Semiannual Report   |   February 29, 2024
Vanguard U.S. Sector Index Funds
Vanguard Communication Services Index Fund
Vanguard Consumer Discretionary Index Fund
Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund
Vanguard Energy Index Fund
Vanguard Financials Index Fund
Vanguard Health Care Index Fund
Vanguard Industrials Index Fund
Vanguard Information Technology Index Fund
Vanguard Materials Index Fund
Vanguard Utilities Index Fund
See the inside front cover for important information about your fund’s annual and semiannual shareholder reports.

 

Important information about shareholder reports
Beginning in July 2024, amendments adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission will substantially impact the design, content, and transmission of shareholder reports. Shareholder reports will provide key fund information in a clear and concise format and must be mailed to each shareholder that has not elected to receive the reports electronically. Financial statements will no longer be included in the shareholder report but will be available at vanguard.com, can be mailed upon request, or can be accessed on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the fund electronically by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you invest directly with the fund, by calling Vanguard at one of the phone numbers on the back cover of this report or by logging on to vanguard.com.
Contents
About Your Fund’s Expenses

1
Communication Services Index Fund

4
Consumer Discretionary Index Fund

15
Consumer Staples Index Fund

27
Energy Index Fund

38
Financials Index Fund

49
Health Care Index Fund

62
Industrials Index Fund

75
Information Technology Index Fund

87
Materials Index Fund

100
Utilities Index Fund

111

 

About Your Fund’s Expenses
As a shareholder of the fund, you incur ongoing costs, which include costs for portfolio management, administrative services, and shareholder reports (like this one), among others. Operating expenses, which are deducted from a fund’s gross income, directly reduce the investment return of the fund.
A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets. This figure is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help you understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with those of other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period shown and held for the entire period.
The accompanying table illustrates your fund’s costs in two ways:
Based on actual fund return. This section helps you to estimate the actual expenses that you paid over the period. The ”Ending Account Value“ shown is derived from the fund‘s actual return, and the third column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the fund. You may use the information here, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period.
To do so, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number given for your fund under the heading ”Expenses Paid During Period.“
Based on hypothetical 5% yearly return. This section is intended to help you compare your fund‘s costs with those of other mutual funds. It assumes that the fund had a yearly return of 5% before expenses, but that the expense ratio is unchanged. In this case—because the return used is not the fund’s actual return—the results do not apply to your investment. The example is useful in making comparisons because the Securities and Exchange Commission requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on a 5% return. You can assess your fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.
Note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight and help you compare ongoing costs only and do not reflect transaction costs incurred by the fund for buying and selling securities. Further, the expenses do not include any purchase, redemption, or account service fees described in the fund prospectus. If such fees were applied to your account, your costs would be higher. Your fund does not carry a “sales load.”
The calculations assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Your actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of your investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.
You can find more information about the fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios, in the Financial Statements section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to your fund’s current prospectus.
1

 

Six Months Ended February 29, 2024      
  Beginning
Account Value
8/31/2023
Ending
Account Value
2/29/2024
Expenses
Paid During
Period
Based on Actual Fund Return      
Communication Services Index Fund      
ETF Shares $1,000.00 $1,177.70 $0.54
Admiral™ Shares 1,000.00 1,177.80 0.54
Consumer Discretionary Index Fund      
ETF Shares $1,000.00 $1,107.50 $0.52
Admiral Shares 1,000.00 1,107.60 0.52
Consumer Staples Index Fund      
ETF Shares $1,000.00 $1,046.50 $0.51
Admiral Shares 1,000.00 1,046.60 0.51
Energy Index Fund      
ETF Shares $1,000.00 $979.00 $0.49
Admiral Shares 1,000.00 979.20 0.49
Financials Index Fund      
ETF Shares $1,000.00 $1,188.90 $0.54
Admiral Shares 1,000.00 1,189.10 0.54
Health Care Index Fund      
ETF Shares $1,000.00 $1,095.00 $0.52
Admiral Shares 1,000.00 1,095.00 0.52
Industrials Index Fund      
ETF Shares $1,000.00 $1,134.80 $0.53
Admiral Shares 1,000.00 1,134.90 0.53
Information Technology Index Fund      
ETF Shares $1,000.00 $1,169.70 $0.54
Admiral Shares 1,000.00 1,169.70 0.54
Materials Index Fund      
ETF Shares $1,000.00 $1,067.70 $0.51
Admiral Shares 1,000.00 1,067.80 0.51
Utilities Index Fund      
ETF Shares $1,000.00 $1,004.70 $0.50
Admiral Shares 1,000.00 1,004.60 0.50
2

 

Six Months Ended February 29, 2024      
  Beginning
Account Value
8/31/2023
Ending
Account Value
2/29/2024
Expenses
Paid During
Period
Based on Hypothetical 5% Yearly Return      
Communication Services Index Fund      
ETF Shares $1,000.00 $1,024.37 $0.50
Admiral Shares 1,000.00 1,024.37 0.50
Consumer Discretionary Index Fund      
ETF Shares $1,000.00 $1,024.37 $0.50
Admiral Shares 1,000.00 1,024.37 0.50
Consumer Staples Index Fund      
ETF Shares $1,000.00 $1,024.37 $0.50
Admiral Shares 1,000.00 1,024.37 0.50
Energy Index Fund      
ETF Shares $1,000.00 $1,024.37 $0.50
Admiral Shares 1,000.00 1,024.37 0.50
Financials Index Fund      
ETF Shares $1,000.00 $1,024.37 $0.50
Admiral Shares 1,000.00 1,024.37 0.50
Health Care Index Fund      
ETF Shares $1,000.00 $1,024.37 $0.50
Admiral Shares 1,000.00 1,024.37 0.50
Industrials Index Fund      
ETF Shares $1,000.00 $1,024.37 $0.50
Admiral Shares 1,000.00 1,024.37 0.50
Information Technology Index Fund      
ETF Shares $1,000.00 $1,024.37 $0.50
Admiral Shares 1,000.00 1,024.37 0.50
Materials Index Fund      
ETF Shares $1,000.00 $1,024.37 $0.50
Admiral Shares 1,000.00 1,024.37 0.50
Utilities Index Fund      
ETF Shares $1,000.00 $1,024.37 $0.50
Admiral Shares 1,000.00 1,024.37 0.50
The calculations are based on expenses incurred in the most recent six-month period. The funds' annualized six-month expense ratios for that period are: for the Communication Services Index Fund, 0.10% for ETF Shares and 0.10% for Admiral Shares; for the Consumer Discretionary Index Fund, 0.10% for ETF Shares and 0.10% for Admiral Shares; for the Consumer Staples Index Fund, 0.10% for ETF Shares and 0.10% for Admiral Shares; for the Energy Index Fund, 0.10% for ETF Shares and 0.10% for Admiral Shares; for the Financials Index Fund, 0.10% for ETF Shares and 0.10% for Admiral Shares; for the Health Care Index Fund, 0.10% for ETF Shares and 0.10% for Admiral Shares; for the Industrials Index Fund, 0.10% for ETF Shares and 0.10% for Admiral Shares; for the Information Technology Index Fund, 0.10% for ETF Shares and 0.10% for Admiral Shares; for the Materials Index Fund, 0.10% for ETF Shares and 0.10% for Admiral Shares; and for the Utilities Index Fund, 0.10% for ETF Shares and 0.10% for Admiral Shares. The dollar amounts shown as “Expenses Paid" are equal to the annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent six-month period, then divided by the number of days in the most recent 12-month period (182/366).
3

 

Communication Services Index Fund
Fund Allocation
As of February 29, 2024
Diversified Telecommunication Services 10.4%
Entertainment 19.1
Interactive Media & Services 50.7
Media 16.6
Wireless Telecommunication Services 3.2
The table reflects the fund’s investments, except short-term investments and derivatives. Sector categories are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”), except for the “Other” category (if applicable), which includes securities that have not been provided a GICS classification as of the effective reporting period.
The fund may invest in derivatives (such as futures and swap contracts) for various reasons, including, but not limited to, attempting to remain fully invested and tracking its target index as closely as possible.
Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) was developed by and is the exclusive property and a service mark of MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard and Poor’s, a division of McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”), and is licensed for use by Vanguard. Neither MSCI, S&P nor any third party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classification makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such standard or classification (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any such standard or classification. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall MSCI, S&P, any of its affiliates or any third party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classification have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
4

 

Communication Services Index Fund
Financial Statements (unaudited)
Schedule of Investments
As of February 29, 2024
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
Common Stocks (99.9%)
Diversified Telecommunication Services (10.3%)
  Verizon Communications Inc. 4,609,983   184,492
  AT&T Inc. 8,595,484   145,522
* Frontier Communications Parent Inc.   753,096    17,833
  Cogent Communications Holdings Inc.   178,828    14,469
* Liberty Global Ltd. Class C   752,688    13,962
  Iridium Communications Inc.   455,558    13,188
* Liberty Global Ltd. Class A   665,979    11,655
* Lumen Technologies Inc. 4,116,997     6,670
* Globalstar Inc. 3,101,467     4,838
  Shenandoah Telecommunications Co.   194,858     3,636
* Liberty Latin America Ltd. Class C   526,923     3,436
* IDT Corp. Class B    67,365     2,507
* Anterix Inc.    53,615     2,128
* Bandwidth Inc. Class A    96,650     1,985
  ATN International Inc.    44,052     1,477
* Consolidated Communications Holdings Inc.   308,195     1,328
* Liberty Latin America Ltd. Class A   142,455       916
              430,042
Entertainment (19.1%)
* Netflix Inc.   319,649   192,723
  Walt Disney Co. 1,672,568   186,625
  Electronic Arts Inc.   415,320    57,929
* Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.   316,930    46,566
* Warner Bros Discovery Inc. 4,601,370    40,446
* Live Nation Entertainment Inc.   400,288    38,820
* Roblox Corp. Class A   952,069    37,988
* Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty Formula One Class C   519,558    37,803
* Roku Inc.   432,957    27,354
  TKO Group Holdings Inc.   268,146    22,452
  Warner Music Group Corp. Class A   517,546    18,078
  Endeavor Group Holdings Inc. Class A   736,625    17,716
* Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.    63,456    11,942
* Cinemark Holdings Inc.   446,630     7,776
* Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty Live Class C   195,242     7,774
* Atlanta Braves Holdings Inc. Class C   193,112     7,555
* Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.   159,338     6,133
* Sphere Entertainment Co.   103,728     4,491
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. Class B   446,210     4,052
*,1 AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. Class A   809,430     3,497
* IMAX Corp.   189,403     3,244
* Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty Live Class A    83,272     3,213
* Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. Class A   297,763     2,891
* Eventbrite Inc. Class A   329,376     1,844
* Vivid Seats Inc. Class A   273,195     1,645
  Marcus Corp.    95,418     1,400
* Atlanta Braves Holdings Inc. Class A    29,537     1,239
* Playstudios Inc.   359,857       853
*,1 Skillz Inc.    58,851       403
              794,452
Interactive Media & Services (50.7%)
  Meta Platforms Inc. Class A 1,971,809   966,443
* Alphabet Inc. Class A 3,688,926   510,769
* Alphabet Inc. Class C 2,926,960   409,131
* Pinterest Inc. Class A 1,221,618    44,833
* Snap Inc. Class A 3,033,705    33,432
* Match Group Inc.   862,173    31,073
* ZoomInfo Technologies Inc. 1,114,567    18,680
* IAC Inc.   310,738    17,650
* Ziff Davis Inc.   187,944    12,923
* TripAdvisor Inc.   436,815    11,715
* Yelp Inc.   265,984    10,224
* Cargurus Inc.   353,581     7,828
  Shutterstock Inc.   102,010     4,974
* Cars.com Inc.   256,745     4,709
* Bumble Inc. Class A   390,629     4,473
* ZipRecruiter Inc. Class A   264,273     3,362
* QuinStreet Inc.   211,583     3,096
* Vimeo Inc.   610,430     2,924
* fuboTV Inc. 1,194,854     2,473
* Taboola.com Ltd.   552,817     2,410
* Mediaalpha Inc. Class A    86,254     1,790
* Nextdoor Holdings Inc.   631,658     1,383
* Angi Inc.   330,059       947
* Outbrain Inc.   153,543       565
* System1 Inc.    53,535        89
            2,107,896
Media (16.6%)
  Comcast Corp. Class A 4,526,069   193,942
* Trade Desk Inc. Class A   702,819    60,042
* Charter Communications Inc. Class A   173,176    50,902
  Omnicom Group Inc.   453,184    40,057
  Interpublic Group of Cos. Inc. 1,068,300    33,545
  News Corp. Class A 1,207,640    32,461
  Fox Corp. Class A   953,284    28,398
  New York Times Co. Class A   634,949    28,116
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* Liberty Broadband Corp. Class C   443,954    26,717
  Nexstar Media Group Inc.   138,609    23,033
* Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty SiriusXM Class C   671,894    19,471
  Paramount Global Class B 1,606,061    17,731
  Fox Corp. Class B   600,473    16,441
  News Corp. Class B   487,526    13,646
1 Sirius XM Holdings Inc. 3,061,523    13,532
  TEGNA Inc.   765,028    10,718
* Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty SiriusXM Class A   307,641     8,965
  Cable One Inc.    18,336     8,361
* Liberty Broadband Corp. Class A   112,968     6,795
* EchoStar Corp. Class A   485,816     6,369
* Magnite Inc.   506,318     6,086
  John Wiley & Sons Inc. Class A   177,726     5,927
  Scholastic Corp.   103,640     4,088
* PubMatic Inc. Class A   169,763     3,555
* TechTarget Inc.   104,360     3,309
* Integral Ad Science Holding Corp.   290,753     3,012
* Thryv Holdings Inc.   136,324     2,855
* Altice USA Inc. Class A   827,568     2,458
  Gray Television Inc.   338,279     1,976
* Stagwell Inc.   369,490     1,973
  Sinclair Inc.   129,730     1,926
* Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings Inc. 1,084,066     1,865
* Advantage Solutions Inc.   466,273     1,776
* Boston Omaha Corp. Class A    98,749     1,620
* AMC Networks Inc. Class A   117,794     1,524
* Gannett Co. Inc.   577,135     1,229
* Cardlytics Inc.   136,177     1,129
* iHeartMedia Inc. Class A   402,572     1,115
* EW Scripps Co. Class A   237,297       956
* WideOpenWest Inc.   204,776       819
              688,440
Other (0.0%)2
*,3 GCI Liberty Inc.   188,049        —
Wireless Telecommunication Services (3.2%)
  T-Mobile US Inc.   749,088   122,326
  Telephone and Data Systems Inc.   410,924     6,287
5

 

Communication Services Index Fund
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* United States Cellular Corp.    63,656     2,221
* Gogo Inc.   262,885     2,145
              132,979
Total Common Stocks (Cost $4,152,558) 4,153,809
Temporary Cash Investments (0.2%)
Money Market Fund (0.2%)
4,5 Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund, 5.400% (Cost$9,117)    91,209          9,120
Total Investments (100.1%) (Cost $4,161,675) 4,162,929
Other Assets and Liabilities—Net (-0.1%) (5,634)
Net Assets (100.0%) 4,157,295
Cost is in $000.
See Note A in Notes to Financial Statements.
* Non-income-producing security.
1 Includes partial security positions on loan to broker-dealers. The total value of securities on loan is $5,840,000.
2 “Other” represents securities that are not classified by the fund’s benchmark index.
3 Security value determined using significant unobservable inputs.
4 Affiliated money market fund available only to Vanguard funds and certain trusts and accounts managed by Vanguard. Rate shown is the 7-day yield.
5 Collateral of $6,790,000 was received for securities on loan.

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Over-the-Counter Total Return Swaps
Reference Entity Termination
Date
Counterparty Notional
Amount
($000)
Floating
Interest Rate
Received
(Paid)1
(%)
Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
($000)
Value and
Unrealized
(Depreciation)
($000)
Paramount Global Class B 8/30/24 BANA 2,484 (5.326) (14)
Paramount Global Class B 8/30/24 BANA 1,822 (5.326) (10)
          (24)
1 Based on Overnight Bank Funding Rate as of the most recent reset date. Floating interest payment received/paid monthly.
  BANA—Bank of America, N.A.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
6

 

Communication Services Index Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
As of February 29, 2024
($000s, except shares, footnotes, and per-share amounts) Amount
Assets  
Investments in Securities, at Value1  
Unaffiliated Issuers (Cost $4,152,558) 4,153,809
Affiliated Issuers (Cost $9,117) 9,120
Total Investments in Securities 4,162,929
Investment in Vanguard 126
Cash Collateral Pledged—Over-the-Counter Swap Contracts 1,340
Receivables for Investment Securities Sold 128,203
Receivables for Accrued Income 2,302
Receivables for Capital Shares Issued 446
Total Assets 4,295,346
Liabilities  
Due to Custodian 1,387
Payables for Investment Securities Purchased 129,180
Collateral for Securities on Loan 6,790
Payables for Capital Shares Redeemed 511
Payables to Vanguard 159
Unrealized Depreciation—Over-the-Counter Swap Contracts 24
Total Liabilities 138,051
Net Assets 4,157,295
1 Includes $5,840,000 of securities on loan.  
At February 29, 2024, net assets consisted of:  
   
Paid-in Capital 4,573,729
Total Distributable Earnings (Loss) (416,434)
Net Assets 4,157,295
 
ETF Shares—Net Assets  
Applicable to 30,953,605 outstanding $.001 par value shares of
beneficial interest (unlimited authorization)
3,965,418
Net Asset Value Per Share—ETF Shares $128.11
 
Admiral Shares—Net Assets  
Applicable to 2,939,161 outstanding $.001 par value shares of
beneficial interest (unlimited authorization)
191,877
Net Asset Value Per Share—Admiral Shares $65.28
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
7

 

Communication Services Index Fund
Statement of Operations
  Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
  ($000)
Investment Income  
Income  
Dividends 19,059
Interest1 201
Securities Lending—Net 4,326
Total Income 23,586
Expenses  
The Vanguard Group—Note B  
Investment Advisory Services 41
Management and Administrative—
ETF Shares
1,490
Management and Administrative—
Admiral Shares
63
Marketing and Distribution—
ETF Shares
93
Marketing and Distribution—
Admiral Shares
4
Custodian Fees 6
Shareholders’ Reports—ETF Shares 106
Shareholders’ Reports—Admiral Shares
Trustees’ Fees and Expenses 1
Other Expenses 9
Total Expenses 1,813
Net Investment Income 21,773
Realized Net Gain (Loss)  
Investment Securities Sold1,2 161,949
Swap Contracts (800)
Realized Net Gain (Loss) 161,149
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)  
Investment Securities1 410,982
Swap Contracts 169
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 411,151
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations 594,073
1 Interest income, realized net gain (loss), capital gain distributions received, and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from an affiliated company of the fund were $201,000, $1,000, less than $1,000, and ($2,000), respectively. Purchases and sales are for temporary cash investment purposes.
2 Includes $223,121,000 of net gain (loss) resulting from in-kind redemptions.
  
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
  Six Months Ended
February 29,
2024
  Year Ended
August 31,
2023
  ($000)   ($000)
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets      
Operations      
Net Investment Income 21,773   33,642
Realized Net Gain (Loss) 161,149   (32,353)
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 411,151   458,579
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations 594,073   459,868
Distributions      
ETF Shares (19,631)   (27,514)
Admiral Shares (731)   (839)
Total Distributions (20,362)   (28,353)
Capital Share Transactions      
ETF Shares (8,176)   290,125
Admiral Shares 52,805   29,898
Net Increase (Decrease) from Capital Share Transactions 44,629   320,023
Total Increase (Decrease) 618,340   751,538
Net Assets      
Beginning of Period 3,538,955   2,787,417
End of Period 4,157,295   3,538,955
  
 
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
8

 

Communication Services Index Fund
Financial Highlights
ETF Shares            
For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period 
Six Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
Year Ended August 31,
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $109.41 $94.12 $149.87 $108.04 $87.24 $86.83
Investment Operations            
Net Investment Income1 .683 1.128 1.110 1.018 1.005 .917
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments 18.654 15.127 (55.695) 41.708 20.743 .316
Total from Investment Operations 19.337 16.255 (54.585) 42.726 21.748 1.233
Distributions            
Dividends from Net Investment Income (.637) (.965) (1.165) (.896) (.948) (.823)
Distributions from Realized Capital Gains
Total Distributions (.637) (.965) (1.165) (.896) (.948) (.823)
Net Asset Value, End of Period $128.11 $109.41 $94.12 $149.87 $108.04 $87.24
Total Return 17.77% 17.46% -36.61% 39.75% 25.15% 1.47%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions) $3,965 $3,424 $2,717 $4,787 $2,914 $2,016
Ratio of Total Expenses to Average Net Assets 0.10% 0.10%2 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 1.18% 1.19% 0.92% 0.80% 1.09% 1.09%
Portfolio Turnover Rate3 8% 15% 16% 15% 15% 33%
The expense ratio and net investment income ratio for the current period have been annualized.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
2 The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period net of reduction from custody fee offset arrangements was 0.10%.
3 Excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind purchases or redemptions of the fund’s capital shares, including ETF Creation Units.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
9

 

Communication Services Index Fund
Financial Highlights
Admiral Shares            
For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period 
Six Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
Year Ended August 31,
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $55.75 $47.97 $76.38 $55.06 $44.46 $44.25
Investment Operations            
Net Investment Income1 .340 .591 .572 .519 .512 .470
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments 9.515 7.682 (28.388) 21.259 10.571 .157
Total from Investment Operations 9.855 8.273 (27.816) 21.778 11.083 .627
Distributions            
Dividends from Net Investment Income (.325) (.493) (.594) (.458) (.483) (.417)
Distributions from Realized Capital Gains
Total Distributions (.325) (.493) (.594) (.458) (.483) (.417)
Net Asset Value, End of Period $65.28 $55.75 $47.97 $76.38 $55.06 $44.46
Total Return2 17.78% 17.44% -36.61% 39.76% 25.16% 1.46%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions) $192 $115 $70 $124 $67 $50
Ratio of Total Expenses to Average Net Assets 0.10% 0.10%3 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 1.14% 1.21% 0.93% 0.79% 1.10% 1.09%
Portfolio Turnover Rate4 8% 15% 16% 15% 15% 33%
The expense ratio and net investment income ratio for the current period have been annualized.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
2 Total returns do not include account service fees that may have applied in the periods shown. Fund prospectuses provide information about any applicable account service fees.
3 The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period net of reduction from custody fee offset arrangements was 0.10%.
4 Excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind purchases or redemptions of the fund’s capital shares, including ETF Creation Units.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
10

 

Communication Services Index Fund
Notes to Financial Statements
Vanguard Communication Services Index Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end investment company, or mutual fund. The fund offers two classes of shares: ETF Shares and Admiral Shares. Each of the share classes has different eligibility and minimum purchase requirements, and is designed for different types of investors. ETF Shares are listed for trading on NYSE Arca; they can be purchased and sold through a broker.
A. The following significant accounting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles for U.S. investment companies. The fund consistently follows such policies in preparing its financial statements.
1. Security Valuation: Securities are valued as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m., Eastern time) on the valuation date. Equity securities are valued at the latest quoted sales prices or official closing prices taken from the primary market in which each security trades; such securities not traded on the valuation date are valued at the mean of the latest quoted bid and asked prices. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available, or whose values have been affected by events occurring before the fund’s pricing time but after the close of the securities’ primary markets, are valued by methods deemed by the valuation designee to represent fair value and subject to oversight by the board of trustees. Investments in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund are valued at that fund's net asset value. 
2.  Swap Contracts: The fund has entered into equity swap contracts to earn the total return on selected reference stocks or indexes in the fund’s target index. Under the terms of the swaps, the fund receives the total return on the referenced stock (i.e., receiving the increase or paying the decrease in value of the selected reference stock and receiving the equivalent of any dividends in respect of the selected referenced stock) over a specified period of time, applied to a notional amount that represents the value of a designated number of shares of the selected reference stock at the beginning of the equity swap contract. The fund also pays a floating rate that is based on short-term interest rates, applied to the notional amount. At the same time, the fund generally invests an amount approximating the notional amount of the swap in high-quality temporary cash investments.
A risk associated with all types of swaps is the possibility that a counterparty may default on its obligation to pay net amounts due to the fund. The fund’s maximum amount subject to counterparty risk is the unrealized appreciation on the swap contract. The fund mitigates its counterparty risk by entering into swaps only with a diverse group of prequalified counterparties, monitoring their financial strength, entering into master netting arrangements with its counterparties, and requiring its counterparties to transfer collateral as security for their performance. In the absence of a default, the collateral pledged or received by the fund cannot be repledged, resold, or rehypothecated. In the event of a counterparty’s default (including bankruptcy), the fund may terminate any swap contracts with that counterparty, determine the net amount owed by either party in accordance with its master netting arrangements, and sell or retain any collateral held up to the net amount owed to the fund under the master netting arrangements. The swap contracts contain provisions whereby a counterparty may terminate open contracts if the fund’s net assets decline below a certain level, triggering a payment by the fund if the fund is in a net liability position at the time of the termination. The payment amount would be reduced by any collateral the fund has pledged. Any securities pledged as collateral for open contracts are noted in the Schedule of Investments. The value of collateral received or pledged is compared daily to the value of the swap contracts exposure with each counterparty, and any difference, if in excess of a specified minimum transfer amount, is adjusted and settled within two business days.
The notional amounts of swap contracts are not recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Swaps are valued daily based on market quotations received from independent pricing services or recognized dealers and the change in value is recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset (liability) and in the Statement of Operations as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) until periodic payments are made or the termination of the swap, at which time realized gain (loss) is recorded.
During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund’s average amounts of investments in total return swaps represented less than 1% of net assets, based on the average of notional amounts at each quarter-end during the period.
3. Federal Income Taxes: The fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute virtually all of its taxable income. The fund’s tax returns are open to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three
11

 

Communication Services Index Fund
years after the filing of the tax return. Management has analyzed the fund’s tax positions taken for all open federal and state income tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the fund’s financial statements.
4. Distributions: Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions are determined on a tax basis at the fiscal year-end and may differ from net investment income and realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes.
5. Securities Lending: To earn additional income, the fund lends its securities to qualified institutional borrowers. Security loans are subject to termination by the fund at any time, and are required to be secured at all times by collateral in an amount at least equal to the market value of securities loaned. Daily market fluctuations could cause the value of loaned securities to be more or less than the value of the collateral received. When this occurs, the collateral is adjusted and settled before the opening of the market on the next business day. The fund further mitigates its counterparty risk by entering into securities lending transactions only with a diverse group of prequalified counterparties, monitoring their financial strength, and entering into master securities lending agreements with its counterparties. The master securities lending agreements provide that, in the event of a counterparty’s default (including bankruptcy), the fund may terminate any loans with that borrower, determine the net amount owed, and sell or retain the collateral up to the net amount owed to the fund; however, such actions may be subject to legal proceedings. While collateral mitigates counterparty risk, in the event of a default, the fund may experience delays and costs in recovering the securities loaned. The fund invests cash collateral received in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund, and records a liability in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the return of the collateral, during the period the securities are on loan. Collateral investments in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund are subject to market appreciation or depreciation. Securities lending income represents fees charged to borrowers plus income earned on invested cash collateral, less expenses associated with the loan. During the term of the loan, the fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities.
6. Credit Facilities and Interfund Lending Program: The fund and certain other funds managed by The Vanguard Group ("Vanguard") participate in a $4.3 billion committed credit facility provided by a syndicate of lenders pursuant to a credit agreement and an uncommitted credit facility provided by Vanguard. Both facilities may be renewed annually. Each fund is individually liable for its borrowings, if any, under the credit facilities. Borrowings may be utilized for temporary or emergency purposes and are subject to the fund’s regulatory and contractual borrowing restrictions. With respect to the committed credit facility, the participating funds are charged administrative fees and an annual commitment fee of 0.10% of the undrawn committed amount of the facility, which are allocated to the funds based on a method approved by the fund’s board of trustees and included in Management and Administrative expenses on the fund’s Statement of Operations. Any borrowings under either facility bear interest at an agreed-upon spread plus the higher of the federal funds effective rate, the overnight bank funding rate, or the Daily Simple Secured Overnight Financing Rate inclusive of an additional agreed-upon spread. However, borrowings under the uncommitted credit facility may bear interest based upon an alternate rate agreed to by the fund and Vanguard.
In accordance with an exemptive order (the “Order”) from the SEC, the fund may participate in a joint lending and borrowing program that allows registered open-end Vanguard funds to borrow money from and lend money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes (the “Interfund Lending Program”), subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the Order, and to the extent permitted by the fund’s investment objective and investment policies. Interfund loans and borrowings normally extend overnight but can have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one business day’s notice. The interest rate to be charged is governed by the conditions of the Order and internal procedures adopted by the board of trustees. The board of trustees is responsible for overseeing the Interfund Lending Program. 
For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund did not utilize the credit facilities or the Interfund Lending Program.
7. Other: Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends included in income, if any, are recorded at the fair value of the securities received. Interest income includes income distributions received from Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund and is accrued daily. Security transactions are accounted for on the date securities are bought or sold. Costs used to determine realized gains (losses) on the sale of investment securities are those of the specific securities sold.
Each class of shares has equal rights as to assets and earnings, except that each class separately bears certain class-specific expenses related to maintenance of shareholder accounts (included in Management and Administrative expenses) and shareholder reporting. Marketing and distribution expenses are allocated to each class of shares based on a method approved by the board of
12

 

Communication Services Index Fund
trustees. Income, other non-class-specific expenses, and gains and losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
B. In accordance with the terms of a Funds' Service Agreement (the “FSA”) between Vanguard and the fund, Vanguard furnishes to the fund investment advisory, corporate management, administrative, marketing, and distribution services at Vanguard’s cost of operations (as defined by the FSA). These costs of operations are allocated to the fund based on methods and guidelines approved by the board of trustees and are generally settled twice a month.
Upon the request of Vanguard, the fund may invest up to 0.40% of its net assets as capital in Vanguard. At February 29, 2024, the fund had contributed to Vanguard capital in the amount of $126,000, representing less than 0.01% of the fund’s net assets and 0.05% of Vanguard’s capital received pursuant to the FSA. The fund’s trustees and officers are also directors and employees, respectively, of Vanguard.
C. Various inputs may be used to determine the value of the fund’s investments and derivatives. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels for financial statement purposes. The inputs or methodologies used to value securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2—Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3—Significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments). Any investments and derivatives valued with significant unobservable inputs are noted on the Schedule of Investments.
The following table summarizes the market value of the fund’s investments and derivatives as of February 29, 2024, based on the inputs used to value them:
  Level 1
($000)
Level 2
($000)
Level 3
($000)
Total
($000)
Investments        
Assets        
Common Stocks 4,153,809 4,153,809
Temporary Cash Investments 9,120 9,120
Total 4,162,929 4,162,929
Derivative Financial Instruments        
Liabilities        
Swap Contracts 24 24
D. As of February 29, 2024, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for investments and derivatives based on cost for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:
  Amount
($000)
Tax Cost 4,193,240
Gross Unrealized Appreciation 636,530
Gross Unrealized Depreciation (666,841)
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) (30,311)
The fund’s tax-basis capital gains and losses are determined only at the end of each fiscal year. For tax purposes, at August 31, 2023, the fund had available capital losses totaling $556,630,000 that may be carried forward indefinitely to offset future net capital gains. The fund will use these capital losses to offset net taxable capital gains, if any, realized during the year ending August 31, 2024; should the fund realize net capital losses for the year, the losses will be added to the loss carryforward balance above.
E. During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund purchased $370,039,000 of investment securities and sold $299,574,000 of investment securities, other than temporary cash investments. In addition, the fund purchased and sold investment securities of $716,737,000 and $738,629,000, respectively, in connection with in-kind purchases and redemptions of the fund's capital shares.
The fund purchased securities from and sold securities to other Vanguard funds or accounts managed by Vanguard or its affiliates, in accordance with procedures adopted by the board of
13

 

Communication Services Index Fund
trustees in compliance with Rule 17a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, such purchases were $1,130,000 and sales were $14,096,000, resulting in net realized loss of $657,000; these amounts, other than temporary cash investments, are included in the purchases and sales of investment securities noted above.
F. Capital share transactions for each class of shares were:
    
  Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
  Year Ended
August 31, 2023
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
ETF Shares          
Issued 728,1931 6,1331   1,133,331 11,775
Issued in Lieu of Cash Distributions  
Redeemed (736,369)1 (6,475)1   (843,206) (9,350)
Net Increase (Decrease)—ETF Shares (8,176) (342)   290,125 2,425
Admiral Shares          
Issued 88,181 1,480   74,117 1,497
Issued in Lieu of Cash Distributions 598 11   687 14
Redeemed (35,974) (613)   (44,906) (909)
Net Increase (Decrease)—Admiral Shares 52,805 878   29,898 602
1 Includes unsettled in-kind transactions as of February 29, 2024 for 1,650,000 issued shares and 1,700,000 redeemed shares valued at $210,822,000 and $220,041,000, respectively, which settled shortly afterwards.
G. Significant market disruptions, such as those caused by pandemics, natural or environmental disasters, war, acts of terrorism, or other events, can adversely affect local and global markets and normal market operations. Any such disruptions could have an adverse impact on the value of the fund’s investments and fund performance.
To the extent the fund’s investment portfolio reflects concentration in a particular market, industry, sector, country or asset class, the fund may be adversely affected by the performance of these concentrations and may be subject to increased price volatility and other risks.
The use of derivatives may expose the fund to various risks. Derivatives can be highly volatile, and any initial investment is generally small relative to the notional amount so that transactions may be leveraged in terms of market exposure. A relatively small market movement may have a potentially larger impact on derivatives than on standard securities. Leveraged derivatives positions can, therefore, increase volatility. Additional information regarding the fund’s use of derivative(s) and the specific risks associated is described under significant accounting policies.
H. Management has determined that no events or transactions occurred subsequent to February 29, 2024, that would require recognition or disclosure in these financial statements.
14

 

Consumer Discretionary Index Fund
Fund Allocation
As of February 29, 2024
Automobile Components 2.3%
Automobiles 13.3
Broadline Retail 25.2
Distributors 1.0
Diversified Consumer Services 1.6
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 22.0
Household Durables 5.8
Leisure Products 1.1
Specialty Retail 21.9
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 5.8
The table reflects the fund’s investments, except short-term investments and derivatives. Sector categories are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”), except for the “Other” category (if applicable), which includes securities that have not been provided a GICS classification as of the effective reporting period.
The fund may invest in derivatives (such as futures and swap contracts) for various reasons, including, but not limited to, attempting to remain fully invested and tracking its target index as closely as possible.
Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) was developed by and is the exclusive property and a service mark of MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard and Poor’s, a division of McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”), and is licensed for use by Vanguard. Neither MSCI, S&P nor any third party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classification makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such standard or classification (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any such standard or classification. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall MSCI, S&P, any of its affiliates or any third party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classification have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
15

 

Consumer Discretionary Index Fund
Financial Statements (unaudited)
Schedule of Investments
As of February 29, 2024
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
Common Stocks (99.8%)
Automobile Components (2.3%)
* Aptiv plc   346,762    27,564
  Autoliv Inc.   104,180    12,088
  Gentex Corp.   312,116    11,402
  Lear Corp.    78,313    10,756
  BorgWarner Inc. (XNYS)   320,814     9,987
* Modine Manufacturing Co.    78,386     7,032
* Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.   448,344     5,326
  LCI Industries    41,411     5,217
* Adient plc   151,287     5,135
* Visteon Corp.    44,616     5,047
* Dorman Products Inc.    48,928     4,610
  Patrick Industries Inc.    37,624     4,513
* Gentherm Inc.    67,457     3,836
*,1 QuantumScape Corp.   608,626     3,816
* Fox Factory Holding Corp.    71,021     3,593
  Phinia Inc.   100,532     3,440
  Dana Inc.   259,294     3,241
* XPEL Inc.    51,767     2,722
* Garrett Motion Inc.   253,432     2,438
* American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc.   313,169     2,167
*,1 Luminar Technologies Inc.   880,906     2,105
* Stoneridge Inc.   111,898     1,966
  Standard Motor Products Inc.    58,981     1,873
*,1 Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc.    77,309     1,845
* Holley Inc.   247,416     1,062
*,1 Solid Power Inc.   625,001     1,025
              143,806
Automobiles (13.3%)
* Tesla Inc. 3,324,387   671,127
  General Motors Co. 1,636,675    67,071
  Ford Motor Co. 4,678,756    58,204
* Rivian Automotive Inc. Class A   861,291     9,750
  Thor Industries Inc.    71,053     9,108
  Harley-Davidson Inc.   192,300     6,975
*,1 Lucid Group Inc. 1,457,869     4,811
  Winnebago Industries Inc.    55,055     3,949
*,1 Fisker Inc.   958,748       698
*,1 Workhorse Group Inc. 1,202,550       402
*,1 Canoo Inc. 3,666,795       386
*,1 Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc.   818,307        57
              832,538
Broadline Retail (25.2%)
* Amazon.com Inc. 8,106,868 1,432,970
* MercadoLibre Inc.    46,790    74,644
  eBay Inc.   641,161    30,314
* Etsy Inc.   158,133    11,337
* Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings Inc.    90,365     7,245
  Macy's Inc.   393,544     6,863
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
  Kohl's Corp.   181,708     5,064
  Nordstrom Inc.   195,495     4,100
  Dillard's Inc. Class A     7,736     3,208
* Qurate Retail Inc. Series A 1,657,816     2,337
*,1 Groupon Inc.    88,356     1,635
  Big Lots Inc.   134,692       730
* ContextLogic Inc. Class A    94,854       617
            1,581,064
Distributors (1.0%)
  Genuine Parts Co.   172,954    25,815
  Pool Corp.    48,590    19,345
  LKQ Corp.   339,672    17,761
               62,921
Diversified Consumer Services (1.6%)
  Service Corp. International   193,919    14,193
* Duolingo Inc.    43,250    10,337
  H&R Block Inc.   198,176     9,701
* Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.    80,446     9,240
* Grand Canyon Education Inc.    46,143     6,220
  Strategic Education Inc.    40,943     4,536
* Stride Inc.    73,599     4,397
  Graham Holdings Co. Class B     6,178     4,339
* frontdoor Inc.   136,809     4,290
* Adtalem Global Education Inc.    77,433     3,833
  Laureate Education Inc.   268,822     3,605
  ADT Inc.   466,769     3,389
* Coursera Inc.   202,253     3,250
  Perdoceo Education Corp.   160,343     2,856
* OneSpaWorld Holdings Ltd.   204,802     2,670
* Chegg Inc.   289,385     2,587
* Udemy Inc.   212,957     2,406
*,1 Mister Car Wash Inc.   270,681     2,244
* European Wax Center Inc. Class A   133,689     1,896
  Carriage Services Inc.    62,467     1,550
* WW International Inc.   366,568     1,144
* 2U Inc.   368,124       166
* Beachbody Co. Inc.    10,550        88
               98,937
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (22.0%)
  McDonald's Corp.   851,612   248,909
* Booking Holdings Inc.    42,831   148,573
  Starbucks Corp. 1,340,926   127,254
* Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.    32,440    87,224
* Airbnb Inc. Class A   515,662    81,201
  Marriott International Inc. Class A   307,829    76,917
  Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.   312,216    63,792
  Yum! Brands Inc.   335,920    46,498
* DoorDash Inc. Class A   313,583    39,063
* Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.   294,901    36,376
  Las Vegas Sands Corp.   463,308    25,260
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
  Darden Restaurants Inc.   147,497    25,179
* Expedia Group Inc.   176,472    24,145
* DraftKings Inc. Class A   519,758    22,516
* Carnival Corp. 1,268,087    20,112
  Domino's Pizza Inc.    43,923    19,693
* MGM Resorts International   357,508    15,473
  Wynn Resorts Ltd.   131,831    13,869
  Wingstop Inc.    38,864    13,643
  Texas Roadhouse Inc.    87,367    13,050
* Caesars Entertainment Inc.   284,760    12,379
* Light & Wonder Inc.   120,864    12,148
  Vail Resorts Inc.    50,563    11,645
* Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.   583,955    11,323
  Churchill Downs Inc.    90,256    11,000
  Aramark   336,785    10,215
  Hyatt Hotels Corp. Class A    62,347     9,576
  Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Inc.   114,963     8,800
* Planet Fitness Inc. Class A   121,232     7,522
  Boyd Gaming Corp.   108,403     7,169
* Shake Shack Inc. Class A    58,811     6,253
  Choice Hotels International Inc.    50,106     5,609
* Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.   120,966     5,429
  Travel & Leisure Co.   119,611     5,345
  Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.    56,380     5,254
  Wendy's Co.   283,312     5,131
  Red Rock Resorts Inc. Class A    82,731     4,798
* Penn Entertainment Inc.   237,050     4,338
  Papa John's International Inc.    58,120     4,178
* Dave & Buster's Entertainment Inc.    66,700     4,118
* Dutch Bros Inc. Class A   137,656     4,010
  Bloomin' Brands Inc.   146,516     3,982
* Brinker International Inc.    84,030     3,894
* SeaWorld Entertainment Inc.    75,681     3,886
*,1 Cava Group Inc.    66,462     3,882
* Six Flags Entertainment Corp.   139,960     3,547
  Cheesecake Factory Inc.    98,027     3,468
  Jack in the Box Inc.    42,239     3,083
  Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc.    43,709     2,890
* Sweetgreen Inc. Class A   223,002     2,841
* Everi Holdings Inc.   231,909     2,750
  Krispy Kreme Inc.   211,103     2,732
  Monarch Casino & Resort Inc.    38,195     2,687
* Playa Hotels & Resorts NV   278,763     2,562
* Portillo's Inc. Class A   171,857     2,497
* Life Time Group Holdings Inc.   181,683     2,496
* Sabre Corp.   914,556     2,424
16

 

