Janus Funds: A Smart Investment Strategy?

Janus Mutual Funds, managed by the well-established Janus Capital Group, Inc., is based in Denver, CO, and offers a diverse range of investment options to suit various financial goals. With $322.1 billion in client assets under management (AUM) and a global presence through 24 offices, Janus Mutual Funds is a subsidiary of U.K.-based Janus Henderson Group PLC (JHG). The firm provides active investment management services across all major asset classes and global markets, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and managed accounts. With competitive expense ratios and a substantial proportion of no-load funds, Janus Mutual Funds offers cost-effective investing and has a strong track record of delivering competitive returns.

Janus Henderson's investment approach and history

Janus Henderson's Investment Approach

Janus Henderson's mission is to help clients define and achieve superior financial outcomes through differentiated insights, disciplined investments, and world-class service. The company offers a range of financial products to individuals, intermediary advisors, and institutional investors globally under the trade name Janus Henderson Investors.

Janus Henderson's deep-rooted research culture and strong people-based approach are informed by its 90 years of history. The company's investment teams meet thousands of companies each year, and the insights gained from these meetings, combined with proprietary analysis, result in original views that shape their investment positioning.

Janus Henderson offers global reach with its broad network of investment specialists, combined with the responsiveness, tailored solutions, and personal touch of a local partner. The company has a diverse client base and a robust balance sheet, allowing it to offer financial strength and stability to help investors achieve their objectives.

History of Janus Henderson

Janus Henderson was formed in May 2017 from the all-stock merger of Janus Capital Group and Henderson Group, with assets under management of US$331 billion at the time. Janus Capital Group, founded by Thomas H. Bailey in 1969, was an American publicly owned investment firm headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The Janus Fund opened in 1970 with a few hundred thousand dollars in assets. Over the years, Janus launched various new types of funds, including small cap equity funds, concentrated equity funds, global equity funds, international equity funds, and mid cap equity funds.

In October 2014, Janus acquired VS Holdings and its VelocityShares business. The following year, they acquired a majority interest in Kapstream Capital, a fixed-income specialist. In 2016, Janus launched several new ETFs around investment themes such as long-term care, health and fitness, organic foods, and personal care. The merger with Henderson Group plc was announced in October 2016, creating Janus Henderson.

Since its formation, Janus Henderson has continued to expand and diversify its business. In 2022, the company disposed of its struggling subsidiary Intech, which dealt in quantitative equities. In 2023, Janus Henderson entered into a joint venture with Privacore Capital to provide alternative assets for private wealth clients, and in 2024, it acquired Tabula Investment Management, specialising in European exchange-traded funds.

Janus Mutual Funds' investment options

Janus Mutual Funds, managed by the well-established Janus Capital Group, Inc., is based in Denver, CO, and offers a diverse range of investment options to suit various financial goals. With $322.1 billion in client assets under management (AUM) and a global presence through 24 offices, Janus Mutual Funds provide a wide range of investment choices.

Janus Mutual Funds have competitive expense ratios, averaging 0.96%, reflecting the firm's commitment to minimizing fees and expenses. A substantial 75.43% of its mutual funds are classified as no-load funds, offering cost-effective investing to investors. Janus Mutual Funds also have a strong track record of delivering competitive returns, making them an attractive choice for those seeking long-term wealth growth.

Janus Henderson Enterprise Fund (JANEX)

With lead manager Brian Demain at the helm since October 31, 2007, JANEX invests in common stocks of medium-sized companies with a market cap aligning with the Russell Midcap Growth Index. As of June 30, 2023, most of the fund's holdings were in companies like ON Semiconductor Corp (4%), Constellation Software Inc (3.5%), and Boston Scientific Corp (3%). JANEX's 3-year and 5-year returns are impressive at 9% and 9.2%, respectively, and it boasts an annual expense ratio of 0.80%, lower than the category average of 1.09%.

