTRACTS AND ON HOW TO SELECT THE PORTFOLIO AS AN INVESTMENT
OPTION FOR A CONTRACT OR A QUALIFIED PLAN.
PRICING OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
Investments will be processed at the NAV next determined after an
order is received and accepted by the Portfolio or its agent. In
order to receive a day's price, your order must be received by
the close of the regular trading session of the New York Stock
Exchange any day that the NYSE is open. Securities are valued at
market value or, if a market quotation is not readily available,
at their fair value determined in good faith under procedures
established by and under the supervision of the Trustees. Short-
term instruments maturing within 60 days are valued at amortized
cost, which approximates market value. See the SAI for more
detailed information.
To the extent the Portfolio holds securities that are primarily
listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days
when the Portfolio does not price its shares, the NAV of the
Portfolio's shares may change on days when shareholders will not
be able to purchase or redeem the Portfolio's shares.
PURCHASES
Purchases of Shares may be made only by the separate accounts of
insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable insurance
contracts or by qualified plans. Refer to the prospectus of the
appropriate insurance company separate account or your plan
documents for information on how to invest in the Shares of the
Portfolio. Participating insurance companies and certain other
Shareholder's guide 23
<PAGE>
designated organizations are authorized to receive purchase
orders on the Portfolio's behalf.
The Portfolio reserves the right to reject any specific purchase
order. Purchase orders may be refused if, in Janus Capital's
opinion, they are of a size that would disrupt the management of
the Portfolio. Although there is no present intention to do so,
the Portfolio may discontinue sales of its shares if management
and the Trustees believe that continued sales may adversely
affect the Portfolio's ability to achieve its investment
objective. If sales of the Portfolio's Shares are discontinued,
it is expected that existing policy owners and plan participants
invested in the Portfolio would be permitted to continue to
authorize investment in the Portfolio and to reinvest any
dividends or capital gains distributions, absent highly unusual
circumstances.
REDEMPTIONS
Redemptions, like purchases, may be effected only through the
separate accounts of participating insurance companies or through
qualified plans. Please refer to the appropriate separate account
prospectus or plan documents for details.
Shares of the Portfolio may be redeemed on any business day.
Redemptions are processed at the NAV next calculated after
receipt and acceptance of the redemption order by the Portfolio
or its agent. Redemption proceeds will normally be wired to the
participating insurance company the business day following
receipt of the redemption order, but in no event later than seven
days after receipt of such order.
SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS
Shareholders will receive annual and semiannual reports including
the financial statements of the Shares of the Portfolio. Each
report will show the investments owned by the Portfolio and the
market values thereof, as well as other information about the
Portfolio and its operations. The Trust's fiscal year ends
December 31.
24 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Financial highlights
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you
understand the Growth and Income Portfolio - Institutional
Shares' financial performance for the life of the Portfolio.
Items 1 through 9 reflect financial results for a single Share.
Total return in the tables represents the rate that an investor
would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Institutional
Shares of the Portfolio (assuming reinvestment of all dividends
and distributions) but does not include charges and expenses
attributable to any insurance product. This information has been
audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with
the Portfolio's financial statements, is included in the Annual
Report, which is available upon request and incorporated by
reference into the SAI.
Financial highlights 25
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Period ending
December 31
1998(1)
<S> <C>
1. NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
2. Net investment income 0.02
3. Net gains (or losses) on securities (both realized
and unrealized) 1.96
4. Total from investment operations 1.98
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
5. Dividends (from net investment income) (0.02)
6. Tax return of capital distributions --
7. Distributions (from capital gains) --
8. Total distributions (0.02)
9. NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $11.96
10. Total return* 19.80%
11. Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $6,413
12. Average net assets for the period (in thousands) $2,883
13. Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets** 1.25%(2)
14. Ratio of net expenses to average net assets** 1.25%
15. Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets** 0.66%
16. Portfolio turnover rate** 62%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total return not annualized.
** Annualized.
(1) May 1, 1998 (inception) through December 31, 1998.
(2) The ratio was 3.06% before waiver of certain fees and/or reduction of
adviser's fees to the effective rate of Janus Growth and Income Fund.
26 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
Glossary of investment terms
This glossary provides a more detailed description of some of the
types of securities and other instruments in which the Portfolio
may invest. The Portfolio may invest in these instruments to the
extent permitted by its investment objective and policies. The
Portfolio is not limited by this discussion and may invest in any
other types of instruments not precluded by the policies
discussed elsewhere in this Prospectus. Please refer to the SAI
for a more detailed discussion of certain instruments.
I. EQUITY AND DEBT SECURITIES
BONDS are debt securities issued by a company, municipality,
government or government agency. The issuer of a bond is required
to pay the holder the amount of the loan (or par value of the
bond) at a specified maturity and to make scheduled interest
payments.
COMMERCIAL PAPER is a short-term debt obligation with a maturity
ranging from 1 to 270 days issued by banks, corporations and
other borrowers to investors seeking to invest idle cash. The
Portfolio may purchase commercial paper issued in private
placements under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.