Consumer Discretionary Index Fund
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
  Dine Brands Global Inc.    49,816     2,417
* Accel Entertainment Inc.   210,039     2,380
  Golden Entertainment Inc.    64,163     2,378
* First Watch Restaurant Group Inc.    91,420     2,290
* BJ's Restaurants Inc.    64,543     2,260
* Kura Sushi USA Inc. Class A    22,349     2,124
* Chuy's Holdings Inc.    61,491     2,080
* Denny's Corp.   216,014     1,994
  RCI Hospitality Holdings Inc.    35,376     1,994
* Target Hospitality Corp.   165,019     1,597
1 Bowlero Corp. Class A   127,544     1,588
* Bally's Corp.   137,075     1,541
* Lindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc.   161,408     1,496
* Soho House & Co. Inc.   156,956       913
* Vacasa Inc. Class A    29,190       276
*,1 Sonder Holdings Inc.    43,788       235
            1,382,171
Household Durables (5.8%)
  DR Horton Inc.   369,733    55,253
  Lennar Corp. Class A   299,797    47,521
* NVR Inc.     3,935    30,007
  PulteGroup Inc.   267,929    29,038
  Garmin Ltd.   189,487    26,026
* TopBuild Corp.    40,638    16,352
  Toll Brothers Inc.   135,803    15,568
  Tempur Sealy International Inc.   228,863    12,466
* Mohawk Industries Inc.    75,531     8,959
* Taylor Morrison Home Corp.   151,510     8,577
  Installed Building Products Inc.    35,126     8,393
  Whirlpool Corp.    77,218     8,292
  Meritage Homes Corp.    52,057     8,207
  KB Home   116,049     7,709
* Skyline Champion Corp.    81,701     6,846
  MDC Holdings Inc.    97,264     6,098
* M/I Homes Inc.    44,633     5,668
* Tri Pointe Homes Inc.   154,770     5,476
  Newell Brands Inc.   671,744     5,038
* Helen of Troy Ltd.    39,582     4,948
* Cavco Industries Inc.    12,692     4,729
  Leggett & Platt Inc.   228,805     4,672
  Century Communities Inc.    50,255     4,337
* LGI Homes Inc.    36,151     4,124
* Sonos Inc.   217,456     4,123
  Worthington Enterprises Inc.    61,433     3,816
* Green Brick Partners Inc.    63,831     3,734
  La-Z-Boy Inc.    88,281     3,354
* Dream Finders Homes Inc. Class A    73,730     2,885
* Beazer Homes USA Inc.    84,833     2,658
* Vizio Holding Corp. Class A   238,407     2,625
  Ethan Allen Interiors Inc.    73,233     2,448
* Lovesac Co.    68,357     1,575
*,1 iRobot Corp.   129,084     1,473
* GoPro Inc. Class A   581,536     1,361
  Cricut Inc. Class A   170,841       825
* Traeger Inc.   292,207       649
* Tupperware Brands Corp.   196,070       259
              366,089
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
Leisure Products (1.1%)
* Mattel Inc.   486,247     9,579
  Hasbro Inc.   181,822     9,144
  Brunswick Corp.    96,853     8,465
  Polaris Inc.    78,218     7,252
* YETI Holdings Inc.   138,346     5,678
  Acushnet Holdings Corp.    59,881     3,858
* Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.   270,298     3,849
* Vista Outdoor Inc.   112,961     3,524
* Peloton Interactive Inc. Class A   700,811     3,168
* Malibu Boats Inc. Class A    54,588     2,382
  Sturm Ruger & Co. Inc.    54,616     2,366
  Smith & Wesson Brands Inc.   161,801     2,221
  Johnson Outdoors Inc. Class A    27,307     1,255
* Funko Inc. Class A   151,445     1,066
* AMMO Inc.   439,509     1,046
  Clarus Corp.   141,387       814
* Latham Group Inc.   189,934       644
* Solo Brands Inc. Class A   136,169       368
               66,679
Specialty Retail (21.8%)
  Home Depot Inc. 1,171,536   445,898
  Lowe's Cos. Inc.   691,879   166,515
  TJX Cos. Inc. 1,345,965   133,439
* O'Reilly Automotive Inc.    72,065    78,365
* AutoZone Inc.    21,564    64,822
  Ross Stores Inc.   402,012    59,884
  Tractor Supply Co.   131,575    33,462
* Ulta Beauty Inc.    59,418    32,594
  Best Buy Co. Inc.   244,859    19,804
  Williams-Sonoma Inc.    80,197    18,889
* Burlington Stores Inc.    82,383    16,897
* CarMax Inc.   203,643    16,088
* Floor & Decor Holdings Inc. Class A   130,689    15,829
* Five Below Inc.    71,764    14,402
  Dick's Sporting Goods Inc.    79,270    14,101
  Bath & Body Works Inc.   283,255    12,945
  Murphy USA Inc.    27,120    11,309
* Carvana Co.   145,969    11,083
  Lithia Motors Inc.    36,966    11,055
* Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Class A    76,574     9,783
  Academy Sports & Outdoors Inc.   106,941     7,991
* Valvoline Inc.   180,322     7,689
* Wayfair Inc. Class A   124,581     7,425
  American Eagle Outfitters Inc.   283,866     6,742
  Signet Jewelers Ltd.    65,366     6,652
* RH    23,692     6,501
* AutoNation Inc.    42,163     6,316
  Gap Inc.   332,569     6,299
  Advance Auto Parts Inc.    91,793     6,200
*,1 GameStop Corp. Class A   423,048     6,037
* Asbury Automotive Group Inc.    28,263     5,902
  Group 1 Automotive Inc.    21,508     5,821
  Penske Automotive Group Inc.    33,264     5,106
  Foot Locker Inc.   145,918     5,024
* Boot Barn Holdings Inc.    51,337     4,749
* Urban Outfitters Inc.   104,526     4,343
* Chewy Inc. Class A   226,899     4,002
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* National Vision Holdings Inc.   161,176     3,772
* ODP Corp.    66,262     3,742
* Victoria's Secret & Co.   130,688     3,732
* Beyond Inc.   107,616     3,608
  Upbound Group Inc.    99,042     3,344
* Leslie's Inc.   389,878     3,080
  Buckle Inc.    75,197     3,079
  Caleres Inc.    79,715     3,078
* Sally Beauty Holdings Inc.   232,256     2,933
*,1 Revolve Group Inc.   132,211     2,899
  Camping World Holdings Inc. Class A   105,901     2,826
  Hibbett Inc.    33,590     2,753
  Monro Inc.    81,465     2,735
  Winmark Corp.     7,133     2,707
* Warby Parker Inc. Class A   186,499     2,370
  Sonic Automotive Inc. Class A    44,398     2,331
* MarineMax Inc.    69,924     2,321
  Guess? Inc.    89,957     2,283
  Shoe Carnival Inc.    68,481     2,244
* Arhaus Inc.   158,806     2,099
  Designer Brands Inc. Class A   193,581     2,044
  Haverty Furniture Cos. Inc.    56,298     1,931
* America's Car-Mart Inc.    28,129     1,894
  Arko Corp.   243,238     1,588
* Sleep Number Corp.    92,896     1,535
* Genesco Inc.    47,886     1,529
* 1-800-Flowers.com Inc. Class A   140,842     1,468
*,1 EVgo Inc.   479,409     1,419
* Zumiez Inc.    77,964     1,374
* OneWater Marine Inc. Class A    50,026     1,301
* Stitch Fix Inc. Class A   346,618     1,120
* Petco Health & Wellness Co. Inc.   426,366     1,109
  Aaron's Co. Inc.   141,163     1,094
*,1 Children's Place Inc.    55,047     1,059
* ThredUP Inc. Class A   336,857       674
* BARK Inc.   506,193       607
* Lands' End Inc.    57,976       564
  PetMed Express Inc.   100,140       507
            1,370,716
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods (5.7%)
  NIKE Inc. Class B 1,439,610   149,619
* Lululemon Athletica Inc.   136,617    63,812
* Deckers Outdoor Corp.    31,805    28,484
  Tapestry Inc.   297,950    14,162
* Skechers USA Inc. Class A   179,681    11,106
  PVH Corp.    81,121    11,087
  Ralph Lauren Corp.    54,534    10,139
* Crocs Inc.    82,602    10,098
  VF Corp.   471,689     7,707
* Capri Holdings Ltd.   165,705     7,644
  Columbia Sportswear Co.    60,274     4,984
  Steven Madden Ltd.   115,764     4,957
  Carter's Inc.    60,803     4,922
  Kontoor Brands Inc.    82,010     4,848
* Hanesbrands Inc.   749,366     4,047
* Under Armour Inc. Class A   437,803     3,923
  Levi Strauss & Co. Class A   192,155     3,491
  Oxford Industries Inc.    32,882     3,334
* G-III Apparel Group Ltd.    94,121     3,131
* Under Armour Inc. Class C   347,462     2,967
17

 

Consumer Discretionary Index Fund
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
  Wolverine World Wide Inc.   251,127     2,554
* Figs Inc. Class A   384,122     2,009
  Movado Group Inc.    68,670     1,972
* Allbirds Inc. Class A   458,581       417
* Fossil Group Inc.   227,293       241
              361,655
Total Common Stocks (Cost $5,457,340) 6,266,576
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
Temporary Cash Investments (0.5%)
Money Market Fund (0.5%)
2,3 Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund, 5.400% (Cost$31,866)   318,753          31,872
Total Investments (100.3%) (Cost $5,489,206) 6,298,448
Other Assets and Liabilities—Net (-0.3%) (21,656)
Net Assets (100.0%) 6,276,792
Cost is in $000.
See Note A in Notes to Financial Statements.
* Non-income-producing security.
1 Includes partial security positions on loan to broker-dealers. The total value of securities on loan is $19,314,000.
2 Affiliated money market fund available only to Vanguard funds and certain trusts and accounts managed by Vanguard. Rate shown is the 7-day yield.
3 Collateral of $23,752,000 was received for securities on loan.
 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Over-the-Counter Total Return Swaps
Reference Entity Termination
Date
Counterparty Notional
Amount
($000)
Floating
Interest Rate
Received
(Paid)1
(%)
Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
($000)
Value and
Unrealized
(Depreciation)
($000)
MercadoLibre Inc. 8/30/24 BANA 10,848 (5.326) (50)
1 Based on Overnight Bank Funding Rate as of the most recent reset date. Floating interest payment received/paid monthly.
  BANA—Bank of America, N.A.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
18

 

Consumer Discretionary Index Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
As of February 29, 2024
($000s, except shares, footnotes, and per-share amounts) Amount
Assets  
Investments in Securities, at Value1  
Unaffiliated Issuers (Cost $5,457,340) 6,266,576
Affiliated Issuers (Cost $31,866) 31,872
Total Investments in Securities 6,298,448
Investment in Vanguard 184
Cash 119
Cash Collateral Pledged—Over-the-Counter Swap Contracts 600
Receivables for Investment Securities Sold 78,045
Receivables for Accrued Income 5,172
Receivables for Capital Shares Issued 389
Total Assets 6,382,957
Liabilities  
Payables for Investment Securities Purchased 76,125
Collateral for Securities on Loan 23,752
Payables for Capital Shares Redeemed 6,002
Payables to Vanguard 236
Unrealized Depreciation—Over-the-Counter Swap Contracts 50
Total Liabilities 106,165
Net Assets 6,276,792
1 Includes $19,314,000 of securities on loan.  
At February 29, 2024, net assets consisted of:  
   
Paid-in Capital 5,772,837
Total Distributable Earnings (Loss) 503,955
Net Assets 6,276,792
 
ETF Shares—Net Assets  
Applicable to 17,804,839 outstanding $.001 par value shares of
beneficial interest (unlimited authorization)
5,630,320
Net Asset Value Per Share—ETF Shares $316.22
 
Admiral Shares—Net Assets  
Applicable to 3,949,594 outstanding $.001 par value shares of
beneficial interest (unlimited authorization)
646,472
Net Asset Value Per Share—Admiral Shares $163.68
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
19

 

Consumer Discretionary Index Fund
Statement of Operations
  Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
  ($000)
Investment Income  
Income  
Dividends 22,964
Interest1 203
Securities Lending—Net 845
Total Income 24,012
Expenses  
The Vanguard Group—Note B  
Investment Advisory Services 62
Management and Administrative—
ETF Shares
2,206
Management and Administrative—
Admiral Shares
272
Marketing and Distribution—
ETF Shares
115
Marketing and Distribution—
Admiral Shares
15
Custodian Fees 9
Shareholders’ Reports—ETF Shares 89
Shareholders’ Reports—Admiral Shares 5
Trustees’ Fees and Expenses 2
Other Expenses 8
Total Expenses 2,783
Expenses Paid Indirectly (1)
Net Expenses 2,782
Net Investment Income 21,230
Realized Net Gain (Loss)  
Investment Securities Sold1,2 189,083
Swap Contracts 1,300
Realized Net Gain (Loss) 190,383
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)  
Investment Securities1 351,854
Swap Contracts (50)
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 351,804
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations 563,417
1 Interest income, realized net gain (loss), capital gain distributions received, and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from an affiliated company of the fund were $203,000, less than $1,000, less than $1,000, and ($1,000), respectively. Purchases and sales are for temporary cash investment purposes.
2 Includes $210,835,000 of net gain (loss) resulting from in-kind redemptions.
  
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
  Six Months Ended
February 29,
2024
  Year Ended
August 31,
2023
  ($000)   ($000)
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets      
Operations      
Net Investment Income 21,230   47,772
Realized Net Gain (Loss) 190,383   65,855
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 351,804   437,352
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations 563,417   550,979
Distributions      
ETF Shares (22,958)   (42,420)
Admiral Shares (2,744)   (4,965)
Total Distributions (25,702)   (47,385)
Capital Share Transactions      
ETF Shares (34,306)   104,338
Admiral Shares (21,650)   25,960
Net Increase (Decrease) from Capital Share Transactions (55,956)   130,298
Total Increase (Decrease) 481,759   633,892
Net Assets      
Beginning of Period 5,795,033   5,161,141
End of Period 6,276,792   5,795,033
  
 
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
20

 

Consumer Discretionary Index Fund
Financial Highlights
ETF Shares            
For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period 
Six Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
Year Ended August 31,
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $286.85 $256.97 $320.99 $246.86 $178.51 $180.85
Investment Operations            
Net Investment Income1 1.087 2.493 2.329 1.724 1.998 2.052
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments 29.589 29.853 (63.227) 76.697 68.603 (2.391)
Total from Investment Operations 30.676 32.346 (60.898) 78.421 70.601 (.339)
Distributions            
Dividends from Net Investment Income (1.306) (2.466) (3.122) (4.291) (2.251) (2.001)
Distributions from Realized Capital Gains
Total Distributions (1.306) (2.466) (3.122) (4.291) (2.251) (2.001)
Net Asset Value, End of Period $316.22 $286.85 $256.97 $320.99 $246.86 $178.51
Total Return 10.75% 12.75% -19.11% 32.39% 39.98% -0.14%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions) $5,630 $5,187 $4,638 $6,658 $4,026 $3,049
Ratio of Total Expenses to Average Net Assets 0.10%2 0.10%2 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 0.74% 0.99% 0.78% 0.60% 1.06% 1.20%
Portfolio Turnover Rate3 3% 11% 9% 8% 10% 9%
The expense ratio and net investment income ratio for the current period have been annualized.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
2 The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period net of reduction from custody fee offset arrangements was 0.10%.
3 Excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind purchases or redemptions of the fund’s capital shares, including ETF Creation Units.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
21

 

Consumer Discretionary Index Fund
Financial Highlights
Admiral Shares            
For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period 
Six Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
Year Ended August 31,
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $148.47 $133.01 $166.15 $127.78 $92.40 $93.61
Investment Operations            
Net Investment Income1 .562 1.287 1.211 .889 1.033 1.058
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments 15.324 15.450 (32.737) 39.704 35.512 (1.232)
Total from Investment Operations 15.886 16.737 (31.526) 40.593 36.545 (.174)
Distributions            
Dividends from Net Investment Income (.676) (1.277) (1.614) (2.223) (1.165) (1.036)
Distributions from Realized Capital Gains
Total Distributions (.676) (1.277) (1.614) (2.223) (1.165) (1.036)
Net Asset Value, End of Period $163.68 $148.47 $133.01 $166.15 $127.78 $92.40
Total Return2 10.76% 12.75% -19.11% 32.39% 40.01% -0.14%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions) $647 $608 $523 $753 $437 $321
Ratio of Total Expenses to Average Net Assets 0.10%3 0.10%3 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 0.74% 0.98% 0.79% 0.60% 1.06% 1.20%
Portfolio Turnover Rate4 3% 11% 9% 8% 10% 9%
The expense ratio and net investment income ratio for the current period have been annualized.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
2 Total returns do not include account service fees that may have applied in the periods shown. Fund prospectuses provide information about any applicable account service fees.
3 The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period net of reduction from custody fee offset arrangements was 0.10%.
4 Excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind purchases or redemptions of the fund’s capital shares, including ETF Creation Units.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
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Consumer Discretionary Index Fund
Notes to Financial Statements
Vanguard Consumer Discretionary Index Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end investment company, or mutual fund. The fund offers two classes of shares: ETF Shares and Admiral Shares. Each of the share classes has different eligibility and minimum purchase requirements, and is designed for different types of investors. ETF Shares are listed for trading on NYSE Arca; they can be purchased and sold through a broker.
A. The following significant accounting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles for U.S. investment companies. The fund consistently follows such policies in preparing its financial statements.
1. Security Valuation: Securities are valued as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m., Eastern time) on the valuation date. Equity securities are valued at the latest quoted sales prices or official closing prices taken from the primary market in which each security trades; such securities not traded on the valuation date are valued at the mean of the latest quoted bid and asked prices. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available, or whose values have been affected by events occurring before the fund’s pricing time but after the close of the securities’ primary markets, are valued by methods deemed by the valuation designee to represent fair value and subject to oversight by the board of trustees. Investments in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund are valued at that fund's net asset value. 
2.  Swap Contracts: The fund has entered into equity swap contracts to earn the total return on selected reference stocks or indexes in the fund’s target index. Under the terms of the swaps, the fund receives the total return on the referenced stock (i.e., receiving the increase or paying the decrease in value of the selected reference stock and receiving the equivalent of any dividends in respect of the selected referenced stock) over a specified period of time, applied to a notional amount that represents the value of a designated number of shares of the selected reference stock at the beginning of the equity swap contract. The fund also pays a floating rate that is based on short-term interest rates, applied to the notional amount. At the same time, the fund generally invests an amount approximating the notional amount of the swap in high-quality temporary cash investments.
A risk associated with all types of swaps is the possibility that a counterparty may default on its obligation to pay net amounts due to the fund. The fund’s maximum amount subject to counterparty risk is the unrealized appreciation on the swap contract. The fund mitigates its counterparty risk by entering into swaps only with a diverse group of prequalified counterparties, monitoring their financial strength, entering into master netting arrangements with its counterparties, and requiring its counterparties to transfer collateral as security for their performance. In the absence of a default, the collateral pledged or received by the fund cannot be repledged, resold, or rehypothecated. In the event of a counterparty’s default (including bankruptcy), the fund may terminate any swap contracts with that counterparty, determine the net amount owed by either party in accordance with its master netting arrangements, and sell or retain any collateral held up to the net amount owed to the fund under the master netting arrangements. The swap contracts contain provisions whereby a counterparty may terminate open contracts if the fund’s net assets decline below a certain level, triggering a payment by the fund if the fund is in a net liability position at the time of the termination. The payment amount would be reduced by any collateral the fund has pledged. Any securities pledged as collateral for open contracts are noted in the Schedule of Investments. The value of collateral received or pledged is compared daily to the value of the swap contracts exposure with each counterparty, and any difference, if in excess of a specified minimum transfer amount, is adjusted and settled within two business days.
The notional amounts of swap contracts are not recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Swaps are valued daily based on market quotations received from independent pricing services or recognized dealers and the change in value is recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset (liability) and in the Statement of Operations as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) until periodic payments are made or the termination of the swap, at which time realized gain (loss) is recorded.
During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund’s average amounts of investments in total return swaps represented less than 1% of net assets, based on the average of notional amounts at each quarter-end during the period.
3. Federal Income Taxes: The fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute virtually all of its taxable income. The fund’s tax returns are open to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three
23

 

Consumer Discretionary Index Fund
years after the filing of the tax return. Management has analyzed the fund’s tax positions taken for all open federal and state income tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the fund’s financial statements.
4. Distributions: Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions are determined on a tax basis at the fiscal year-end and may differ from net investment income and realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes.
5. Securities Lending: To earn additional income, the fund lends its securities to qualified institutional borrowers. Security loans are subject to termination by the fund at any time, and are required to be secured at all times by collateral in an amount at least equal to the market value of securities loaned. Daily market fluctuations could cause the value of loaned securities to be more or less than the value of the collateral received. When this occurs, the collateral is adjusted and settled before the opening of the market on the next business day. The fund further mitigates its counterparty risk by entering into securities lending transactions only with a diverse group of prequalified counterparties, monitoring their financial strength, and entering into master securities lending agreements with its counterparties. The master securities lending agreements provide that, in the event of a counterparty’s default (including bankruptcy), the fund may terminate any loans with that borrower, determine the net amount owed, and sell or retain the collateral up to the net amount owed to the fund; however, such actions may be subject to legal proceedings. While collateral mitigates counterparty risk, in the event of a default, the fund may experience delays and costs in recovering the securities loaned. The fund invests cash collateral received in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund, and records a liability in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the return of the collateral, during the period the securities are on loan. Collateral investments in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund are subject to market appreciation or depreciation. Securities lending income represents fees charged to borrowers plus income earned on invested cash collateral, less expenses associated with the loan. During the term of the loan, the fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities.
6. Credit Facilities and Interfund Lending Program: The fund and certain other funds managed by The Vanguard Group ("Vanguard") participate in a $4.3 billion committed credit facility provided by a syndicate of lenders pursuant to a credit agreement and an uncommitted credit facility provided by Vanguard. Both facilities may be renewed annually. Each fund is individually liable for its borrowings, if any, under the credit facilities. Borrowings may be utilized for temporary or emergency purposes and are subject to the fund’s regulatory and contractual borrowing restrictions. With respect to the committed credit facility, the participating funds are charged administrative fees and an annual commitment fee of 0.10% of the undrawn committed amount of the facility, which are allocated to the funds based on a method approved by the fund’s board of trustees and included in Management and Administrative expenses on the fund’s Statement of Operations. Any borrowings under either facility bear interest at an agreed-upon spread plus the higher of the federal funds effective rate, the overnight bank funding rate, or the Daily Simple Secured Overnight Financing Rate inclusive of an additional agreed-upon spread. However, borrowings under the uncommitted credit facility may bear interest based upon an alternate rate agreed to by the fund and Vanguard.
In accordance with an exemptive order (the “Order”) from the SEC, the fund may participate in a joint lending and borrowing program that allows registered open-end Vanguard funds to borrow money from and lend money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes (the “Interfund Lending Program”), subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the Order, and to the extent permitted by the fund’s investment objective and investment policies. Interfund loans and borrowings normally extend overnight but can have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one business day’s notice. The interest rate to be charged is governed by the conditions of the Order and internal procedures adopted by the board of trustees. The board of trustees is responsible for overseeing the Interfund Lending Program. 
For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund did not utilize the credit facilities or the Interfund Lending Program.
7. Other: Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends included in income, if any, are recorded at the fair value of the securities received. Interest income includes income distributions received from Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund and is accrued daily. Security transactions are accounted for on the date securities are bought or sold. Costs used to determine realized gains (losses) on the sale of investment securities are those of the specific securities sold.
Each class of shares has equal rights as to assets and earnings, except that each class separately bears certain class-specific expenses related to maintenance of shareholder accounts (included in Management and Administrative expenses) and shareholder reporting. Marketing and distribution expenses are allocated to each class of shares based on a method approved by the board of
24

 

Consumer Discretionary Index Fund
trustees. Income, other non-class-specific expenses, and gains and losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
B. In accordance with the terms of a Funds' Service Agreement (the “FSA”) between Vanguard and the fund, Vanguard furnishes to the fund investment advisory, corporate management, administrative, marketing, and distribution services at Vanguard’s cost of operations (as defined by the FSA). These costs of operations are allocated to the fund based on methods and guidelines approved by the board of trustees and are generally settled twice a month.
Upon the request of Vanguard, the fund may invest up to 0.40% of its net assets as capital in Vanguard. At February 29, 2024, the fund had contributed to Vanguard capital in the amount of $184,000, representing less than 0.01% of the fund’s net assets and 0.07% of Vanguard’s capital received pursuant to the FSA. The fund’s trustees and officers are also directors and employees, respectively, of Vanguard.
C. The fund’s custodian bank has agreed to reduce its fees when the fund maintains cash on deposit in the non-interest-bearing custody account. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, custodian fee offset arrangements reduced the fund’s expenses by $1,000 (an annual rate of less than 0.01% of average net assets).
D. Various inputs may be used to determine the value of the fund’s investments and derivatives. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels for financial statement purposes. The inputs or methodologies used to value securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2—Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3—Significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments). Any investments and derivatives valued with significant unobservable inputs are noted on the Schedule of Investments.
The following table summarizes the market value of the fund’s investments and derivatives as of February 29, 2024, based on the inputs used to value them:
  Level 1
($000)
Level 2
($000)
Level 3
($000)
Total
($000)
Investments        
Assets        
Common Stocks 6,266,576 6,266,576
Temporary Cash Investments 31,872 31,872
Total 6,298,448 6,298,448
Derivative Financial Instruments        
Liabilities        
Swap Contracts 50 50
E. As of February 29, 2024, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for investments and derivatives based on cost for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:
  Amount
($000)
Tax Cost 5,504,554
Gross Unrealized Appreciation 1,259,069
Gross Unrealized Depreciation (465,175)
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 793,894
The fund’s tax-basis capital gains and losses are determined only at the end of each fiscal year. For tax purposes, at August 31, 2023, the fund had available capital losses totaling $486,627,000 that may be carried forward indefinitely to offset future net capital gains. The fund will use these capital losses to offset net taxable capital gains, if any, realized during the year ending August 31, 2024; should the fund realize net capital losses for the year, the losses will be added to the loss carryforward balance above.
25

 

Consumer Discretionary Index Fund
F. During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund purchased $171,508,000 of investment securities and sold $183,525,000 of investment securities, other than temporary cash investments. In addition, the fund purchased and sold investment securities of $558,584,000 and $602,828,000, respectively, in connection with in-kind purchases and redemptions of the fund's capital shares.
The fund purchased securities from and sold securities to other Vanguard funds or accounts managed by Vanguard or its affiliates, in accordance with procedures adopted by the board of trustees in compliance with Rule 17a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, such purchases were $6,848,000 and sales were $34,455,000, resulting in net realized loss of $5,573,000; these amounts, other than temporary cash investments, are included in the purchases and sales of investment securities noted above.
G. Capital share transactions for each class of shares were:
    
  Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
  Year Ended
August 31, 2023
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
ETF Shares          
Issued 574,1841 1,9421   947,780 3,535
Issued in Lieu of Cash Distributions  
Redeemed (608,490)1 (2,220)1   (843,442) (3,500)
Net Increase (Decrease)—ETF Shares (34,306) (278)   104,338 35
Admiral Shares          
Issued 71,267 475   154,826 1,153
Issued in Lieu of Cash Distributions 2,331 16   4,229 33
Redeemed (95,248) (637)   (133,095) (1,026)
Net Increase (Decrease)—Admiral Shares (21,650) (146)   25,960 160
1 Includes unsettled in-kind transactions as of February 29, 2024 for 340,000 issued shares and 340,000 redeemed shares valued at $106,291,000 and $101,912,000, respectively, which settled shortly afterwards.
H. Significant market disruptions, such as those caused by pandemics, natural or environmental disasters, war, acts of terrorism, or other events, can adversely affect local and global markets and normal market operations. Any such disruptions could have an adverse impact on the value of the fund’s investments and fund performance.
To the extent the fund’s investment portfolio reflects concentration in a particular market, industry, sector, country or asset class, the fund may be adversely affected by the performance of these concentrations and may be subject to increased price volatility and other risks.
The use of derivatives may expose the fund to various risks. Derivatives can be highly volatile, and any initial investment is generally small relative to the notional amount so that transactions may be leveraged in terms of market exposure. A relatively small market movement may have a potentially larger impact on derivatives than on standard securities. Leveraged derivatives positions can, therefore, increase volatility. Additional information regarding the fund’s use of derivative(s) and the specific risks associated is described under significant accounting policies.
I. Management has determined that no events or transactions occurred subsequent to February 29, 2024, that would require recognition or disclosure in these financial statements.
26

 

Consumer Staples Index Fund
Fund Allocation
As of February 29, 2024
Beverages 21.5%
Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail 30.6
Food Products 17.1
Household Products 18.8
Personal Care Products 4.5
Tobacco 7.5
The table reflects the fund’s investments, except short-term investments and derivatives. Sector categories are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”), except for the “Other” category (if applicable), which includes securities that have not been provided a GICS classification as of the effective reporting period.
The fund may invest in derivatives (such as futures and swap contracts) for various reasons, including, but not limited to, attempting to remain fully invested and tracking its target index as closely as possible.
Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) was developed by and is the exclusive property and a service mark of MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard and Poor’s, a division of McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”), and is licensed for use by Vanguard. Neither MSCI, S&P nor any third party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classification makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such standard or classification (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any such standard or classification. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall MSCI, S&P, any of its affiliates or any third party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classification have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
27

 

Consumer Staples Index Fund
Financial Statements (unaudited)
Schedule of Investments
As of February 29, 2024
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
Common Stocks (99.7%)
Beverages (21.4%)
  Coca-Cola Co.  9,608,260   576,688
  PepsiCo Inc.  3,177,358   525,344
* Monster Beverage Corp.  2,304,208   136,179
  Constellation Brands Inc. Class A    491,398   122,122
  Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.  3,042,876    91,012
  Brown-Forman Corp. Class B    961,352    57,902
* Celsius Holdings Inc.    485,348    39,614
  Molson Coors Beverage Co. Class B    624,671    38,992
  Coca-Cola Consolidated Inc.     22,617    19,016
* Boston Beer Co. Inc. Class A     44,625    13,751
* National Beverage Corp.    174,479     9,185
  MGP Ingredients Inc.     95,551     8,139
* Vita Coco Co. Inc.    307,382     8,023
* Duckhorn Portfolio Inc.    573,291     5,452
             1,651,419
Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail (30.5%)
  Costco Wholesale Corp.  1,083,326   805,875
  Walmart Inc. 10,453,639   612,688
  Target Corp.  1,305,934   199,703
  Sysco Corp.  1,505,874   121,931
  Kroger Co.  2,031,996   100,807
  Dollar General Corp.    638,241    92,743
* Dollar Tree Inc.    603,265    88,487
  Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.  2,244,878    47,726
* Performance Food Group Co.    538,409    41,334
  Casey's General Stores Inc.    129,564    39,451
* US Foods Holding Corp.    735,847    37,374
* BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings Inc.    457,492    33,415
* Sprouts Farmers Market Inc.    445,737    27,832
  Albertsons Cos. Inc. Class A  1,162,177    23,569
  PriceSmart Inc.    152,426    12,825
  Andersons Inc.    231,014    12,771
* Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.    447,850    11,550
* Chefs' Warehouse Inc.    269,357    10,238
  Weis Markets Inc.    132,508     8,605
  Ingles Markets Inc. Class A    109,435     8,428
* United Natural Foods Inc.    437,350     6,827
  SpartanNash Co.    314,684     6,630
             2,350,809
Food Products (17.0%)
  Mondelez International Inc. Class A  3,910,028   285,706
  General Mills Inc.  1,717,566   110,233
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
  Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.  1,615,198    85,783
  Hershey Co.    437,723    82,257
  Kraft Heinz Co.  2,131,522    75,200
  McCormick & Co. Inc.    769,671    53,000
  Tyson Foods Inc. Class A    917,130    49,745
  Lamb Weston Holdings Inc.    459,562    46,972
  Kellanova    846,841    46,703
  Bunge Global SA    484,594    45,731
  J M Smucker Co.    355,235    42,689
  Conagra Brands Inc.  1,500,212    42,126
  Hormel Foods Corp.    990,119    34,971
  Campbell Soup Co.    655,343    27,944
  Ingredion Inc.    236,017    27,763
* Freshpet Inc.    222,477    25,147
* Darling Ingredients Inc.    546,066    23,104
* Post Holdings Inc.    214,799    22,373
  Flowers Foods Inc.    782,984    17,554
  Lancaster Colony Corp.     81,480    16,860
* Simply Good Foods Co.    415,210    14,732
  Cal-Maine Foods Inc.    232,516    13,367
  J & J Snack Foods Corp.     79,455    11,527
* Pilgrim's Pride Corp.    340,987    10,857
  Utz Brands Inc.    530,854     9,391
* TreeHouse Foods Inc.    261,488     9,359
* Sovos Brands Inc.    361,198     8,232
  John B Sanfilippo & Son Inc.     75,781     7,758
  B&G Foods Inc.    671,404     7,755
  Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.    320,646     7,673
*,1 Beyond Meat Inc.    713,044     7,622
  WK Kellogg Co.    484,675     7,096
* Hain Celestial Group Inc.    708,941     7,089
  Tootsie Roll Industries Inc.    177,367     5,768
  Calavo Growers Inc.    187,699     5,417
* Vital Farms Inc.    298,823     5,370
* Mission Produce Inc.    472,369     4,983
*,1 Westrock Coffee Co.    340,231     3,443
* Benson Hill Inc.  1,367,435       338
             1,309,638
Household Products (18.8%)
  Procter & Gamble Co.  5,857,083   930,925
  Colgate-Palmolive Co.  2,295,778   198,631
  Kimberly-Clark Corp.    988,757   119,808
  Church & Dwight Co. Inc.    746,511    74,741
  Clorox Co.    321,669    49,315
  WD-40 Co.     67,531    18,124
  Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc.    192,987    15,520
* Central Garden & Pet Co. Class A    372,956    14,057
  Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.    376,750    11,114
  Energizer Holdings Inc.    354,642    10,125
* Central Garden & Pet Co.    104,246     4,573
             1,446,933
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
Personal Care Products (4.5%)
  Estee Lauder Cos. Inc. Class A    680,349   101,086
  Kenvue Inc.  4,998,172    94,965
* e.l.f. Beauty Inc.    205,528    42,859
* BellRing Brands Inc.    535,632    30,504
* Coty Inc. Class A  1,582,373    19,875
  Inter Parfums Inc.     96,191    14,113
  Edgewell Personal Care Co.    267,791    10,227
* Herbalife Ltd.    827,736     7,309
* USANA Health Sciences Inc.    122,773     5,925
  Nu Skin Enterprises Inc. Class A    462,608     5,783
  Medifast Inc.    119,183     4,778
* Beauty Health Co.    942,744     3,139
* Olaplex Holdings Inc.  1,445,608     2,689
               343,252
Tobacco (7.5%)
  Philip Morris International Inc.  3,790,724   341,014
  Altria Group Inc.  5,151,855   210,762
  Vector Group Ltd.    880,391     9,825
  Universal Corp.    176,483     8,473
  Turning Point Brands Inc.    194,592     4,923
               574,997
Total Common Stocks (Cost $7,040,425) 7,677,048
Temporary Cash Investments (0.3%)
Money Market Fund (0.3%)
2,3 Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund, 5.400% (Cost$23,270)    232,753          23,273
Total Investments (100.0%) (Cost $7,063,695) 7,700,321
Other Assets and Liabilities—Net (0.0%) (1,407)
Net Assets (100.0%) 7,698,914
Cost is in $000.
See Note A in Notes to Financial Statements.
* Non-income-producing security.
1 Includes partial security positions on loan to broker-dealers. The total value of securities on loan is $7,498,000.
2 Affiliated money market fund available only to Vanguard funds and certain trusts and accounts managed by Vanguard. Rate shown is the 7-day yield.
3 Collateral of $7,800,000 was received for securities on loan, of which $7,798,000 is held in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund and $2,000 is held in cash.
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Consumer Staples Index Fund

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Over-the-Counter Total Return Swaps
Reference Entity Termination
Date
Counterparty Notional
Amount
($000)
Floating
Interest Rate
Received
(Paid)1
(%)
Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
($000)
Value and
Unrealized
(Depreciation)
($000)
Clorox Co. 8/30/24 BANA 9,199 (5.326) 35
Kraft Heinz Co. 8/30/24 BANA 13,054 (5.326) (59)
          35 (59)
1 Based on Overnight Bank Funding Rate as of the most recent reset date. Floating interest payment received/paid monthly.
  BANA—Bank of America, N.A.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
29

 

Consumer Staples Index Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
As of February 29, 2024
($000s, except shares, footnotes, and per-share amounts) Amount
Assets  
Investments in Securities, at Value1  
Unaffiliated Issuers (Cost $7,040,425) 7,677,048
Affiliated Issuers (Cost $23,270) 23,273
Total Investments in Securities 7,700,321
Investment in Vanguard 245
Cash 1,880
Cash Collateral Pledged—Over-the-Counter Swap Contracts 140
Receivables for Investment Securities Sold 72,878
Receivables for Accrued Income 10,572
Receivables for Capital Shares Issued 1,322
Unrealized Appreciation—Over-the-Counter Swap Contracts 35
Total Assets 7,787,393
Liabilities  
Payables for Investment Securities Purchased 76,572
Collateral for Securities on Loan 7,800
Payables for Capital Shares Redeemed 3,757
Payables to Vanguard 291
Unrealized Depreciation—Over-the-Counter Swap Contracts 59
Total Liabilities 88,479
Net Assets 7,698,914
1 Includes $7,498,000 of securities on loan.  
At February 29, 2024, net assets consisted of:  
   
Paid-in Capital 7,126,137
Total Distributable Earnings (Loss) 572,777
Net Assets 7,698,914
 
ETF Shares—Net Assets  
Applicable to 32,358,852 outstanding $.001 par value shares of
beneficial interest (unlimited authorization)
6,419,496
Net Asset Value Per Share—ETF Shares $198.38
 
Admiral Shares—Net Assets  
Applicable to 13,079,625 outstanding $.001 par value shares of
beneficial interest (unlimited authorization)
1,279,418
Net Asset Value Per Share—Admiral Shares $97.82
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
30

 

Consumer Staples Index Fund
Statement of Operations
  Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
  ($000)
Investment Income  
Income  
Dividends1 111,683
Interest2 289
Securities Lending—Net 1,369
Total Income 113,341
Expenses  
The Vanguard Group—Note B  
Investment Advisory Services 85
Management and Administrative—
ETF Shares
2,788
Management and Administrative—
Admiral Shares
532
Marketing and Distribution—
ETF Shares
154
Marketing and Distribution—
Admiral Shares
32
Custodian Fees 28
Shareholders’ Reports—ETF Shares 149
Shareholders’ Reports—Admiral Shares 11
Trustees’ Fees and Expenses 3
Other Expenses 8
Total Expenses 3,790
Expenses Paid Indirectly (1)
Net Expenses 3,789
Net Investment Income 109,552
Realized Net Gain (Loss)  
Investment Securities Sold2,3 240,954
Swap Contracts 370
Realized Net Gain (Loss) 241,324
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)  
Investment Securities2 (36,404)
Swap Contracts (24)
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) (36,428)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations 314,448
1 Dividends are net of foreign withholding taxes of $48,000.
2 Interest income, realized net gain (loss), capital gain distributions received, and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from an affiliated company of the fund were $289,000, less than $1,000, less than $1,000, and ($1,000), respectively. Purchases and sales are for temporary cash investment purposes.
3 Includes $277,717,000 of net gain (loss) resulting from in-kind redemptions.
  