Janus Henderson Global Life Sciences Fund (JNGLX)

Lead manager Andy Acker has steered JNGLX since April 30, 2007. This fund invests its net assets in securities issued by firms with a life science emphasis. JNGLX has a fundamental policy mandating a minimum investment of its total assets in securities issued by "life sciences" sector companies. As of June 30, 2023, the fund's top holdings included UnitedHealth Group Inc (6.1%), AstraZeneca PLC (4.2%), and Eli Lilly and Co (3.7%). JNGLX's 3-year and 5-year returns are 6.6% and 8.7%, respectively, and it has an annual expense ratio of 0.80%, lower than the category average of 1.03%.

Janus Henderson Mid Cap Value Fund (JDPAX)

With Justin Tugman as the lead manager since March 18, 2015, JDPAX seeks capital appreciation by investing in equity securities of mid-sized companies with a market capitalization in the range of the Russell Midcap Value Index. As of March 31, 2023, the fund's top holdings included Alliant Energy Corp (2.5%), The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (2.5%), and Laboratory Corp (2.5%). JDPAX's 3-year and 5-year returns are impressive at 10.6% and 4.9%, respectively. The fund has an annual expense ratio of 0.91%, slightly lower than the category average of 1.01%.

These three Janus Mutual Funds offer strong investment choices, with positive returns and expense ratios below or in line with industry averages.

Janus Mutual Funds' performance and fees

Janus Henderson Investors is a global asset manager and subsidiary of U.K.-based Janus Henderson Group PLC (JHG). The firm offers active investment management services across all major asset classes and global markets. As of June 30, 2024, Janus Henderson had $361.4 billion in assets under management (AUM).

Janus Henderson offers nine mutual funds available for 401(k) retirement plans and new investors. These funds are institutional shares, which are more affordable than shares available to retail investors. Here is a closer look at the performance and fees of the top five Janus Henderson mutual funds for retirement accounts:

Janus Henderson VIT Global Technology and Innovation Portfolio Institutional Class (JGLTX)

20-Year Trailing Total Return: 789.8%

10-Year Trailing Total Return: 545.4%

5-Year Trailing Total Return: 298.5%

1-Year Trailing Total Return: 78.2%

Expense Ratio: 0.75%

Assets Under Management (AUM): $798.8 million

Dividend Yield: 0.0%

Fund Inception Date: January 18, 2000

Janus Henderson VIT Forty Portfolio Institutional Class (JACAX)

20-Year Trailing Total Return: 778.7%

10-Year Trailing Total Return: 397.3%

5-Year Trailing Total Return: 184.0%

1-Year Trailing Total Return: 65.4%

Expense Ratio: 0.77%

Assets Under Management (AUM): $1.1 billion

Dividend Yield: 0.28%

Fund Inception Date: May 1, 1997

Janus Henderson VIT Enterprise Portfolio Institutional Class (JAAGX)

20-Year Trailing Total Return: 706.4%

10-Year Trailing Total Return: 315.0%

5-Year Trailing Total Return: 143.7%

1-Year Trailing Total Return: 64.2%

Expense Ratio: 0.72%

Assets Under Management (AUM): $1.7 billion

Dividend Yield: 0.13%

Fund Inception Date: September 13, 1993

Janus Henderson VIT Balanced Portfolio Institutional Class (JABLX)

20-Year Trailing Total Return: 394.1%

10-Year Trailing Total Return: 162.2%

5-Year Trailing Total Return: 83.7%

1-Year Trailing Total Return: 32.1%

Expense Ratio: 0.62%

Assets Under Management (AUM): $6.8 billion

Dividend Yield: 1.61%

Fund Inception Date: September 13, 1993

Janus Henderson VIT Research Portfolio Institutional Class (JAGRX)

20-Year Trailing Total Return: 393.8%

10-Year Trailing Total Return: 295.4%

5-Year Trailing Total Return: 140.5%

1-Year Trailing Total Return: 60.0%

Expense Ratio: 0.59%

Assets Under Management (AUM): $630.1 million

Dividend Yield: 0.35%

Fund Inception Date: September 13, 1993

Janus Henderson's individual accounts

Janus Henderson Investors is a global asset manager and subsidiary of U.K.-based Janus Henderson Group PLC (JHG). The firm provides active investment management services across all major asset classes and all major global markets. It offers hundreds of funds, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and managed accounts. Janus Henderson has $361.4 billion in assets under management (AUM) as of June 30, 2024.