COMMON STOCKS are equity securities representing shares of
ownership in a company and usually carry voting rights and earns
dividends. Unlike preferred stock, dividends on common stock are
not fixed but are declared at the discretion of the issuer's
board of directors.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES are preferred stocks or bonds that pay a
fixed dividend or interest payment and are convertible into
common stock at a specified price or conversion ratio.
DEBT SECURITIES are securities representing money borrowed that
must be repaid at a later date. Such securities have specific
maturities and usually a specific rate of interest or an original
purchase discount.
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS are receipts for shares of a foreign-based
corporation that entitle the holder to dividends and capital
gains on the underlying security. Receipts include those issued
by domestic banks (American Depositary Receipts), foreign banks
Glossary of investment terms 27
<PAGE>
(Global or European Depositary Receipts) and broker-dealers
(depositary shares).
FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES are securities that pay a specified rate
of return. The term generally includes short- and long-term
government, corporate and municipal obligations that pay a
specified rate of interest or coupons for a specified period of
time, and preferred stock, which pays fixed dividends. Coupon and
dividend rates may be fixed for the life of the issue or, in the
case of adjustable and floating rate securities, for a shorter
period.
HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK SECURITIES are securities that are rated
below investment grade by the primary rating agencies (e.g., BB
or lower by Standard & Poor's and Ba or lower by Moody's). Other
terms commonly used to describe such securities include "lower
rated bonds," "noninvestment grade bonds" and "junk bonds."
MORTGAGE- AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES are shares in a pool of
mortgages or other debt. These securities are generally pass-
through securities, which means that principal and interest
payments on the underlying securities (less servicing fees) are
passed through to shareholders on a pro rata basis. These
securities involve prepayment risk, which is the risk that the
underlying mortgages or other debt may be refinanced or paid off
prior to their maturities during periods of declining interest
rates. In that case, the portfolio manager may have to reinvest
the proceeds from the securities at a lower rate. Potential
market gains on a security subject to prepayment risk may be more
limited than potential market gains on a comparable security that
is not subject to prepayment risk.
PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES (PFICS) are any foreign
corporations which generate certain amounts of passive income or
hold certain amounts of assets for the production of passive
income. Passive income includes dividends, interest, royalties,
rents and annuities. To avoid taxes and interest that the
Portfolio must pay if these investments are profitable, the
Portfolio may make various elections permitted by the tax laws.
These elections could require that the Portfolio recognize
taxable income, which
28 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
in turn must be distributed, before the securities are sold and
before cash is received to pay the distributions.
PAY-IN-KIND BONDS are debt securities that normally give the
issuer an option to pay cash at a coupon payment date or give the
holder of the security a similar bond with the same coupon rate
and a face value equal to the amount of the coupon payment that
would have been made.
PREFERRED STOCKS are equity securities that generally pay
dividends at a specified rate and have preference over common
stock in the payment of dividends and liquidation. Preferred
stock generally does not carry voting rights.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS involve the purchase of a security by the
Portfolio and a simultaneous agreement by the seller (generally a
bank or dealer) to repurchase the security from the Portfolio at
a specified date or upon demand. This technique offers a method
of earning income on idle cash. These securities involve the risk
that the seller will fail to repurchase the security, as agreed.
In that case, the Portfolio will bear the risk of market value
fluctuations until the security can be sold and may encounter
delays and incur costs in liquidating the security.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS involve the sale of a security by
the Portfolio to another party (generally a bank or dealer) in
return for cash and an agreement by the Portfolio to buy the
security back at a specified price and time. This technique will
be used primarily to provide cash to satisfy unusually high
redemption requests, or for other temporary or emergency
purposes.
RULE 144A SECURITIES are securities that are not registered for
sale to the general public under the Securities Act of 1933, but
that may be resold to certain institutional investors.
STANDBY COMMITMENTS are obligations purchased by the Portfolio
from a dealer that give the Portfolio the option to sell a
security to the dealer at a specified price.
Glossary of investment terms 29
<PAGE>
STEP COUPON BONDS are debt securities that trade at a discount
from their face value and pay coupon interest. The discount from
the face value depends on the time remaining until cash payments
begin, prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security and
the perceived credit quality of the issuer.
STRIP BONDS are debt securities that are stripped of their
interest (usually by a financial intermediary) after the
securities are issued. The market value of these securities
generally fluctuates more in response to changes in interest
rates than interest-paying securities of comparable maturity.
TENDER OPTION BONDS are generally long-term securities that are
coupled with an option to tender the securities to a bank,
broker-dealer or other financial institution at periodic
intervals and receive the face value of the bond. This type of
security is commonly used as a means of enhancing the security's
liquidity.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES include direct obligations of the U.S.
government that are supported by its full faith and credit.
Treasury bills have initial maturities of less than one year,
Treasury notes have initial maturities of one to ten years and
Treasury bonds may be issued with any maturity but generally have
maturities of at least ten years. U.S. government securities also
include indirect obligations of the U.S. government that are
issued by federal agencies and government sponsored entities.