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
  Six Months Ended
February 29,
2024
  Year Ended
August 31,
2023
  ($000)   ($000)
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets      
Operations      
Net Investment Income 109,552   204,902
Realized Net Gain (Loss) 241,324   226,883
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) (36,428)   (95,470)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations 314,448   336,315
Distributions      
ETF Shares (97,327)   (169,896)
Admiral Shares (17,717)   (30,958)
Total Distributions (115,044)   (200,854)
Capital Share Transactions      
ETF Shares (682,187)   81,812
Admiral Shares 17,583   (25,525)
Net Increase (Decrease) from Capital Share Transactions (664,604)   56,287
Total Increase (Decrease) (465,200)   191,748
Net Assets      
Beginning of Period 8,164,114   7,972,366
End of Period 7,698,914   8,164,114
  
 
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
31

 

Consumer Staples Index Fund
Financial Highlights
ETF Shares            
For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period 
Six Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
Year Ended August 31,
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $192.42 $188.63 $187.61 $167.31 $154.72 $140.13
Investment Operations            
Net Investment Income1 2.697 4.909 4.356 4.385 3.992 3.896
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments 6.083 3.705 .907 20.341 12.658 14.346
Total from Investment Operations 8.780 8.614 5.263 24.726 16.650 18.242
Distributions            
Dividends from Net Investment Income (2.820) (4.824) (4.243) (4.427) (4.060) (3.652)
Distributions from Realized Capital Gains
Total Distributions (2.820) (4.824) (4.243) (4.427) (4.060) (3.652)
Net Asset Value, End of Period $198.38 $192.42 $188.63 $187.61 $167.31 $154.72
Total Return 4.65% 4.65% 2.83% 15.01% 11.01% 13.24%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions) $6,420 $6,940 $6,747 $5,908 $5,712 $5,296
Ratio of Total Expenses to Average Net Assets 0.10%2 0.10%2 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 2.66% 2.57% 2.27% 2.50% 2.58% 2.71%
Portfolio Turnover Rate3 4% 9% 5% 8% 3% 6%
The expense ratio and net investment income ratio for the current period have been annualized.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
2 The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period net of reduction from custody fee offset arrangements was 0.10%.
3 Excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind purchases or redemptions of the fund’s capital shares, including ETF Creation Units.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
32

 

Consumer Staples Index Fund
Financial Highlights
Admiral Shares            
For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period 
Six Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
Year Ended August 31,
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $94.88 $93.01 $92.51 $82.50 $76.29 $69.09
Investment Operations            
Net Investment Income1 1.330 2.416 2.147 2.160 1.973 1.923
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments 3.001 1.831 .448 10.032 6.239 7.076
Total from Investment Operations 4.331 4.247 2.595 12.192 8.212 8.999
Distributions            
Dividends from Net Investment Income (1.391) (2.377) (2.095) (2.183) (2.002) (1.799)
Distributions from Realized Capital Gains
Total Distributions (1.391) (2.377) (2.095) (2.183) (2.002) (1.799)
Net Asset Value, End of Period $97.82 $94.88 $93.01 $92.51 $82.50 $76.29
Total Return2 4.66% 4.65% 2.85% 15.04% 11.03% 13.24%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions) $1,279 $1,224 $1,225 $846 $791 $710
Ratio of Total Expenses to Average Net Assets 0.10%3 0.10%3 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 2.66% 2.56% 2.27% 2.50% 2.59% 2.71%
Portfolio Turnover Rate4 4% 9% 5% 8% 3% 6%
The expense ratio and net investment income ratio for the current period have been annualized.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
2 Total returns do not include account service fees that may have applied in the periods shown. Fund prospectuses provide information about any applicable account service fees.
3 The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period net of reduction from custody fee offset arrangements was 0.10%.
4 Excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind purchases or redemptions of the fund’s capital shares, including ETF Creation Units.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
33

 

Consumer Staples Index Fund
Notes to Financial Statements
Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end investment company, or mutual fund. The fund offers two classes of shares: ETF Shares and Admiral Shares. Each of the share classes has different eligibility and minimum purchase requirements, and is designed for different types of investors. ETF Shares are listed for trading on NYSE Arca; they can be purchased and sold through a broker.
A. The following significant accounting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles for U.S. investment companies. The fund consistently follows such policies in preparing its financial statements.
1. Security Valuation: Securities are valued as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m., Eastern time) on the valuation date. Equity securities are valued at the latest quoted sales prices or official closing prices taken from the primary market in which each security trades; such securities not traded on the valuation date are valued at the mean of the latest quoted bid and asked prices. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available, or whose values have been affected by events occurring before the fund’s pricing time but after the close of the securities’ primary markets, are valued by methods deemed by the valuation designee to represent fair value and subject to oversight by the board of trustees. Investments in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund are valued at that fund's net asset value. 
2.  Swap Contracts: The fund has entered into equity swap contracts to earn the total return on selected reference stocks or indexes in the fund’s target index. Under the terms of the swaps, the fund receives the total return on the referenced stock (i.e., receiving the increase or paying the decrease in value of the selected reference stock and receiving the equivalent of any dividends in respect of the selected referenced stock) over a specified period of time, applied to a notional amount that represents the value of a designated number of shares of the selected reference stock at the beginning of the equity swap contract. The fund also pays a floating rate that is based on short-term interest rates, applied to the notional amount. At the same time, the fund generally invests an amount approximating the notional amount of the swap in high-quality temporary cash investments.
A risk associated with all types of swaps is the possibility that a counterparty may default on its obligation to pay net amounts due to the fund. The fund’s maximum amount subject to counterparty risk is the unrealized appreciation on the swap contract. The fund mitigates its counterparty risk by entering into swaps only with a diverse group of prequalified counterparties, monitoring their financial strength, entering into master netting arrangements with its counterparties, and requiring its counterparties to transfer collateral as security for their performance. In the absence of a default, the collateral pledged or received by the fund cannot be repledged, resold, or rehypothecated. In the event of a counterparty’s default (including bankruptcy), the fund may terminate any swap contracts with that counterparty, determine the net amount owed by either party in accordance with its master netting arrangements, and sell or retain any collateral held up to the net amount owed to the fund under the master netting arrangements. The swap contracts contain provisions whereby a counterparty may terminate open contracts if the fund’s net assets decline below a certain level, triggering a payment by the fund if the fund is in a net liability position at the time of the termination. The payment amount would be reduced by any collateral the fund has pledged. Any securities pledged as collateral for open contracts are noted in the Schedule of Investments. The value of collateral received or pledged is compared daily to the value of the swap contracts exposure with each counterparty, and any difference, if in excess of a specified minimum transfer amount, is adjusted and settled within two business days.
The notional amounts of swap contracts are not recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Swaps are valued daily based on market quotations received from independent pricing services or recognized dealers and the change in value is recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset (liability) and in the Statement of Operations as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) until periodic payments are made or the termination of the swap, at which time realized gain (loss) is recorded.
During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund’s average amounts of investments in total return swaps represented less than 1% of net assets, based on the average of notional amounts at each quarter-end during the period.
3. Federal Income Taxes: The fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute virtually all of its taxable income. The fund’s tax returns are open to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return. Management has analyzed the fund’s tax positions taken for all open federal and state income tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the fund’s financial statements.
34

 

Consumer Staples Index Fund
4. Distributions: Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions are determined on a tax basis at the fiscal year-end and may differ from net investment income and realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes.
5. Securities Lending: To earn additional income, the fund lends its securities to qualified institutional borrowers. Security loans are subject to termination by the fund at any time, and are required to be secured at all times by collateral in an amount at least equal to the market value of securities loaned. Daily market fluctuations could cause the value of loaned securities to be more or less than the value of the collateral received. When this occurs, the collateral is adjusted and settled before the opening of the market on the next business day. The fund further mitigates its counterparty risk by entering into securities lending transactions only with a diverse group of prequalified counterparties, monitoring their financial strength, and entering into master securities lending agreements with its counterparties. The master securities lending agreements provide that, in the event of a counterparty’s default (including bankruptcy), the fund may terminate any loans with that borrower, determine the net amount owed, and sell or retain the collateral up to the net amount owed to the fund; however, such actions may be subject to legal proceedings. While collateral mitigates counterparty risk, in the event of a default, the fund may experience delays and costs in recovering the securities loaned. The fund invests cash collateral received in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund, and records a liability in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the return of the collateral, during the period the securities are on loan. Collateral investments in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund are subject to market appreciation or depreciation. Securities lending income represents fees charged to borrowers plus income earned on invested cash collateral, less expenses associated with the loan. During the term of the loan, the fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities.
6. Credit Facilities and Interfund Lending Program: The fund and certain other funds managed by The Vanguard Group ("Vanguard") participate in a $4.3 billion committed credit facility provided by a syndicate of lenders pursuant to a credit agreement and an uncommitted credit facility provided by Vanguard. Both facilities may be renewed annually. Each fund is individually liable for its borrowings, if any, under the credit facilities. Borrowings may be utilized for temporary or emergency purposes and are subject to the fund’s regulatory and contractual borrowing restrictions. With respect to the committed credit facility, the participating funds are charged administrative fees and an annual commitment fee of 0.10% of the undrawn committed amount of the facility, which are allocated to the funds based on a method approved by the fund’s board of trustees and included in Management and Administrative expenses on the fund’s Statement of Operations. Any borrowings under either facility bear interest at an agreed-upon spread plus the higher of the federal funds effective rate, the overnight bank funding rate, or the Daily Simple Secured Overnight Financing Rate inclusive of an additional agreed-upon spread. However, borrowings under the uncommitted credit facility may bear interest based upon an alternate rate agreed to by the fund and Vanguard.
In accordance with an exemptive order (the “Order”) from the SEC, the fund may participate in a joint lending and borrowing program that allows registered open-end Vanguard funds to borrow money from and lend money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes (the “Interfund Lending Program”), subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the Order, and to the extent permitted by the fund’s investment objective and investment policies. Interfund loans and borrowings normally extend overnight but can have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one business day’s notice. The interest rate to be charged is governed by the conditions of the Order and internal procedures adopted by the board of trustees. The board of trustees is responsible for overseeing the Interfund Lending Program. 
For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund did not utilize the credit facilities or the Interfund Lending Program.
7. Other: Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends included in income, if any, are recorded at the fair value of the securities received. Interest income includes income distributions received from Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund and is accrued daily. Security transactions are accounted for on the date securities are bought or sold. Costs used to determine realized gains (losses) on the sale of investment securities are those of the specific securities sold.
Each class of shares has equal rights as to assets and earnings, except that each class separately bears certain class-specific expenses related to maintenance of shareholder accounts (included in Management and Administrative expenses) and shareholder reporting. Marketing and distribution expenses are allocated to each class of shares based on a method approved by the board of trustees. Income, other non-class-specific expenses, and gains and losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
35

 

Consumer Staples Index Fund
B. In accordance with the terms of a Funds' Service Agreement (the “FSA”) between Vanguard and the fund, Vanguard furnishes to the fund investment advisory, corporate management, administrative, marketing, and distribution services at Vanguard’s cost of operations (as defined by the FSA). These costs of operations are allocated to the fund based on methods and guidelines approved by the board of trustees and are generally settled twice a month.
Upon the request of Vanguard, the fund may invest up to 0.40% of its net assets as capital in Vanguard. At February 29, 2024, the fund had contributed to Vanguard capital in the amount of $245,000, representing less than 0.01% of the fund’s net assets and 0.10% of Vanguard’s capital received pursuant to the FSA. The fund’s trustees and officers are also directors and employees, respectively, of Vanguard.
C. The fund’s custodian bank has agreed to reduce its fees when the fund maintains cash on deposit in the non-interest-bearing custody account. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, custodian fee offset arrangements reduced the fund’s expenses by $1,000 (an annual rate of less than 0.01% of average net assets).
D. Various inputs may be used to determine the value of the fund’s investments and derivatives. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels for financial statement purposes. The inputs or methodologies used to value securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2—Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3—Significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments). Any investments and derivatives valued with significant unobservable inputs are noted on the Schedule of Investments.
The following table summarizes the market value of the fund’s investments and derivatives as of February 29, 2024, based on the inputs used to value them:
  Level 1
($000)
Level 2
($000)
Level 3
($000)
Total
($000)
Investments        
Assets        
Common Stocks 7,677,048 7,677,048
Temporary Cash Investments 23,273 23,273
Total 7,700,321 7,700,321
Derivative Financial Instruments        
Assets        
Swap Contracts 35 35
Liabilities        
Swap Contracts 59 59
E. As of February 29, 2024, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for investments and derivatives based on cost for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:
  Amount
($000)
Tax Cost 7,072,928
Gross Unrealized Appreciation 1,243,412
Gross Unrealized Depreciation (616,019)
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 627,393
The fund’s tax-basis capital gains and losses are determined only at the end of each fiscal year. For tax purposes, at August 31, 2023, the fund had available capital losses totaling $325,238,000 that may be carried forward indefinitely to offset future net capital gains. The fund will use these capital losses to offset net taxable capital gains, if any, realized during the year ending August 31, 2024; should the fund realize net capital losses for the year, the losses will be added to the loss carryforward balance above.
36

 

Consumer Staples Index Fund
F. During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund purchased $304,754,000 of investment securities and sold $289,959,000 of investment securities, other than temporary cash investments. In addition, the fund purchased and sold investment securities of $329,888,000 and $1,013,785,000, respectively, in connection with in-kind purchases and redemptions of the fund's capital shares.
The fund purchased securities from and sold securities to other Vanguard funds or accounts managed by Vanguard or its affiliates, in accordance with procedures adopted by the board of trustees in compliance with Rule 17a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, such purchases were $110,000 and sales were $17,176,000, resulting in net realized loss of $1,038,000; these amounts, other than temporary cash investments, are included in the purchases and sales of investment securities noted above.
G. Capital share transactions for each class of shares were:
    
  Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
  Year Ended
August 31, 2023
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
ETF Shares          
Issued 337,8771 1,7661   1,190,077 6,226
Issued in Lieu of Cash Distributions  
Redeemed (1,020,064)1 (5,475)1   (1,108,265) (5,925)
Net Increase (Decrease)—ETF Shares (682,187) (3,709)   81,812 301
Admiral Shares          
Issued 195,770 2,107   326,126 3,468
Issued in Lieu of Cash Distributions 15,653 170   27,369 295
Redeemed (193,840) (2,096)   (379,020) (4,040)
Net Increase (Decrease)—Admiral Shares 17,583 181   (25,525) (277)
1 Includes unsettled in-kind transactions as of February 29, 2024 for 270,000 issued shares and 135,000 redeemed shares valued at $53,503,000 and $24,676,000, respectively, which settled shortly afterwards.
H. Significant market disruptions, such as those caused by pandemics, natural or environmental disasters, war, acts of terrorism, or other events, can adversely affect local and global markets and normal market operations. Any such disruptions could have an adverse impact on the value of the fund’s investments and fund performance.
To the extent the fund’s investment portfolio reflects concentration in a particular market, industry, sector, country or asset class, the fund may be adversely affected by the performance of these concentrations and may be subject to increased price volatility and other risks.
The use of derivatives may expose the fund to various risks. Derivatives can be highly volatile, and any initial investment is generally small relative to the notional amount so that transactions may be leveraged in terms of market exposure. A relatively small market movement may have a potentially larger impact on derivatives than on standard securities. Leveraged derivatives positions can, therefore, increase volatility. Additional information regarding the fund’s use of derivative(s) and the specific risks associated is described under significant accounting policies.
I. Management has determined that no events or transactions occurred subsequent to February 29, 2024, that would require recognition or disclosure in these financial statements.
37

 

Energy Index Fund
Fund Allocation
As of February 29, 2024
Coal & Consumable Fuels 0.4%
Integrated Oil & Gas 38.5
Oil & Gas Drilling 1.2
Oil & Gas Equipment & Services 9.8
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production 28.4
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing 10.6
Oil & Gas Storage & Transportation 11.1
The table reflects the fund’s investments, except short-term investments and derivatives. Sector categories are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”), except for the “Other” category (if applicable), which includes securities that have not been provided a GICS classification as of the effective reporting period.
The fund may invest in derivatives (such as futures and swap contracts) for various reasons, including, but not limited to, attempting to remain fully invested and tracking its target index as closely as possible.
Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) was developed by and is the exclusive property and a service mark of MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard and Poor’s, a division of McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”), and is licensed for use by Vanguard. Neither MSCI, S&P nor any third party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classification makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such standard or classification (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any such standard or classification. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall MSCI, S&P, any of its affiliates or any third party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classification have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
38

 

Energy Index Fund
Financial Statements (unaudited)
Schedule of Investments
As of February 29, 2024
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
Common Stocks (99.5%)
Coal & Consumable Fuels (0.5%)
  Peabody Energy Corp.    611,721    15,152
  CONSOL Energy Inc.    160,717    13,793
* Uranium Energy Corp.  1,935,203    12,540
* Centrus Energy Corp. Class A     69,095     2,818
*,1 Enviva Inc.    193,776        78
                44,381
Integrated Oil & Gas (38.3%)
  Exxon Mobil Corp. 20,432,056 2,135,558
  Chevron Corp.  9,267,337 1,408,728
  Occidental Petroleum Corp.  3,411,616   206,778
             3,751,064
Oil & Gas Drilling (1.2%)
  Noble Corp. plc    584,917    24,455
  Patterson-UTI Energy Inc.  1,947,088    22,528
* Valaris Ltd.    340,054    21,440
  Helmerich & Payne Inc.    515,396    19,786
* Transocean Ltd. (XNYS)  3,774,853    17,704
* Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc.    530,430     5,883
* Nabors Industries Ltd. (XNYS)     48,535     3,804
               115,600
Oil & Gas Equipment & Services (9.7%)
  Schlumberger NV  7,404,500   357,860
  Halliburton Co.  4,639,362   162,702
  Baker Hughes Co.  5,215,727   154,333
  TechnipFMC plc  2,257,110    48,957
* Weatherford International plc    355,127    36,440
  NOV Inc.  2,041,942    34,509
  ChampionX Corp.  1,009,710    31,362
* Tidewater Inc.    257,289    18,018
  Liberty Energy Inc.    830,226    17,750
  Cactus Inc. Class A    334,919    15,373
  Archrock Inc.    769,082    14,051
* Oceaneering International Inc.    522,129    10,317
* Expro Group Holdings NV    487,689     8,725
* Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc.    742,189     6,680
* US Silica Holdings Inc.    399,205     4,591
  Select Water Solutions Inc.    484,949     4,141
* Dril-Quip Inc.    167,966     3,796
  RPC Inc.    503,876     3,724
  Core Laboratories Inc.    241,781     3,619
* ProPetro Holding Corp.    428,648     3,172
* Newpark Resources Inc.    418,971     2,694
* Bristow Group Inc.     95,477     2,573
  Kodiak Gas Services Inc.    100,442     2,561
* TETRA Technologies Inc.    642,359     2,505
* DMC Global Inc.    102,258     1,706
               952,159
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production (28.2%)
  ConocoPhillips  6,154,718   692,652
  EOG Resources Inc.  3,022,765   345,986
  Pioneer Natural Resources Co.  1,210,983   284,811
  Hess Corp.  1,432,933   208,850
  Diamondback Energy Inc.    881,386   160,871
  Devon Energy Corp.  3,321,160   146,330
  Coterra Energy Inc.  3,899,224   100,522
  Marathon Oil Corp.  3,033,342    73,559
  Ovintiv Inc. (XNYS)  1,343,860    66,400
  EQT Corp.  1,725,536    64,104
  Texas Pacific Land Corp.     31,823    50,135
1 Chesapeake Energy Corp.    576,263    47,703
  APA Corp.  1,570,871    46,796
  Range Resources Corp.  1,250,814    39,551
* Antero Resources Corp.  1,480,003    38,036
* Southwestern Energy Co.  5,423,912    37,805
  Matador Resources Co.    586,665    37,048
  Permian resources Corp.  2,240,985    34,870
  Chord Energy Corp.    213,964    34,758
  Murphy Oil Corp.    760,697    30,177
  SM Energy Co.    602,878    26,388
  Civitas Resources Inc.    340,185    23,364
  Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp. Class A    912,180    20,688
* CNX Resources Corp.    823,360    17,249
  Northern Oil & Gas Inc.    468,931    16,755
* Kosmos Energy Ltd.  2,385,285    14,646
  California Resources Corp.    266,677    13,912
  Viper Energy Inc.    361,394    13,061
  Sitio Royalties Corp. Class A    423,931     9,674
* Talos Energy Inc.    718,949     9,483
* Gulfport Energy Corp.     66,175     9,396
* Callon Petroleum Co.    275,674     8,590
* Vital Energy Inc.    119,421     6,010
1 Kimbell Royalty Partners LP    343,887     5,396
  Crescent Energy Co. Class A    413,533     4,623
  Comstock Resources Inc.    505,342     4,321
*,1 Tellurian Inc.  3,484,057     2,766
  Vitesse Energy Inc.    119,557     2,717
* SilverBow Resources Inc.     92,339     2,621
  Berry Corp.    351,332     2,477
  SandRidge Energy Inc.    173,419     2,261
1 HighPeak Energy Inc.    133,311     2,209
  W&T Offshore Inc.    528,076     1,595
  Riley Exploration Permian Inc.     31,777       751
             2,761,917
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing (10.5%)
  Marathon Petroleum Corp.  1,967,796   333,010
  Phillips 66  2,280,391   324,979
  Valero Energy Corp.  1,764,515   249,608
  HF Sinclair Corp.    827,450    45,923
  PBF Energy Inc. Class A    570,067    26,622
* Par Pacific Holdings Inc.    297,899    10,760
  Delek US Holdings Inc.    331,283     8,451
  World Kinect Corp.    312,123     7,603
* Green Plains Inc.    316,372     6,739
  CVR Energy Inc.    182,706     6,062
* REX American Resources Corp.     81,389     3,580
* Clean Energy Fuels Corp.    927,352     2,736
*,1 Gevo Inc.  1,248,085     1,113
* Vertex Energy Inc.    454,651       614
             1,027,800
Oil & Gas Storage & Transportation (11.1%)
  Williams Cos. Inc.  6,305,670   226,626
  ONEOK Inc.  2,869,647   215,568
  Cheniere Energy Inc.  1,234,951   191,664
  Kinder Morgan Inc. 10,369,548   180,326
  Targa Resources Corp.  1,097,980   107,866
  DTE Midstream LLC    502,664    28,969
  Antero Midstream Corp.  1,864,970    24,991
  Equitrans Midstream Corp.  2,245,727    24,007
* Plains GP Holdings LP Class A  1,018,223    17,513
* EnLink Midstream LLC  1,184,060    14,599
  Hess Midstream LP Class A    406,202    13,847
1 New Fortress Energy Inc.    318,843    11,207
  International Seaways Inc.    190,187    10,067
  Dorian LPG Ltd.    178,947     6,469
  Kinetik Holdings Inc.    132,938     4,695
* NextDecade Corp.    465,688     2,138
  Excelerate Energy Inc. Class A     94,672     1,486
             1,082,038
Total Common Stocks (Cost $8,651,822) 9,734,959
39

 

Energy Index Fund
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
Temporary Cash Investments (0.2%)
Money Market Fund (0.2%)
2,3 Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund, 5.400% (Cost $14,111)    141,144          14,113
Total Investments (99.7%) (Cost $8,665,933) 9,749,072
Other Assets and Liabilities—Net (0.3%) 33,995
Net Assets (100.0%) 9,783,067
Cost is in $000.
See Note A in Notes to Financial Statements.
* Non-income-producing security.
1 Includes partial security positions on loan to broker-dealers. The total value of securities on loan is $13,653,000.
2 Affiliated money market fund available only to Vanguard funds and certain trusts and accounts managed by Vanguard. Rate shown is the 7-day yield.
3 Collateral of $14,090,000 was received for securities on loan.

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Over-the-Counter Total Return Swaps
Reference Entity Termination
Date
Counterparty Notional
Amount
($000)
Floating
Interest Rate
Received
(Paid)1
(%)
Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
($000)
Value and
Unrealized
(Depreciation)
($000)
EQT Corp. 8/30/24 BANA 11,145 (5.326) 2
Exxon Mobil Corp. 1/31/25 CITNA 29,788 (5.311) (13)
ONEOK Inc. 1/31/25 CITNA 11,268 (5.326) 104
          106 (13)
1 Based on Overnight Bank Funding Rate as of the most recent reset date. Floating interest payment received/paid monthly.
  BANA—Bank of America, N.A.
  CITNA—Citibank, N.A.
At February 29, 2024, the counterparties had deposited in segregated accounts securities with a value of $1,793,000 in connection with open over-the-counter swap contracts.
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
40

 

Energy Index Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
As of February 29, 2024
($000s, except shares, footnotes, and per-share amounts) Amount
Assets  
Investments in Securities, at Value1  
Unaffiliated Issuers (Cost $8,651,822) 9,734,959
Affiliated Issuers (Cost $14,111) 14,113
Total Investments in Securities 9,749,072
Investment in Vanguard 303
Receivables for Investment Securities Sold 31,599
Receivables for Accrued Income 50,165
Receivables for Capital Shares Issued 551
Unrealized Appreciation—Over-the-Counter Swap Contracts 106
Total Assets 9,831,796
Liabilities  
Due to Custodian 2,292
Payables for Investment Securities Purchased 29,889
Collateral for Securities on Loan 14,090
Payables for Capital Shares Redeemed 2,072
Payables to Vanguard 373
Unrealized Depreciation—Over-the-Counter Swap Contracts 13
Total Liabilities 48,729
Net Assets 9,783,067
1 Includes $13,653,000 of securities on loan.  
At February 29, 2024, net assets consisted of:  
   
Paid-in Capital 9,856,169
Total Distributable Earnings (Loss) (73,102)
Net Assets 9,783,067
 
ETF Shares—Net Assets  
Applicable to 67,451,201 outstanding $.001 par value shares of
beneficial interest (unlimited authorization)
8,102,294
Net Asset Value Per Share—ETF Shares $120.12
 
Admiral Shares—Net Assets  
Applicable to 28,009,419 outstanding $.001 par value shares of
beneficial interest (unlimited authorization)
1,680,773
Net Asset Value Per Share—Admiral Shares $60.01
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
41

 

Energy Index Fund
Statement of Operations
  Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
  ($000)
Investment Income  
Income  
Dividends 163,850
Interest1 721
Securities Lending—Net 45
Total Income 164,616
Expenses  
The Vanguard Group—Note B  
Investment Advisory Services 110
Management and Administrative—
ETF Shares
3,550
Management and Administrative—
Admiral Shares
801
Marketing and Distribution—
ETF Shares
214
Marketing and Distribution—
Admiral Shares
48
Custodian Fees 43
Shareholders’ Reports—ETF Shares 154
Shareholders’ Reports—Admiral Shares 11
Trustees’ Fees and Expenses 4
Other Expenses 8
Total Expenses 4,943
Expenses Paid Indirectly (6)
Net Expenses 4,937
Net Investment Income 159,679
Realized Net Gain (Loss)  
Investment Securities Sold1,2 279,982
Swap Contracts (3,760)
Realized Net Gain (Loss) 276,222
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)  
Investment Securities1 (666,687)
Swap Contracts 381
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) (666,306)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations (230,405)
1 Interest income, realized net gain (loss), capital gain distributions received, and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from an affiliated company of the fund were $721,000, ($4,000), less than $1,000, and ($1,000), respectively. Purchases and sales are for temporary cash investment purposes.
2 Includes $330,722,000 of net gain (loss) resulting from in-kind redemptions.
  
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
  Six Months Ended
February 29,
2024
  Year Ended
August 31,
2023
  ($000)   ($000)
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets      
Operations      
Net Investment Income 159,679   356,851
Realized Net Gain (Loss) 276,222   714,427
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) (666,306)   237,598
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations (230,405)   1,308,876
Distributions      
ETF Shares (130,526)   (311,564)
Admiral Shares (28,694)   (77,509)
Total Distributions (159,220)   (389,073)
Capital Share Transactions      
ETF Shares (21,541)   (162,937)
Admiral Shares (146,059)   (222,832)
Net Increase (Decrease) from Capital Share Transactions (167,600)   (385,769)
Total Increase (Decrease) (557,225)   534,034
Net Assets      
Beginning of Period 10,340,292   9,806,258
End of Period 9,783,067   10,340,292
  
 
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
42

 

Energy Index Fund
Financial Highlights
ETF Shares            
For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period 
Six Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
Year Ended August 31,
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $124.62 $113.45 $67.99 $47.90 $75.75 $103.13
Investment Operations            
Net Investment Income1 1.935 4.205 3.625 2.802 2.957 2.769
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments (4.509) 11.554 45.526 19.789 (28.064) (27.449)
Total from Investment Operations (2.574) 15.759 49.151 22.591 (25.107) (24.680)
Distributions            
Dividends from Net Investment Income (1.926) (4.589) (3.691) (2.501) (2.743) (2.700)
Distributions from Realized Capital Gains
Total Distributions (1.926) (4.589) (3.691) (2.501) (2.743) (2.700)
Net Asset Value, End of Period $120.12 $124.62 $113.45 $67.99 $47.90 $75.75
Total Return -2.10% 14.51% 74.07% 48.07% -33.87% -24.34%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions) $8,102 $8,440 $7,862 $4,806 $2,720 $3,029
Ratio of Total Expenses to Average Net Assets 0.10%2 0.10%2 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 3.09% 3.58% 3.80% 4.54% 4.91% 3.15%
Portfolio Turnover Rate3 3% 9% 6% 5% 8% 7%
The expense ratio and net investment income ratio for the current period have been annualized.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
2 The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period net of reduction from custody fee offset arrangements was 0.10%.
3 Excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind purchases or redemptions of the fund’s capital shares, including ETF Creation Units.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
43

 

Energy Index Fund
Financial Highlights
Admiral Shares            
For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period 
Six Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
Year Ended August 31,
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $62.25 $56.67 $33.97 $23.93 $37.84 $51.52
Investment Operations            
Net Investment Income1 .962 2.095 1.829 1.435 1.461 1.388
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments (2.240) 5.777 22.715 9.855 (14.001) (13.720)
Total from Investment Operations (1.278) 7.872 24.544 11.290 (12.540) (12.332)
Distributions            
Dividends from Net Investment Income (.962) (2.292) (1.844) (1.250) (1.370) (1.348)
Distributions from Realized Capital Gains
Total Distributions (.962) (2.292) (1.844) (1.250) (1.370) (1.348)
Net Asset Value, End of Period $60.01 $62.25 $56.67 $33.97 $23.93 $37.84
Total Return2 -2.08% 14.58% 73.97% 48.18% -33.82% -24.33%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions) $1,681 $1,900 $1,944 $1,100 $407 $468
Ratio of Total Expenses to Average Net Assets 0.10%3 0.10%3 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 3.07% 3.57% 3.83% 4.52% 4.84% 3.15%
Portfolio Turnover Rate4 3% 9% 6% 5% 8% 7%
The expense ratio and net investment income ratio for the current period have been annualized.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
2 Total returns do not include account service fees that may have applied in the periods shown. Fund prospectuses provide information about any applicable account service fees.
3 The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period net of reduction from custody fee offset arrangements was 0.10%.
4 Excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind purchases or redemptions of the fund’s capital shares, including ETF Creation Units.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
44

 

Energy Index Fund
Notes to Financial Statements
Vanguard Energy Index Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end investment company, or mutual fund. The fund offers two classes of shares: ETF Shares and Admiral Shares. Each of the share classes has different eligibility and minimum purchase requirements, and is designed for different types of investors. ETF Shares are listed for trading on NYSE Arca; they can be purchased and sold through a broker.
A. The following significant accounting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles for U.S. investment companies. The fund consistently follows such policies in preparing its financial statements.
1. Security Valuation: Securities are valued as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m., Eastern time) on the valuation date. Equity securities are valued at the latest quoted sales prices or official closing prices taken from the primary market in which each security trades; such securities not traded on the valuation date are valued at the mean of the latest quoted bid and asked prices. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available, or whose values have been affected by events occurring before the fund’s pricing time but after the close of the securities’ primary markets, are valued by methods deemed by the valuation designee to represent fair value and subject to oversight by the board of trustees. Investments in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund are valued at that fund's net asset value. 
2.  Swap Contracts: The fund has entered into equity swap contracts to earn the total return on selected reference stocks or indexes in the fund’s target index. Under the terms of the swaps, the fund receives the total return on the referenced stock (i.e., receiving the increase or paying the decrease in value of the selected reference stock and receiving the equivalent of any dividends in respect of the selected referenced stock) over a specified period of time, applied to a notional amount that represents the value of a designated number of shares of the selected reference stock at the beginning of the equity swap contract. The fund also pays a floating rate that is based on short-term interest rates, applied to the notional amount. At the same time, the fund generally invests an amount approximating the notional amount of the swap in high-quality temporary cash investments.
A risk associated with all types of swaps is the possibility that a counterparty may default on its obligation to pay net amounts due to the fund. The fund’s maximum amount subject to counterparty risk is the unrealized appreciation on the swap contract. The fund mitigates its counterparty risk by entering into swaps only with a diverse group of prequalified counterparties, monitoring their financial strength, entering into master netting arrangements with its counterparties, and requiring its counterparties to transfer collateral as security for their performance. In the absence of a default, the collateral pledged or received by the fund cannot be repledged, resold, or rehypothecated. In the event of a counterparty’s default (including bankruptcy), the fund may terminate any swap contracts with that counterparty, determine the net amount owed by either party in accordance with its master netting arrangements, and sell or retain any collateral held up to the net amount owed to the fund under the master netting arrangements. The swap contracts contain provisions whereby a counterparty may terminate open contracts if the fund’s net assets decline below a certain level, triggering a payment by the fund if the fund is in a net liability position at the time of the termination. The payment amount would be reduced by any collateral the fund has pledged. Any securities pledged as collateral for open contracts are noted in the Schedule of Investments. The value of collateral received or pledged is compared daily to the value of the swap contracts exposure with each counterparty, and any difference, if in excess of a specified minimum transfer amount, is adjusted and settled within two business days.
The notional amounts of swap contracts are not recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Swaps are valued daily based on market quotations received from independent pricing services or recognized dealers and the change in value is recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset (liability) and in the Statement of Operations as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) until periodic payments are made or the termination of the swap, at which time realized gain (loss) is recorded.
During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund’s average amounts of investments in total return swaps represented less than 1% of net assets, based on the average of notional amounts at each quarter-end during the period.
3. Federal Income Taxes: The fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute virtually all of its taxable income. The fund’s tax returns are open to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return. Management has analyzed the fund’s tax positions taken for all open federal and state income tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the fund’s financial statements.
45

 

Energy Index Fund
4. Distributions: Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions are determined on a tax basis at the fiscal year-end and may differ from net investment income and realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes.
5. Securities Lending: To earn additional income, the fund lends its securities to qualified institutional borrowers. Security loans are subject to termination by the fund at any time, and are required to be secured at all times by collateral in an amount at least equal to the market value of securities loaned. Daily market fluctuations could cause the value of loaned securities to be more or less than the value of the collateral received. When this occurs, the collateral is adjusted and settled before the opening of the market on the next business day. The fund further mitigates its counterparty risk by entering into securities lending transactions only with a diverse group of prequalified counterparties, monitoring their financial strength, and entering into master securities lending agreements with its counterparties. The master securities lending agreements provide that, in the event of a counterparty’s default (including bankruptcy), the fund may terminate any loans with that borrower, determine the net amount owed, and sell or retain the collateral up to the net amount owed to the fund; however, such actions may be subject to legal proceedings. While collateral mitigates counterparty risk, in the event of a default, the fund may experience delays and costs in recovering the securities loaned. The fund invests cash collateral received in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund, and records a liability in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the return of the collateral, during the period the securities are on loan. Collateral investments in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund are subject to market appreciation or depreciation. Securities lending income represents fees charged to borrowers plus income earned on invested cash collateral, less expenses associated with the loan. During the term of the loan, the fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities.
6. Credit Facilities and Interfund Lending Program: The fund and certain other funds managed by The Vanguard Group ("Vanguard") participate in a $4.3 billion committed credit facility provided by a syndicate of lenders pursuant to a credit agreement and an uncommitted credit facility provided by Vanguard. Both facilities may be renewed annually. Each fund is individually liable for its borrowings, if any, under the credit facilities. Borrowings may be utilized for temporary or emergency purposes and are subject to the fund’s regulatory and contractual borrowing restrictions. With respect to the committed credit facility, the participating funds are charged administrative fees and an annual commitment fee of 0.10% of the undrawn committed amount of the facility, which are allocated to the funds based on a method approved by the fund’s board of trustees and included in Management and Administrative expenses on the fund’s Statement of Operations. Any borrowings under either facility bear interest at an agreed-upon spread plus the higher of the federal funds effective rate, the overnight bank funding rate, or the Daily Simple Secured Overnight Financing Rate inclusive of an additional agreed-upon spread. However, borrowings under the uncommitted credit facility may bear interest based upon an alternate rate agreed to by the fund and Vanguard.
In accordance with an exemptive order (the “Order”) from the SEC, the fund may participate in a joint lending and borrowing program that allows registered open-end Vanguard funds to borrow money from and lend money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes (the “Interfund Lending Program”), subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the Order, and to the extent permitted by the fund’s investment objective and investment policies. Interfund loans and borrowings normally extend overnight but can have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one business day’s notice. The interest rate to be charged is governed by the conditions of the Order and internal procedures adopted by the board of trustees. The board of trustees is responsible for overseeing the Interfund Lending Program. 
For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund did not utilize the credit facilities or the Interfund Lending Program.
7. Other: Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends included in income, if any, are recorded at the fair value of the securities received. Interest income includes income distributions received from Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund and is accrued daily. Security transactions are accounted for on the date securities are bought or sold. Costs used to determine realized gains (losses) on the sale of investment securities are those of the specific securities sold.
Each class of shares has equal rights as to assets and earnings, except that each class separately bears certain class-specific expenses related to maintenance of shareholder accounts (included in Management and Administrative expenses) and shareholder reporting. Marketing and distribution expenses are allocated to each class of shares based on a method approved by the board of trustees. Income, other non-class-specific expenses, and gains and losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
46

 

Energy Index Fund
B. In accordance with the terms of a Funds' Service Agreement (the “FSA”) between Vanguard and the fund, Vanguard furnishes to the fund investment advisory, corporate management, administrative, marketing, and distribution services at Vanguard’s cost of operations (as defined by the FSA). These costs of operations are allocated to the fund based on methods and guidelines approved by the board of trustees and are generally settled twice a month.
Upon the request of Vanguard, the fund may invest up to 0.40% of its net assets as capital in Vanguard. At February 29, 2024, the fund had contributed to Vanguard capital in the amount of $303,000, representing less than 0.01% of the fund’s net assets and 0.12% of Vanguard’s capital received pursuant to the FSA. The fund’s trustees and officers are also directors and employees, respectively, of Vanguard.
C. The fund’s custodian bank has agreed to reduce its fees when the fund maintains cash on deposit in the non-interest-bearing custody account. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, custodian fee offset arrangements reduced the fund’s expenses by $6,000 (an annual rate of less than 0.01% of average net assets).
D. Various inputs may be used to determine the value of the fund’s investments and derivatives. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels for financial statement purposes. The inputs or methodologies used to value securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2—Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3—Significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments). Any investments and derivatives valued with significant unobservable inputs are noted on the Schedule of Investments.
The following table summarizes the market value of the fund’s investments and derivatives as of February 29, 2024, based on the inputs used to value them:
  Level 1
($000)
Level 2
($000)
Level 3
($000)
Total
($000)
Investments        
Assets        
Common Stocks 9,734,959 9,734,959
Temporary Cash Investments 14,113 14,113
Total 9,749,072 9,749,072
Derivative Financial Instruments        
Assets        
Swap Contracts 106 106
Liabilities        
Swap Contracts 13 13
E. As of February 29, 2024, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for investments and derivatives based on cost for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:
  Amount
($000)
Tax Cost 8,707,596
Gross Unrealized Appreciation 1,467,966
Gross Unrealized Depreciation (426,490)
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 1,041,476
The fund’s tax-basis capital gains and losses are determined only at the end of each fiscal year. For tax purposes, at August 31, 2023, the fund had available capital losses totaling $1,447,157,000 that may be carried forward indefinitely to offset future net capital gains. The fund will use these capital losses to offset net taxable capital gains, if any, realized during the year ending August 31, 2024; should the fund realize net capital losses for the year, the losses will be added to the loss carryforward balance above.
47

 

Energy Index Fund
F. During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund purchased $298,604,000 of investment securities and sold $416,115,000 of investment securities, other than temporary cash investments. In addition, the fund purchased and sold investment securities of $826,084,000 and $883,631,000, respectively, in connection with in-kind purchases and redemptions of the fund's capital shares.
The fund purchased securities from and sold securities to other Vanguard funds or accounts managed by Vanguard or its affiliates, in accordance with procedures adopted by the board of trustees in compliance with Rule 17a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, such purchases were $0 and sales were $3,234,000, resulting in net realized loss of $199,000; these amounts, other than temporary cash investments, are included in the purchases and sales of investment securities noted above.
G. Capital share transactions for each class of shares were:
    
  Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
  Year Ended
August 31, 2023
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
ETF Shares          
Issued 862,1661 7,0991   1,972,280 16,850
Issued in Lieu of Cash Distributions  
Redeemed (883,707)1 (7,375)1   (2,135,217) (18,425)
Net Increase (Decrease)—ETF Shares (21,541) (276)   (162,937) (1,575)
Admiral Shares          
Issued 197,248 3,269   706,787 12,005
Issued in Lieu of Cash Distributions 25,154 410   68,739 1,272
Redeemed (368,461) (6,195)   (998,358) (17,057)
Net Increase (Decrease)—Admiral Shares (146,059) (2,516)   (222,832) (3,780)
1 Includes unsettled in-kind transactions as of February 29, 2024 for 225,000 issued shares and 500,000 redeemed shares valued at $26,961,000 and $58,841,000, respectively, which settled shortly afterwards.
H. Significant market disruptions, such as those caused by pandemics, natural or environmental disasters, war, acts of terrorism, or other events, can adversely affect local and global markets and normal market operations. Any such disruptions could have an adverse impact on the value of the fund’s investments and fund performance.
To the extent the fund’s investment portfolio reflects concentration in a particular market, industry, sector, country or asset class, the fund may be adversely affected by the performance of these concentrations and may be subject to increased price volatility and other risks.
The use of derivatives may expose the fund to various risks. Derivatives can be highly volatile, and any initial investment is generally small relative to the notional amount so that transactions may be leveraged in terms of market exposure. A relatively small market movement may have a potentially larger impact on derivatives than on standard securities. Leveraged derivatives positions can, therefore, increase volatility. Additional information regarding the fund’s use of derivative(s) and the specific risks associated is described under significant accounting policies.
I. Management has determined that no events or transactions occurred subsequent to February 29, 2024, that would require recognition or disclosure in these financial statements.
48

 

Financials Index Fund
Fund Allocation
As of February 29, 2024
Banks 26.5%
Capital Markets 23.1
Consumer Finance 4.3
Financial Services 28.1
Insurance 17.2
Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) 0.8
The table reflects the fund’s investments, except short-term investments and derivatives. Sector categories are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”), except for the “Other” category (if applicable), which includes securities that have not been provided a GICS classification as of the effective reporting period.
The fund may invest in derivatives (such as futures and swap contracts) for various reasons, including, but not limited to, attempting to remain fully invested and tracking its target index as closely as possible.
Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) was developed by and is the exclusive property and a service mark of MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard and Poor’s, a division of McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”), and is licensed for use by Vanguard. Neither MSCI, S&P nor any third party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classification makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such standard or classification (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any such standard or classification. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall MSCI, S&P, any of its affiliates or any third party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classification have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
49

 