For individual investors in the US, Janus Henderson offers a taxable account that is solely registered in the investor's name. This type of account is ideal for those saving for a large purchase, such as a new car or a down payment on a house, or for building a rainy-day fund. There are no penalties for early withdrawals from this type of account.

The minimum initial investment to open an individual account at Janus Henderson is $100 with an automatic investment of at least $50. If an automatic investment is not established, the minimum initial investment is $2,500. Subsequent one-time purchases must be at least $50. There is no cost to open an account and no annual maintenance fees when account minimum thresholds are met.

With an individual account, investors have the flexibility to make all the investment decisions and decide when and how to use the proceeds of the account. This includes the ability to pick any type of investment option based on their risk tolerance and investment goals. While there are no investment deadlines, the longer an investor stays invested, the more chance their money has to grow in value.

Janus Henderson offers nine mutual funds available for retirement plans and open to new investors. The top five of these mutual funds ranked by their 20-year trailing total returns are:

• Janus Henderson VIT Global Technology and Innovation Portfolio Institutional Class (JGLTX)
• Janus Henderson VIT Forty Portfolio Institutional Class (JACAX)
• Janus Henderson VIT Enterprise Portfolio Institutional Class (JAAGX)
• Janus Henderson VIT Balanced Portfolio Institutional Class (JABLX)
• Janus Henderson VIT Research Portfolio Institutional Class (JAGRX)

Janus Henderson's top funds for retirement

Janus Henderson Investors is a global asset manager and subsidiary of U.K.-based Janus Henderson Group PLC (JHG). The firm provides active investment management services across all major asset classes and global markets. It offers a diverse range of investment opportunities, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and managed accounts.

Janus Henderson VIT Global Technology and Innovation Portfolio Institutional Class (JGLTX)

JGLTX is a global growth portfolio managed by Denny Fish, who has been with the firm since 2016. The fund focuses on companies that create and benefit from technological advancements, seeking to invest in innovative companies with a long-term focus and attractive relative valuation. Its top three holdings include Microsoft Corp. (9.6% of the portfolio), Apple Inc. (5.7%), and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (5.3%).

Janus Henderson VIT Forty Portfolio Institutional Class (JACAX)

JACAX is a large-cap growth portfolio managed by Doug Rao and Nick Schommer. The fund seeks to invest in companies with strong growth potential that are leaders in innovation and change. Its top three holdings include Amazon.com Inc. (8.1% of the portfolio), Microsoft (7.9%), and Mastercard Inc. (5.8%).

Janus Henderson VIT Enterprise Portfolio Institutional Class (JAAGX)

JAAGX is a mid-cap growth fund managed by Brian Demain and Philip Cody Wheaton. The fund focuses on small-cap and mid-cap companies in the U.S. equity market, seeking competitive advantages, large addressable markets, and sustainable growth potential. Its top three holdings include KLA Corp. (2.9% of the portfolio), Microchip Technology Inc. (2.7%), and LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (2.4%).

Janus Henderson VIT Balanced Portfolio Institutional Class (JABLX)

JABLX is a balanced equity and fixed-income portfolio managed by Jeremiah Buckley, Greg Wilensky, and Michael Keough. The fund seeks strong risk-adjusted returns and can defensively reposition ahead of market volatility. Its largest equity weighting is in the IT sector, and its top three holdings include Microsoft (5.0% of the portfolio), Apple (3.3%), and Google parent Alphabet Inc. (3.1%).

Janus Henderson VIT Research Portfolio Institutional Class (JAGRX)

JAGRX is a U.S. large-cap growth fund managed by the Janus Henderson Central Research Team, overseen by the Portfolio Oversight Team headed by Director of Research Matt Peron. The portfolio is constructed based on the best ideas from the firm's global research sector teams, focusing on companies with brand power, enduring business models, and strong competitive positioning. Its top three holdings include Apple (9.0% of the portfolio), Microsoft (8.2%), and Amazon (7.3%).

While these funds have demonstrated strong past performance, investors should note that past performance does not guarantee future returns. It is important to carefully consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.

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