Unlike Treasury securities, agency securities generally are not
backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Some
agency securities are supported by the right of the issuer to
borrow from the Treasury, others are supported by the
discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the
agency's obligations and others are supported only by the credit
of the sponsoring agency.
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES have variable or floating
rates of interest and, under certain limited circumstances, may
have varying principal amounts. These securities pay interest at
rates that are adjusted periodically according to a specified
formula, usually with reference to some interest rate index or
market
30 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
interest rate. The floating rate tends to decrease the security's
price sensitivity to changes in interest rates.
WARRANTS are securities, typically issued with preferred stock or
bonds, that give the holder the right to buy a proportionate
amount of common stock at a specified price, usually at a price
that is higher than the market price at the time of issuance of
the warrant. The right may last for a period of years or
indefinitely.
WHEN-ISSUED, DELAYED DELIVERY AND FORWARD TRANSACTIONS generally
involve the purchase of a security with payment and delivery at
some time in the future - i.e., beyond normal settlement. The
Portfolio does not earn interest on such securities until
settlement and bear the risk of market value fluctuations in
between the purchase and settlement dates. New issues of stocks
and bonds, private placements and U.S. government securities may
be sold in this manner.
ZERO COUPON BONDS are debt securities that do not pay regular
interest at regular intervals, but are issued at a discount from
face value. The discount approximates the total amount of
interest the security will accrue from the date of issuance to
maturity. The market value of these securities generally
fluctuates more in response to changes in interest rates than
interest-paying securities.
II. FUTURES, OPTIONS AND OTHER DERIVATIVES
FORWARD CONTRACTS are contracts to purchase or sell a specified
amount of a financial instrument for an agreed upon price at a
specified time. Forward contracts are not currently exchange
traded and are typically negotiated on an individual basis. The
Portfolio may enter into forward currency contracts to hedge
against declines in the value of securities denominated in, or
whose value is tied to, a currency other than the U.S. dollar or
to reduce the impact of currency appreciation on purchases of
such securities. It may also enter into forward contracts to
purchase or sell securities or other financial indices.
Glossary of investment terms 31
<PAGE>
FUTURES CONTRACTS are contracts that obligate the buyer to
receive and the seller to deliver an instrument or money at a
specified price on a specified date. The Portfolio may buy and
sell futures contracts on foreign currencies, securities and
financial indices including interest rates or an index of U.S.
government, foreign government, equity or fixed-income
securities. The Portfolio may also buy options on futures
contracts. An option on a futures contract gives the buyer the
right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a futures contract
at a specified price on or before a specified date. Futures
contracts and options on futures are standardized and traded on
designated exchanges.
INDEXED/STRUCTURED SECURITIES are typically short- to
intermediate-term debt securities whose value at maturity or
interest rate is linked to currencies, interest rates, equity
securities, indices, commodity prices or other financial
indicators. Such securities may be positively or negatively
indexed (i.e. their value may increase or decrease if the
reference index or instrument appreciates). Indexed/structured
securities may have return characteristics similar to direct
investments in the underlying instruments and may be more
volatile than the underlying instruments. The Portfolio bears the
market risk of an investment in the underlying instruments, as
well as the credit risk of the issuer.
INTEREST RATE SWAPS involve the exchange by two parties of their
respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an
exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments).
INVERSE FLOATERS are debt instruments whose interest rate bears
an inverse relationship to the interest rate on another
instrument or index. For example, upon reset the interest rate
payable on a security may go down when the underlying index has
risen. Certain inverse floaters may have an interest rate reset
mechanism that multiplies the effects of change in the underlying
index. Such mechanism may increase the volatility of the
security's market value.
32 Janus Aspen Series
<PAGE>
OPTIONS are the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a
specified amount of securities or other assets on or before a
fixed date at a predetermined price. The Portfolio may purchase
and write put and call options on securities, securities indices
and foreign currencies.
Glossary of investment terms 33
<PAGE>
[JANUS LOGO]
1-800-29JANUS
100 Fillmore Street
Denver, Colorado 80206-4928
janus.com
You can request other information, including a Statement of
Additional Information, Annual Report or Semiannual Report, free of
charge, by contacting your plan sponsor or visiting our Web site at
janus.com. In the Portfolio's Annual Report, you will find a
discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that
significantly affected the Portfolios' performance during its last
fiscal year. Other information is also available from financial
intermediaries that sell Shares of the Portfolio.
The Statement of Additional Information provides detailed
information about the Portfolio and is incorporated into this
Prospectus by reference. You may review the Portfolios' Statement of
Additional Information at the Public Reference Room of the SEC or
get text only copies for a fee, by writing to or calling the Public
Reference Room, Washington, D.C. 20549-6009 (1-800-SEC-0330). You
may obtain the Statement of Additional Information for free from the
SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov.
Investment Company Act File No. 811-7736