Financials Index Fund
Financial Statements (unaudited)
Schedule of Investments
As of February 29, 2024
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
Common Stocks (98.9%)
Banks (26.2%)
  JPMorgan Chase & Co.  4,406,331   819,842
  Bank of America Corp. 10,859,614   374,874
  Wells Fargo & Co.  5,536,537   307,776
  Citigroup Inc.  2,901,619   161,011
  US Bancorp  2,374,894    99,651
  PNC Financial Services Group Inc.    607,071    89,361
  Truist Financial Corp.  2,032,630    71,101
  Fifth Third Bancorp  1,036,925    35,608
  M&T Bank Corp.    252,600    35,298
  Huntington Bancshares Inc.  2,208,734    28,802
  Regions Financial Corp.  1,418,196    26,421
  First Citizens BancShares Inc. Class A     15,429    24,282
  Citizens Financial Group Inc.    711,383    22,330
  KeyCorp  1,427,476    20,370
  East West Bancorp Inc.    214,305    15,614
  Webster Financial Corp.    262,273    12,495
  First Horizon Corp.    850,463    11,992
  Cullen/Frost Bankers Inc.     92,517    10,039
  Comerica Inc.    200,221     9,887
  Commerce Bancshares Inc.    188,724     9,821
  SouthState Corp.    115,618     9,717
  Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc.    116,832     9,664
  Popular Inc.    109,804     9,188
  Western Alliance Bancorp    159,064     9,183
  Wintrust Financial Corp.     93,381     8,997
  Prosperity Bancshares Inc.    143,554     8,959
  Zions Bancorp NA    226,224     8,920
  Synovus Financial Corp.    223,151     8,466
  Cadence Bank    277,908     7,692
  Old National Bancorp    444,359     7,301
  Bank OZK    165,652     7,256
  FNB Corp.    543,193     7,246
  United Bankshares Inc.    205,374     7,124
  Home BancShares Inc.    290,849     6,823
  First Financial Bankshares Inc.    207,149     6,409
  Glacier Bancorp Inc.    169,498     6,343
  Columbia Banking System Inc.    318,507     5,765
  Hancock Whitney Corp.    131,966     5,754
  UMB Financial Corp.     70,363     5,742
  Valley National Bancorp    660,976     5,413
  New York Community Bancorp Inc.  1,092,835     5,235
  ServisFirst Bancshares Inc.     78,897     4,985
  Associated Banc-Corp.    230,467     4,803
  Ameris Bancorp    100,907     4,675
  United Community Banks Inc.    179,756     4,675
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
  First BanCorp (XNYS)    262,652     4,460
  International Bancshares Corp.     85,342     4,428
* Axos Financial Inc.     83,635     4,359
* Texas Capital Bancshares Inc.     73,917     4,335
  Cathay General Bancorp    104,947     4,098
  First Hawaiian Inc.    195,201     4,091
  WSFS Financial Corp.     91,550     3,881
  Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp.    114,486     3,808
  Fulton Financial Corp.    247,122     3,806
  BOK Financial Corp.     44,710     3,801
  First Interstate BancSystem Inc. Class A    144,395     3,800
* Bancorp Inc.     82,079     3,664
  Bank of Hawaii Corp.     60,732     3,661
  Community Bank System Inc.     80,469     3,645
  Simmons First National Corp. Class A    189,388     3,636
  CVB Financial Corp.    212,724     3,621
  Independent Bank Corp. (XNGS)     66,017     3,444
  Pacific Premier Bancorp Inc.    146,197     3,342
  Park National Corp.     24,869     3,196
  Banc of California Inc.    216,553     3,168
  First Financial Bancorp    145,266     3,152
  Eastern Bankshares Inc.    241,936     3,126
  Seacoast Banking Corp. of Florida    129,159     3,118
  BankUnited Inc.    113,638     3,048
  First Merchants Corp.     90,832     3,016
  Towne Bank    106,866     2,897
  WaFd Inc.    105,512     2,874
  BancFirst Corp.     32,646     2,864
  Renasant Corp.     85,518     2,703
  OFG Bancorp     72,923     2,641
  WesBanco Inc.     90,497     2,623
* Triumph Financial Inc.     33,758     2,532
  Lakeland Financial Corp.     39,256     2,501
* Customers Bancorp Inc.     45,853     2,490
  Independent Bank Group Inc.     56,671     2,478
  NBT Bancorp Inc.     71,656     2,464
  Trustmark Corp.     88,549     2,378
  Hilltop Holdings Inc.     74,115     2,289
  Banner Corp.     52,179     2,288
  Enterprise Financial Services Corp.     56,929     2,273
  City Holding Co.     22,503     2,261
  First Bancorp (XNGS)     62,341     2,127
  Northwest Bancshares Inc.    183,089     2,098
  Heartland Financial USA Inc.     61,604     2,095
  First Commonwealth Financial Corp.    157,360     2,050
  Pathward Financial Inc.     40,175     2,042
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
  FB Financial Corp.     57,055     2,033
  Hope Bancorp Inc.    182,960     2,007
  Live Oak Bancshares Inc.     50,466     2,004
  National Bank Holdings Corp. Class A     57,259     1,938
  Stock Yards Bancorp Inc.     42,144     1,931
  Westamerica BanCorp     41,016     1,875
  S&T Bancorp Inc.     59,694     1,862
  First Busey Corp.     80,146     1,848
  Provident Financial Services Inc.    109,268     1,648
  Stellar Bancorp Inc.     68,711     1,628
  Veritex Holdings Inc.     82,735     1,624
  TriCo Bancshares     48,281     1,613
  Nicolet Bankshares Inc.     20,078     1,585
  Sandy Spring Bancorp Inc.     68,189     1,499
  QCR Holdings Inc.     25,681     1,464
  Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc.     67,812     1,457
  Preferred Bank     19,717     1,417
  German American Bancorp Inc.     45,016     1,416
  Peoples Bancorp Inc.     50,372     1,414
  1st Source Corp.     28,266     1,407
  OceanFirst Financial Corp.     90,477     1,375
  Origin Bancorp Inc.     44,633     1,332
  Brookline Bancorp Inc.    135,932     1,328
  Southside Bancshares Inc.     42,281     1,212
  Bank First Corp.     13,343     1,154
  Capitol Federal Financial Inc.    197,283     1,142
  ConnectOne Bancorp Inc.     56,766     1,123
  Lakeland Bancorp Inc.     94,144     1,100
  Premier Financial Corp.     54,478     1,056
  First Bancshares Inc.     42,206     1,048
  Eagle Bancorp Inc.     43,879     1,045
  Dime Community Bancshares Inc.     53,355     1,000
  Heritage Financial Corp.     53,689       985
  First Mid Bancshares Inc.     32,313       979
  Byline Bancorp Inc.     45,785       954
  Amerant Bancorp Inc.     44,834       950
  Community Trust Bancorp Inc.     23,306       927
  Tompkins Financial Corp.     18,912       911
  Old Second Bancorp Inc.     67,212       903
  Univest Financial Corp.     44,770       896
* CrossFirst Bankshares Inc.     66,566       857
  Mercantile Bank Corp.     23,198       855
  First Community Bankshares Inc.     25,600       848
* Columbia Financial Inc.     49,436       827
  Horizon Bancorp Inc.     66,267       798
  TrustCo Bank Corp. NY     29,071       793
  Midland States Bancorp Inc.     32,261       786
50

 

Financials Index Fund
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
  Great Southern Bancorp Inc.     14,843       774
  Heritage Commerce Corp.     93,103       772
  Central Pacific Financial Corp.     41,265       770
  Cambridge Bancorp     12,102       766
  Camden National Corp.     22,332       710
  Hanmi Financial Corp.     46,524       703
  Metrocity Bankshares Inc.     28,328       688
  HarborOne Bancorp Inc.     66,340       675
  Washington Trust Bancorp Inc.     25,992       669
  Northfield Bancorp Inc.     64,235       649
  Southern Missouri Bancorp Inc.     15,119       648
  First Financial Corp.     17,183       640
  Arrow Financial Corp.     26,144       627
* Coastal Financial Corp.     16,249       624
  First Foundation Inc.     77,368       614
  Amalgamated Financial Corp.     25,760       595
  Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corp.     24,499       594
  Kearny Financial Corp.     93,180       593
* Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp.     14,867       583
  Capstar Financial Holdings Inc.     27,993       525
  Flushing Financial Corp.     38,921       500
* Carter Bankshares Inc.     36,488       482
  SmartFinancial Inc.     22,027       474
  HomeStreet Inc.     29,441       411
  Hingham Institution for Savings      2,238       376
  Bank of Marin Bancorp     22,162       368
             2,582,266
Capital Markets (22.8%)
  S&P Global Inc.    493,992   211,616
  Goldman Sachs Group Inc.    497,375   193,504
  BlackRock Inc.    226,699   183,930
  Morgan Stanley  1,875,879   161,401
  Charles Schwab Corp.  2,294,952   153,257
  Blackstone Inc.  1,082,847   138,410
  CME Group Inc.    548,541   120,871
  Intercontinental Exchange Inc.    872,150   120,723
  Moody's Corp.    250,955    95,217
  KKR & Co. Inc.    876,639    86,139
  MSCI Inc.    120,518    67,607
  Bank of New York Mellon Corp.  1,156,845    64,887
  Ameriprise Financial Inc.    154,179    62,806
* Coinbase Global Inc. Class A    264,421    53,826
  T Rowe Price Group Inc.    340,234    38,566
  Raymond James Financial Inc.    303,895    36,565
  State Street Corp.    470,205    34,668
  Ares Management Corp. Class A    254,659    33,775
  Cboe Global Markets Inc.    160,822    30,878
  LPL Financial Holdings Inc.    115,164    30,851
  Nasdaq Inc.    527,502    29,646
  FactSet Research Systems Inc.     58,074    26,864
  Northern Trust Corp.    317,000    26,035
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
  Tradeweb Markets Inc. Class A    165,950    17,561
  Interactive Brokers Group Inc. Class A    154,687    16,818
  Carlyle Group Inc.    328,804    15,076
  Franklin Resources Inc.    454,599    12,479
  MarketAxess Holdings Inc.     57,792    12,333
  Stifel Financial Corp.    155,945    11,830
  Morningstar Inc.     38,859    11,603
  SEI Investments Co.    170,975    11,498
  Blue Owl Capital Inc.    625,822    11,240
  Jefferies Financial Group Inc.    256,742    10,737
  Evercore Inc. Class A     54,660    10,226
  Houlihan Lokey Inc.     78,992    10,163
* Robinhood Markets Inc. Class A    618,724    10,091
  Affiliated Managers Group Inc.     51,481     8,047
  Invesco Ltd.    514,286     7,925
  Janus Henderson Group plc    202,250     6,302
  Hamilton Lane Inc. Class A     52,890     6,074
  Moelis & Co. Class A    101,463     5,483
  TPG Inc.    120,067     5,325
  Piper Sandler Cos.     27,053     5,093
  Artisan Partners Asset Management Inc. Class A    103,401     4,453
  Federated Hermes Inc.    123,699     4,358
  BGC Group Inc. Class A    559,995     3,892
  PJT Partners Inc. Class A     34,837     3,672
  Cohen & Steers Inc.     41,246     3,034
* StoneX Group Inc.     42,445     2,940
  StepStone Group Inc. Class A     78,060     2,711
  Virtus Investment Partners Inc.     11,108     2,581
* Donnelley Financial Solutions Inc.     39,844     2,572
  Virtu Financial Inc. Class A    131,092     2,366
*,1 Freedom Holding Corp.     27,223     2,083
  Victory Capital Holdings Inc. Class A     50,214     1,930
  WisdomTree Inc.    170,880     1,377
  Brightsphere Investment Group Inc.     49,403     1,119
* Open Lending Corp. Class A    119,403       867
  Perella Weinberg Partners     61,570       841
  Diamond Hill Investment Group Inc.      4,682       677
  P10 Inc. Class A     59,759       554
1 B Riley Financial Inc.     26,482       485
  Bridge Investment Group Holdings Inc. Class A     44,401       333
  Associated Capital Group Inc. Class A      4,649       156
             2,250,947
Consumer Finance (4.3%)
  American Express Co.    889,163   195,100
  Capital One Financial Corp.    580,355    79,863
  Discover Financial Services    381,151    46,005
  Synchrony Financial    631,060    26,063
  Ally Financial Inc.    413,996    15,314
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* SoFi Technologies Inc.  1,388,909    12,472
  OneMain Holdings Inc.    173,251     8,183
  FirstCash Holdings Inc.     58,701     6,721
  SLM Corp.    309,597     6,449
* Credit Acceptance Corp.     10,509     5,818
* Enova International Inc.     45,751     2,894
  Bread Financial Holdings Inc.     73,902     2,829
*,1 Upstart Holdings Inc.    109,150     2,811
  Navient Corp.    133,405     2,169
* PROG Holdings Inc.     69,529     2,146
  Nelnet Inc. Class A     24,227     2,080
* Encore Capital Group Inc.     35,586     1,708
* PRA Group Inc.     55,562     1,420
* LendingClub Corp.    162,400     1,317
* NerdWallet Inc. Class A     59,052       996
* LendingTree Inc.     17,487       692
* World Acceptance Corp.      5,252       629
* Green Dot Corp. Class A     71,379       586
               424,265
Financial Services (27.8%)
* Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Class B  1,997,784   817,893
  Mastercard Inc. Class A  1,276,247   605,911
  Visa Inc. Class A  2,113,220   597,280
* Fiserv Inc.    914,291   136,476
* PayPal Holdings Inc.  1,560,567    94,165
  Apollo Global Management Inc.    605,398    67,683
* Block Inc. (XNYS)    843,684    67,048
  Fidelity National Information Services Inc.    902,928    62,474
  Global Payments Inc.    396,790    51,464
* FleetCor Technologies Inc.    110,052    30,734
  Jack Henry & Associates Inc.    110,970    19,283
  Equitable Holdings Inc.    514,631    17,621
* WEX Inc.     65,109    14,306
* Affirm Holdings Inc.    332,304    12,468
* Toast Inc. Class A    518,778    11,932
  Voya Financial Inc.    159,091    10,875
  Corebridge Financial Inc.    379,578     9,425
  Essent Group Ltd.    163,426     8,755
  MGIC Investment Corp.    421,562     8,385
  Western Union Co.    556,630     7,464
* Euronet Worldwide Inc.     66,668     7,296
* Mr Cooper Group Inc.    100,602     7,171
  Radian Group Inc.    233,028     6,790
* Shift4 Payments Inc. Class A     78,603     6,463
  Jackson Financial Inc. Class A    109,331     6,019
  PennyMac Financial Services Inc.     64,984     5,519
  Walker & Dunlop Inc.     50,800     4,845
* Flywire Corp.    163,074     4,630
* Remitly Global Inc.    211,718     4,366
* Marqeta Inc. Class A    605,896     3,957
  EVERTEC Inc.     99,323     3,589
* NMI Holdings Inc. Class A    117,851     3,545
* AvidXchange Holdings Inc.    247,744     3,293
  Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp. Class C     14,251     2,549
  Compass Diversified Holdings    103,611     2,383
51

 

Financials Index Fund
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* NCR Atleos Corp.    107,587     2,341
* Rocket Cos. Inc. Class A    186,022     2,336
* Cannae Holdings Inc.    101,330     2,211
* Payoneer Global Inc.    413,941     2,012
  Merchants Bancorp     26,451     1,134
* Repay Holdings Corp.    128,334     1,115
* International Money Express Inc.     49,701       979
  Cass Information Systems Inc.     19,915       962
* I3 Verticals Inc. Class A     35,323       753
  A-Mark Precious Metals Inc.     28,739       738
* Paymentus Holdings Inc. Class A     26,059       405
  Guild Holdings Co. Class A     15,960       219
             2,739,262
Insurance (17.0%)
  Progressive Corp.    891,480   168,989
  Chubb Ltd.    622,047   156,551
  Marsh & McLennan Cos. Inc.    751,696   152,046
  Aon plc Class A (XNYS)    305,096    96,407
  Arthur J Gallagher & Co.    329,030    80,260
  American International Group Inc.  1,069,765    77,975
  Travelers Cos. Inc.    347,959    76,885
  Aflac Inc.    845,803    68,290
  MetLife Inc.    958,717    66,861
  Allstate Corp.    398,764    63,611
  Prudential Financial Inc.    550,100    59,955
  Hartford Financial Services Group Inc.    458,244    43,918
  Willis Towers Watson plc    157,328    42,889
  Brown & Brown Inc.    368,606    31,040
* Markel Group Inc.     20,134    30,050
  Principal Financial Group Inc.    363,360    29,381
  Cincinnati Financial Corp.    238,728    27,215
  W R Berkley Corp.    314,414    26,285
* Arch Capital Group Ltd.    293,649    25,721
  Everest Group Ltd.     66,149    24,401
  Loews Corp.    288,959    21,710
  Fidelity National Financial Inc.    393,835    19,920
  Globe Life Inc.    143,647    18,233
  Reinsurance Group of America Inc.    100,264    17,732
  RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.     78,010    17,538
  Kinsale Capital Group Inc.     33,655    17,372
  Erie Indemnity Co. Class A     38,612    15,710
  Unum Group    296,371    14,656
  Assurant Inc.     80,336    14,577
  American Financial Group Inc.    108,572    13,861
  Primerica Inc.     53,219    13,053
  Old Republic International Corp.    405,708    11,749
  Selective Insurance Group Inc.     92,412     9,655
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
  First American Financial Corp.    157,888     9,222
  RLI Corp.     62,608     9,169
* Ryan Specialty Holdings Inc.    153,324     8,031
  Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.    123,319     7,716
  Assured Guaranty Ltd.     83,343     7,634
  Hanover Insurance Group Inc.     54,578     7,175
  Lincoln National Corp.    258,786     7,127
  White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd.      3,950     6,974
* Enstar Group Ltd.     18,507     5,699
  Kemper Corp.     97,643     5,598
* American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.     96,404     5,354
  CNO Financial Group Inc.    171,863     4,587
* Brighthouse Financial Inc.     97,691     4,548
* Genworth Financial Inc. Class A    687,336     4,227
* Oscar Health Inc. Class A    200,730     3,264
* Palomar Holdings Inc.     38,059     2,898
  Stewart Information Services Corp.     41,831     2,635
* BRP Group Inc. Class A     92,340     2,569
* Goosehead Insurance Inc. Class A     33,610     2,543
  Horace Mann Educators Corp.     62,462     2,261
  Mercury General Corp.     42,318     2,061
* SiriusPoint Ltd.    153,154     1,879
  Safety Insurance Group Inc.     22,680     1,863
  Employers Holdings Inc.     38,941     1,780
* Skyward Specialty Insurance Group Inc.     42,718     1,563
  AMERISAFE Inc.     29,473     1,555
  National Western Life Group Inc. Class A      3,182     1,545
*,1 Trupanion Inc.     49,541     1,325
*,1 Lemonade Inc.     79,025     1,283
  HCI Group Inc.     10,891     1,063
  ProAssurance Corp.     75,374       929
  United Fire Group Inc.     32,467       756
  James River Group Holdings Ltd.     57,311       573
  Donegal Group Inc. Class A     25,015       350
* Hagerty Inc. Class A     37,729       324
* Hippo Holdings Inc.     18,703       263
             1,682,839
Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) (0.8%)
  Annaly Capital Management Inc.    763,553    14,576
  AGNC Investment Corp.  1,025,524     9,804
  Starwood Property Trust Inc.    477,557     9,737
  Rithm Capital Corp.    735,487     7,973
  Blackstone Mortgage Trust Inc. Class A    250,123     5,095
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
  Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital Inc.    169,646     4,270
  Arbor Realty Trust Inc.    284,630     3,814
  Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance Inc.    204,698     2,295
  Ready Capital Corp.    251,704     2,223
  Ladder Capital Corp.    173,741     1,878
  Two Harbors Investment Corp.    147,637     1,871
  PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust    130,225     1,840
  MFA Financial Inc. REIT    155,680     1,747
  Claros Mortgage Trust Inc.    170,290     1,648
  Franklin BSP Realty Trust Inc. REIT    126,503     1,633
1 ARMOUR Residential REIT Inc.     75,431     1,493
  Chimera Investment Corp.    336,714     1,468
  Brightspire Capital Inc.    200,833     1,388
  Ellington Financial Inc.    113,767     1,289
  Dynex Capital Inc.     89,433     1,104
  Redwood Trust Inc.    173,800     1,065
  New York Mortgage Trust Inc.    139,625     1,007
  KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.     89,808       876
1 Orchid Island Capital Inc.     81,562       701
  Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc. REIT     75,163       679
  TPG RE Finance Trust Inc.     83,301       623
  Ares Commercial Real Estate Corp.     74,902       565
                82,662
Total Common Stocks (Cost $8,361,984) 9,762,241
Temporary Cash Investments (1.0%)
Money Market Fund (1.0%)
2,3 Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund, 5.400% (Cost$96,684)    967,098          96,700
Total Investments (99.9%) (Cost $8,458,668) 9,858,941
Other Assets and Liabilities—Net (0.1%) 11,275
Net Assets (100.0%) 9,870,216
Cost is in $000.
See Note A in Notes to Financial Statements.
* Non-income-producing security.
1 Includes partial security positions on loan to broker-dealers. The total value of securities on loan is $6,257,000.
2 Affiliated money market fund available only to Vanguard funds and certain trusts and accounts managed by Vanguard. Rate shown is the 7-day yield.
3 Collateral of $6,646,000 was received for securities on loan.
REIT—Real Estate Investment Trust.
52

 

Financials Index Fund

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Over-the-Counter Total Return Swaps
Reference Entity Termination
Date
Counterparty Notional
Amount
($000)
Floating
Interest Rate
Received
(Paid)1
(%)
Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
($000)
Value and
Unrealized
(Depreciation)
($000)
Arch Capital Group Ltd. 8/30/24 BANA 24,087 (5.326) (97)
Visa Inc. Class A 8/30/24 BANA 84,792 (5.226) (189)
          (286)
1 Based on Overnight Bank Funding Rate as of the most recent reset date. Floating interest payment received/paid monthly.
  BANA—Bank of America, N.A.
At February 29, 2024, the counterparties had deposited in segregated accounts securities with a value of $5,279,000 in connection with open over-the-counter swap contracts.
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
53

 

Financials Index Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
As of February 29, 2024
($000s, except shares, footnotes, and per-share amounts) Amount
Assets  
Investments in Securities, at Value1  
Unaffiliated Issuers (Cost $8,361,984) 9,762,241
Affiliated Issuers (Cost $96,684) 96,700
Total Investments in Securities 9,858,941
Investment in Vanguard 303
Receivables for Investment Securities Sold 37,052
Receivables for Accrued Income 14,571
Receivables for Capital Shares Issued 4,664
Total Assets 9,915,531
Liabilities  
Due to Custodian 61
Payables for Investment Securities Purchased 29,040
Collateral for Securities on Loan 6,646
Payables for Capital Shares Redeemed 8,905
Payables to Vanguard 377
Unrealized Depreciation—Over-the-Counter Swap Contracts 286
Total Liabilities 45,315
Net Assets 9,870,216
1 Includes $6,257,000 of securities on loan.  
At February 29, 2024, net assets consisted of:  
   
Paid-in Capital 9,031,400
Total Distributable Earnings (Loss) 838,816
Net Assets 9,870,216
 
ETF Shares—Net Assets  
Applicable to 93,066,731 outstanding $.001 par value shares of
beneficial interest (unlimited authorization)
9,126,858
Net Asset Value Per Share—ETF Shares $98.07
 
Admiral Shares—Net Assets  
Applicable to 15,124,687 outstanding $.001 par value shares of
beneficial interest (unlimited authorization)
743,358
Net Asset Value Per Share—Admiral Shares $49.15
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
54

 

Financials Index Fund
Statement of Operations
  Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
  ($000)
Investment Income  
Income  
Dividends 96,320
Interest1 2,404
Securities Lending—Net 879
Total Income 99,603
Expenses  
The Vanguard Group—Note B  
Investment Advisory Services 104
Management and Administrative—
ETF Shares
3,795
Management and Administrative—
Admiral Shares
305
Marketing and Distribution—
ETF Shares
219
Marketing and Distribution—
Admiral Shares
18
Shareholders’ Reports—ETF Shares 146
Shareholders’ Reports—Admiral Shares 5
Trustees’ Fees and Expenses 3
Other Expenses 8
Total Expenses 4,603
Net Investment Income 95,000
Realized Net Gain (Loss)  
Investment Securities Sold1,2 389,768
Swap Contracts 12,063
Realized Net Gain (Loss) 401,831
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)  
Investment Securities1 1,103,382
Swap Contracts (286)
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 1,103,096
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations 1,599,927
1 Interest income, realized net gain (loss), capital gain distributions received, and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from an affiliated company of the fund were $2,404,000, ($2,000), $1,000, and less than $1,000, respectively. Purchases and sales are for temporary cash investment purposes.
2 Includes $415,659,000 of net gain (loss) resulting from in-kind redemptions.
  
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
  Six Months Ended
February 29,
2024
  Year Ended
August 31,
2023
  ($000)   ($000)
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets      
Operations      
Net Investment Income 95,000   213,304
Realized Net Gain (Loss) 401,831   (224,804)
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 1,103,096   437,385
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations 1,599,927   425,885
Distributions      
ETF Shares (105,827)   (200,453)
Admiral Shares (8,120)   (16,982)
Total Distributions (113,947)   (217,435)
Capital Share Transactions      
ETF Shares (959,230)   (155,821)
Admiral Shares (31,193)   (75,505)
Net Increase (Decrease) from Capital Share Transactions (990,423)   (231,326)
Total Increase (Decrease) 495,557   (22,876)
Net Assets      
Beginning of Period 9,374,659   9,397,535
End of Period 9,870,216   9,374,659
  
 
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
55

 

Financials Index Fund
Financial Highlights
ETF Shares            
For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period 
Six Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
Year Ended August 31,
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $83.49 $81.31 $94.79 $61.18 $67.31 $71.60
Investment Operations            
Net Investment Income1 .893 1.924 1.852 1.676 1.652 1.539
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments 14.732 2.219 (13.457) 33.519 (6.081) (4.338)
Total from Investment Operations 15.625 4.143 (11.605) 35.195 (4.429) (2.799)
Distributions            
Dividends from Net Investment Income (1.045) (1.963) (1.875) (1.585) (1.701) (1.491)
Distributions from Realized Capital Gains
Total Distributions (1.045) (1.963) (1.875) (1.585) (1.701) (1.491)
Net Asset Value, End of Period $98.07 $83.49 $81.31 $94.79 $61.18 $67.31
Total Return 18.89% 5.27% -12.43% 58.26% -6.73% -3.85%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions) $9,127 $8,711 $8,676 $10,946 $6,140 $7,222
Ratio of Total Expenses to Average Net Assets 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 2.00% 2.34% 2.03% 2.09% 2.53% 2.30%
Portfolio Turnover Rate2 2% 20% 6% 4% 5% 5%
The expense ratio and net investment income ratio for the current period have been annualized.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
2 Excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind purchases or redemptions of the fund’s capital shares, including ETF Creation Units.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
56

 

Financials Index Fund
Financial Highlights
Admiral Shares            
For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period 
Six Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
Year Ended August 31,
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $41.84 $40.75 $47.51 $30.66 $33.73 $35.88
Investment Operations            
Net Investment Income1 .449 .962 .931 .841 .828 .771
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments 7.385 1.112 (6.751) 16.803 (3.046) (2.174)
Total from Investment Operations 7.834 2.074 (5.820) 17.644 (2.218) (1.403)
Distributions            
Dividends from Net Investment Income (.524) (.984) (.940) (.794) (.852) (.747)
Distributions from Realized Capital Gains
Total Distributions (.524) (.984) (.940) (.794) (.852) (.747)
Net Asset Value, End of Period $49.15 $41.84 $40.75 $47.51 $30.66 $33.73
Total Return2 18.91% 5.27% -12.43% 58.32% -6.70% -3.87%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions) $743 $664 $721 $822 $432 $490
Ratio of Total Expenses to Average Net Assets 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 2.01% 2.34% 2.05% 2.09% 2.53% 2.30%
Portfolio Turnover Rate3 2% 20% 6% 4% 5% 5%
The expense ratio and net investment income ratio for the current period have been annualized.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
2 Total returns do not include account service fees that may have applied in the periods shown. Fund prospectuses provide information about any applicable account service fees.
3 Excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind purchases or redemptions of the fund’s capital shares, including ETF Creation Units.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
57

 

Financials Index Fund
Notes to Financial Statements
Vanguard Financials Index Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end investment company, or mutual fund. The fund offers two classes of shares: ETF Shares and Admiral Shares. Each of the share classes has different eligibility and minimum purchase requirements, and is designed for different types of investors. ETF Shares are listed for trading on NYSE Arca; they can be purchased and sold through a broker.
A. The following significant accounting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles for U.S. investment companies. The fund consistently follows such policies in preparing its financial statements.
1. Security Valuation: Securities are valued as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m., Eastern time) on the valuation date. Equity securities are valued at the latest quoted sales prices or official closing prices taken from the primary market in which each security trades; such securities not traded on the valuation date are valued at the mean of the latest quoted bid and asked prices. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available, or whose values have been affected by events occurring before the fund’s pricing time but after the close of the securities’ primary markets, are valued by methods deemed by the valuation designee to represent fair value and subject to oversight by the board of trustees. Investments in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund are valued at that fund's net asset value. 
2.  Swap Contracts: The fund has entered into equity swap contracts to earn the total return on selected reference stocks or indexes in the fund’s target index. Under the terms of the swaps, the fund receives the total return on the referenced stock (i.e., receiving the increase or paying the decrease in value of the selected reference stock and receiving the equivalent of any dividends in respect of the selected referenced stock) over a specified period of time, applied to a notional amount that represents the value of a designated number of shares of the selected reference stock at the beginning of the equity swap contract. The fund also pays a floating rate that is based on short-term interest rates, applied to the notional amount. At the same time, the fund generally invests an amount approximating the notional amount of the swap in high-quality temporary cash investments.
A risk associated with all types of swaps is the possibility that a counterparty may default on its obligation to pay net amounts due to the fund. The fund’s maximum amount subject to counterparty risk is the unrealized appreciation on the swap contract. The fund mitigates its counterparty risk by entering into swaps only with a diverse group of prequalified counterparties, monitoring their financial strength, entering into master netting arrangements with its counterparties, and requiring its counterparties to transfer collateral as security for their performance. In the absence of a default, the collateral pledged or received by the fund cannot be repledged, resold, or rehypothecated. In the event of a counterparty’s default (including bankruptcy), the fund may terminate any swap contracts with that counterparty, determine the net amount owed by either party in accordance with its master netting arrangements, and sell or retain any collateral held up to the net amount owed to the fund under the master netting arrangements. The swap contracts contain provisions whereby a counterparty may terminate open contracts if the fund’s net assets decline below a certain level, triggering a payment by the fund if the fund is in a net liability position at the time of the termination. The payment amount would be reduced by any collateral the fund has pledged. Any securities pledged as collateral for open contracts are noted in the Schedule of Investments. The value of collateral received or pledged is compared daily to the value of the swap contracts exposure with each counterparty, and any difference, if in excess of a specified minimum transfer amount, is adjusted and settled within two business days.
The notional amounts of swap contracts are not recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Swaps are valued daily based on market quotations received from independent pricing services or recognized dealers and the change in value is recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset (liability) and in the Statement of Operations as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) until periodic payments are made or the termination of the swap, at which time realized gain (loss) is recorded.
During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund’s average amounts of investments in total return swaps represented 1% of net assets, based on the average of notional amounts at each quarter-end during the period.
3. Federal Income Taxes: The fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute virtually all of its taxable income. The fund’s tax returns are open to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return. Management has analyzed the fund’s tax positions taken for all open federal and state income tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the fund’s financial statements.
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Financials Index Fund
4. Distributions: Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions are determined on a tax basis at the fiscal year-end and may differ from net investment income and realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes.
5. Securities Lending: To earn additional income, the fund lends its securities to qualified institutional borrowers. Security loans are subject to termination by the fund at any time, and are required to be secured at all times by collateral in an amount at least equal to the market value of securities loaned. Daily market fluctuations could cause the value of loaned securities to be more or less than the value of the collateral received. When this occurs, the collateral is adjusted and settled before the opening of the market on the next business day. The fund further mitigates its counterparty risk by entering into securities lending transactions only with a diverse group of prequalified counterparties, monitoring their financial strength, and entering into master securities lending agreements with its counterparties. The master securities lending agreements provide that, in the event of a counterparty’s default (including bankruptcy), the fund may terminate any loans with that borrower, determine the net amount owed, and sell or retain the collateral up to the net amount owed to the fund; however, such actions may be subject to legal proceedings. While collateral mitigates counterparty risk, in the event of a default, the fund may experience delays and costs in recovering the securities loaned. The fund invests cash collateral received in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund, and records a liability in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the return of the collateral, during the period the securities are on loan. Collateral investments in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund are subject to market appreciation or depreciation. Securities lending income represents fees charged to borrowers plus income earned on invested cash collateral, less expenses associated with the loan. During the term of the loan, the fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities.
6. Credit Facilities and Interfund Lending Program: The fund and certain other funds managed by The Vanguard Group ("Vanguard") participate in a $4.3 billion committed credit facility provided by a syndicate of lenders pursuant to a credit agreement and an uncommitted credit facility provided by Vanguard. Both facilities may be renewed annually. Each fund is individually liable for its borrowings, if any, under the credit facilities. Borrowings may be utilized for temporary or emergency purposes and are subject to the fund’s regulatory and contractual borrowing restrictions. With respect to the committed credit facility, the participating funds are charged administrative fees and an annual commitment fee of 0.10% of the undrawn committed amount of the facility, which are allocated to the funds based on a method approved by the fund’s board of trustees and included in Management and Administrative expenses on the fund’s Statement of Operations. Any borrowings under either facility bear interest at an agreed-upon spread plus the higher of the federal funds effective rate, the overnight bank funding rate, or the Daily Simple Secured Overnight Financing Rate inclusive of an additional agreed-upon spread. However, borrowings under the uncommitted credit facility may bear interest based upon an alternate rate agreed to by the fund and Vanguard.
In accordance with an exemptive order (the “Order”) from the SEC, the fund may participate in a joint lending and borrowing program that allows registered open-end Vanguard funds to borrow money from and lend money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes (the “Interfund Lending Program”), subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the Order, and to the extent permitted by the fund’s investment objective and investment policies. Interfund loans and borrowings normally extend overnight but can have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one business day’s notice. The interest rate to be charged is governed by the conditions of the Order and internal procedures adopted by the board of trustees. The board of trustees is responsible for overseeing the Interfund Lending Program. 
For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund did not utilize the credit facilities or the Interfund Lending Program.
7. Other: Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends included in income, if any, are recorded at the fair value of the securities received. Interest income includes income distributions received from Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund and is accrued daily. Security transactions are accounted for on the date securities are bought or sold. Costs used to determine realized gains (losses) on the sale of investment securities are those of the specific securities sold.
Each class of shares has equal rights as to assets and earnings, except that each class separately bears certain class-specific expenses related to maintenance of shareholder accounts (included in Management and Administrative expenses) and shareholder reporting. Marketing and distribution expenses are allocated to each class of shares based on a method approved by the board of trustees. Income, other non-class-specific expenses, and gains and losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
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B. In accordance with the terms of a Funds' Service Agreement (the “FSA”) between Vanguard and the fund, Vanguard furnishes to the fund investment advisory, corporate management, administrative, marketing, and distribution services at Vanguard’s cost of operations (as defined by the FSA). These costs of operations are allocated to the fund based on methods and guidelines approved by the board of trustees and are generally settled twice a month.
Upon the request of Vanguard, the fund may invest up to 0.40% of its net assets as capital in Vanguard. At February 29, 2024, the fund had contributed to Vanguard capital in the amount of $303,000, representing less than 0.01% of the fund’s net assets and 0.12% of Vanguard’s capital received pursuant to the FSA. The fund’s trustees and officers are also directors and employees, respectively, of Vanguard.
C. Various inputs may be used to determine the value of the fund’s investments and derivatives. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels for financial statement purposes. The inputs or methodologies used to value securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2—Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3—Significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments). Any investments and derivatives valued with significant unobservable inputs are noted on the Schedule of Investments.
The following table summarizes the market value of the fund’s investments and derivatives as of February 29, 2024, based on the inputs used to value them:
  Level 1
($000)
Level 2
($000)
Level 3
($000)
Total
($000)
Investments        
Assets        
Common Stocks 9,762,241 9,762,241
Temporary Cash Investments 96,700 96,700
Total 9,858,941 9,858,941
Derivative Financial Instruments        
Liabilities        
Swap Contracts 286 286
D. As of February 29, 2024, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for investments and derivatives based on cost for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:
  Amount
($000)
Tax Cost 8,469,496
Gross Unrealized Appreciation 1,800,212
Gross Unrealized Depreciation (410,767)
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 1,389,445
The fund’s tax-basis capital gains and losses are determined only at the end of each fiscal year. For tax purposes, at August 31, 2023, the fund had available capital losses totaling $986,249,000 that may be carried forward indefinitely to offset future net capital gains. The fund will use these capital losses to offset net taxable capital gains, if any, realized during the year ending August 31, 2024; should the fund realize net capital losses for the year, the losses will be added to the loss carryforward balance above.
E. During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund purchased $145,219,000 of investment securities and sold $222,668,000 of investment securities, other than temporary cash investments. In addition, the fund purchased and sold investment securities of $994,566,000 and $1,930,917,000, respectively, in connection with in-kind purchases and redemptions of the fund's capital shares.
The fund purchased securities from and sold securities to other Vanguard funds or accounts managed by Vanguard or its affiliates, in accordance with procedures adopted by the board of trustees in compliance with Rule 17a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, such purchases were $3,335,000 and sales were $11,760,000, resulting in
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Financials Index Fund
net realized loss of $308,000; these amounts, other than temporary cash investments, are included in the purchases and sales of investment securities noted above.
F. Capital share transactions for each class of shares were:
    
  Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
  Year Ended
August 31, 2023
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
ETF Shares          
Issued 1,013,9471 11,8611   2,179,191 26,823
Issued in Lieu of Cash Distributions  
Redeemed (1,973,177)1 (23,125)1   (2,335,012) (29,200)
Net Increase (Decrease)—ETF Shares (959,230) (11,264)   (155,821) (2,377)
Admiral Shares          
Issued 67,499 1,502   185,881 4,558
Issued in Lieu of Cash Distributions 6,652 155   14,096 359
Redeemed (105,344) (2,396)   (275,482) (6,754)
Net Increase (Decrease)—Admiral Shares (31,193) (739)   (75,505) (1,837)
1 Includes unsettled in-kind transactions as of February 29, 2024 for 325,000 issued shares and 1,375,000 redeemed shares valued at $27,534,000 and $127,100,000, respectively, which settled shortly afterwards.
G. Significant market disruptions, such as those caused by pandemics, natural or environmental disasters, war, acts of terrorism, or other events, can adversely affect local and global markets and normal market operations. Any such disruptions could have an adverse impact on the value of the fund’s investments and fund performance.
To the extent the fund’s investment portfolio reflects concentration in a particular market, industry, sector, country or asset class, the fund may be adversely affected by the performance of these concentrations and may be subject to increased price volatility and other risks.
The use of derivatives may expose the fund to various risks. Derivatives can be highly volatile, and any initial investment is generally small relative to the notional amount so that transactions may be leveraged in terms of market exposure. A relatively small market movement may have a potentially larger impact on derivatives than on standard securities. Leveraged derivatives positions can, therefore, increase volatility. Additional information regarding the fund’s use of derivative(s) and the specific risks associated is described under significant accounting policies.
At February 29, 2024, one shareholder was a record or beneficial owner of 28% of the fund’s net assets. If this shareholder were to redeem its investment in the fund, the redemption might result in an increase in the fund’s expense ratio, cause the fund to incur higher transaction costs, or lead to the realization of taxable capital gains.
H. Management has determined that no events or transactions occurred subsequent to February 29, 2024, that would require recognition or disclosure in these financial statements.
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Health Care Index Fund
Fund Allocation
As of February 29, 2024
Biotechnology 18.7%
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 19.9
Health Care Providers & Services 20.3
Health Care Technology 0.9
Life Sciences Tools & Services 11.3
Pharmaceuticals 28.9
The table reflects the fund’s investments, except short-term investments and derivatives. Sector categories are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”), except for the “Other” category (if applicable), which includes securities that have not been provided a GICS classification as of the effective reporting period.
The fund may invest in derivatives (such as futures and swap contracts) for various reasons, including, but not limited to, attempting to remain fully invested and tracking its target index as closely as possible.
Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) was developed by and is the exclusive property and a service mark of MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard and Poor’s, a division of McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”), and is licensed for use by Vanguard. Neither MSCI, S&P nor any third party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classification makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such standard or classification (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any such standard or classification. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall MSCI, S&P, any of its affiliates or any third party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classification have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
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Health Care Index Fund
Financial Statements (unaudited)
Schedule of Investments
As of February 29, 2024
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
Common Stocks (99.9%)
Biotechnology (18.6%)
  AbbVie Inc.  6,022,622  1,060,283
  Amgen Inc.  1,825,616    499,908
* Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.    878,988    369,825
* Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.    365,424    353,033
  Gilead Sciences Inc.  4,250,421    306,455
* Biogen Inc.    494,265    107,251
* Moderna Inc.  1,105,579    101,979
* Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc.    403,113     60,906
* BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.    642,529     55,437
* Neurocrine Biosciences Inc.    335,099     43,697
* Incyte Corp.    649,519     37,906
* United Therapeutics Corp.    160,288     36,167
* Exact Sciences Corp.    616,987     35,495
* Karuna Therapeutics Inc.    109,853     34,491
* Natera Inc.    389,394     33,679
* Sarepta Therapeutics Inc.    222,193     28,419
* Vaxcyte Inc.    307,858     22,726
* Viking Therapeutics Inc.    290,049     22,348
* Cytokinetics Inc.    301,055     21,748
*,1 CRISPR Therapeutics AG    257,208     21,662
* Exelixis Inc.    954,432     20,902
* Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc.    440,587     19,919
* Blueprint Medicines Corp.    197,013     18,425
* Halozyme Therapeutics Inc.    451,189     17,962
* Alkermes plc    539,362     16,014
* Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc.    242,592     15,033
* Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals Inc.    420,364     13,494
* Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc.    252,201     13,044
* Insmed Inc.    463,697     12,854
* Bridgebio Pharma Inc.    356,089     12,160
* Biohaven Ltd.    246,306     11,857
* Roivant Sciences Ltd.    959,911     10,981
* Iovance Biotherapeutics Inc.    654,974     10,421
* REVOLUTION Medicines Inc.    347,397     10,241
* Cerevel Therapeutics Holdings Inc.    247,443     10,145
* Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc.    213,863     10,094
* Krystal Biotech Inc.     62,538      9,973
* Amicus Therapeutics Inc.    750,542      9,622
* Madrigal Pharmaceuticals Inc.     40,414      9,546
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* Beam Therapeutics Inc.    236,415      9,336
* Intellia Therapeutics Inc.    290,464      9,330
* Ideaya Biosciences Inc.    192,450      8,603
* TG Therapeutics Inc.    491,646      8,466
* ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.    364,161      8,463
* Celldex Therapeutics Inc.    167,744      8,062
* SpringWorks Therapeutics Inc.    160,238      7,893
* Twist Bioscience Corp.    197,196      7,748
* Crinetics Pharmaceuticals Inc.    182,999      7,492
* Denali Therapeutics Inc.    377,336      7,464
* Nuvalent Inc. Class A     87,956      7,399
* Ardelyx Inc.    791,837      7,380
* Recursion Pharmaceuticals Inc. Class A    532,981      7,174
* Vericel Corp.    155,030      7,082
* Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Inc.    161,243      7,001
* PTC Therapeutics Inc.    232,506      6,554
* Arcellx Inc.     97,436      6,413
* Myriad Genetics Inc.    302,096      6,323
* Rocket Pharmaceuticals Inc.    215,368      6,310
* Merus NV    128,038      6,207
* Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc.    190,019      6,141
* Immunovant Inc.    173,314      6,130
* Syndax Pharmaceuticals Inc.    260,496      6,106
* Kymera Therapeutics Inc.    137,825      5,885
* Veracyte Inc.    248,415      5,850
* Keros Therapeutics Inc.     86,255      5,822
* Catalyst Pharmaceuticals Inc.    360,943      5,786
* Dynavax Technologies Corp.    418,692      5,305
* Protagonist Therapeutics Inc.    158,098      4,803
* Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc.    478,455      4,512
* Xencor Inc.    187,629      4,306
* Akero Therapeutics Inc.    151,846      4,098
* Sage Therapeutics Inc.    183,596      3,944
* ADMA Biologics Inc.    734,928      3,939
* Alpine Immune Sciences Inc.    109,817      3,868
* Prothena Corp. plc    138,210      3,813
* MannKind Corp.    926,132      3,806
* Morphic Holding Inc.    101,864      3,764
* Kura Oncology Inc.    176,608      3,723
* Vir Biotechnology Inc.    323,008      3,631
* BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc.    629,628      3,545
* Sana Biotechnology Inc.    335,093      3,364
* MiMedx Group Inc.    400,692      3,270
* Avidity Biosciences Inc.    177,142      3,242
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* Arcus Biosciences Inc.    167,095      3,197
* Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings Inc.     81,503      3,159
* Verve Therapeutics Inc.    178,584      3,045
* Mirum Pharmaceuticals Inc.    103,891      2,983
*,1 MoonLake Immunotherapeutics     61,701      2,976
* 89bio Inc.    254,498      2,919
* MacroGenics Inc.    158,700      2,847
* Relay Therapeutics Inc.    283,179      2,837
* Disc Medicine Inc.     41,127      2,824
* Geron Corp. (XNGS)  1,390,444      2,781
* Day One Biopharmaceuticals Inc.    162,524      2,719
*,1 Janux Therapeutics Inc.     55,078      2,665
* Inhibrx Inc.     72,665      2,662
* Viridian Therapeutics Inc.    142,070      2,658
*,1 Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc.    464,247      2,656
* Zentalis Pharmaceuticals Inc.    168,625      2,514
* Editas Medicine Inc.    249,792      2,513
* Cabaletta Bio Inc.    102,340      2,342
* Altimmune Inc.    183,344      2,218
*,1 Summit Therapeutics Inc. (XNMS)    474,706      2,155
*,1 ImmunityBio Inc.    454,124      2,148
* REGENXBIO Inc.    120,223      2,097
* Deciphera Pharmaceuticals Inc.    123,331      2,058
* Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Class A     96,431      2,039
* Y-mAbs Therapeutics Inc.    119,150      1,990
* CareDx Inc.    184,305      1,961
* Fate Therapeutics Inc.    272,139      1,929
* Travere Therapeutics Inc.    255,076      1,928
* Allogene Therapeutics Inc.    370,800      1,821
*,1 Novavax Inc.    364,782      1,802
* Avid Bioservices Inc.    214,793      1,650
* Nurix Therapeutics Inc.    131,712      1,627
* Alector Inc.    225,596      1,572
* Tango Therapeutics Inc.    138,319      1,540
* Cogent Biosciences Inc.    212,187      1,485
* Cullinan Oncology Inc.     79,821      1,474
*,1 Anavex Life Sciences Corp.    278,635      1,432
*,1 Biomea Fusion Inc.     78,320      1,371
* Lyell Immunopharma Inc.    425,686      1,243
* Prime Medicine Inc.    143,646      1,240
* HilleVax Inc.     65,972      1,197
*,1 ALX Oncology Holdings Inc.     76,580      1,123
* Replimune Group Inc.    120,711      1,036
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Health Care Index Fund
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* Humacyte Inc.    230,164      1,001
* Enanta Pharmaceuticals Inc.     67,718        973
*,1 Heron Therapeutics Inc.    359,557        956
* AnaptysBio Inc.     36,481        931
* Gossamer Bio Inc.    654,461        923
* Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc.    197,717        884
* iTeos Therapeutics Inc.     79,129        848
* uniQure NV    146,411        842
* 2seventy bio Inc.    158,070        822
* MeiraGTx Holdings plc    132,771        819
*,1 Ocugen Inc.    853,701        799
* Coherus Biosciences Inc.    339,191        773
* Monte Rosa Therapeutics Inc.    119,964        759
* Organogenesis Holdings Inc.    201,524        719
* Agenus Inc.  1,046,162        701
* Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc.     76,499        678
* Rapt Therapeutics Inc.     76,436        655
*,1 Aerovate Therapeutics Inc.     28,272        653
*,1 Vaxart Inc.    531,606        649
* Erasca Inc.    257,468        613
* Sangamo Therapeutics Inc.    526,178        610
* Emergent BioSolutions Inc.    183,220        592
* Aldeyra Therapeutics Inc.    159,559        578
* FibroGen Inc.    327,013        559
* Acelyrin Inc.     66,110        559
* Stoke Therapeutics Inc.     67,804        525
* Entrada Therapeutics Inc.     38,723        512
*,2 PDL BioPharma Inc.    311,327        501
*,1 IGM Biosciences Inc.     39,384        497
* Foghorn Therapeutics Inc.     62,061        480
* Seres Therapeutics Inc.    353,709        403
*,1 Repare Therapeutics Inc.     55,949        389
* Mural Oncology plc     50,877        269
* Century Therapeutics Inc.     70,873        260
* Eagle Pharmaceuticals Inc.     40,438        237
* Atara Biotherapeutics Inc.    277,033        216
* PMV Pharmaceuticals Inc.     99,150        183
*,2 Prevail Therapeutics CVR         78         —
              3,881,256
Health Care Equipment & Supplies (19.9%)
  Abbott Laboratories  5,921,886    702,573
* Intuitive Surgical Inc.  1,200,975    463,096
  Stryker Corp.  1,166,425    407,164
  Medtronic plc  4,535,468    378,077
* Boston Scientific Corp.  4,997,095    330,858
  Becton Dickinson & Co.    987,631    232,636
* Edwards Lifesciences Corp.  2,068,906    175,588
* IDEXX Laboratories Inc.    283,316    162,972
* DexCom Inc.  1,318,042    151,667
  GE Healthcare Inc.  1,397,666    127,579
  Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc.    712,781     88,641
  ResMed Inc.    501,777     87,169
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
  STERIS plc    336,995     78,489
* Align Technology Inc.    248,219     75,066
  Baxter International Inc.  1,730,531     70,813
  Cooper Cos. Inc.    675,731     63,248
* Hologic Inc.    818,566     60,410
* Insulet Corp.    238,230     39,070
  Teleflex Inc.    160,316     35,717
* Shockwave Medical Inc.    125,875     32,837
* Penumbra Inc.    125,088     29,386
  DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.    722,692     23,618
* Masimo Corp.    153,075     19,676
* Inspire Medical Systems Inc.    100,737     18,036
* Globus Medical Inc. Class A    293,555     15,849
* Lantheus Holdings Inc.    234,008     15,299
* Merit Medical Systems Inc.    196,963     15,009
* Glaukos Corp.    158,134     14,009
* Haemonetics Corp.    173,440     12,658
* Integer Holdings Corp.    113,748     12,545
* iRhythm Technologies Inc.    104,595     12,410
* Neogen Corp.    702,927     12,083
* Envista Holdings Corp.    584,819     12,077
* Axonics Inc.    172,816     11,741
* LivaNova plc    184,200     10,096
* Enovis Corp.    167,881     10,041
* TransMedics Group Inc.    111,620      9,108
  CONMED Corp.    104,792      8,417
* Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.    226,924      8,376
* Inari Medical Inc.    176,789      8,154
* QuidelOrtho Corp.    170,746      7,786
* ICU Medical Inc.     69,863      7,631
*,1 PROCEPT BioRobotics Corp.    155,079      7,497
* Tandem Diabetes Care Inc.    223,360      5,948
* AtriCure Inc.    161,229      5,638
* Novocure Ltd.    348,041      5,329
* UFP Technologies Inc.     24,676      5,140
* RxSight Inc.     91,719      5,005
  LeMaitre Vascular Inc.     68,714      4,810
* Alphatec Holdings Inc.    325,976      4,378
* STAAR Surgical Co.    133,504      4,171
* Omnicell Inc.    155,782      4,088
*,1 Establishment Labs Holdings Inc.     64,977      2,968
* Avanos Medical Inc.    159,613      2,964
  Embecta Corp.    195,208      2,788
* Artivion Inc.    125,470      2,422
* Varex Imaging Corp.    139,677      2,402
* Silk Road Medical Inc.    125,574      2,259
* SI-BONE Inc.    124,402      2,158
* Treace Medical Concepts Inc.    157,285      2,114
* OraSure Technologies Inc.    250,353      1,801
  Atrion Corp.      4,823      1,775
* Nevro Corp.    111,754      1,627
* Paragon 28 Inc.    127,434      1,590
* OrthoPediatrics Corp.     55,648      1,528
* Surmodics Inc.     47,901      1,528
* Zimvie Inc.     89,989      1,525
* Orthofix Medical Inc.    113,224      1,479
* Cerus Corp.    612,418      1,335
* Pulmonx Corp.    116,364      1,073
*,1 Senseonics Holdings Inc.  1,351,622        949
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* AngioDynamics Inc.    135,563        744
*,1 Butterfly Network Inc.    518,834        617
* Inogen Inc.     79,185        527
* Outset Medical Inc.    160,057        504
*,1 Cutera Inc.     47,340        106
              4,148,462
Health Care Providers & Services (20.3%)
  UnitedHealth Group Inc.  3,155,112  1,557,363
  Elevance Health Inc.    801,458    401,731
  Cigna Group    998,184    335,530
  CVS Health Corp.  4,389,802    326,470
  McKesson Corp.    453,844    236,639
  HCA Healthcare Inc.    684,806    213,454
  Humana Inc.    419,931    147,110
* Centene Corp.  1,822,121    142,909
  Cencora Inc.    581,868    137,088
  Cardinal Health Inc.    840,567     94,127
* Molina Healthcare Inc.    198,846     78,327
  Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings    289,534     62,490
  Quest Diagnostics Inc.    383,409     47,884
  Universal Health Services Inc. Class B    208,090     34,763
* Henry Schein Inc.    443,152     33,888
  Chemed Corp.     48,771     30,537
* Tenet Healthcare Corp.    311,856     29,003
* Acadia Healthcare Co. Inc.    314,378     26,235
  Encompass Health Corp.    342,086     25,451
* HealthEquity Inc.    292,651     24,176
  Ensign Group Inc.    192,526     24,050
* DaVita Inc.    186,817     23,720
* Option Care Health Inc.    604,287     19,500
* Progyny Inc.    294,227     10,745
* Amedisys Inc.    111,103     10,335
  Select Medical Holdings Corp.    371,861     10,126
  Premier Inc. Class A    407,572      8,502
* R1 RCM Inc.    573,455      8,057
* CorVel Corp.     32,168      7,849
  Patterson Cos. Inc.    284,198      7,699
* Guardant Health Inc.    393,719      7,481
* RadNet Inc.    197,000      7,458
* Surgery Partners Inc.    237,110      7,358
* AMN Healthcare Services Inc.    129,322      7,277
* Privia Health Group Inc.    322,383      7,196
* Apollo Medical Holdings Inc.    159,144      7,168
* NeoGenomics Inc.    433,877      6,768
* agilon health Inc.  1,044,095      6,400
* Hims & Hers Health Inc.    486,313      6,342
* Owens & Minor Inc.    235,081      5,719
  US Physical Therapy Inc.     50,852      5,404
* Addus HomeCare Corp.     55,029      5,078
  National HealthCare Corp.     47,091      4,646
* Brookdale Senior Living Inc.    608,097      3,478
* AdaptHealth Corp.    256,419      2,623
* Pediatrix Medical Group Inc.    270,045      2,471
* Accolade Inc.    238,087      2,440
* Alignment Healthcare Inc.    358,470      2,151
* Cross Country Healthcare Inc.    112,686      2,059
* Pennant Group Inc.     96,226      1,795
* PetIQ Inc.     94,618      1,723
64

 

Health Care Index Fund
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* Castle Biosciences Inc.     86,469      1,562
* Fulgent Genetics Inc.     66,034      1,490
*,1 OPKO Health Inc.  1,448,394      1,448
* Agiliti Inc.    137,182      1,354
* Enhabit Inc.    144,688      1,302
* Community Health Systems Inc.    443,347      1,237
* DocGo Inc.    299,942      1,221
* Clover Health Investments Corp.  1,283,267      1,109
* ModivCare Inc.     38,592      1,082
* 23andMe Holding Co. Class A    935,804        533
* Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc.    194,574        461
* CareMax Inc.      6,773         52
              4,231,644
Health Care Technology (0.9%)
* Veeva Systems Inc. Class A    521,686    117,645
* Evolent Health Inc. Class A    352,802     11,964
* Doximity Inc. Class A    372,788     10,524
* Teladoc Health Inc.    564,634      8,515
* Certara Inc.    379,922      6,413
* Schrodinger Inc.    214,771      5,468
* Phreesia Inc.    180,397      4,465
  Simulations Plus Inc.     53,987      2,240
  HealthStream Inc.     81,801      2,232
* GoodRx Holdings Inc. Class A    267,888      2,087
* Definitive Healthcare Corp.    178,796      1,702
* Health Catalyst Inc.    199,461      1,659
* Multiplan Corp.    883,396        989
* Sharecare Inc.  1,041,706        979
* OptimizeRx Corp.     55,669        881
* American Well Corp. Class A    813,569        879
                178,642
Life Sciences Tools & Services (11.3%)
  Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.  1,317,985    751,489
  Danaher Corp.  2,394,572    606,162
* IQVIA Holdings Inc.    622,587    153,879
  Agilent Technologies Inc.    999,489    137,290
* Mettler-Toledo International Inc.     73,984     92,274
  West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.    252,385     90,445
* Illumina Inc.    541,753     75,753
* Waters Corp.    201,722     68,065
* Avantor Inc.  2,307,347     56,853
  Revvity Inc.    421,024     46,140
* Charles River Laboratories International Inc.    175,008     44,485
  Bio-Techne Corp.    539,644     39,702
* Repligen Corp.    180,954     35,103
* Medpace Holdings Inc.     83,733     33,286
  Bruker Corp.    307,009     26,569
* Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc. Class A     73,875     24,074
* 10X Genomics Inc. Class A    302,199     14,095
* Azenta Inc.    171,121     11,148
* Fortrea Holdings Inc.    288,090     10,815
* Sotera Health Co.    336,333      5,048
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* Pacific Biosciences of California Inc.    822,184      4,547
* Maravai LifeSciences Holdings Inc. Class A    381,769      2,951
* CryoPort Inc.    166,357      2,939
* Quanterix Corp.    121,626      2,914
* Cytek Biosciences Inc.    370,477      2,853
* BioLife Solutions Inc.    123,231      2,083
  Mesa Laboratories Inc.     18,324      2,001
* OmniAb Inc.    294,392      1,719
* Standard Bio Tools Inc.    741,414      1,668
* Adaptive Biotechnologies Corp.    347,332      1,428
* MaxCyte Inc.    298,258      1,372
* Codexis Inc.    238,258      1,108
* Quantum-Si Inc.    345,141        576
* Akoya Biosciences Inc.     83,780        481
* Nautilus Biotechnology Inc.    126,929        341
* Seer Inc.    152,839        278
*,1 Bionano Genomics Inc.    118,441        148
*,2 OmniAb Inc. 12.5 Earnout     22,076         —
*,2 OmniAb Inc. 15 Earnout     22,076         —
              2,352,082
Other (0.0%)3
*,2 Chinook Therapeutics Inc. CVR        784         —
Pharmaceuticals (28.9%)
  Eli Lilly & Co.  2,752,568  2,074,556
  Johnson & Johnson  8,211,588  1,325,186
  Merck & Co. Inc.  8,643,923  1,099,075
  Pfizer Inc. 19,261,020    511,573
  Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.  6,940,940    352,253
  Zoetis Inc.  1,566,138    310,612
  Viatris Inc.  4,091,968     50,618
  Royalty Pharma plc Class A  1,295,162     39,295
* Catalent Inc.    616,254     35,336
* Elanco Animal Health Inc. (XNYS)  1,681,679     26,722
* Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc    203,981     24,253
* Intra-Cellular Therapies Inc.    295,502     20,543
  Organon & Co.    871,362     15,170
  Perrigo Co. plc    461,624     12,122
* Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.    169,212     11,774
* Cymabay Therapeutics Inc.    290,065      9,337
* Arvinas Inc.    197,150      9,065
* Axsome Therapeutics Inc.    104,929      8,539
* Corcept Therapeutics Inc.    298,823      7,022
* Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc.    130,747      6,089
* Supernus Pharmaceuticals Inc.    186,948      5,552
* Pacira BioSciences Inc.    157,800      4,690
* Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc.     56,601      4,491
*,1 Tilray Brands Inc.  2,577,537      4,459
* Collegium Pharmaceutical Inc.    111,215      4,083
* ANI Pharmaceuticals Inc.     55,720      3,771
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* Harmony Biosciences Holdings Inc.    109,994      3,531
*,1 Cassava Sciences Inc.    137,702      3,164
* Innoviva Inc.    195,110      2,981
* Amylyx Pharmaceuticals Inc.    149,778      2,823
* Tarsus Pharmaceuticals Inc.     73,402      2,806
* Evolus Inc.    165,828      2,459
* Pliant Therapeutics Inc.    152,490      2,420
* Amneal Pharmaceuticals Inc.    418,556      2,311
* Liquidia Corp.    154,202      2,184
* Revance Therapeutics Inc.    270,559      1,932
* Theravance Biopharma Inc.    127,249      1,205
* Harrow Inc.    102,000      1,104
* Ventyx Biosciences Inc.    151,030      1,069
* Phathom Pharmaceuticals Inc.     97,060      1,039
* Atea Pharmaceuticals Inc.    214,153        923
  Phibro Animal Health Corp. Class A     68,831        890
*,1 ATAI Life Sciences NV    414,592        804
*,1 Enliven Therapeutics Inc.     49,475        790
* Terns Pharmaceuticals Inc.    105,666        774
  SIGA Technologies Inc.    144,851        755
* Nuvation Bio Inc.    376,098        703
* Nektar Therapeutics    643,559        457
*,4 Scilex Holding Co. (Acquired 1/6/23, Cost $2,304)    219,844        449
* NGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc.    153,478        233
* Aclaris Therapeutics Inc.    170,913        203
* Cara Therapeutics Inc.    167,355        142
              6,014,337
Total Common Stocks (Cost $16,397,339) 20,806,423
Warrants (0.0%)
* Geron Corp. Exp. 12/31/25      152,449         53
* Advaxis Inc. Exp. 9/11/24        7,710         —
* Cassava Sciences Inc. Exp. 11/15/24            1         —
Total Warrants (Cost $—) 53
65

 

Health Care Index Fund
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
Temporary Cash Investments (0.2%)
Money Market Fund (0.2%)
5,6 Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund, 5.400% (Cost$46,715)    467,302           46,726
Total Investments (100.1%) (Cost $16,444,054) 20,853,202
Other Assets and Liabilities—Net (-0.1%) (24,467)
Net Assets (100.0%) 20,828,735
Cost is in $000.
See Note A in Notes to Financial Statements.
* Non-income-producing security.
1 Includes partial security positions on loan to broker-dealers. The total value of securities on loan is $42,041,000.
2 Security value determined using significant unobservable inputs.
3 “Other” represents securities that are not classified by the fund’s benchmark index.
4 Restricted securities totaling $449,000, representing 0.0% of net assets.
5 Affiliated money market fund available only to Vanguard funds and certain trusts and accounts managed by Vanguard. Rate shown is the 7-day yield.
6 Collateral of $46,665,000 was received for securities on loan.
CVR—Contingent Value Rights.

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Over-the-Counter Total Return Swaps
Reference Entity Termination
Date
Counterparty Notional
Amount
($000)
Floating
Interest Rate
Received
(Paid)1
(%)
Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
($000)
Value and
Unrealized
(Depreciation)
($000)
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. 8/30/24 BANA 3,777 (5.326) (18)
Globus Medical Inc. 8/30/24 BANA 5,399 (5.322) (17)
Sarepta Therapeutics Inc. 8/30/24 BANA 8,314 (5.322) (27)
          (62)
1 Based on Overnight Bank Funding Rate as of the most recent reset date. Floating interest payment received/paid monthly.
  BANA—Bank of America, N.A.
At February 29, 2024, the counterparties had deposited in segregated accounts securities with a value of $616,000 in connection with open over-the-counter swap contracts.
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
66

 

Health Care Index Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
As of February 29, 2024
($000s, except shares, footnotes, and per-share amounts) Amount
Assets  
Investments in Securities, at Value1  
Unaffiliated Issuers (Cost $16,397,339) 20,806,476
Affiliated Issuers (Cost $46,715) 46,726
Total Investments in Securities 20,853,202
Investment in Vanguard 630
Receivables for Investment Securities Sold 50,991
Receivables for Accrued Income 28,261
Receivables for Capital Shares Issued 2,960
Total Assets 20,936,044
Liabilities  
Due to Custodian 5,908
Payables for Investment Securities Purchased 51,480
Collateral for Securities on Loan 46,665
Payables for Capital Shares Redeemed 2,392
Payables to Vanguard 802
Unrealized Depreciation—Over-the-Counter Swap Contracts 62
Total Liabilities 107,309
Net Assets 20,828,735
1 Includes $42,041,000 of securities on loan.  
At February 29, 2024, net assets consisted of:  
   
Paid-in Capital 16,563,906
Total Distributable Earnings (Loss) 4,264,829
Net Assets 20,828,735
 
ETF Shares—Net Assets  
Applicable to 67,277,329 outstanding $.001 par value shares of
beneficial interest (unlimited authorization)
17,875,593
Net Asset Value Per Share—ETF Shares $265.70
 
Admiral Shares—Net Assets  
Applicable to 22,219,114 outstanding $.001 par value shares of
beneficial interest (unlimited authorization)
2,953,142
Net Asset Value Per Share—Admiral Shares $132.91
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
67

 

Health Care Index Fund
Statement of Operations
  Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
  ($000)
Investment Income  
Income  
Dividends 148,597
Interest1 276
Securities Lending—Net 1,048
Total Income 149,921
Expenses  
The Vanguard Group—Note B  
Investment Advisory Services 215
Management and Administrative—
ETF Shares
7,443
Management and Administrative—
Admiral Shares
1,275
Marketing and Distribution—
ETF Shares
325
Marketing and Distribution—
Admiral Shares
62
Custodian Fees 82
Shareholders’ Reports—ETF Shares 244
Shareholders’ Reports—Admiral Shares 15
Trustees’ Fees and Expenses 7
Other Expenses 9
Total Expenses 9,677
Expenses Paid Indirectly (53)
Net Expenses 9,624
Net Investment Income 140,297
Realized Net Gain (Loss)  
Investment Securities Sold1,2 489,279
Swap Contracts (3,045)
Realized Net Gain (Loss) 486,234
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)  
Investment Securities1 1,130,997
Swap Contracts 35
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 1,131,032
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations 1,757,563
1 Interest income, realized net gain (loss), and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from an affiliated company of the fund were $276,000, $5,000, and $1,000, respectively. Purchases and sales are for temporary cash investment purposes.
2 Includes $606,367,000 of net gain (loss) resulting from in-kind redemptions.
  
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
  Six Months Ended
February 29,
2024
  Year Ended
August 31,
2023
  ($000)   ($000)
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets      
Operations      
Net Investment Income 140,297   278,315
Realized Net Gain (Loss) 486,234   728,727
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 1,131,032   315,166
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations 1,757,563   1,322,208
Distributions      
ETF Shares (120,001)   (238,117)
Admiral Shares (20,259)   (40,777)
Total Distributions (140,260)   (278,894)
Capital Share Transactions      
ETF Shares (481,477)   255,391
Admiral Shares (120,062)   (58,051)
Net Increase (Decrease) from Capital Share Transactions (601,539)   197,340
Total Increase (Decrease) 1,015,764   1,240,654
Net Assets      
Beginning of Period 19,812,971   18,572,317
End of Period 20,828,735   19,812,971
  
 
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
68

 

Health Care Index Fund
Financial Highlights
ETF Shares            
For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period 
Six Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
Year Ended August 31,
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $244.43 $231.59 $262.41 $207.65 $169.74 $177.07
Investment Operations            
Net Investment Income1 1.777 3.418 3.157 2.893 2.702 3.6002
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments 21.265 12.859 (30.771) 54.714 37.758 (7.457)
Total from Investment Operations 23.042 16.277 (27.614) 57.607 40.460 (3.857)
Distributions            
Dividends from Net Investment Income (1.772) (3.437) (3.206) (2.846) (2.550) (3.473)
Distributions from Realized Capital Gains
Total Distributions (1.772) (3.437) (3.206) (2.846) (2.550) (3.473)
Net Asset Value, End of Period $265.70 $244.43 $231.59 $262.41 $207.65 $169.74
Total Return 9.50% 7.07% -10.60% 27.99% 24.05% -2.22%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions) $17,876 $16,976 $15,829 $16,894 $11,724 $8,899
Ratio of Total Expenses to Average Net Assets 0.10%3 0.10%3 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 1.46% 1.41% 1.27% 1.25% 1.45% 2.12%2
Portfolio Turnover Rate4 2% 4% 3% 5% 7% 5%
The expense ratio and net investment income ratio for the current period have been annualized.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
2 Net investment income per share and the ratio of net investment income to average net assets include $1.132 and 0.67%, respectively, resulting from a cash payment received in connection with the merger of and Cigna Corp. And Express Scripts Holding Co. in December 2018.
3 The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period net of reduction from custody fee offset arrangements was 0.10%.
4 Excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind purchases or redemptions of the fund’s capital shares, including ETF Creation Units.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
69

 

Health Care Index Fund
Financial Highlights
Admiral Shares            
For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period 
Six Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
Year Ended August 31,
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $122.27 $115.84 $131.26 $103.87 $84.91 $88.57
Investment Operations            
Net Investment Income1 .889 1.711 1.583 1.450 1.351 1.8042
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments 10.638 6.438 (15.400) 27.365 18.884 (3.727)
Total from Investment Operations 11.527 8.149 (13.817) 28.815 20.235 (1.923)
Distributions            
Dividends from Net Investment Income (.887) (1.719) (1.603) (1.425) (1.275) (1.737)
Distributions from Realized Capital Gains
Total Distributions (.887) (1.719) (1.603) (1.425) (1.275) (1.737)
Net Asset Value, End of Period $132.91 $122.27 $115.84 $131.26 $103.87 $84.91
Total Return3 9.50% 7.08% -10.59% 28.01% 24.06% -2.21%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions) $2,953 $2,837 $2,744 $2,972 $1,676 $1,316
Ratio of Total Expenses to Average Net Assets 0.10%4 0.10%4 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 1.46% 1.41% 1.28% 1.25% 1.45% 2.12%2
Portfolio Turnover Rate5 2% 4% 3% 5% 7% 5%
The expense ratio and net investment income ratio for the current period have been annualized.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
2 Net investment income per share and the ratio of net investment income to average net assets include $.566 and 0.67%, respectively, resulting from a cash payment received in connection with the merger of and Cigna Corp. And Express Scripts Holding Co. in December 2018.
3 Total returns do not include account service fees that may have applied in the periods shown. Fund prospectuses provide information about any applicable account service fees.
4 The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period net of reduction from custody fee offset arrangements was 0.10%.
5 Excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind purchases or redemptions of the fund’s capital shares, including ETF Creation Units.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
70

 

Health Care Index Fund
Notes to Financial Statements
Vanguard Health Care Index Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end investment company, or mutual fund. The fund offers two classes of shares: ETF Shares and Admiral Shares. Each of the share classes has different eligibility and minimum purchase requirements, and is designed for different types of investors. ETF Shares are listed for trading on NYSE Arca; they can be purchased and sold through a broker.
A. The following significant accounting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles for U.S. investment companies. The fund consistently follows such policies in preparing its financial statements.
1. Security Valuation: Securities are valued as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m., Eastern time) on the valuation date. Equity securities are valued at the latest quoted sales prices or official closing prices taken from the primary market in which each security trades; such securities not traded on the valuation date are valued at the mean of the latest quoted bid and asked prices. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available, or whose values have been affected by events occurring before the fund’s pricing time but after the close of the securities’ primary markets, are valued by methods deemed by the valuation designee to represent fair value and subject to oversight by the board of trustees. Investments in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund are valued at that fund's net asset value. 
2.  Swap Contracts: The fund has entered into equity swap contracts to earn the total return on selected reference stocks or indexes in the fund’s target index. Under the terms of the swaps, the fund receives the total return on the referenced stock (i.e., receiving the increase or paying the decrease in value of the selected reference stock and receiving the equivalent of any dividends in respect of the selected referenced stock) over a specified period of time, applied to a notional amount that represents the value of a designated number of shares of the selected reference stock at the beginning of the equity swap contract. The fund also pays a floating rate that is based on short-term interest rates, applied to the notional amount. At the same time, the fund generally invests an amount approximating the notional amount of the swap in high-quality temporary cash investments.
A risk associated with all types of swaps is the possibility that a counterparty may default on its obligation to pay net amounts due to the fund. The fund’s maximum amount subject to counterparty risk is the unrealized appreciation on the swap contract. The fund mitigates its counterparty risk by entering into swaps only with a diverse group of prequalified counterparties, monitoring their financial strength, entering into master netting arrangements with its counterparties, and requiring its counterparties to transfer collateral as security for their performance. In the absence of a default, the collateral pledged or received by the fund cannot be repledged, resold, or rehypothecated. In the event of a counterparty’s default (including bankruptcy), the fund may terminate any swap contracts with that counterparty, determine the net amount owed by either party in accordance with its master netting arrangements, and sell or retain any collateral held up to the net amount owed to the fund under the master netting arrangements. The swap contracts contain provisions whereby a counterparty may terminate open contracts if the fund’s net assets decline below a certain level, triggering a payment by the fund if the fund is in a net liability position at the time of the termination. The payment amount would be reduced by any collateral the fund has pledged. Any securities pledged as collateral for open contracts are noted in the Schedule of Investments. The value of collateral received or pledged is compared daily to the value of the swap contracts exposure with each counterparty, and any difference, if in excess of a specified minimum transfer amount, is adjusted and settled within two business days.
The notional amounts of swap contracts are not recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Swaps are valued daily based on market quotations received from independent pricing services or recognized dealers and the change in value is recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset (liability) and in the Statement of Operations as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) until periodic payments are made or the termination of the swap, at which time realized gain (loss) is recorded.
During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund’s average amounts of investments in total return swaps represented less than 1% of net assets, based on the average of notional amounts at each quarter-end during the period.
3. Federal Income Taxes: The fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute virtually all of its taxable income. The fund’s tax returns are open to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return. Management has analyzed the fund’s tax positions taken for all open federal and state income tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the fund’s financial statements.
71

 

Health Care Index Fund
4. Distributions: Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions are determined on a tax basis at the fiscal year-end and may differ from net investment income and realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes.
5. Securities Lending: To earn additional income, the fund lends its securities to qualified institutional borrowers. Security loans are subject to termination by the fund at any time, and are required to be secured at all times by collateral in an amount at least equal to the market value of securities loaned. Daily market fluctuations could cause the value of loaned securities to be more or less than the value of the collateral received. When this occurs, the collateral is adjusted and settled before the opening of the market on the next business day. The fund further mitigates its counterparty risk by entering into securities lending transactions only with a diverse group of prequalified counterparties, monitoring their financial strength, and entering into master securities lending agreements with its counterparties. The master securities lending agreements provide that, in the event of a counterparty’s default (including bankruptcy), the fund may terminate any loans with that borrower, determine the net amount owed, and sell or retain the collateral up to the net amount owed to the fund; however, such actions may be subject to legal proceedings. While collateral mitigates counterparty risk, in the event of a default, the fund may experience delays and costs in recovering the securities loaned. The fund invests cash collateral received in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund, and records a liability in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the return of the collateral, during the period the securities are on loan. Collateral investments in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund are subject to market appreciation or depreciation. Securities lending income represents fees charged to borrowers plus income earned on invested cash collateral, less expenses associated with the loan. During the term of the loan, the fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities.
6. Credit Facilities and Interfund Lending Program: The fund and certain other funds managed by The Vanguard Group ("Vanguard") participate in a $4.3 billion committed credit facility provided by a syndicate of lenders pursuant to a credit agreement and an uncommitted credit facility provided by Vanguard. Both facilities may be renewed annually. Each fund is individually liable for its borrowings, if any, under the credit facilities. Borrowings may be utilized for temporary or emergency purposes and are subject to the fund’s regulatory and contractual borrowing restrictions. With respect to the committed credit facility, the participating funds are charged administrative fees and an annual commitment fee of 0.10% of the undrawn committed amount of the facility, which are allocated to the funds based on a method approved by the fund’s board of trustees and included in Management and Administrative expenses on the fund’s Statement of Operations. Any borrowings under either facility bear interest at an agreed-upon spread plus the higher of the federal funds effective rate, the overnight bank funding rate, or the Daily Simple Secured Overnight Financing Rate inclusive of an additional agreed-upon spread. However, borrowings under the uncommitted credit facility may bear interest based upon an alternate rate agreed to by the fund and Vanguard.
In accordance with an exemptive order (the “Order”) from the SEC, the fund may participate in a joint lending and borrowing program that allows registered open-end Vanguard funds to borrow money from and lend money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes (the “Interfund Lending Program”), subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the Order, and to the extent permitted by the fund’s investment objective and investment policies. Interfund loans and borrowings normally extend overnight but can have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one business day’s notice. The interest rate to be charged is governed by the conditions of the Order and internal procedures adopted by the board of trustees. The board of trustees is responsible for overseeing the Interfund Lending Program. 
For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund did not utilize the credit facilities or the Interfund Lending Program.
7. Other: Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends included in income, if any, are recorded at the fair value of the securities received. Interest income includes income distributions received from Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund and is accrued daily. Security transactions are accounted for on the date securities are bought or sold. Costs used to determine realized gains (losses) on the sale of investment securities are those of the specific securities sold.
Each class of shares has equal rights as to assets and earnings, except that each class separately bears certain class-specific expenses related to maintenance of shareholder accounts (included in Management and Administrative expenses) and shareholder reporting. Marketing and distribution expenses are allocated to each class of shares based on a method approved by the board of trustees. Income, other non-class-specific expenses, and gains and losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
72

 

Health Care Index Fund
B. In accordance with the terms of a Funds' Service Agreement (the “FSA”) between Vanguard and the fund, Vanguard furnishes to the fund investment advisory, corporate management, administrative, marketing, and distribution services at Vanguard’s cost of operations (as defined by the FSA). These costs of operations are allocated to the fund based on methods and guidelines approved by the board of trustees and are generally settled twice a month.
Upon the request of Vanguard, the fund may invest up to 0.40% of its net assets as capital in Vanguard. At February 29, 2024, the fund had contributed to Vanguard capital in the amount of $630,000, representing less than 0.01% of the fund’s net assets and 0.25% of Vanguard’s capital received pursuant to the FSA. The fund’s trustees and officers are also directors and employees, respectively, of Vanguard.
C. The fund’s custodian bank has agreed to reduce its fees when the fund maintains cash on deposit in the non-interest-bearing custody account. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, custodian fee offset arrangements reduced the fund’s expenses by $53,000 (an annual rate of less than 0.01% of average net assets).
D. Various inputs may be used to determine the value of the fund’s investments and derivatives. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels for financial statement purposes. The inputs or methodologies used to value securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2—Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3—Significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments). Any investments and derivatives valued with significant unobservable inputs are noted on the Schedule of Investments.
The following table summarizes the market value of the fund’s investments and derivatives as of February 29, 2024, based on the inputs used to value them:
  Level 1
($000)
Level 2
($000)
Level 3
($000)
Total
($000)
Investments        
Assets        
Common Stocks 20,805,473 449 501 20,806,423
Warrants 53 53
Temporary Cash Investments 46,726 46,726
Total 20,852,199 502 501 20,853,202
Derivative Financial Instruments        
Liabilities        
Swap Contracts 62 62
E. As of February 29, 2024, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for investments and derivatives based on cost for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:
  Amount
($000)
Tax Cost 16,502,617
Gross Unrealized Appreciation 6,016,277
Gross Unrealized Depreciation (1,665,692)
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 4,350,585
The fund’s tax-basis capital gains and losses are determined only at the end of each fiscal year. For tax purposes, at August 31, 2023, the fund had available capital losses totaling $630,372,000 that may be carried forward indefinitely to offset future net capital gains. The fund will use these capital losses to offset net taxable capital gains, if any, realized during the year ending August 31, 2024; should the fund realize net capital losses for the year, the losses will be added to the loss carryforward balance above.
F. During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund purchased $407,029,000 of investment securities and sold $406,619,000 of investment securities, other than temporary cash investments. In addition, the fund purchased and sold investment securities of $692,166,000 and $1,293,049,000, respectively, in connection with in-kind purchases and redemptions of the fund's capital shares.
73

 

Health Care Index Fund
The fund purchased securities from and sold securities to other Vanguard funds or accounts managed by Vanguard or its affiliates, in accordance with procedures adopted by the board of trustees in compliance with Rule 17a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, such purchases were $942,000 and sales were $7,502,000, resulting in net realized loss of $1,183,000; these amounts, other than temporary cash investments, are included in the purchases and sales of investment securities noted above.
G. Capital share transactions for each class of shares were:
    
  Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
  Year Ended
August 31, 2023
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
ETF Shares          
Issued 817,689 3,278   1,883,291 7,825
Issued in Lieu of Cash Distributions  
Redeemed (1,299,166) (5,450)   (1,627,900) (6,725)
Net Increase (Decrease)—ETF Shares (481,477) (2,172)   255,391 1,100
Admiral Shares          
Issued 188,005 1,512   391,651 3,228
Issued in Lieu of Cash Distributions 17,140 142   34,825 293
Redeemed (325,207) (2,640)   (484,527) (4,001)
Net Increase (Decrease)—Admiral Shares (120,062) (986)   (58,051) (480)
H. Significant market disruptions, such as those caused by pandemics, natural or environmental disasters, war, acts of terrorism, or other events, can adversely affect local and global markets and normal market operations. Any such disruptions could have an adverse impact on the value of the fund’s investments and fund performance.
To the extent the fund’s investment portfolio reflects concentration in a particular market, industry, sector, country or asset class, the fund may be adversely affected by the performance of these concentrations and may be subject to increased price volatility and other risks.
The use of derivatives may expose the fund to various risks. Derivatives can be highly volatile, and any initial investment is generally small relative to the notional amount so that transactions may be leveraged in terms of market exposure. A relatively small market movement may have a potentially larger impact on derivatives than on standard securities. Leveraged derivatives positions can, therefore, increase volatility. Additional information regarding the fund’s use of derivative(s) and the specific risks associated is described under significant accounting policies.
I. Management has determined that no events or transactions occurred subsequent to February 29, 2024, that would require recognition or disclosure in these financial statements.
74

 

Industrials Index Fund
Fund Allocation
As of February 29, 2024
Aerospace & Defense 14.9%
Air Freight & Logistics 4.1
Building Products 7.3
Commercial Services & Supplies 7.7
Construction & Engineering 2.7
Electrical Equipment 7.7
Ground Transportation 11.6
Industrial Conglomerates 7.1
Machinery 20.0
Marine Transportation 0.2
Passenger Airlines 1.8
Professional Services 9.4
Trading Companies & Distributors 5.5
The table reflects the fund’s investments, except short-term investments and derivatives. Sector categories are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”), except for the “Other” category (if applicable), which includes securities that have not been provided a GICS classification as of the effective reporting period.
The fund may invest in derivatives (such as futures and swap contracts) for various reasons, including, but not limited to, attempting to remain fully invested and tracking its target index as closely as possible.
Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) was developed by and is the exclusive property and a service mark of MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard and Poor’s, a division of McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”), and is licensed for use by Vanguard. Neither MSCI, S&P nor any third party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classification makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such standard or classification (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any such standard or classification. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall MSCI, S&P, any of its affiliates or any third party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classification have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
75

 

Industrials Index Fund
Financial Statements (unaudited)
Schedule of Investments
As of February 29, 2024
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
Common Stocks (99.9%)
Aerospace & Defense (14.9%)
  RTX Corp. 1,546,353   138,661
* Boeing Co.   618,160   125,931
  Lockheed Martin Corp.   240,086   102,814
  Northrop Grumman Corp.   154,084    71,036
  TransDigm Group Inc.    59,508    70,085
  General Dynamics Corp.   249,471    68,168
  L3Harris Technologies Inc.   204,137    43,208
  Howmet Aerospace Inc.   420,441    27,980
* Axon Enterprise Inc.    76,481    23,508
  Textron Inc.   210,589    18,757
  Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc.    42,698    12,452
  HEICO Corp. Class A    79,502    12,370
  BWX Technologies Inc.    98,309     9,912
  Curtiss-Wright Corp.    41,100     9,711
  HEICO Corp.    48,046     9,292
  Woodward Inc.    64,522     9,129
  Hexcel Corp.    90,224     6,718
  Moog Inc. Class A    31,343     4,700
* AeroVironment Inc.    30,223     3,832
* Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc. Class A   124,357     3,557
* Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc.   156,404     2,853
* AAR Corp.    38,140     2,547
* Leonardo DRS Inc.    84,456     1,918
* Mercury Systems Inc.    57,505     1,718
*,1 Rocket Lab USA Inc.   285,181     1,307
  Kaman Corp.    27,135     1,243
* Triumph Group Inc.    82,228     1,143
*,1 Archer Aviation Inc. Class A   205,581       993
  Cadre Holdings Inc.    24,205       870
* Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc.   408,121       710
* Ducommun Inc.    14,243       680
* V2X Inc.    13,639       525
  National Presto Industries Inc.     5,631       435
* Aersale Corp.    31,299       277
              789,040
Air Freight & Logistics (4.1%)
  United Parcel Service Inc. Class B (XNYS)   778,091   115,360
  FedEx Corp.   255,414    63,590
  Expeditors International of Washington Inc.   156,221    18,684
  CH Robinson Worldwide Inc.   125,344     9,286
* GXO Logistics Inc.   127,697     6,610
* Hub Group Inc. Class A    66,834     2,842
  Forward Air Corp.    27,537     1,022
* Air Transport Services Group Inc.    56,139       678
              218,072
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
Building Products (7.3%)
  Trane Technologies plc   244,826    69,034
  Carrier Global Corp.   870,280    48,370
  Johnson Controls International plc   732,728    43,429
* Builders FirstSource Inc.   132,538    25,869
  Masco Corp.   241,234    18,517
  Carlisle Cos. Inc.    52,309    18,308
  Lennox International Inc.    34,512    16,262
  Owens Corning    95,500    14,304
  Advanced Drainage Systems Inc.    75,338    12,298
  Allegion plc    94,328    12,062
  Fortune Brands Innovations Inc.   135,498    11,021
  A O Smith Corp.   131,966    10,940
* Trex Co. Inc.   116,681    10,707
  Simpson Manufacturing Co. Inc.    45,862     9,570
  UFP Industries Inc.    66,370     7,608
* AZEK Co. Inc.   142,839     6,872
  AAON Inc.    74,229     6,234
  Armstrong World Industries Inc.    47,476     5,726
  Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corp.   157,810     5,010
  CSW Industrials Inc.    16,656     3,837
* Resideo Technologies Inc.   156,951     3,505
  Griffon Corp.    42,046     3,002
* Masonite International Corp.    22,295     2,904
* PGT Innovations Inc.    61,290     2,560
* Gibraltar Industries Inc.    32,833     2,543
* Hayward Holdings Inc.   160,706     2,377
* Masterbrand Inc.   135,584     2,347
* Janus International Group Inc.   149,804     2,150
  AZZ Inc.    27,005     1,966
* American Woodmark Corp.    17,223     1,726
* JELD-WEN Holding Inc.    91,187     1,660
  Apogee Enterprises Inc.    23,798     1,362
  Quanex Building Products Corp.    35,601     1,231
  Insteel Industries Inc.    20,826       758
              386,069
Commercial Services & Supplies (7.6%)
  Waste Management Inc.   433,004    89,047
  Cintas Corp.    98,124    61,682
* Copart Inc.   930,154    49,438
  Waste Connections Inc. (XTSE)   277,172    46,132
  Republic Services Inc.   236,909    43,496
  Veralto Corp.   251,413    21,727
  Rollins Inc.   312,272    13,762
  Tetra Tech Inc.    57,224    10,147
* Clean Harbors Inc.    55,239    10,059
  MSA Safety Inc.    40,139     7,392
* Casella Waste Systems Inc. Class A    61,186     5,513
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* Stericycle Inc.    99,444     5,409
  Brink's Co.    48,420     4,011
  Brady Corp. Class A    48,120     2,804
  ABM Industries Inc.    67,579     2,792
  UniFirst Corp.    16,303     2,751
* ACV Auctions Inc. Class A   146,081     2,593
  Vestis Corp.   134,201     2,518
  MillerKnoll Inc.    78,065     2,385
  HNI Corp.    49,990     2,240
* CoreCivic Inc.   121,249     1,847
* Cimpress plc    18,574     1,820
* OPENLANE Inc.   116,100     1,773
* GEO Group Inc.   134,731     1,653
* Montrose Environmental Group Inc.    31,106     1,287
  Steelcase Inc. Class A    90,344     1,241
  VSE Corp.    14,494     1,074
* SP Plus Corp.    20,218     1,039
* Healthcare Services Group Inc.    79,780     1,018
  Interface Inc.    61,800       971
* Driven Brands Holdings Inc.    69,972       965
  Matthews International Corp. Class A    31,568       914
  Deluxe Corp.    46,417       901
* Viad Corp.    22,171       825
  Pitney Bowes Inc.   171,631       692
* Enviri Corp.    85,300       670
  ACCO Brands Corp.   102,014       569
* Liquidity Services Inc.    24,352       437
* BrightView Holdings Inc.    45,253       394
              405,988
Construction & Engineering (2.7%)
  Quanta Services Inc.   156,564    37,812
  EMCOR Group Inc.    50,562    15,852
  AECOM   146,091    12,977
  Comfort Systems USA Inc.    38,412    11,744
* WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings Corp.   205,920     9,833
* API Group Corp.   196,449     6,886
* Fluor Corp.   182,994     6,734
* MasTec Inc.    67,785     5,115
  Valmont Industries Inc.    22,448     4,757
  MDU Resources Group Inc.   207,999     4,509
  Arcosa Inc.    52,351     4,345
* Dycom Industries Inc.    31,453     3,978
* Sterling Infrastructure Inc.    33,148     3,535
* MYR Group Inc.    17,953     2,917
  Granite Construction Inc.    46,954     2,420
  Primoris Services Corp.    57,305     2,264
* Construction Partners Inc. Class A    46,934     2,257
* IES Holdings Inc.     8,701       956
* Ameresco Inc. Class A    35,200       738
  Argan Inc.    13,592       637
* Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp.    71,184       636
76

 

Industrials Index Fund
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* Tutor Perini Corp.    46,774       530
              141,432
Electrical Equipment (7.7%)
  Eaton Corp. plc   429,452   124,112
  Emerson Electric Co.   613,253    65,526
  AMETEK Inc.   248,272    44,734
  Rockwell Automation Inc.   123,423    35,185
  Vertiv Holdings Co. Class A   390,096    26,378
  Hubbell Inc.    57,616    21,933
  Regal Rexnord Corp.    71,291    12,226
  nVent Electric plc   178,278    12,002
  Acuity Brands Inc.    33,112     8,319
* NEXTracker Inc. Class A   133,060     7,483
* Generac Holdings Inc.    66,015     7,427
  Atkore Inc.    39,926     6,763
  Sensata Technologies Holding plc   162,719     5,601
  Encore Wire Corp.    16,958     4,087
  EnerSys    43,412     3,989
* Sunrun Inc.   233,343     2,809
* Shoals Technologies Group Inc. Class A   183,097     2,349
* Array Technologies Inc.   162,946     2,223
*,1 Plug Power Inc.   585,817     2,068
  Powell Industries Inc.    10,326     1,913
*,1 Bloom Energy Corp. Class A   216,211     1,896
*,1 Enovix Corp.   153,258     1,494
* Fluence Energy Inc.    67,540     1,033
* Thermon Group Holdings Inc.    35,987       982
* Vicor Corp.    24,656       918
*,1 ChargePoint Holdings Inc.   404,378       837
* FuelCell Energy Inc.   483,219       575
*,1 Stem Inc.   157,559       422
  Preformed Line Products Co.     2,933       403
  GrafTech International Ltd.   220,126       387
*,1 SunPower Corp.    93,794       292
*,1 Blink Charging Co.    61,783       197
*,1 Freyr Battery Inc.   127,305       196
* SES AI Corp.   100,086       177
*,1 NuScale Power Corp.    49,543       154
* Net Power Inc.    14,784       121
* Energy Vault Holdings Inc.    65,288       110
* TPI Composites Inc.    37,253       104
*,1 ESS Tech Inc.    59,220        51
              407,476
Ground Transportation (11.6%)
  Union Pacific Corp.   655,443   166,279
* Uber Technologies Inc. 1,991,998   158,364
  CSX Corp. 2,125,105    80,626
  Norfolk Southern Corp.   243,354    61,661
  Old Dominion Freight Line Inc.   105,715    46,777
  JB Hunt Transport Services Inc.    88,672    18,294
* Saia Inc.    28,523    16,412
* XPO Inc.   124,607    14,993
  Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc.   173,436     9,771
  Landstar System Inc.    38,612     7,344
  U-Haul Holding Co.   104,325     6,632
* Lyft Inc. Class A   371,698     5,903
  Ryder System Inc.    47,614     5,433
  ArcBest Corp.    25,425     3,632
* RXO Inc.   125,331     2,697
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
  Werner Enterprises Inc.    64,513     2,590
  Avis Budget Group Inc.    19,472     2,104
  Schneider National Inc. Class B    60,124     1,416
  Marten Transport Ltd.    65,957     1,243
* Hertz Global Holdings Inc.   132,410     1,039
  Heartland Express Inc.    50,937       651
* Daseke Inc.    43,897       362
  Universal Logistics Holdings Inc.     8,712       295
* PAM Transportation Services Inc.     7,133       132
              614,650
Industrial Conglomerates (7.1%)
  General Electric Co. 1,170,598   183,655
  Honeywell International Inc.   709,101   140,920
  3M Co.   594,692    54,783
              379,358
Machinery (20.0%)
  Caterpillar Inc.   547,538   182,856
  Deere & Co.   286,095   104,439
  Illinois Tool Works Inc.   301,473    79,031
  Parker-Hannifin Corp.   138,240    74,021
  PACCAR Inc.   562,524    62,378
  Otis Worldwide Corp.   440,347    41,965
1 Cummins Inc.   152,578    40,984
  Ingersoll Rand Inc. (XYNS)   435,975    39,818
  Xylem Inc.   259,525    32,973
  Fortive Corp.   378,258    32,201
  Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.   192,879    27,252
  Dover Corp.   150,278    24,853
  IDEX Corp.    81,538    19,235
  Graco Inc.   181,400    16,555
  Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc.    61,445    15,767
  Snap-on Inc.    56,738    15,640
  Nordson Corp.    58,516    15,545
  Stanley Black & Decker Inc.   164,720    14,708
  Pentair plc   177,587    13,814
  CNH Industrial NV 1,075,255    12,849
  ITT Inc.    88,163    11,121
  Toro Co.   111,592    10,301
  Donaldson Co. Inc.   128,960     9,236
* Middleby Corp.    57,583     8,762
* RBC Bearings Inc.    31,257     8,528
  Oshkosh Corp.    70,269     7,790
  AGCO Corp.    68,377     7,501
  Allison Transmission Holdings Inc.    96,171     7,245
* Chart Industries Inc.    45,866     6,552
  Crane Co.    51,910     6,310
  Esab Corp.    61,502     6,096
  Watts Water Technologies Inc. Class A    29,444     6,005
  Mueller Industries Inc.   116,079     5,964
  Flowserve Corp.   140,913     5,963
* SPX Technologies Inc.    49,115     5,756
  Timken Co.    68,206     5,729
  Federal Signal Corp.    65,557     5,370
  Franklin Electric Co. Inc.    42,222     4,389
  Kadant Inc.    12,613     4,254
  Terex Corp.    72,446     4,155
  Hillenbrand Inc.    75,565     3,593
  John Bean Technologies Corp.    34,290     3,480
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
  Enpro Inc.    21,416     3,337
  Albany International Corp. Class A    33,398     3,135
  ESCO Technologies Inc.    27,696     2,822
* Gates Industrial Corp. plc   184,283     2,713
  Mueller Water Products Inc. Class A   167,521     2,605
  Alamo Group Inc.    11,607     2,348
  Standex International Corp.    12,804     2,215
  Tennant Co.    19,149     2,167
  Trinity Industries Inc.    83,543     2,120
  Kennametal Inc.    81,044     2,046
* Hillman Solutions Corp.   209,464     2,040
  Enerpac Tool Group Corp.    58,108     1,959
  Barnes Group Inc.    51,843     1,811
  Greenbrier Cos. Inc.    33,350     1,726
  Helios Technologies Inc.    35,377     1,562
  Lindsay Corp.    11,820     1,410
  Wabash National Corp.    49,120     1,340
  Columbus McKinnon Corp.    30,624     1,279
* Blue Bird Corp.    34,535     1,169
* Proto Labs Inc.    27,485     1,001
* Energy Recovery Inc.    60,895       952
  Astec Industries Inc.    23,184       941
  REV Group Inc.    44,153       911
  Gorman-Rupp Co.    23,894       892
*,1 Nikola Corp. 1,181,581       879
* Titan International Inc.    57,080       728
*,1 Symbotic Inc.    17,988       709
  Douglas Dynamics Inc.    24,607       618
* 3D Systems Corp.   144,868       600
* Manitowoc Co. Inc.    37,732       526
  Hyster-Yale Materials Handling Inc.     8,833       520
  Shyft Group Inc.    35,501       366
  Luxfer Holdings plc    28,934       287
* Hyliion Holdings Corp.   150,116       273
*,1 Desktop Metal Inc. Class A   244,678       150
*,1 Microvast Holdings Inc.   130,705       112
* Hyzon Motors Inc.   147,342        93
* Markforged Holding Corp.   123,948        83
*,1 Velo3D Inc.   200,792        55
            1,061,484
Marine Transportation (0.2%)
* Kirby Corp.    63,516     5,572
  Matson Inc.    37,551     4,170
  Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd.    43,520       888
  Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc.     7,312       448
               11,078
Passenger Airlines (1.8%)
  Delta Air Lines Inc.   693,630    29,320
  Southwest Airlines Co.   640,332    21,944
* United Airlines Holdings Inc.   352,358    16,029
* American Airlines Group Inc.   702,061    11,008
* Alaska Air Group Inc.   137,484     5,141
* SkyWest Inc.    43,963     2,823
* JetBlue Airways Corp.   359,643     2,330
*,1 Joby Aviation Inc.   374,339     2,104
  Allegiant Travel Co.    16,917     1,231
* Hawaiian Holdings Inc.    55,431       782
1 Spirit Airlines Inc.   117,805       760
* Sun Country Airlines Holdings Inc.    47,210       708
77

 

Industrials Index Fund
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* Frontier Group Holdings Inc.    47,117       327
* Blade Air Mobility Inc.    52,162       166
* Wheels Up Experience Inc.         7        —
               94,673
Professional Services (9.4%)
  Automatic Data Processing Inc.   442,258   111,064
  Paychex Inc.   348,559    42,740
  Verisk Analytics Inc.   155,992    37,735
  Equifax Inc.   132,790    36,330
  Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc.   126,402    25,733
  Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.   140,086    20,692
  Jacobs Solutions Inc.   135,714    19,903
  Leidos Holdings Inc.   140,444    17,957
  TransUnion   208,124    16,157
  SS&C Technologies Holdings Inc.   239,458    15,268
* Ceridian HCM Holding Inc.   159,378    11,118
  Paycom Software Inc.    58,239    10,622
  Robert Half Inc.   113,787     9,149
* CACI International Inc. Class A    23,933     8,971
  KBR Inc.   145,145     8,713
* Paylocity Holding Corp.    48,287     8,142
* FTI Consulting Inc.    38,144     7,891
  Science Applications International Corp.    55,938     7,829
* ExlService Holdings Inc.   177,187     5,514
  Maximus Inc.    65,537     5,483
* ASGN Inc.    50,713     5,037
* TriNet Group Inc.    35,232     4,510
  Exponent Inc.    54,250     4,388
  Insperity Inc.    38,055     3,874
  ManpowerGroup Inc.    52,445     3,785
* Verra Mobility Corp.   169,746     3,670
* CBIZ Inc.    48,116     3,634
* Parsons Corp.    44,965     3,625
  Korn Ferry    56,452     3,594
* Alight Inc. Class A   388,277     3,498
  Concentrix Corp.    46,478     3,367
  ICF International Inc.    20,280     3,140
  Dun & Bradstreet Holdings Inc.   282,968     2,983
*,1 Clarivate plc   321,053     2,305
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* Huron Consulting Group Inc.    20,139     1,976
  CSG Systems International Inc.    31,892     1,740
* Upwork Inc.   131,986     1,729
* Legalzoom.com Inc.   131,203     1,627
* Paycor HCM Inc.    76,283     1,611
* NV5 Global Inc.    15,361     1,562
  Kforce Inc.    20,161     1,404
  CRA International Inc.     7,604     1,008
  Barrett Business Services Inc.     7,102       866
  First Advantage Corp.    55,297       866
  Kelly Services Inc. Class A    33,808       829
  Heidrick & Struggles International Inc.    21,503       731
* Conduent Inc.   175,986       605
* Sterling Check Corp.    30,910       484
  Resources Connection Inc.    34,264       474
* Planet Labs PBC   214,882       471
* Franklin Covey Co.    12,052       460
* TrueBlue Inc.    32,529       382
  TTEC Holdings Inc.    20,286       354
* TaskUS Inc. Class A    19,678       262
* Forrester Research Inc.    12,388       250
* Hireright Holdings Corp.    10,220       145
* Skillsoft Corp.     4,628        57
              498,314
Trading Companies & Distributors (5.5%)
  United Rentals Inc.    72,973    50,590
  WW Grainger Inc.    48,061    46,785
  Ferguson plc   219,039    46,316
  Fastenal Co.   614,622    44,874
  Watsco Inc.    36,387    14,341
* Core & Main Inc. Class A   205,933     9,829
* SiteOne Landscape Supply Inc.    48,528     8,176
  Applied Industrial Technologies Inc.    41,610     7,901
  WESCO International Inc.    49,358     7,379
  FTAI Aviation Ltd.   107,696     6,062
  Boise Cascade Co.    42,466     5,772
* Beacon Roofing Supply Inc.    64,660     5,554
  MSC Industrial Direct Co. Inc. Class A    48,459     4,891
  Herc Holdings Inc.    30,390     4,822
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
  GATX Corp.    36,262     4,599
  Air Lease Corp.   113,229     4,541
* GMS Inc.    40,635     3,629
  McGrath RentCorp.    26,404     3,287
  Rush Enterprises Inc. Class A    66,193     3,224
  H&E Equipment Services Inc.    35,138     1,985
* DNOW Inc.   114,021     1,613
* BlueLinx Holdings Inc.     9,422     1,195
* MRC Global Inc.    90,280     1,041
* Transcat Inc.     9,547     1,004
  Global Industrial Co.    20,679       907
* Xometry Inc. Class A    41,102       804
* Hudson Technologies Inc.    43,780       641
* Titan Machinery Inc.    21,896       552
* DXP Enterprises Inc.    15,058       535
* Distribution Solutions Group Inc.    12,537       394
  Alta Equipment Group Inc.    21,879       251
              293,494
Total Common Stocks (Cost $4,480,750) 5,301,128
Temporary Cash Investments (0.3%)
Money Market Fund (0.3%)
2,3 Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund, 5.400% (Cost$16,428)   164,317          16,430
Total Investments (100.2%) (Cost $4,497,178) 5,317,558
Other Assets and Liabilities—Net (-0.2%) (10,606)
Net Assets (100.0%) 5,306,952
Cost is in $000.
See Note A in Notes to Financial Statements.
* Non-income-producing security.
1 Includes partial security positions on loan to broker-dealers. The total value of securities on loan is $13,862,000.
2 Affiliated money market fund available only to Vanguard funds and certain trusts and accounts managed by Vanguard. Rate shown is the 7-day yield.
3 Collateral of $15,260,000 was received for securities on loan, of which $15,257,000 is held in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund and $3,000 is held in cash.

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Over-the-Counter Total Return Swaps
Reference Entity Termination
Date
Counterparty Notional
Amount
($000)
Floating
Interest Rate
Received
(Paid)1
(%)
Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
($000)
Value and
Unrealized
(Depreciation)
($000)
Illinois Tool Works Inc. 1/31/25 CITNA 5,767 (5.326) (24)
1 Based on Overnight Bank Funding Rate as of the most recent reset date. Floating interest payment received/paid monthly.
  CITNA—Citibank, N.A.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
78

 

Industrials Index Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
As of February 29, 2024
($000s, except shares, footnotes, and per-share amounts) Amount
Assets  
Investments in Securities, at Value1  
Unaffiliated Issuers (Cost $4,480,750) 5,301,128
Affiliated Issuers (Cost $16,428) 16,430
Total Investments in Securities 5,317,558
Investment in Vanguard 152
Cash 604
Receivables for Investment Securities Sold 17,500
Receivables for Accrued Income 9,266
Receivables for Capital Shares Issued 507
Total Assets 5,345,587
Liabilities  
Payables for Investment Securities Purchased 23,039
Collateral for Securities on Loan 15,260
Payables for Capital Shares Redeemed 114
Payables to Vanguard 198
Unrealized Depreciation—Over-the-Counter Swap Contracts 24
Total Liabilities 38,635
Net Assets 5,306,952
1 Includes $13,862,000 of securities on loan.  
At February 29, 2024, net assets consisted of:  
   
Paid-in Capital 4,627,321
Total Distributable Earnings (Loss) 679,631
Net Assets 5,306,952
 
ETF Shares—Net Assets  
Applicable to 21,376,428 outstanding $.001 par value shares of
beneficial interest (unlimited authorization)
4,995,344
Net Asset Value Per Share—ETF Shares $233.68
 
Admiral Shares—Net Assets  
Applicable to 2,595,526 outstanding $.001 par value shares of
beneficial interest (unlimited authorization)
311,608
Net Asset Value Per Share—Admiral Shares $120.06
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
79

 

Industrials Index Fund
Statement of Operations
  Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
  ($000)
Investment Income  
Income  
Dividends1 36,953
Interest2 69
Securities Lending—Net 283
Total Income 37,305
Expenses  
The Vanguard Group—Note B  
Investment Advisory Services 51
Management and Administrative—
ETF Shares
1,866
Management and Administrative—
Admiral Shares
120
Marketing and Distribution—
ETF Shares
94
Marketing and Distribution—
Admiral Shares
7
Custodian Fees 18
Shareholders’ Reports—ETF Shares 96
Shareholders’ Reports—Admiral Shares 3
Trustees’ Fees and Expenses 2
Other Expenses 9
Total Expenses 2,266
Expenses Paid Indirectly (2)
Net Expenses 2,264
Net Investment Income 35,041
Realized Net Gain (Loss)  
Investment Securities Sold2,3 111,009
Swap Contracts 240
Realized Net Gain (Loss) 111,249
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)  
Investment Securities2 419,721
Swap Contracts 3
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 419,724
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations 566,014
1 Dividends are net of foreign withholding taxes of $23,000.
2 Interest income, realized net gain (loss), capital gain distributions received, and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from an affiliated company of the fund were $70,000, ($1,000), less than $1,000, and less than $1,000, respectively. Purchases and sales are for temporary cash investment purposes.
3 Includes $123,373,000 of net gain (loss) resulting from in-kind redemptions.
  
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
  Six Months Ended
February 29,
2024
  Year Ended
August 31,
2023
  ($000)   ($000)
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets      
Operations      
Net Investment Income 35,041   60,313
Realized Net Gain (Loss) 111,249   32,065
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 419,724   626,314
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations 566,014   718,692
Distributions      
ETF Shares (34,898)   (57,205)
Admiral Shares (2,219)   (3,409)
Total Distributions (37,117)   (60,614)
Capital Share Transactions      
ETF Shares 7,458   411,493
Admiral Shares 6,163   8,914
Net Increase (Decrease) from Capital Share Transactions 13,621   420,407
Total Increase (Decrease) 542,518   1,078,485
Net Assets      
Beginning of Period 4,764,434   3,685,949
End of Period 5,306,952   4,764,434
  
 
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
80

 

Industrials Index Fund
Financial Highlights
ETF Shares            
For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period 
Six Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
Year Ended August 31,
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $207.59 $175.75 $199.27 $146.89 $142.53 $146.12
Investment Operations            
Net Investment Income1 1.600 2.829 2.432 2.264 2.366 2.597
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments 26.180 31.869 (23.486) 52.318 4.554 (3.754)
Total from Investment Operations 27.780 34.698 (21.054) 54.582 6.920 (1.157)
Distributions            
Dividends from Net Investment Income (1.690) (2.858) (2.466) (2.202) (2.560) (2.433)
Distributions from Realized Capital Gains
Total Distributions (1.690) (2.858) (2.466) (2.202) (2.560) (2.433)
Net Asset Value, End of Period $233.68 $207.59 $175.75 $199.27 $146.89 $142.53
Total Return 13.48% 19.99% -10.62% 37.41% 4.96% -0.73%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions) $4,995 $4,493 $3,461 $5,438 $3,090 $3,457
Ratio of Total Expenses to Average Net Assets 0.10%2 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 1.44% 1.50% 1.29% 1.25% 1.69% 1.87%
Portfolio Turnover Rate3 3% 10% 4% 5% 4% 4%
The expense ratio and net investment income ratio for the current period have been annualized.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
2 The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period net of reduction from custody fee offset arrangements was 0.10%.
3 Excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind purchases or redemptions of the fund’s capital shares, including ETF Creation Units.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
81

 

Industrials Index Fund
Financial Highlights
Admiral Shares            
For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period 
Six Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
Year Ended August 31,
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $106.65 $90.29 $102.37 $75.46 $73.22 $75.07
Investment Operations            
Net Investment Income1 .829 1.451 1.240 1.162 1.221 1.340
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments 13.449 16.376 (12.056) 26.880 2.336 (1.941)
Total from Investment Operations 14.278 17.827 (10.816) 28.042 3.557 (.601)
Distributions            
Dividends from Net Investment Income (.868) (1.467) (1.264) (1.132) (1.317) (1.249)
Distributions from Realized Capital Gains
Total Distributions (.868) (1.467) (1.264) (1.132) (1.317) (1.249)
Net Asset Value, End of Period $120.06 $106.65 $90.29 $102.37 $75.46 $73.22
Total Return2 13.49% 19.99% -10.62% 37.43% 4.98% -0.75%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions) $312 $271 $225 $372 $210 $202
Ratio of Total Expenses to Average Net Assets 0.10%3 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 1.46% 1.49% 1.27% 1.25% 1.71% 1.87%
Portfolio Turnover Rate4 3% 10% 4% 5% 4% 4%
The expense ratio and net investment income ratio for the current period have been annualized.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
2 Total returns do not include account service fees that may have applied in the periods shown. Fund prospectuses provide information about any applicable account service fees.
3 The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period net of reduction from custody fee offset arrangements was 0.10%.
4 Excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind purchases or redemptions of the fund’s capital shares.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
82

 

Industrials Index Fund
Notes to Financial Statements
Vanguard Industrials Index Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end investment company, or mutual fund. The fund offers two classes of shares: ETF Shares and Admiral Shares. Each of the share classes has different eligibility and minimum purchase requirements, and is designed for different types of investors. ETF Shares are listed for trading on NYSE Arca; they can be purchased and sold through a broker.
A. The following significant accounting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles for U.S. investment companies. The fund consistently follows such policies in preparing its financial statements.
1. Security Valuation: Securities are valued as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m., Eastern time) on the valuation date. Equity securities are valued at the latest quoted sales prices or official closing prices taken from the primary market in which each security trades; such securities not traded on the valuation date are valued at the mean of the latest quoted bid and asked prices. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available, or whose values have been affected by events occurring before the fund’s pricing time but after the close of the securities’ primary markets, are valued by methods deemed by the valuation designee to represent fair value and subject to oversight by the board of trustees. Investments in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund are valued at that fund's net asset value. 
2.  Swap Contracts: The fund has entered into equity swap contracts to earn the total return on selected reference stocks or indexes in the fund’s target index. Under the terms of the swaps, the fund receives the total return on the referenced stock (i.e., receiving the increase or paying the decrease in value of the selected reference stock and receiving the equivalent of any dividends in respect of the selected referenced stock) over a specified period of time, applied to a notional amount that represents the value of a designated number of shares of the selected reference stock at the beginning of the equity swap contract. The fund also pays a floating rate that is based on short-term interest rates, applied to the notional amount. At the same time, the fund generally invests an amount approximating the notional amount of the swap in high-quality temporary cash investments.
A risk associated with all types of swaps is the possibility that a counterparty may default on its obligation to pay net amounts due to the fund. The fund’s maximum amount subject to counterparty risk is the unrealized appreciation on the swap contract. The fund mitigates its counterparty risk by entering into swaps only with a diverse group of prequalified counterparties, monitoring their financial strength, entering into master netting arrangements with its counterparties, and requiring its counterparties to transfer collateral as security for their performance. In the absence of a default, the collateral pledged or received by the fund cannot be repledged, resold, or rehypothecated. In the event of a counterparty’s default (including bankruptcy), the fund may terminate any swap contracts with that counterparty, determine the net amount owed by either party in accordance with its master netting arrangements, and sell or retain any collateral held up to the net amount owed to the fund under the master netting arrangements. The swap contracts contain provisions whereby a counterparty may terminate open contracts if the fund’s net assets decline below a certain level, triggering a payment by the fund if the fund is in a net liability position at the time of the termination. The payment amount would be reduced by any collateral the fund has pledged. Any securities pledged as collateral for open contracts are noted in the Schedule of Investments. The value of collateral received or pledged is compared daily to the value of the swap contracts exposure with each counterparty, and any difference, if in excess of a specified minimum transfer amount, is adjusted and settled within two business days.
The notional amounts of swap contracts are not recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Swaps are valued daily based on market quotations received from independent pricing services or recognized dealers and the change in value is recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset (liability) and in the Statement of Operations as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) until periodic payments are made or the termination of the swap, at which time realized gain (loss) is recorded.
During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund’s average amounts of investments in total return swaps represented less than 1% of net assets, based on the average of notional amounts at each quarter-end during the period.
3. Federal Income Taxes: The fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute virtually all of its taxable income. The fund’s tax returns are open to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return. Management has analyzed the fund’s tax positions taken for all open federal and state income tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the fund’s financial statements.
83

 

Industrials Index Fund
4. Distributions: Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions are determined on a tax basis at the fiscal year-end and may differ from net investment income and realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes.
5. Securities Lending: To earn additional income, the fund lends its securities to qualified institutional borrowers. Security loans are subject to termination by the fund at any time, and are required to be secured at all times by collateral in an amount at least equal to the market value of securities loaned. Daily market fluctuations could cause the value of loaned securities to be more or less than the value of the collateral received. When this occurs, the collateral is adjusted and settled before the opening of the market on the next business day. The fund further mitigates its counterparty risk by entering into securities lending transactions only with a diverse group of prequalified counterparties, monitoring their financial strength, and entering into master securities lending agreements with its counterparties. The master securities lending agreements provide that, in the event of a counterparty’s default (including bankruptcy), the fund may terminate any loans with that borrower, determine the net amount owed, and sell or retain the collateral up to the net amount owed to the fund; however, such actions may be subject to legal proceedings. While collateral mitigates counterparty risk, in the event of a default, the fund may experience delays and costs in recovering the securities loaned. The fund invests cash collateral received in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund, and records a liability in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the return of the collateral, during the period the securities are on loan. Collateral investments in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund are subject to market appreciation or depreciation. Securities lending income represents fees charged to borrowers plus income earned on invested cash collateral, less expenses associated with the loan. During the term of the loan, the fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities.
6. Credit Facilities and Interfund Lending Program: The fund and certain other funds managed by The Vanguard Group ("Vanguard") participate in a $4.3 billion committed credit facility provided by a syndicate of lenders pursuant to a credit agreement and an uncommitted credit facility provided by Vanguard. Both facilities may be renewed annually. Each fund is individually liable for its borrowings, if any, under the credit facilities. Borrowings may be utilized for temporary or emergency purposes and are subject to the fund’s regulatory and contractual borrowing restrictions. With respect to the committed credit facility, the participating funds are charged administrative fees and an annual commitment fee of 0.10% of the undrawn committed amount of the facility, which are allocated to the funds based on a method approved by the fund’s board of trustees and included in Management and Administrative expenses on the fund’s Statement of Operations. Any borrowings under either facility bear interest at an agreed-upon spread plus the higher of the federal funds effective rate, the overnight bank funding rate, or the Daily Simple Secured Overnight Financing Rate inclusive of an additional agreed-upon spread. However, borrowings under the uncommitted credit facility may bear interest based upon an alternate rate agreed to by the fund and Vanguard.
In accordance with an exemptive order (the “Order”) from the SEC, the fund may participate in a joint lending and borrowing program that allows registered open-end Vanguard funds to borrow money from and lend money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes (the “Interfund Lending Program”), subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the Order, and to the extent permitted by the fund’s investment objective and investment policies. Interfund loans and borrowings normally extend overnight but can have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one business day’s notice. The interest rate to be charged is governed by the conditions of the Order and internal procedures adopted by the board of trustees. The board of trustees is responsible for overseeing the Interfund Lending Program. 
For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund did not utilize the credit facilities or the Interfund Lending Program.
7. Other: Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends included in income, if any, are recorded at the fair value of the securities received. Interest income includes income distributions received from Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund and is accrued daily. Security transactions are accounted for on the date securities are bought or sold. Costs used to determine realized gains (losses) on the sale of investment securities are those of the specific securities sold.
Each class of shares has equal rights as to assets and earnings, except that each class separately bears certain class-specific expenses related to maintenance of shareholder accounts (included in Management and Administrative expenses) and shareholder reporting. Marketing and distribution expenses are allocated to each class of shares based on a method approved by the board of trustees. Income, other non-class-specific expenses, and gains and losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
84

 

Industrials Index Fund
B. In accordance with the terms of a Funds' Service Agreement (the “FSA”) between Vanguard and the fund, Vanguard furnishes to the fund investment advisory, corporate management, administrative, marketing, and distribution services at Vanguard’s cost of operations (as defined by the FSA). These costs of operations are allocated to the fund based on methods and guidelines approved by the board of trustees and are generally settled twice a month.
Upon the request of Vanguard, the fund may invest up to 0.40% of its net assets as capital in Vanguard. At February 29, 2024, the fund had contributed to Vanguard capital in the amount of $152,000, representing less than 0.01% of the fund’s net assets and 0.06% of Vanguard’s capital received pursuant to the FSA. The fund’s trustees and officers are also directors and employees, respectively, of Vanguard.
C. The fund’s custodian bank has agreed to reduce its fees when the fund maintains cash on deposit in the non-interest-bearing custody account. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, custodian fee offset arrangements reduced the fund’s expenses by $2,000 (an annual rate of less than 0.01% of average net assets).
D. Various inputs may be used to determine the value of the fund’s investments and derivatives. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels for financial statement purposes. The inputs or methodologies used to value securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2—Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3—Significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments). Any investments and derivatives valued with significant unobservable inputs are noted on the Schedule of Investments.
The following table summarizes the market value of the fund’s investments and derivatives as of February 29, 2024, based on the inputs used to value them:
  Level 1
($000)
Level 2
($000)
Level 3
($000)
Total
($000)
Investments        
Assets        
Common Stocks 5,301,128 5,301,128
Temporary Cash Investments 16,430 16,430
Total 5,317,558 5,317,558
Derivative Financial Instruments        
Liabilities        
Swap Contracts 24 24
E. As of February 29, 2024, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for investments and derivatives based on cost for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:
  Amount
($000)
Tax Cost 4,507,871
Gross Unrealized Appreciation 1,160,598
Gross Unrealized Depreciation (350,911)
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 809,687
The fund’s tax-basis capital gains and losses are determined only at the end of each fiscal year. For tax purposes, at August 31, 2023, the fund had available capital losses totaling $253,248,000 that may be carried forward indefinitely to offset future net capital gains. The fund will use these capital losses to offset net taxable capital gains, if any, realized during the year ending August 31, 2024; should the fund realize net capital losses for the year, the losses will be added to the loss carryforward balance above.
F. During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund purchased $122,722,000 of investment securities and sold $116,898,000 of investment securities, other than temporary cash investments. In addition, the fund purchased and sold investment securities of $500,801,000 and $494,913,000, respectively, in connection with in-kind purchases and redemptions of the fund's capital shares.
85

 

Industrials Index Fund
The fund purchased securities from and sold securities to other Vanguard funds or accounts managed by Vanguard or its affiliates, in accordance with procedures adopted by the board of trustees in compliance with Rule 17a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, such purchases were $6,105,000 and sales were $4,388,000, resulting in net realized loss of $1,071,000; these amounts, other than temporary cash investments, are included in the purchases and sales of investment securities noted above.
G. Capital share transactions for each class of shares were:
    
  Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
  Year Ended
August 31, 2023
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
ETF Shares          
Issued 502,423 2,332   930,187 4,752
Issued in Lieu of Cash Distributions  
Redeemed (494,965) (2,600)   (518,694) (2,800)
Net Increase (Decrease)—ETF Shares 7,458 (268)   411,493 1,952
Admiral Shares          
Issued 51,336 476   91,744 925
Issued in Lieu of Cash Distributions 1,921 18   2,908 31
Redeemed (47,094) (442)   (85,738) (905)
Net Increase (Decrease)—Admiral Shares 6,163 52   8,914 51
H. Significant market disruptions, such as those caused by pandemics, natural or environmental disasters, war, acts of terrorism, or other events, can adversely affect local and global markets and normal market operations. Any such disruptions could have an adverse impact on the value of the fund’s investments and fund performance.
To the extent the fund’s investment portfolio reflects concentration in a particular market, industry, sector, country or asset class, the fund may be adversely affected by the performance of these concentrations and may be subject to increased price volatility and other risks.
The use of derivatives may expose the fund to various risks. Derivatives can be highly volatile, and any initial investment is generally small relative to the notional amount so that transactions may be leveraged in terms of market exposure. A relatively small market movement may have a potentially larger impact on derivatives than on standard securities. Leveraged derivatives positions can, therefore, increase volatility. Additional information regarding the fund’s use of derivative(s) and the specific risks associated is described under significant accounting policies.
I. Management has determined that no events or transactions occurred subsequent to February 29, 2024, that would require recognition or disclosure in these financial statements.
86

 

Information Technology Index Fund
Fund Allocation
As of February 29, 2024
Communications Equipment 3.2%
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 4.3
IT Services 5.8
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 29.8
Software 38.7
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 18.2
The table reflects the fund’s investments, except short-term investments and derivatives. Sector categories are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”), except for the “Other” category (if applicable), which includes securities that have not been provided a GICS classification as of the effective reporting period.
The fund may invest in derivatives (such as futures and swap contracts) for various reasons, including, but not limited to, attempting to remain fully invested and tracking its target index as closely as possible.
Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) was developed by and is the exclusive property and a service mark of MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard and Poor’s, a division of McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”), and is licensed for use by Vanguard. Neither MSCI, S&P nor any third party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classification makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such standard or classification (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any such standard or classification. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall MSCI, S&P, any of its affiliates or any third party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classification have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
87

 

Information Technology Index Fund
Financial Statements (unaudited)
Schedule of Investments
As of February 29, 2024
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
Common Stocks (99.9%)
Communications Equipment (3.2%)
  Cisco Systems Inc. 22,666,570  1,096,382
* Arista Networks Inc.  1,537,244    426,647
  Motorola Solutions Inc.    979,960    323,769
  Juniper Networks Inc.  2,554,594     94,597
* F5 Inc.    455,784     85,332
* Ciena Corp.  1,286,131     73,284
* Lumentum Holdings Inc.    851,508     41,273
* Calix Inc.  1,021,478     35,619
* Viavi Solutions Inc.  3,684,558     35,187
* Extreme Networks Inc.  2,655,749     33,569
* NetScout Systems Inc.  1,450,963     31,413
* Harmonic Inc.  2,324,113     30,516
* ViaSat Inc.  1,359,424     26,604
* Digi International Inc.    790,188     23,358
* Infinera Corp.  4,458,525     22,382
  Adtran Holdings Inc.  1,632,026      9,286
* NETGEAR Inc.    613,772      9,200
* Clearfield Inc.    294,351      8,880
* Ribbon Communications Inc.  2,066,370      6,178
* CommScope Holding Co. Inc.  4,726,318      5,506
* Casa Systems Inc.    840,006        336
              2,419,318
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components (4.3%)
  Amphenol Corp. Class A  3,498,417    382,167
  TE Connectivity Ltd.  1,878,833    269,725
  CDW Corp.    831,320    204,679
* Keysight Technologies Inc.  1,129,500    174,282
  Corning Inc.  5,177,223    166,914
* Teledyne Technologies Inc.    312,407    133,482
  Jabil Inc.    877,439    126,430
* Trimble Inc.  1,803,887    110,380
* Zebra Technologies Corp. Class A    370,164    103,453
* Flex Ltd.  3,250,426     91,499
* Coherent Corp.  1,416,247     84,238
* Fabrinet    323,437     69,723
  Vontier Corp.  1,484,231     63,822
  Cognex Corp.  1,560,443     61,559
* Novanta Inc.    346,202     59,872
* Arrow Electronics Inc.    503,660     59,180
* Insight Enterprises Inc.    310,686     58,409
  TD SYNNEX Corp.    553,762     57,536
  Littelfuse Inc.    231,717     55,204
* Itron Inc.    570,839     52,905
  Badger Meter Inc.    310,501     49,273
  Avnet Inc.  1,019,731     47,509
* Sanmina Corp.    741,475     46,861
  Advanced Energy Industries Inc.    432,361     43,755
  Belden Inc.    512,266     43,635
* ePlus Inc.    492,164     40,549
  Crane NXT Co.    666,185     38,919
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
  Vishay Intertechnology Inc.  1,751,669     38,099
* IPG Photonics Corp.    440,322     38,022
* Plexus Corp.    398,211     37,591
* OSI Systems Inc.    268,113     35,171
* Mirion Technologies Inc.  3,390,848     33,163
* Rogers Corp.    290,934     32,605
  Napco Security Technologies Inc.    722,402     32,530
* Knowles Corp.  1,914,744     31,287
* TTM Technologies Inc.  2,072,321     30,774
  CTS Corp.    646,094     28,790
* PAR Technology Corp.    611,744     26,807
  Benchmark Electronics Inc.    778,958     23,922
* ScanSource Inc.    548,454     23,710
* Arlo Technologies Inc.  1,962,326     20,428
  PC Connection Inc.    258,056     17,130
  Methode Electronics Inc.    738,362     15,727
* nLight Inc.    968,319     12,811
* Kimball Electronics Inc.    543,548     12,235
* SmartRent Inc.  3,729,912     10,817
* Evolv Technologies Holdings Inc.  2,145,290     10,233
*,1 Lightwave Logic Inc.  2,424,287     10,206
*,1 MicroVision Inc.  4,115,711      9,713
* FARO Technologies Inc.    413,827      9,266
*,1 Ouster Inc.    735,150      3,992
* 908 Devices Inc.    489,384      3,597
* Aeva Technologies Inc.  2,287,827      2,311
* Focus Universal Inc.    642,886        270
              3,247,167
IT Services (5.8%)
  Accenture plc Class A  3,493,071  1,309,133
  International Business Machines Corp.  5,115,385    946,500
* Snowflake Inc. Class A  1,630,538    306,998
  Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. Class A  3,067,056    242,359
* Gartner Inc.    481,291    224,070
* MongoDB Inc.    444,840    199,101
* Cloudflare Inc. Class A  1,856,782    182,967
* Okta Inc.  1,154,912    123,922
* VeriSign Inc.    623,561    121,775
* EPAM Systems Inc.    399,286    121,543
* Akamai Technologies Inc.  1,040,099    115,368
* GoDaddy Inc. Class A    994,263    113,495
* Twilio Inc. Class A  1,342,882     80,022
* Kyndryl Holdings Inc.  2,428,623     53,357
* DXC Technology Co.  2,147,099     46,935
* DigitalOcean Holdings Inc.  1,008,303     38,235
* Squarespace Inc. Class A  1,033,726     34,402
* Perficient Inc.    529,814     34,369
* Fastly Inc. Class A  2,141,364     30,450
* Couchbase Inc.    682,153     19,155
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* Grid Dynamics Holdings Inc.  1,237,729     16,697
  Hackett Group Inc.    534,858     13,222
* BigCommerce Holdings Inc. Series 1  1,413,366     10,953
* Applied Digital Corp.  2,002,127      8,309
* Unisys Corp.  1,493,025      7,749
* Thoughtworks Holding Inc.  2,085,771      6,508
*,1 Tucows Inc. Class A    198,182      3,746
* Rackspace Technology Inc.  1,139,251      2,404
              4,413,744
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (29.8%)
  NVIDIA Corp. 10,039,331  7,942,316
  Broadcom Inc.  2,463,667  3,203,974
* Advanced Micro Devices Inc.  9,001,742  1,733,105
  Intel Corp. 23,554,783  1,014,033
  QUALCOMM Inc.  6,261,782    988,047
  Applied Materials Inc.  4,710,169    949,664
  Texas Instruments Inc.  5,104,549    854,144
  Lam Research Corp.    752,128    705,684
  Micron Technology Inc.  6,322,843    572,913
  Analog Devices Inc.  2,838,940    544,565
  KLA Corp.    783,197    534,375
  NXP Semiconductors NV  1,514,024    378,097
  Marvell Technology Inc.  5,094,432    365,067
  Microchip Technology Inc.  3,243,135    272,877
  Monolithic Power Systems Inc.    293,918    211,633
* ON Semiconductor Corp.  2,651,694    209,272
  Entegris Inc.  1,024,461    137,647
* Enphase Energy Inc.    933,557    118,571
  Skyworks Solutions Inc.  1,101,268    115,545
  Teradyne Inc.  1,072,573    111,108
* First Solar Inc.    704,784    108,459
* Qorvo Inc.    761,099     87,184
* Lattice Semiconductor Corp.  1,076,579     82,477
* Onto Innovation Inc.    426,028     78,457
  MKS Instruments Inc.    574,868     70,571
  Universal Display Corp.    376,035     65,588
* Rambus Inc.  1,008,918     59,768
* Cirrus Logic Inc.    580,261     53,280
* MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings Inc.    591,205     52,221
* Silicon Laboratories Inc.    346,479     47,655
  Power Integrations Inc.    633,193     45,248
* Synaptics Inc.    436,653     43,709
  Amkor Technology Inc.  1,400,191     43,434
* Axcelis Technologies Inc.    381,523     42,986
* FormFactor Inc.    991,029     42,644
* Impinj Inc.    385,276     42,080
* Ultra Clean Holdings Inc.    947,010     40,911
88

 

Information Technology Index Fund
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* Wolfspeed Inc.  1,564,926     40,719
* Diodes Inc.    598,830     40,708
* SolarEdge Technologies Inc.    588,616     39,537
* Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd.  1,798,177     38,733
* Photronics Inc.  1,331,386     38,331
* Veeco Instruments Inc.  1,045,142     37,845
* Allegro MicroSystems Inc.  1,180,495     37,174
  Kulicke & Soffa Industries Inc.    775,588     36,933
* Ambarella Inc.    652,639     36,450
* Cohu Inc.    988,547     31,762
* MaxLinear Inc.  1,633,061     31,747
* ACM Research Inc. Class A    971,413     30,036
* Semtech Corp.  1,403,575     29,756
* Sitime Corp.    320,685     29,663
* Ichor Holdings Ltd.    641,533     27,458
* SMART Global Holdings Inc.  1,131,650     24,070
* PDF Solutions Inc.    668,199     22,712
* indie Semiconductor Inc. Class A  2,993,523     18,530
* Navitas Semiconductor Corp.  2,728,177     16,751
* CEVA Inc.    512,936     11,613
* Alpha & Omega Semiconductor Ltd.    515,694     11,294
* Aehr Test Systems    599,333      9,751
* Magnachip Semiconductor Corp.    845,714      4,821
             22,615,703
Software (38.6%)
  Microsoft Corp. 33,556,940 13,880,493
* Salesforce Inc.  5,409,986  1,670,712
* Adobe Inc.  2,521,915  1,412,979
  Intuit Inc.  1,568,882  1,039,996
  Oracle Corp.  9,214,738  1,029,102
* ServiceNow Inc.  1,149,784    886,874
* Palo Alto Networks Inc.  1,635,450    507,889
* Synopsys Inc.    872,303    500,466
* Cadence Design Systems Inc.  1,566,363    476,770
* Crowdstrike Holdings Inc. Class A  1,338,279    433,803
* Workday Inc. Class A  1,221,387    359,894
  Roper Technologies Inc.    626,343    341,188
* Autodesk Inc.  1,265,500    326,714
* Fortinet Inc.  4,060,406    280,615
* Palantir Technologies Inc. Class A 11,133,687    279,233
* Datadog Inc. Class A  1,673,371    219,981
* Atlassian Corp. Ltd. Class A    962,949    199,735
* Fair Isaac Corp.    156,244    198,416
* HubSpot Inc.    304,781    188,602
* ANSYS Inc.    545,896    182,422
* Splunk Inc.  1,026,006    160,283
* Zscaler Inc.    594,408    143,829
* PTC Inc.    784,768    143,620
* Tyler Technologies Inc.    283,555    123,953
* Zoom Video Communications Inc. Class A  1,718,822    121,572
* Nutanix Inc. Class A  1,870,542    118,143
*,1 MicroStrategy Inc. Class A    114,728    117,348
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* Manhattan Associates Inc.    433,670    109,862
* Elastic NV    736,210     98,512
* Dynatrace Inc.  1,958,554     97,046
  Gen Digital Inc. (XNGS)  4,255,231     91,445
* DocuSign Inc.  1,598,034     85,127
  Bentley Systems Inc. Class B  1,609,186     82,664
* AppLovin Corp. Class A  1,330,904     79,482
*,1 Marathon Digital Holdings Inc.  3,031,578     78,518
* UiPath Inc. Class A  3,276,419     77,815
* Guidewire Software Inc.    641,721     76,583
* SentinelOne Inc. Class A  2,492,864     70,224
* Procore Technologies Inc.    835,790     65,217
* Gitlab Inc. Class A    885,105     63,834
* SPS Commerce Inc.    326,508     60,456
* Unity Software Inc.  2,046,693     60,009
* Qualys Inc.    345,491     59,376
* Samsara Inc. Class A  1,692,289     58,469
* Confluent Inc. Class A  1,725,290     58,436
* Varonis Systems Inc.  1,147,726     58,304
* Bill Holdings Inc.    897,428     56,834
* Dropbox Inc. Class A  2,346,059     56,188
* Aspen Technology Inc.    285,944     55,442
* Tenable Holdings Inc.  1,146,385     55,210
* JFrog Ltd.  1,221,191     54,697
* Smartsheet Inc. Class A  1,247,830     52,671
* Appfolio Inc. Class A    210,465     50,951
* CommVault Systems Inc.    530,430     50,767
  Dolby Laboratories Inc. Class A    625,540     50,669
*,1 C3.ai Inc. Class A  1,363,894     50,423
* Altair Engineering Inc. Class A    585,542     49,818
* Alarm.com Holdings Inc.    624,866     47,296
* ACI Worldwide Inc.  1,404,869     46,234
* Workiva Inc.    512,654     44,150
* Teradata Corp.  1,166,941     43,900
* Box Inc. Class A  1,692,367     43,646
* Rapid7 Inc.    743,809     43,572
* Five9 Inc.    702,648     42,862
*,1 Riot Platforms Inc.  2,986,801     42,174
* Q2 Holdings Inc.    911,787     42,152
* Alteryx Inc. Class A    875,908     42,079
* HashiCorp Inc. Class A  1,613,541     42,065
* DoubleVerify Holdings Inc.  1,353,079     41,797
* Freshworks Inc. Class A  2,032,756     41,550
  Pegasystems Inc.    635,811     41,353
* Sprout Social Inc. Class A    653,498     40,399
* Blackbaud Inc.    577,461     39,949
* Braze Inc. Class A    701,632     39,923
* RingCentral Inc. Class A  1,184,382     39,582
* Blackline Inc.    693,720     39,355
* Cleanspark Inc.  2,337,942     39,090
  InterDigital Inc.    361,657     38,705
* Vertex Inc. Class A  1,125,839     37,806
* PagerDuty Inc.  1,468,187     35,471
  Progress Software Corp.    659,269     35,179
* LiveRamp Holdings Inc.  1,005,539     35,174
* Envestnet Inc.    678,636     34,970
* Verint Systems Inc.  1,080,153     34,144
* Asana Inc. Class A  1,699,518     33,480
* Zeta Global Holdings Corp. Class A  3,187,142     33,465
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* NCR Voyix Corp.  2,286,615     33,407
* Agilysys Inc.    425,495     33,103
* Sprinklr Inc. Class A  2,525,936     32,913
* Aurora Innovation Inc. 12,927,982     32,837
*,1 SoundHound AI Inc. Class A  4,345,173     32,241
* nCino Inc.  1,073,906     32,045
* Clearwater Analytics Holdings Inc. Class A  1,859,715     32,024
  Clear Secure Inc. Class A  1,648,677     31,737
* Informatica Inc. Class A    964,473     31,423
* PROS Holdings Inc.    853,312     30,506
* Appian Corp. Class A    774,381     26,987
* Intapp Inc.    684,278     26,844
  Adeia Inc.  2,339,187     26,526
* PowerSchool Holdings Inc. Class A  1,254,671     26,210
* Everbridge Inc.    896,461     25,343
* Alkami Technology Inc.    936,600     23,368
* Zuora Inc. Class A  2,799,673     22,621
* Model N Inc.    858,153     21,076
  A10 Networks Inc.  1,535,959     20,444
* Jamf Holding Corp.  1,098,361     19,759
* AvePoint Inc.  2,404,874     19,239
* N-Able Inc.  1,396,636     18,813
* Amplitude Inc. Class A  1,461,247     17,330
* E2open Parent Holdings Inc.  3,673,818     15,540
* Yext Inc.  2,301,525     13,625
* Cerence Inc.    900,184     13,413
* Olo Inc. Class A  2,265,529     13,185
* SolarWinds Corp.  1,086,332     12,971
* Matterport Inc.  5,671,106     12,023
* Mitek Systems Inc.  1,009,452     11,720
*,1 Digimarc Corp.    311,007     10,904
* Xperi Inc.    948,493     10,395
* SEMrush Holdings Inc. Class A    784,209      9,787
* Weave Communications Inc.    758,630      9,506
* MeridianLink Inc.    427,878      8,113
* Domo Inc. Class B    691,477      7,959
  American Software Inc. Class A    704,926      7,909
* OneSpan Inc.    696,184      6,690
* Enfusion Inc. Class A    770,903      6,684
* Digital Turbine Inc.  2,095,124      6,642
*,1 Terawulf Inc.  3,420,439      6,413
* Consensus Cloud Solutions Inc.    397,134      6,322
* 8x8 Inc.  2,220,586      6,284
* Telos Corp.  1,139,385      4,182
* CS Disco Inc.    621,979      4,142
  ON24 Inc.    587,719      4,126
*,1 Cipher Mining Inc.  1,390,054      4,115
* Rimini Street Inc.  1,133,601      3,662
* NextNav Inc.    842,532      3,606
* Expensify Inc. Class A    981,450      2,041
* LivePerson Inc.  1,499,901      1,905
*,1 Veritone Inc.    816,665      1,870
* SecureWorks Corp. Class A    241,168      1,592
             29,365,325
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals (18.2%)
  Apple Inc. 69,130,925 12,495,415
* Super Micro Computer Inc.    330,738    286,459
  HP Inc.  5,966,579    169,033
89

 

Information Technology Index Fund
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
  Dell Technologies Inc. Class C  1,691,815    160,147
* Western Digital Corp.  2,225,139    132,329
  Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.  8,679,596    132,190
  Seagate Technology Holdings plc  1,358,091    126,370
  NetApp Inc.  1,416,608    126,248
* Pure Storage Inc. Class A  2,198,608    115,757
  Xerox Holdings Corp.  2,150,034     40,098
*,1 IonQ Inc.  3,138,523     32,515
* Corsair Gaming Inc.  1,011,904     13,104
* CPI Card Group Inc.     99,129      1,874
             13,831,539
Total Common Stocks (Cost $54,359,428) 75,892,796
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
Temporary Cash Investments (0.3%)
Money Market Fund (0.3%)
2,3 Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund, 5.400% (Cost$247,001)  2,470,564           247,032
Total Investments (100.2%) (Cost $54,606,429) 76,139,828
Other Assets and Liabilities—Net (-0.2%) (120,189)
Net Assets (100.0%) 76,019,639
Cost is in $000.
See Note A in Notes to Financial Statements.
* Non-income-producing security.
1 Includes partial security positions on loan to broker-dealers. The total value of securities on loan is $181,532,000.
2 Affiliated money market fund available only to Vanguard funds and certain trusts and accounts managed by Vanguard. Rate shown is the 7-day yield.
3 Collateral of $182,518,000 was received for securities on loan, of which $182,468,000 is held in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund and $50,000 is held in cash.
 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts
      ($000)
  Expiration Number of
Long (Short)
Contracts
Notional
Amount
Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
Long Futures Contracts        
E-mini NASDAQ 100 Index March 2024 280 101,263 1,089
    
Over-the-Counter Total Return Swaps
Reference Entity Termination
Date
Counterparty Notional
Amount
($000)
Floating
Interest Rate
Received
(Paid)1
(%)
Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
($000)
Value and
Unrealized
(Depreciation)
($000)
Palo Alto Networks Inc. 8/30/24 BANA 46,583 (5.326) (218)
1 Based on Overnight Bank Funding Rate as of the most recent reset date. Floating interest payment received/paid monthly.
  BANA—Bank of America, N.A.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
90

 

Information Technology Index Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
As of February 29, 2024
($000s, except shares, footnotes, and per-share amounts) Amount
Assets  
Investments in Securities, at Value1  
Unaffiliated Issuers (Cost $54,359,428) 75,892,796
Affiliated Issuers (Cost $247,001) 247,032
Total Investments in Securities 76,139,828
Investment in Vanguard 2,262
Cash 30,878
Cash Collateral Pledged—Futures Contracts 3,584
Cash Collateral Pledged—Over-the-Counter Swap Contracts 3,770
Receivables for Investment Securities Sold 3,081,853
Receivables for Accrued Income 55,861
Receivables for Capital Shares Issued 13,303
Variation Margin Receivable—Futures Contracts 704
Total Assets 79,332,043
Liabilities  
Payables for Investment Securities Purchased 3,097,752
Collateral for Securities on Loan 182,518
Payables for Capital Shares Redeemed 29,024
Payables to Vanguard 2,892
Unrealized Depreciation—Over-the-Counter Swap Contracts 218
Total Liabilities 3,312,404
Net Assets 76,019,639
1 Includes $181,532,000 of securities on loan.  
At February 29, 2024, net assets consisted of:  
   
Paid-in Capital 51,468,021
Total Distributable Earnings (Loss) 24,551,618
Net Assets 76,019,639
 
ETF Shares—Net Assets  
Applicable to 124,878,298 outstanding $.001 par value shares of
beneficial interest (unlimited authorization)
64,726,501
Net Asset Value Per Share—ETF Shares $518.32
 
Admiral Shares—Net Assets  
Applicable to 42,551,804 outstanding $.001 par value shares of
beneficial interest (unlimited authorization)
11,293,138
Net Asset Value Per Share—Admiral Shares $265.40
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
91

 

Information Technology Index Fund
Statement of Operations
  Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
  ($000)
Investment Income  
Income  
Dividends1 248,246
Interest2 2,888
Securities Lending—Net 2,977
Total Income 254,111
Expenses  
The Vanguard Group—Note B  
Investment Advisory Services 736
Management and Administrative—
ETF Shares
25,310
Management and Administrative—
Admiral Shares
4,339
Marketing and Distribution—
ETF Shares
1,398
Marketing and Distribution—
Admiral Shares
251
Custodian Fees 121
Shareholders’ Reports—ETF Shares 502
Shareholders’ Reports—Admiral Shares 26
Trustees’ Fees and Expenses 25
Other Expenses 9
Total Expenses 32,717
Expenses Paid Indirectly (42)
Net Expenses 32,675
Net Investment Income 221,436
Realized Net Gain (Loss)  
Investment Securities Sold2,3 5,344,833
Futures Contracts 8,622
Swap Contracts 9,199
Realized Net Gain (Loss) 5,362,654
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)  
Investment Securities2 5,220,838
Futures Contracts (813)
Swap Contracts (218)
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 5,219,807
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations 10,803,897
1 Dividends are net of foreign withholding taxes of $450,000.
2 Interest income, realized net gain (loss), capital gain distributions received, and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from an affiliated company of the fund were $2,778,000, $18,000, $1,000, and ($13,000), respectively. Purchases and sales are for temporary cash investment purposes.
3 Includes $5,701,290,000 of net gain (loss) resulting from in-kind redemptions.
  
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
  Six Months Ended
February 29,
2024
  Year Ended
August 31,
2023
  ($000)   ($000)
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets      
Operations      
Net Investment Income 221,436   431,970
Realized Net Gain (Loss) 5,362,654   7,734,242
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 5,219,807   5,504,560
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations 10,803,897   13,670,772
Distributions      
ETF Shares (203,307)   (377,208)
Admiral Shares (33,965)   (55,088)
Total Distributions (237,272)   (432,296)
Capital Share Transactions      
ETF Shares 2,050,296   (1,393,287)
Admiral Shares 966,784   1,038,391
Net Increase (Decrease) from Capital Share Transactions 3,017,080   (354,896)
Total Increase (Decrease) 13,583,705   12,883,580
Net Assets      
Beginning of Period 62,435,934   49,552,354
End of Period 76,019,639   62,435,934
  
 
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
92

 

Information Technology Index Fund
Financial Highlights
ETF Shares            
For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period 
Six Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
Year Ended August 31,
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $444.81 $349.23 $426.48 $328.54 $213.66 $202.82
Investment Operations            
Net Investment Income1 1.553 3.090 3.003 2.634 2.926 2.572
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments 73.633 95.573 (77.272) 97.919 114.955 10.792
Total from Investment Operations 75.186 98.663 (74.269) 100.553 117.881 13.364
Distributions            
Dividends from Net Investment Income (1.676) (3.083) (2.981) (2.613) (3.001) (2.524)
Distributions from Realized Capital Gains
Total Distributions (1.676) (3.083) (2.981) (2.613) (3.001) (2.524)
Net Asset Value, End of Period $518.32 $444.81 $349.23 $426.48 $328.54 $213.66
Total Return 16.97% 28.47% -17.50% 30.80% 55.72% 6.70%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions) $64,727 $53,653 $43,558 $51,238 $38,711 $20,738
Ratio of Total Expenses to Average Net Assets 0.10%2 0.10%2 0.10%2 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 0.68% 0.83% 0.76% 0.73% 1.17% 1.32%
Portfolio Turnover Rate3 8% 15% 6% 4% 5% 5%
The expense ratio and net investment income ratio for the current period have been annualized.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
2 The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period net of reduction from custody fee offset arrangements was 0.10%.
3 Excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind purchases or redemptions of the fund’s capital shares, including ETF Creation Units.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
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Information Technology Index Fund
Financial Highlights
Admiral Shares            
For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period 
Six Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
Year Ended August 31,
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $227.76 $178.82 $218.38 $168.23 $109.40 $103.86
Investment Operations            
Net Investment Income1 .797 1.591 1.538 1.353 1.504 1.326
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments 37.702 48.931 (39.572) 50.136 58.864 5.509
Total from Investment Operations 38.499 50.522 (38.034) 51.489 60.368 6.835
Distributions            
Dividends from Net Investment Income (.859) (1.582) (1.526) (1.339) (1.538) (1.295)
Distributions from Realized Capital Gains
Total Distributions (.859) (1.582) (1.526) (1.339) (1.538) (1.295)
Net Asset Value, End of Period $265.40 $227.76 $178.82 $218.38 $168.23 $109.40
Total Return2 16.97% 28.47% -17.50% 30.81% 55.78% 6.70%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions) $11,293 $8,783 $5,994 $7,301 $5,149 $2,470
Ratio of Total Expenses to Average Net Assets 0.10%3 0.10%3 0.10%3 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 0.68% 0.83% 0.75% 0.73% 1.17% 1.32%
Portfolio Turnover Rate4 8% 15% 6% 4% 5% 5%
The expense ratio and net investment income ratio for the current period have been annualized.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
2 Total returns do not include account service fees that may have applied in the periods shown. Fund prospectuses provide information about any applicable account service fees.
3 The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period net of reduction from custody fee offset arrangements was 0.10%.
4 Excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind purchases or redemptions of the fund’s capital shares, including ETF Creation Units.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
94

 

Information Technology Index Fund
Notes to Financial Statements
Vanguard Information Technology Index Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end investment company, or mutual fund. The fund offers two classes of shares: ETF Shares and Admiral Shares. Each of the share classes has different eligibility and minimum purchase requirements, and is designed for different types of investors. ETF Shares are listed for trading on NYSE Arca; they can be purchased and sold through a broker.
A. The following significant accounting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles for U.S. investment companies. The fund consistently follows such policies in preparing its financial statements.
1. Security Valuation: Securities are valued as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m., Eastern time) on the valuation date. Equity securities are valued at the latest quoted sales prices or official closing prices taken from the primary market in which each security trades; such securities not traded on the valuation date are valued at the mean of the latest quoted bid and asked prices. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available, or whose values have been affected by events occurring before the fund’s pricing time but after the close of the securities’ primary markets, are valued by methods deemed by the valuation designee to represent fair value and subject to oversight by the board of trustees. Investments in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund are valued at that fund's net asset value. 
2. Futures Contracts: The fund uses index futures contracts to a limited extent, with the objectives of maintaining full exposure to the stock market, maintaining liquidity, and minimizing transaction costs. The fund may purchase futures contracts to immediately invest incoming cash in the market, or sell futures in response to cash outflows, thereby simulating a fully invested position in the underlying index while maintaining a cash balance for liquidity. The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are imperfect correlation between changes in market values of stocks held by the fund and the prices of futures contracts, and the possibility of an illiquid market. Counterparty risk involving futures is mitigated because a regulated clearinghouse is the counterparty instead of the clearing broker. To further mitigate counterparty risk, the fund trades futures contracts on an exchange, monitors the financial strength of its clearing brokers and clearinghouse, and has entered into clearing agreements with its clearing brokers. The clearinghouse imposes initial margin requirements to secure the fund’s performance and requires daily settlement of variation margin representing changes in the market value of each contract. Any securities pledged as initial margin for open contracts are noted in the Schedule of Investments.
Futures contracts are valued at their quoted daily settlement prices. The notional amounts of the contracts are not recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Fluctuations in the value of the contracts are recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset (liability) and in the Statement of Operations as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) until the contracts are closed, when they are recorded as realized gains (losses) on futures contracts.
During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund’s average investments in long and short futures contracts represented less than 1% and 0% of net assets, respectively, based on the average of the notional amounts at each quarter-end during the period.
3.  Swap Contracts: The fund has entered into equity swap contracts to earn the total return on selected reference stocks or indexes in the fund’s target index. Under the terms of the swaps, the fund receives the total return on the referenced stock (i.e., receiving the increase or paying the decrease in value of the selected reference stock and receiving the equivalent of any dividends in respect of the selected referenced stock) over a specified period of time, applied to a notional amount that represents the value of a designated number of shares of the selected reference stock at the beginning of the equity swap contract. The fund also pays a floating rate that is based on short-term interest rates, applied to the notional amount. At the same time, the fund generally invests an amount approximating the notional amount of the swap in high-quality temporary cash investments.
A risk associated with all types of swaps is the possibility that a counterparty may default on its obligation to pay net amounts due to the fund. The fund’s maximum amount subject to counterparty risk is the unrealized appreciation on the swap contract. The fund mitigates its counterparty risk by entering into swaps only with a diverse group of prequalified counterparties, monitoring their financial strength, entering into master netting arrangements with its counterparties, and requiring its counterparties to transfer collateral as security for their performance. In the absence of a default, the collateral pledged or received by the fund cannot be repledged, resold, or rehypothecated. In the event of a counterparty’s default (including bankruptcy), the fund may terminate any swap contracts with that counterparty, determine the net amount owed by either party in accordance with its master netting arrangements, and sell or retain any collateral held up to the net amount owed to the fund under the master netting arrangements. The swap contracts contain provisions whereby a
95

 

Information Technology Index Fund
counterparty may terminate open contracts if the fund’s net assets decline below a certain level, triggering a payment by the fund if the fund is in a net liability position at the time of the termination. The payment amount would be reduced by any collateral the fund has pledged. Any securities pledged as collateral for open contracts are noted in the Schedule of Investments. The value of collateral received or pledged is compared daily to the value of the swap contracts exposure with each counterparty, and any difference, if in excess of a specified minimum transfer amount, is adjusted and settled within two business days.
The notional amounts of swap contracts are not recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Swaps are valued daily based on market quotations received from independent pricing services or recognized dealers and the change in value is recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset (liability) and in the Statement of Operations as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) until periodic payments are made or the termination of the swap, at which time realized gain (loss) is recorded.
During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund’s average amounts of investments in total return swaps represented less than 1% of net assets, based on the average of notional amounts at each quarter-end during the period.
4. Federal Income Taxes: The fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute virtually all of its taxable income. The fund’s tax returns are open to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return. Management has analyzed the fund’s tax positions taken for all open federal and state income tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the fund’s financial statements.
5. Distributions: Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions are determined on a tax basis at the fiscal year-end and may differ from net investment income and realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes.
6. Securities Lending: To earn additional income, the fund lends its securities to qualified institutional borrowers. Security loans are subject to termination by the fund at any time, and are required to be secured at all times by collateral in an amount at least equal to the market value of securities loaned. Daily market fluctuations could cause the value of loaned securities to be more or less than the value of the collateral received. When this occurs, the collateral is adjusted and settled before the opening of the market on the next business day. The fund further mitigates its counterparty risk by entering into securities lending transactions only with a diverse group of prequalified counterparties, monitoring their financial strength, and entering into master securities lending agreements with its counterparties. The master securities lending agreements provide that, in the event of a counterparty’s default (including bankruptcy), the fund may terminate any loans with that borrower, determine the net amount owed, and sell or retain the collateral up to the net amount owed to the fund; however, such actions may be subject to legal proceedings. While collateral mitigates counterparty risk, in the event of a default, the fund may experience delays and costs in recovering the securities loaned. The fund invests cash collateral received in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund, and records a liability in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the return of the collateral, during the period the securities are on loan. Collateral investments in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund are subject to market appreciation or depreciation. Securities lending income represents fees charged to borrowers plus income earned on invested cash collateral, less expenses associated with the loan. During the term of the loan, the fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities.
7. Credit Facilities and Interfund Lending Program: The fund and certain other funds managed by The Vanguard Group ("Vanguard") participate in a $4.3 billion committed credit facility provided by a syndicate of lenders pursuant to a credit agreement and an uncommitted credit facility provided by Vanguard. Both facilities may be renewed annually. Each fund is individually liable for its borrowings, if any, under the credit facilities. Borrowings may be utilized for temporary or emergency purposes and are subject to the fund’s regulatory and contractual borrowing restrictions. With respect to the committed credit facility, the participating funds are charged administrative fees and an annual commitment fee of 0.10% of the undrawn committed amount of the facility, which are allocated to the funds based on a method approved by the fund’s board of trustees and included in Management and Administrative expenses on the fund’s Statement of Operations. Any borrowings under either facility bear interest at an agreed-upon spread plus the higher of the federal funds effective rate, the overnight bank funding rate, or the Daily Simple Secured Overnight Financing Rate inclusive of an additional agreed-upon spread. However, borrowings under the uncommitted credit facility may bear interest based upon an alternate rate agreed to by the fund and Vanguard.
96

 

Information Technology Index Fund
In accordance with an exemptive order (the “Order”) from the SEC, the fund may participate in a joint lending and borrowing program that allows registered open-end Vanguard funds to borrow money from and lend money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes (the “Interfund Lending Program”), subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the Order, and to the extent permitted by the fund’s investment objective and investment policies. Interfund loans and borrowings normally extend overnight but can have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one business day’s notice. The interest rate to be charged is governed by the conditions of the Order and internal procedures adopted by the board of trustees. The board of trustees is responsible for overseeing the Interfund Lending Program. 
For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund did not utilize the credit facilities or the Interfund Lending Program.
8. Other: Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends included in income, if any, are recorded at the fair value of the securities received. Interest income includes income distributions received from Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund and is accrued daily. Security transactions are accounted for on the date securities are bought or sold. Costs used to determine realized gains (losses) on the sale of investment securities are those of the specific securities sold.
Each class of shares has equal rights as to assets and earnings, except that each class separately bears certain class-specific expenses related to maintenance of shareholder accounts (included in Management and Administrative expenses) and shareholder reporting. Marketing and distribution expenses are allocated to each class of shares based on a method approved by the board of trustees. Income, other non-class-specific expenses, and gains and losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
B. In accordance with the terms of a Funds' Service Agreement (the “FSA”) between Vanguard and the fund, Vanguard furnishes to the fund investment advisory, corporate management, administrative, marketing, and distribution services at Vanguard’s cost of operations (as defined by the FSA). These costs of operations are allocated to the fund based on methods and guidelines approved by the board of trustees and are generally settled twice a month.
Upon the request of Vanguard, the fund may invest up to 0.40% of its net assets as capital in Vanguard. At February 29, 2024, the fund had contributed to Vanguard capital in the amount of $2,262,000, representing less than 0.01% of the fund’s net assets and 0.90% of Vanguard’s capital received pursuant to the FSA. The fund’s trustees and officers are also directors and employees, respectively, of Vanguard.
C. The fund’s custodian bank has agreed to reduce its fees when the fund maintains cash on deposit in the non-interest-bearing custody account. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, custodian fee offset arrangements reduced the fund’s expenses by $42,000 (an annual rate of less than 0.01% of average net assets).
D. Various inputs may be used to determine the value of the fund’s investments and derivatives. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels for financial statement purposes. The inputs or methodologies used to value securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2—Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3—Significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments). Any investments and derivatives valued with significant unobservable inputs are noted on the Schedule of Investments.
97

 

Information Technology Index Fund
The following table summarizes the market value of the fund’s investments and derivatives as of February 29, 2024, based on the inputs used to value them:
  Level 1
($000)
Level 2
($000)
Level 3
($000)
Total
($000)
Investments        
Assets        
Common Stocks 75,892,796 75,892,796
Temporary Cash Investments 247,032 247,032
Total 76,139,828 76,139,828
Derivative Financial Instruments        
Assets        
Futures Contracts1 1,089 1,089
Liabilities        
Swap Contracts 218 218
1 Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts and centrally cleared swaps, if any, as reported in the Schedule of Investments. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
E. As of February 29, 2024, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for investments and derivatives based on cost for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:
  Amount
($000)
Tax Cost 54,729,981
Gross Unrealized Appreciation 22,625,313
Gross Unrealized Depreciation (1,214,377)
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 21,410,936
The fund’s tax-basis capital gains and losses are determined only at the end of each fiscal year. For tax purposes, at August 31, 2023, the fund had available capital losses totaling $2,279,389,000 that may be carried forward indefinitely to offset future net capital gains. The fund will use these capital losses to offset net taxable capital gains, if any, realized during the year ending August 31, 2024; should the fund realize net capital losses for the year, the losses will be added to the loss carryforward balance above.
F. During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund purchased $6,234,835,000 of investment securities and sold $5,279,988,000 of investment securities, other than temporary cash investments. In addition, the fund purchased and sold investment securities of $10,581,743,000 and $8,532,791,000, respectively, in connection with in-kind purchases and redemptions of the fund's capital shares.
The fund purchased securities from and sold securities to other Vanguard funds or accounts managed by Vanguard or its affiliates, in accordance with procedures adopted by the board of trustees in compliance with Rule 17a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, such purchases were $2,378,000 and sales were $128,590,000, resulting in net realized gain of $921,000; these amounts, other than temporary cash investments, are included in the purchases and sales of investment securities noted above.
G. Capital share transactions for each class of shares were:
    
  Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
  Year Ended
August 31, 2023
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
ETF Shares          
Issued 10,638,6771 21,7841   16,506,313 41,443
Issued in Lieu of Cash Distributions  
Redeemed (8,588,381)1 (17,525)1   (17,899,600) (45,550)
Net Increase (Decrease)—ETF Shares 2,050,296 4,259   (1,393,287) (4,107)
98

 

Information Technology Index Fund
  Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
  Year Ended
August 31, 2023
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
Admiral Shares          
Issued 1,817,041 7,545   2,150,542 10,897
Issued in Lieu of Cash Distributions 30,963 137   50,075 271
Redeemed (881,220) (3,693)   (1,162,226) (6,126)
Net Increase (Decrease)—Admiral Shares 966,784 3,989   1,038,391 5,042
1 Includes unsettled in-kind transactions as of February 29, 2024 for 9,600,000 issued shares and 9,925,000 redeemed shares valued at $4,944,890,000 and $5,122,229,000, respectively, which settled shortly afterwards.
H. Significant market disruptions, such as those caused by pandemics, natural or environmental disasters, war, acts of terrorism, or other events, can adversely affect local and global markets and normal market operations. Any such disruptions could have an adverse impact on the value of the fund’s investments and fund performance.
To the extent the fund’s investment portfolio reflects concentration in a particular market, industry, sector, country or asset class, the fund may be adversely affected by the performance of these concentrations and may be subject to increased price volatility and other risks.
The use of derivatives may expose the fund to various risks. Derivatives can be highly volatile, and any initial investment is generally small relative to the notional amount so that transactions may be leveraged in terms of market exposure. A relatively small market movement may have a potentially larger impact on derivatives than on standard securities. Leveraged derivatives positions can, therefore, increase volatility. Additional information regarding the fund’s use of derivative(s) and the specific risks associated is described under significant accounting policies.
I. Management has determined that no events or transactions occurred subsequent to February 29, 2024, that would require recognition or disclosure in these financial statements.
99

 

Materials Index Fund
Fund Allocation
As of February 29, 2024
Chemicals 61.3%
Construction Materials 7.1
Containers & Packaging 11.4
Metals & Mining 19.6
Paper & Forest Products 0.6
The table reflects the fund’s investments, except short-term investments and derivatives. Sector categories are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”), except for the “Other” category (if applicable), which includes securities that have not been provided a GICS classification as of the effective reporting period.
The fund may invest in derivatives (such as futures and swap contracts) for various reasons, including, but not limited to, attempting to remain fully invested and tracking its target index as closely as possible.
Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) was developed by and is the exclusive property and a service mark of MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard and Poor’s, a division of McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”), and is licensed for use by Vanguard. Neither MSCI, S&P nor any third party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classification makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such standard or classification (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any such standard or classification. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall MSCI, S&P, any of its affiliates or any third party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classification have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
100

 

Materials Index Fund
Financial Statements (unaudited)
Schedule of Investments
As of February 29, 2024
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
Common Stocks (99.7%)
Chemicals (61.1%)
  Linde plc 1,536,381   689,558
  Sherwin-Williams Co.   770,494   255,827
  Ecolab Inc.   813,137   182,826
  Air Products and Chemicals Inc.   704,139   164,797
  Dow Inc. 2,222,337   124,184
  Corteva Inc. 2,232,938   119,507
  PPG Industries Inc.   747,154   105,797
  DuPont de Nemours Inc. 1,362,417    94,266
  LyondellBasell Industries NV Class A   822,177    82,448
  International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.   808,855    61,069
  Celanese Corp.   327,682    49,798
  CF Industries Holdings Inc.   605,368    48,865
  RPM International Inc.   408,356    47,104
  Albemarle Corp.   324,845    44,780
  Eastman Chemical Co.   375,669    32,961
  Mosaic Co. 1,035,554    32,268
* Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.   697,110    22,816
  FMC Corp.   395,299    22,291
  Olin Corp.   388,351    20,893
* Arcadium Lithium plc 3,403,186    18,683
  Element Solutions Inc.   727,084    17,086
  Westlake Corp.   121,818    16,897
  Balchem Corp.   102,170    16,060
  Cabot Corp.   175,268    14,889
  NewMarket Corp.    22,790    14,624
  Ashland Inc.   152,883    14,316
  HB Fuller Co.   171,191    13,615
  Huntsman Corp.   524,560    13,429
  Avient Corp.   288,857    11,693
  Innospec Inc.    78,801     9,793
  Chemours Co.   470,364     9,252
  Scotts Miracle-Gro Co.   134,701     8,850
  Quaker Chemical Corp.    39,895     7,999
  Sensient Technologies Corp.   113,749     7,608
  Minerals Technologies Inc.   103,126     7,462
  Stepan Co.    70,871     6,322
  Tronox Holdings plc   372,630     5,478
*,1 Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings Inc. 3,335,893     5,071
* Ingevity Corp.   108,647     4,963
  Hawkins Inc.    63,010     4,426
  Orion SA   183,838     4,144
  Koppers Holdings Inc.    66,274     3,752
* Aspen Aerogels Inc.   193,527     3,325
* Ecovyst Inc.   329,040     3,175
  Mativ Holdings Inc.   172,580     2,998
* Perimeter Solutions SA   456,614     2,776
  AdvanSix Inc.    85,347     2,388
*,1 PureCycle Technologies Inc.   336,437     1,948
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
* LSB Industries Inc.   152,518     1,122
  American Vanguard Corp.    88,010       943
  Kronos Worldwide Inc.    73,360       667
* Intrepid Potash Inc.    31,229       658
*,1 Danimer Scientific Inc.   306,727       411
  Trinseo plc    86,711       390
*,1 Origin Materials Inc.   366,649       218
            2,459,486
Construction Materials (7.0%)
  Martin Marietta Materials Inc.   195,846   113,142
  Vulcan Materials Co.   421,030   111,931
  Eagle Materials Inc.   110,555    28,031
* Summit Materials Inc. Class A   378,669    16,173
* Knife River Corp.   170,299    12,617
  United States Lime & Minerals Inc.     7,196     1,835
              283,729
Containers & Packaging (11.4%)
  Ball Corp.   999,058    63,960
  Avery Dennison Corp.   255,181    55,254
  Packaging Corp. of America   283,987    51,456
  Amcor plc 4,579,495    41,490
  International Paper Co. 1,041,508    36,828
  Westrock Co.   812,764    36,810
  Crown Holdings Inc.   382,287    29,291
  AptarGroup Inc.   208,447    29,278
  Graphic Packaging Holding Co.   969,133    25,149
  Berry Global Group Inc.   367,317    21,381
  Sonoco Products Co.   310,376    17,592
  Sealed Air Corp.   457,666    15,959
  Silgan Holdings Inc.   269,944    11,853
* O-I Glass Inc.   489,452     8,282
  Greif Inc. Class A    80,861     5,212
  TriMas Corp.   130,747     3,073
  Pactiv Evergreen Inc.   141,587     2,088
  Myers Industries Inc.    99,976     1,923
* Ranpak Holdings Corp.   138,729       659
              457,538
Metals & Mining (19.6%)
  Freeport-McMoRan Inc. 4,543,614   171,794
  Nucor Corp.   778,928   149,788
  Newmont Corp. (XNYS) 3,651,636   114,114
  Steel Dynamics Inc.   487,059    65,178
  Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.   182,091    58,491
* Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. 1,599,653    33,273
  United States Steel Corp.   495,003    23,433
  Royal Gold Inc.   208,134    21,361
  Commercial Metals Co.   368,384    19,893
* ATI Inc.   404,238    19,880
  Alcoa Corp.   565,503    15,387
  Alpha Metallurgical Resources Inc.    35,746    13,485
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
  Carpenter Technology Corp.   156,236    10,101
  Warrior Met Coal Inc.   164,825     9,390
  Arch Resources Inc.    55,296     9,140
  Materion Corp.    65,404     8,785
* MP Materials Corp.   451,807     6,872
  Hecla Mining Co. 1,864,211     6,599
  Kaiser Aluminum Corp.    50,931     3,694
* Worthington Steel Inc.   103,884     3,289
* Coeur Mining Inc. 1,212,446     3,140
  Ryerson Holding Corp.    97,204     3,070
  SunCoke Energy Inc.   266,897     2,859
* TimkenSteel Corp.   122,658     2,668
  Compass Minerals International Inc.   110,997     2,531
  Haynes International Inc.    40,219     2,390
* Century Aluminum Co.   175,409     1,837
*,1 Ivanhoe Electric Inc.   227,724     1,685
  Radius Recycling Inc.    83,206     1,644
  Ramaco Resources Inc. Class A    83,463     1,467
* Piedmont Lithium Inc.    57,687       840
* 5e Advanced Materials Inc.    97,959       177
              788,255
Paper & Forest Products (0.6%)
  Louisiana-Pacific Corp.   205,677    15,214
  Sylvamo Corp.   118,386     7,152
* Clearwater Paper Corp.    52,748     2,072
  Mercer International Inc.   125,593     1,153
               25,591
Total Common Stocks (Cost $3,748,877) 4,014,599
Temporary Cash Investments (0.4%)
Money Market Fund (0.4%)
2,3 Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund, 5.400% (Cost$17,461)   174,635          17,462
Total Investments (100.1%) (Cost $3,766,338) 4,032,061
Other Assets and Liabilities—Net (-0.1%) (3,293)
Net Assets (100.0%) 4,028,768
Cost is in $000.
See Note A in Notes to Financial Statements.
* Non-income-producing security.
1 Includes partial security positions on loan to broker-dealers. The total value of securities on loan is $6,472,000.
2 Affiliated money market fund available only to Vanguard funds and certain trusts and accounts managed by Vanguard. Rate shown is the 7-day yield.
3 Collateral of $7,958,000 was received for securities on loan.
101

 

Materials Index Fund

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Over-the-Counter Total Return Swaps
Reference Entity Termination
Date
Counterparty Notional
Amount
($000)
Floating
Interest Rate
Received
(Paid)1
(%)
Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
($000)
Value and
Unrealized
(Depreciation)
($000)
Albemarle Corp. 1/31/25 CITNA 6,479 (5.326) (23)
United States Steel Corp. 8/30/24 BANA 10,036 (5.326) (32)
          (55)
1 Based on Overnight Bank Funding Rate as of the most recent reset date. Floating interest payment received/paid monthly.
  BANA—Bank of America, N.A.
  CITNA—Citibank, N.A.
At February 29, 2024, the counterparties had deposited in segregated accounts securities with a value of $382,000 and cash of $260,000 in connection with open over-the-counter swap contracts.
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
102

 

Materials Index Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
As of February 29, 2024
($000s, except shares, footnotes, and per-share amounts) Amount
Assets  
Investments in Securities, at Value1  
Unaffiliated Issuers (Cost $3,748,877) 4,014,599
Affiliated Issuers (Cost $17,461) 17,462
Total Investments in Securities 4,032,061
Investment in Vanguard 120
Receivables for Investment Securities Sold 14,875
Receivables for Accrued Income 6,198
Receivables for Capital Shares Issued 435
Total Assets 4,053,689
Liabilities  
Due to Custodian 21
Payables for Investment Securities Purchased 13,968
Collateral for Securities on Loan 7,958
Payables for Capital Shares Redeemed 2,767
Payables to Vanguard 152
Unrealized Depreciation—Over-the-Counter Swap Contracts 55
Total Liabilities 24,921
Net Assets 4,028,768
1 Includes $6,472,000 of securities on loan.  
At February 29, 2024, net assets consisted of:  
   
Paid-in Capital 3,842,412
Total Distributable Earnings (Loss) 186,356
Net Assets 4,028,768
 
ETF Shares—Net Assets  
Applicable to 14,925,712 outstanding $.001 par value shares of
beneficial interest (unlimited authorization)
2,882,104
Net Asset Value Per Share—ETF Shares $193.10
 
Admiral Shares—Net Assets  
Applicable to 11,655,292 outstanding $.001 par value shares of
beneficial interest (unlimited authorization)
1,146,664
Net Asset Value Per Share—Admiral Shares $98.38
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
103

 

Materials Index Fund
Statement of Operations
  Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
  ($000)
Investment Income  
Income  
Dividends1 35,071
Interest2 297
Securities Lending—Net 76
Total Income 35,444
Expenses  
The Vanguard Group—Note B  
Investment Advisory Services 41
Management and Administrative—
ETF Shares
1,161
Management and Administrative—
Admiral Shares
482
Marketing and Distribution—
ETF Shares
57
Marketing and Distribution—
Admiral Shares
29
Custodian Fees 10
Shareholders’ Reports—ETF Shares 89
Shareholders’ Reports—Admiral Shares 4
Trustees’ Fees and Expenses 1
Other Expenses 9
Total Expenses 1,883
Expenses Paid Indirectly (3)
Net Expenses 1,880
Net Investment Income 33,564
Realized Net Gain (Loss)  
Investment Securities Sold2,3 90,540
Swap Contracts 255
Realized Net Gain (Loss) 90,795
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)  
Investment Securities2 93,391
Swap Contracts (13)
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 93,378
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations 217,737
1 Dividends are net of foreign withholding taxes of $1,000.
2 Interest income, realized net gain (loss), capital gain distributions received, and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from an affiliated company of the fund were $297,000, ($1,000), less than $1,000, and ($1,000), respectively. Purchases and sales are for temporary cash investment purposes.
3 Includes $110,656,000 of net gain (loss) resulting from in-kind redemptions.
  
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
  Six Months Ended
February 29,
2024
  Year Ended
August 31,
2023
  ($000)   ($000)
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets      
Operations      
Net Investment Income 33,564   72,647
Realized Net Gain (Loss) 90,795   99,739
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 93,378   247,690
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations 217,737   420,076
Distributions      
ETF Shares (27,007)   (53,383)
Admiral Shares (10,347)   (19,101)
Total Distributions (37,354)   (72,484)
Capital Share Transactions      
ETF Shares (304,521)   (71,615)
Admiral Shares 17,793   (24,601)
Net Increase (Decrease) from Capital Share Transactions (286,728)   (96,216)
Total Increase (Decrease) (106,345)   251,376
Net Assets      
Beginning of Period 4,135,113   3,883,737
End of Period 4,028,768   4,135,113
  
 
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
104

 

Materials Index Fund
Financial Highlights
ETF Shares            
For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period 
Six Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
Year Ended August 31,
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $182.61 $166.09 $187.02 $134.84 $122.80 $134.33
Investment Operations            
Net Investment Income1 1.590 3.253 3.213 2.801 2.522 2.501
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments 10.651 16.513 (20.893) 52.014 12.053 (11.541)
Total from Investment Operations 12.241 19.766 (17.680) 54.815 14.575 (9.040)
Distributions            
Dividends from Net Investment Income (1.751) (3.246) (3.250) (2.635) (2.535) (2.490)
Distributions from Realized Capital Gains
Total Distributions (1.751) (3.246) (3.250) (2.635) (2.535) (2.490)
Net Asset Value, End of Period $193.10 $182.61 $166.09 $187.02 $134.84 $122.80
Total Return 6.77% 12.09% -9.55% 41.00% 12.12% -6.73%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions) $2,882 $3,070 $2,889 $3,924 $1,676 $1,921
Ratio of Total Expenses to Average Net Assets 0.10%2 0.10%2 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 1.77% 1.87% 1.76% 1.66% 2.05% 2.04%
Portfolio Turnover Rate3 3% 5% 4% 5% 4% 4%
The expense ratio and net investment income ratio for the current period have been annualized.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
2 The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period net of reduction from custody fee offset arrangements was 0.10%.
3 Excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind purchases or redemptions of the fund’s capital shares, including ETF Creation Units.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
105

 

Materials Index Fund
Financial Highlights
Admiral Shares            
For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period 
Six Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
Year Ended August 31,
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $93.04 $84.62 $95.29 $68.70 $62.57 $68.45
Investment Operations            
Net Investment Income1 .810 1.654 1.652 1.424 1.294 1.282
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments 5.423 8.420 (10.665) 26.507 6.130 (5.892)
Total from Investment Operations 6.233 10.074 (9.013) 27.931 7.424 (4.610)
Distributions            
Dividends from Net Investment Income (.893) (1.654) (1.657) (1.341) (1.294) (1.270)
Distributions from Realized Capital Gains
Total Distributions (.893) (1.654) (1.657) (1.341) (1.294) (1.270)
Net Asset Value, End of Period $98.38 $93.04 $84.62 $95.29 $68.70 $62.57
Total Return2 6.78% 12.10% -9.56% 41.04% 12.14% -6.74%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions) $1,147 $1,065 $994 $1,078 $583 $482
Ratio of Total Expenses to Average Net Assets 0.10%3 0.10%3 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 1.77% 1.86% 1.78% 1.67% 2.08% 2.04%
Portfolio Turnover Rate4 3% 5% 4% 5% 4% 4%
The expense ratio and net investment income ratio for the current period have been annualized.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
2 Total returns do not include account service fees that may have applied in the periods shown. Fund prospectuses provide information about any applicable account service fees.
3 The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period net of reduction from custody fee offset arrangements was 0.10%.
4 Excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind purchases or redemptions of the fund’s capital shares, including ETF Creation Units.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
106

 

Materials Index Fund
Notes to Financial Statements
Vanguard Materials Index Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end investment company, or mutual fund. The fund offers two classes of shares: ETF Shares and Admiral Shares. Each of the share classes has different eligibility and minimum purchase requirements, and is designed for different types of investors. ETF Shares are listed for trading on NYSE Arca; they can be purchased and sold through a broker.
A. The following significant accounting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles for U.S. investment companies. The fund consistently follows such policies in preparing its financial statements.
1. Security Valuation: Securities are valued as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m., Eastern time) on the valuation date. Equity securities are valued at the latest quoted sales prices or official closing prices taken from the primary market in which each security trades; such securities not traded on the valuation date are valued at the mean of the latest quoted bid and asked prices. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available, or whose values have been affected by events occurring before the fund’s pricing time but after the close of the securities’ primary markets, are valued by methods deemed by the valuation designee to represent fair value and subject to oversight by the board of trustees. Investments in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund are valued at that fund's net asset value. 
2.  Swap Contracts: The fund has entered into equity swap contracts to earn the total return on selected reference stocks or indexes in the fund’s target index. Under the terms of the swaps, the fund receives the total return on the referenced stock (i.e., receiving the increase or paying the decrease in value of the selected reference stock and receiving the equivalent of any dividends in respect of the selected referenced stock) over a specified period of time, applied to a notional amount that represents the value of a designated number of shares of the selected reference stock at the beginning of the equity swap contract. The fund also pays a floating rate that is based on short-term interest rates, applied to the notional amount. At the same time, the fund generally invests an amount approximating the notional amount of the swap in high-quality temporary cash investments.
A risk associated with all types of swaps is the possibility that a counterparty may default on its obligation to pay net amounts due to the fund. The fund’s maximum amount subject to counterparty risk is the unrealized appreciation on the swap contract. The fund mitigates its counterparty risk by entering into swaps only with a diverse group of prequalified counterparties, monitoring their financial strength, entering into master netting arrangements with its counterparties, and requiring its counterparties to transfer collateral as security for their performance. In the absence of a default, the collateral pledged or received by the fund cannot be repledged, resold, or rehypothecated. In the event of a counterparty’s default (including bankruptcy), the fund may terminate any swap contracts with that counterparty, determine the net amount owed by either party in accordance with its master netting arrangements, and sell or retain any collateral held up to the net amount owed to the fund under the master netting arrangements. The swap contracts contain provisions whereby a counterparty may terminate open contracts if the fund’s net assets decline below a certain level, triggering a payment by the fund if the fund is in a net liability position at the time of the termination. The payment amount would be reduced by any collateral the fund has pledged. Any securities pledged as collateral for open contracts are noted in the Schedule of Investments. The value of collateral received or pledged is compared daily to the value of the swap contracts exposure with each counterparty, and any difference, if in excess of a specified minimum transfer amount, is adjusted and settled within two business days.
The notional amounts of swap contracts are not recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Swaps are valued daily based on market quotations received from independent pricing services or recognized dealers and the change in value is recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset (liability) and in the Statement of Operations as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) until periodic payments are made or the termination of the swap, at which time realized gain (loss) is recorded.
During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund’s average amounts of investments in total return swaps represented less than 1% of net assets, based on the average of notional amounts at each quarter-end during the period.
3. Federal Income Taxes: The fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute virtually all of its taxable income. The fund’s tax returns are open to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return. Management has analyzed the fund’s tax positions taken for all open federal and state income tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the fund’s financial statements.
107

 

Materials Index Fund
4. Distributions: Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions are determined on a tax basis at the fiscal year-end and may differ from net investment income and realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes.
5. Securities Lending: To earn additional income, the fund lends its securities to qualified institutional borrowers. Security loans are subject to termination by the fund at any time, and are required to be secured at all times by collateral in an amount at least equal to the market value of securities loaned. Daily market fluctuations could cause the value of loaned securities to be more or less than the value of the collateral received. When this occurs, the collateral is adjusted and settled before the opening of the market on the next business day. The fund further mitigates its counterparty risk by entering into securities lending transactions only with a diverse group of prequalified counterparties, monitoring their financial strength, and entering into master securities lending agreements with its counterparties. The master securities lending agreements provide that, in the event of a counterparty’s default (including bankruptcy), the fund may terminate any loans with that borrower, determine the net amount owed, and sell or retain the collateral up to the net amount owed to the fund; however, such actions may be subject to legal proceedings. While collateral mitigates counterparty risk, in the event of a default, the fund may experience delays and costs in recovering the securities loaned. The fund invests cash collateral received in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund, and records a liability in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the return of the collateral, during the period the securities are on loan. Collateral investments in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund are subject to market appreciation or depreciation. Securities lending income represents fees charged to borrowers plus income earned on invested cash collateral, less expenses associated with the loan. During the term of the loan, the fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities.
6. Credit Facilities and Interfund Lending Program: The fund and certain other funds managed by The Vanguard Group ("Vanguard") participate in a $4.3 billion committed credit facility provided by a syndicate of lenders pursuant to a credit agreement and an uncommitted credit facility provided by Vanguard. Both facilities may be renewed annually. Each fund is individually liable for its borrowings, if any, under the credit facilities. Borrowings may be utilized for temporary or emergency purposes and are subject to the fund’s regulatory and contractual borrowing restrictions. With respect to the committed credit facility, the participating funds are charged administrative fees and an annual commitment fee of 0.10% of the undrawn committed amount of the facility, which are allocated to the funds based on a method approved by the fund’s board of trustees and included in Management and Administrative expenses on the fund’s Statement of Operations. Any borrowings under either facility bear interest at an agreed-upon spread plus the higher of the federal funds effective rate, the overnight bank funding rate, or the Daily Simple Secured Overnight Financing Rate inclusive of an additional agreed-upon spread. However, borrowings under the uncommitted credit facility may bear interest based upon an alternate rate agreed to by the fund and Vanguard.
In accordance with an exemptive order (the “Order”) from the SEC, the fund may participate in a joint lending and borrowing program that allows registered open-end Vanguard funds to borrow money from and lend money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes (the “Interfund Lending Program”), subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the Order, and to the extent permitted by the fund’s investment objective and investment policies. Interfund loans and borrowings normally extend overnight but can have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one business day’s notice. The interest rate to be charged is governed by the conditions of the Order and internal procedures adopted by the board of trustees. The board of trustees is responsible for overseeing the Interfund Lending Program. 
For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund did not utilize the credit facilities or the Interfund Lending Program.
7. Other: Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends included in income, if any, are recorded at the fair value of the securities received. Interest income includes income distributions received from Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund and is accrued daily. Security transactions are accounted for on the date securities are bought or sold. Costs used to determine realized gains (losses) on the sale of investment securities are those of the specific securities sold.
Each class of shares has equal rights as to assets and earnings, except that each class separately bears certain class-specific expenses related to maintenance of shareholder accounts (included in Management and Administrative expenses) and shareholder reporting. Marketing and distribution expenses are allocated to each class of shares based on a method approved by the board of trustees. Income, other non-class-specific expenses, and gains and losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
108

 

Materials Index Fund
B. In accordance with the terms of a Funds' Service Agreement (the “FSA”) between Vanguard and the fund, Vanguard furnishes to the fund investment advisory, corporate management, administrative, marketing, and distribution services at Vanguard’s cost of operations (as defined by the FSA). These costs of operations are allocated to the fund based on methods and guidelines approved by the board of trustees and are generally settled twice a month.
Upon the request of Vanguard, the fund may invest up to 0.40% of its net assets as capital in Vanguard. At February 29, 2024, the fund had contributed to Vanguard capital in the amount of $120,000, representing less than 0.01% of the fund’s net assets and 0.05% of Vanguard’s capital received pursuant to the FSA. The fund’s trustees and officers are also directors and employees, respectively, of Vanguard.
C. The fund’s custodian bank has agreed to reduce its fees when the fund maintains cash on deposit in the non-interest-bearing custody account. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, custodian fee offset arrangements reduced the fund’s expenses by $3,000 (an annual rate of less than 0.01% of average net assets).
D. Various inputs may be used to determine the value of the fund’s investments and derivatives. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels for financial statement purposes. The inputs or methodologies used to value securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2—Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3—Significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments). Any investments and derivatives valued with significant unobservable inputs are noted on the Schedule of Investments.
The following table summarizes the market value of the fund’s investments and derivatives as of February 29, 2024, based on the inputs used to value them:
  Level 1
($000)
Level 2
($000)
Level 3
($000)
Total
($000)
Investments        
Assets        
Common Stocks 4,014,599 4,014,599
Temporary Cash Investments 17,462 17,462
Total 4,032,061 4,032,061
Derivative Financial Instruments        
Liabilities        
Swap Contracts 55 55
E. As of February 29, 2024, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for investments and derivatives based on cost for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:
  Amount
($000)
Tax Cost 3,779,419
Gross Unrealized Appreciation 733,974
Gross Unrealized Depreciation (481,332)
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 252,642
The fund’s tax-basis capital gains and losses are determined only at the end of each fiscal year. For tax purposes, at August 31, 2023, the fund had available capital losses totaling $168,286,000 that may be carried forward indefinitely to offset future net capital gains. The fund will use these capital losses to offset net taxable capital gains, if any, realized during the year ending August 31, 2024; should the fund realize net capital losses for the year, the losses will be added to the loss carryforward balance above.
F. During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund purchased $154,195,000 of investment securities and sold $131,781,000 of investment securities, other than temporary cash investments. In addition, the fund purchased and sold investment securities of $220,665,000 and $530,108,000, respectively, in connection with in-kind purchases and redemptions of the fund's capital shares.
109

 

Materials Index Fund
The fund purchased securities from and sold securities to other Vanguard funds or accounts managed by Vanguard or its affiliates, in accordance with procedures adopted by the board of trustees in compliance with Rule 17a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, such purchases were $243,000 and sales were $1,155,000, resulting in net realized gain of $75,000; these amounts, other than temporary cash investments, are included in the purchases and sales of investment securities noted above.
G. Capital share transactions for each class of shares were:
    
  Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
  Year Ended
August 31, 2023
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
ETF Shares          
Issued 225,705 1,227   492,462 2,743
Issued in Lieu of Cash Distributions  
Redeemed (530,226) (3,115)   (564,077) (3,325)
Net Increase (Decrease)—ETF Shares (304,521) (1,888)   (71,615) (582)
Admiral Shares          
Issued 123,786 1,363   237,053 2,655
Issued in Lieu of Cash Distributions 9,491 104   17,073 200
Redeemed (115,484) (1,256)   (278,727) (3,163)
Net Increase (Decrease)—Admiral Shares 17,793 211   (24,601) (308)
H. Significant market disruptions, such as those caused by pandemics, natural or environmental disasters, war, acts of terrorism, or other events, can adversely affect local and global markets and normal market operations. Any such disruptions could have an adverse impact on the value of the fund’s investments and fund performance.
To the extent the fund’s investment portfolio reflects concentration in a particular market, industry, sector, country or asset class, the fund may be adversely affected by the performance of these concentrations and may be subject to increased price volatility and other risks.
The use of derivatives may expose the fund to various risks. Derivatives can be highly volatile, and any initial investment is generally small relative to the notional amount so that transactions may be leveraged in terms of market exposure. A relatively small market movement may have a potentially larger impact on derivatives than on standard securities. Leveraged derivatives positions can, therefore, increase volatility. Additional information regarding the fund’s use of derivative(s) and the specific risks associated is described under significant accounting policies.
I. Management has determined that no events or transactions occurred subsequent to February 29, 2024, that would require recognition or disclosure in these financial statements.
110

 

Utilities Index Fund
Fund Allocation
As of February 29, 2024
Electric Utilities 61.9%
Gas Utilities 4.3
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers 3.8
Multi-Utilities 26.0
Water Utilities 4.0
The table reflects the fund’s investments, except short-term investments and derivatives. Sector categories are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”), except for the “Other” category (if applicable), which includes securities that have not been provided a GICS classification as of the effective reporting period.
The fund may invest in derivatives (such as futures and swap contracts) for various reasons, including, but not limited to, attempting to remain fully invested and tracking its target index as closely as possible.
Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) was developed by and is the exclusive property and a service mark of MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard and Poor’s, a division of McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”), and is licensed for use by Vanguard. Neither MSCI, S&P nor any third party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classification makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such standard or classification (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any such standard or classification. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall MSCI, S&P, any of its affiliates or any third party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classification have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
111

 

Utilities Index Fund
Financial Statements (unaudited)
Schedule of Investments
As of February 29, 2024
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
Common Stocks (99.6%)
Electric Utilities (61.7%)
  NextEra Energy Inc. 12,429,669   685,993
  Southern Co.  6,607,178   444,333
  Duke Energy Corp.  4,669,110   428,764
  Constellation Energy Corp.  1,934,873   325,929
  American Electric Power Co. Inc.  3,185,892   271,406
  Exelon Corp.  6,030,549   216,135
  PG&E Corp. 11,179,016   186,578
  Xcel Energy Inc.  3,343,002   176,143
  Edison International  2,323,741   158,061
  Entergy Corp.  1,281,139   130,125
  Eversource Energy  2,116,296   124,227
  FirstEnergy Corp.  3,302,466   120,903
  PPL Corp.  4,465,644   117,759
  NRG Energy Inc.  1,367,726    75,663
  Alliant Energy Corp.  1,545,932    73,818
  Evergy Inc.  1,391,683    68,944
  Pinnacle West Capital Corp.    686,984    46,942
  OGE Energy Corp.  1,213,375    39,932
  IDACORP Inc.    306,634    27,018
  Portland General Electric Co.    612,631    24,609
  Otter Tail Corp.    227,425    20,573
  ALLETE Inc.    348,207    19,722
  PNM Resources Inc.    494,001    18,036
  Avangrid Inc.    468,630    14,589
  MGE Energy Inc.    219,088    13,844
  Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.    667,451     8,130
             3,838,176
Gas Utilities (4.3%)
  Atmos Energy Corp.    913,778   103,175
  UGI Corp.  1,269,182    31,069
  National Fuel Gas Co.    528,501    25,759
  New Jersey Resources Corp.    592,400    24,650
  Southwest Gas Holdings Inc.    346,586    23,620
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
  ONE Gas Inc.    335,945    20,022
  Spire Inc.    322,469    19,129
  Chesapeake Utilities Corp.    131,201    13,386
  Northwest Natural Holding Co.    222,910     8,190
               269,000
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers (3.8%)
  Vistra Corp.  2,057,851   112,235
  AES Corp.  4,056,797    61,663
  Ormat Technologies Inc. (XNYS)    329,087    21,440
  NextEra Energy Partners LP    566,038    15,549
  Clearway Energy Inc. Class C    498,833    10,875
*,1 Sunnova Energy International Inc.    666,936     4,855
  Clearway Energy Inc. Class A    199,577     4,044
* Altus Power Inc.    385,302     2,624
* Montauk Renewables Inc.    304,777     1,731
               235,016
Multi-Utilities (25.9%)
  Sempra  3,812,602   269,170
  Dominion Energy Inc.  5,069,489   242,474
  Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.  3,018,879   188,378
  Consolidated Edison Inc.  2,091,394   182,390
  WEC Energy Group Inc.  1,910,967   149,992
  DTE Energy Co.  1,249,559   135,390
  Ameren Corp.  1,592,976   113,404
  CMS Energy Corp.  1,767,564   101,405
  CenterPoint Energy Inc.  3,538,088    97,297
  NiSource Inc.  2,710,006    70,623
  Black Hills Corp.    411,918    21,432
  Northwestern Energy Group Inc.    371,017    17,779
  Avista Corp.    468,715    15,561
    Shares Market
Value

($000)
  Unitil Corp.     97,468     4,967
             1,610,262
Water Utilities (3.9%)
  American Water Works Co. Inc.  1,179,579   139,827
  Essential Utilities Inc.  1,572,978    54,708
  California Water Service Group    349,639    16,045
  American States Water Co.    224,046    15,999
  SJW Group    183,821    10,121
  Middlesex Water Co.    107,788     5,486
  York Water Co.     86,704     3,069
               245,255
Total Common Stocks (Cost $6,618,700) 6,197,709
Temporary Cash Investments (0.1%)
Money Market Fund (0.1%)
2,3 Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund, 5.400% (Cost$5,097)     50,983          5,098
Total Investments (99.7%) (Cost $6,623,797) 6,202,807
Other Assets and Liabilities—Net (0.3%) 20,533
Net Assets (100.0%) 6,223,340
Cost is in $000.
See Note A in Notes to Financial Statements.
* Non-income-producing security.
1 Includes partial security positions on loan to broker-dealers. The total value of securities on loan is $1,149,000.
2 Affiliated money market fund available only to Vanguard funds and certain trusts and accounts managed by Vanguard. Rate shown is the 7-day yield.
3 Collateral of $1,105,000 was received for securities on loan.

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Over-the-Counter Total Return Swaps
Reference Entity Termination
Date
Counterparty Notional
Amount
($000)
Floating
Interest Rate
Received
(Paid)1
(%)
Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
($000)
Value and
Unrealized
(Depreciation)
($000)
CenterPoint Energy Inc. 1/31/25 CITNA 7,865 (5.311) (3)
PG&E Corp. 8/30/24 BANA 18,359 (5.326) (80)
          (83)
1 Based on Overnight Bank Funding Rate as of the most recent reset date. Floating interest payment received/paid monthly.
  BANA—Bank of America, N.A.
  CITNA—Citibank, N.A.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
112

 

Utilities Index Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
As of February 29, 2024
($000s, except shares, footnotes, and per-share amounts) Amount
Assets  
Investments in Securities, at Value1  
Unaffiliated Issuers (Cost $6,618,700) 6,197,709
Affiliated Issuers (Cost $5,097) 5,098
Total Investments in Securities 6,202,807
Investment in Vanguard 195
Cash Collateral Pledged—Over-the-Counter Swap Contracts 260
Receivables for Investment Securities Sold 18,162
Receivables for Accrued Income 33,782
Receivables for Capital Shares Issued 849
Total Assets 6,256,055
Liabilities  
Due to Custodian 2,318
Payables for Investment Securities Purchased 27,906
Collateral for Securities on Loan 1,105
Payables for Capital Shares Redeemed 1,066
Payables to Vanguard 237
Unrealized Depreciation—Over-the-Counter Swap Contracts 83
Total Liabilities 32,715
Net Assets 6,223,340
1 Includes $1,149,000 of securities on loan.  
At February 29, 2024, net assets consisted of:  
   
Paid-in Capital 6,836,516
Total Distributable Earnings (Loss) (613,176)
Net Assets 6,223,340
 
ETF Shares—Net Assets  
Applicable to 35,852,058 outstanding $.001 par value shares of
beneficial interest (unlimited authorization)
4,822,081
Net Asset Value Per Share—ETF Shares $134.50
 
Admiral Shares—Net Assets  
Applicable to 20,765,673 outstanding $.001 par value shares of
beneficial interest (unlimited authorization)
1,401,259
Net Asset Value Per Share—Admiral Shares $67.48
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
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Utilities Index Fund
Statement of Operations
  Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
  ($000)
Investment Income  
Income  
Dividends 108,775
Interest1 372
Securities Lending—Net 60
Total Income 109,207
Expenses  
The Vanguard Group—Note B  
Investment Advisory Services 68
Management and Administrative—
ETF Shares
2,048
Management and Administrative—
Admiral Shares
615
Marketing and Distribution—
ETF Shares
121
Marketing and Distribution—
Admiral Shares
37
Custodian Fees 43
Shareholders’ Reports—ETF Shares 110
Shareholders’ Reports—Admiral Shares 11
Trustees’ Fees and Expenses 2
Other Expenses 9
Total Expenses 3,064
Expenses Paid Indirectly (1)
Net Expenses 3,063
Net Investment Income 106,144
Realized Net Gain (Loss)  
Investment Securities Sold1,2 26,832
Swap Contracts (1,033)
Realized Net Gain (Loss) 25,799
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)  
Investment Securities1 (116,519)
Swap Contracts (115)
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) (116,634)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations 15,309
1 Interest income, realized net gain (loss), capital gain distributions received, and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from an affiliated company of the fund were $372,000, ($3,000), less than $1,000, and $1,000, respectively. Purchases and sales are for temporary cash investment purposes.
2 Includes $66,257,000 of net gain (loss) resulting from in-kind redemptions.
  
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
  Six Months Ended
February 29,
2024
  Year Ended
August 31,
2023
  ($000)   ($000)
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets      
Operations      
Net Investment Income 106,144   226,288
Realized Net Gain (Loss) 25,799   110,065
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) (116,634)   (1,338,131)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations 15,309   (1,001,778)
Distributions      
ETF Shares (90,370)   (174,158)
Admiral Shares (26,032)   (53,913)
Total Distributions (116,402)   (228,071)
Capital Share Transactions      
ETF Shares (167,703)   (13,355)
Admiral Shares (23,899)   (147,955)
Net Increase (Decrease) from Capital Share Transactions (191,602)   (161,310)
Total Increase (Decrease) (292,695)   (1,391,159)
Net Assets      
Beginning of Period 6,516,035   7,907,194
End of Period 6,223,340   6,516,035
  
 
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
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Utilities Index Fund
Financial Highlights
ETF Shares            
For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period 
Six Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
Year Ended August 31,
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $136.43 $161.46 $149.52 $129.35 $139.09 $119.32
Investment Operations            
Net Investment Income1 2.293 4.708 4.393 4.310 4.306 4.087
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments (1.699) (25.005) 11.897 20.048 (9.802) 19.562
Total from Investment Operations .594 (20.297) 16.290 24.358 (5.496) 23.649
Distributions            
Dividends from Net Investment Income (2.524) (4.733) (4.350) (4.188) (4.244) (3.879)
Distributions from Realized Capital Gains
Total Distributions (2.524) (4.733) (4.350) (4.188) (4.244) (3.879)
Net Asset Value, End of Period $134.50 $136.43 $161.46 $149.52 $129.35 $139.09
Total Return 0.47% -12.75% 11.18% 19.19% -4.08% 20.17%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions) $4,822 $5,071 $6,030 $5,126 $4,014 $4,107
Ratio of Total Expenses to Average Net Assets 0.10%2 0.10%2 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 3.45% 3.19% 2.87% 3.09% 3.18% 3.22%
Portfolio Turnover Rate3 3% 4% 3% 6% 5% 4%
The expense ratio and net investment income ratio for the current period have been annualized.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
2 The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period net of reduction from custody fee offset arrangements was 0.10%.
3 Excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind purchases or redemptions of the fund’s capital shares, including ETF Creation Units.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
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Utilities Index Fund
Financial Highlights
Admiral Shares            
For a Share Outstanding
Throughout Each Period 
Six Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
Year Ended August 31,
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $68.45 $81.00 $75.01 $64.89 $69.78 $59.86
Investment Operations            
Net Investment Income1 1.159 2.351 2.212 2.166 2.163 2.038
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments (.862) (12.527) 5.961 10.055 (4.924) 9.828
Total from Investment Operations .297 (10.176) 8.173 12.221 (2.761) 11.866
Distributions            
Dividends from Net Investment Income (1.267) (2.374) (2.183) (2.101) (2.129) (1.946)
Distributions from Realized Capital Gains
Total Distributions (1.267) (2.374) (2.183) (2.101) (2.129) (1.946)
Net Asset Value, End of Period $67.48 $68.45 $81.00 $75.01 $64.89 $69.78
Total Return2 0.46% -12.73% 11.22% 19.22% -4.05% 20.19%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions) $1,401 $1,445 $1,877 $1,582 $1,281 $1,266
Ratio of Total Expenses to Average Net Assets 0.10%3 0.10%3 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 3.47% 3.17% 2.88% 3.10% 3.18% 3.22%
Portfolio Turnover Rate4 3% 4% 3% 6% 5% 4%
The expense ratio and net investment income ratio for the current period have been annualized.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
2 Total returns do not include account service fees that may have applied in the periods shown. Fund prospectuses provide information about any applicable account service fees.
3 The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period net of reduction from custody fee offset arrangements was 0.10%.
4 Excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind purchases or redemptions of the fund’s capital shares, including ETF Creation Units.
  
See accompanying Notes, which are an integral part of the Financial Statements.
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Notes to Financial Statements
Vanguard Utilities Index Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end investment company, or mutual fund. The fund offers two classes of shares: ETF Shares and Admiral Shares. Each of the share classes has different eligibility and minimum purchase requirements, and is designed for different types of investors. ETF Shares are listed for trading on NYSE Arca; they can be purchased and sold through a broker.
A. The following significant accounting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles for U.S. investment companies. The fund consistently follows such policies in preparing its financial statements.
1. Security Valuation: Securities are valued as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m., Eastern time) on the valuation date. Equity securities are valued at the latest quoted sales prices or official closing prices taken from the primary market in which each security trades; such securities not traded on the valuation date are valued at the mean of the latest quoted bid and asked prices. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available, or whose values have been affected by events occurring before the fund’s pricing time but after the close of the securities’ primary markets, are valued by methods deemed by the valuation designee to represent fair value and subject to oversight by the board of trustees. Investments in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund are valued at that fund's net asset value. 
2.  Swap Contracts: The fund has entered into equity swap contracts to earn the total return on selected reference stocks or indexes in the fund’s target index. Under the terms of the swaps, the fund receives the total return on the referenced stock (i.e., receiving the increase or paying the decrease in value of the selected reference stock and receiving the equivalent of any dividends in respect of the selected referenced stock) over a specified period of time, applied to a notional amount that represents the value of a designated number of shares of the selected reference stock at the beginning of the equity swap contract. The fund also pays a floating rate that is based on short-term interest rates, applied to the notional amount. At the same time, the fund generally invests an amount approximating the notional amount of the swap in high-quality temporary cash investments.
A risk associated with all types of swaps is the possibility that a counterparty may default on its obligation to pay net amounts due to the fund. The fund’s maximum amount subject to counterparty risk is the unrealized appreciation on the swap contract. The fund mitigates its counterparty risk by entering into swaps only with a diverse group of prequalified counterparties, monitoring their financial strength, entering into master netting arrangements with its counterparties, and requiring its counterparties to transfer collateral as security for their performance. In the absence of a default, the collateral pledged or received by the fund cannot be repledged, resold, or rehypothecated. In the event of a counterparty’s default (including bankruptcy), the fund may terminate any swap contracts with that counterparty, determine the net amount owed by either party in accordance with its master netting arrangements, and sell or retain any collateral held up to the net amount owed to the fund under the master netting arrangements. The swap contracts contain provisions whereby a counterparty may terminate open contracts if the fund’s net assets decline below a certain level, triggering a payment by the fund if the fund is in a net liability position at the time of the termination. The payment amount would be reduced by any collateral the fund has pledged. Any securities pledged as collateral for open contracts are noted in the Schedule of Investments. The value of collateral received or pledged is compared daily to the value of the swap contracts exposure with each counterparty, and any difference, if in excess of a specified minimum transfer amount, is adjusted and settled within two business days.
The notional amounts of swap contracts are not recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Swaps are valued daily based on market quotations received from independent pricing services or recognized dealers and the change in value is recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset (liability) and in the Statement of Operations as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) until periodic payments are made or the termination of the swap, at which time realized gain (loss) is recorded.
During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund’s average amounts of investments in total return swaps represented less than 1% of net assets, based on the average of notional amounts at each quarter-end during the period.
3. Federal Income Taxes: The fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute virtually all of its taxable income. The fund’s tax returns are open to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return. Management has analyzed the fund’s tax positions taken for all open federal and state income tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the fund’s financial statements.
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Utilities Index Fund
4. Distributions: Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions are determined on a tax basis at the fiscal year-end and may differ from net investment income and realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes.
5. Securities Lending: To earn additional income, the fund lends its securities to qualified institutional borrowers. Security loans are subject to termination by the fund at any time, and are required to be secured at all times by collateral in an amount at least equal to the market value of securities loaned. Daily market fluctuations could cause the value of loaned securities to be more or less than the value of the collateral received. When this occurs, the collateral is adjusted and settled before the opening of the market on the next business day. The fund further mitigates its counterparty risk by entering into securities lending transactions only with a diverse group of prequalified counterparties, monitoring their financial strength, and entering into master securities lending agreements with its counterparties. The master securities lending agreements provide that, in the event of a counterparty’s default (including bankruptcy), the fund may terminate any loans with that borrower, determine the net amount owed, and sell or retain the collateral up to the net amount owed to the fund; however, such actions may be subject to legal proceedings. While collateral mitigates counterparty risk, in the event of a default, the fund may experience delays and costs in recovering the securities loaned. The fund invests cash collateral received in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund, and records a liability in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the return of the collateral, during the period the securities are on loan. Collateral investments in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund are subject to market appreciation or depreciation. Securities lending income represents fees charged to borrowers plus income earned on invested cash collateral, less expenses associated with the loan. During the term of the loan, the fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities.
6. Credit Facilities and Interfund Lending Program: The fund and certain other funds managed by The Vanguard Group ("Vanguard") participate in a $4.3 billion committed credit facility provided by a syndicate of lenders pursuant to a credit agreement and an uncommitted credit facility provided by Vanguard. Both facilities may be renewed annually. Each fund is individually liable for its borrowings, if any, under the credit facilities. Borrowings may be utilized for temporary or emergency purposes and are subject to the fund’s regulatory and contractual borrowing restrictions. With respect to the committed credit facility, the participating funds are charged administrative fees and an annual commitment fee of 0.10% of the undrawn committed amount of the facility, which are allocated to the funds based on a method approved by the fund’s board of trustees and included in Management and Administrative expenses on the fund’s Statement of Operations. Any borrowings under either facility bear interest at an agreed-upon spread plus the higher of the federal funds effective rate, the overnight bank funding rate, or the Daily Simple Secured Overnight Financing Rate inclusive of an additional agreed-upon spread. However, borrowings under the uncommitted credit facility may bear interest based upon an alternate rate agreed to by the fund and Vanguard.
In accordance with an exemptive order (the “Order”) from the SEC, the fund may participate in a joint lending and borrowing program that allows registered open-end Vanguard funds to borrow money from and lend money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes (the “Interfund Lending Program”), subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the Order, and to the extent permitted by the fund’s investment objective and investment policies. Interfund loans and borrowings normally extend overnight but can have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one business day’s notice. The interest rate to be charged is governed by the conditions of the Order and internal procedures adopted by the board of trustees. The board of trustees is responsible for overseeing the Interfund Lending Program. 
For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund did not utilize the credit facilities or the Interfund Lending Program.
7. Other: Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends included in income, if any, are recorded at the fair value of the securities received. Interest income includes income distributions received from Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund and is accrued daily. Security transactions are accounted for on the date securities are bought or sold. Costs used to determine realized gains (losses) on the sale of investment securities are those of the specific securities sold.
Each class of shares has equal rights as to assets and earnings, except that each class separately bears certain class-specific expenses related to maintenance of shareholder accounts (included in Management and Administrative expenses) and shareholder reporting. Marketing and distribution expenses are allocated to each class of shares based on a method approved by the board of trustees. Income, other non-class-specific expenses, and gains and losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
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Utilities Index Fund
B. In accordance with the terms of a Funds' Service Agreement (the “FSA”) between Vanguard and the fund, Vanguard furnishes to the fund investment advisory, corporate management, administrative, marketing, and distribution services at Vanguard’s cost of operations (as defined by the FSA). These costs of operations are allocated to the fund based on methods and guidelines approved by the board of trustees and are generally settled twice a month.
Upon the request of Vanguard, the fund may invest up to 0.40% of its net assets as capital in Vanguard. At February 29, 2024, the fund had contributed to Vanguard capital in the amount of $195,000, representing less than 0.01% of the fund’s net assets and 0.08% of Vanguard’s capital received pursuant to the FSA. The fund’s trustees and officers are also directors and employees, respectively, of Vanguard.
C. The fund’s custodian bank has agreed to reduce its fees when the fund maintains cash on deposit in the non-interest-bearing custody account. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, custodian fee offset arrangements reduced the fund’s expenses by $1,000 (an annual rate of less than 0.01% of average net assets).
D. Various inputs may be used to determine the value of the fund’s investments and derivatives. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels for financial statement purposes. The inputs or methodologies used to value securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2—Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3—Significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments). Any investments and derivatives valued with significant unobservable inputs are noted on the Schedule of Investments.
The following table summarizes the market value of the fund’s investments and derivatives as of February 29, 2024, based on the inputs used to value them:
  Level 1
($000)
Level 2
($000)
Level 3
($000)
Total
($000)
Investments        
Assets        
Common Stocks 6,197,709 6,197,709
Temporary Cash Investments 5,098 5,098
Total 6,202,807 6,202,807
Derivative Financial Instruments        
Liabilities        
Swap Contracts 83 83
E. As of February 29, 2024, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for investments and derivatives based on cost for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:
  Amount
($000)
Tax Cost 6,643,934
Gross Unrealized Appreciation 394,938
Gross Unrealized Depreciation (836,065)
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) (441,127)
The fund’s tax-basis capital gains and losses are determined only at the end of each fiscal year. For tax purposes, at August 31, 2023, the fund had available capital losses totaling $238,813,000 that may be carried forward indefinitely to offset future net capital gains. The fund will use these capital losses to offset net taxable capital gains, if any, realized during the year ending August 31, 2024; should the fund realize net capital losses for the year, the losses will be added to the loss carryforward balance above.
F. During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund purchased $161,685,000 of investment securities and sold $190,183,000 of investment securities, other than temporary cash investments. In addition, the fund purchased and sold investment securities of $404,341,000 and $578,208,000, respectively, in connection with in-kind purchases and redemptions of the fund's capital shares.
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Utilities Index Fund
The fund purchased securities from and sold securities to other Vanguard funds or accounts managed by Vanguard or its affiliates, in accordance with procedures adopted by the board of trustees in compliance with Rule 17a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, such purchases were $0 and sales were $5,014,000, resulting in net realized loss of $1,053,000; these amounts, other than temporary cash investments, are included in the purchases and sales of investment securities noted above.
G. Capital share transactions for each class of shares were:
    
  Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
  Year Ended
August 31, 2023
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
  Amount
($000)
Shares
(000)
ETF Shares          
Issued 412,389 3,133   791,370 5,346
Issued in Lieu of Cash Distributions  
Redeemed (580,092) (4,450)   (804,725) (5,525)
Net Increase (Decrease)—ETF Shares (167,703) (1,317)   (13,355) (179)
Admiral Shares          
Issued 189,186 2,831   269,479 3,578
Issued in Lieu of Cash Distributions 19,701 295   41,299 562
Redeemed (232,786) (3,474)   (458,733) (6,200)
Net Increase (Decrease)—Admiral Shares (23,899) (348)   (147,955) (2,060)
H. Significant market disruptions, such as those caused by pandemics, natural or environmental disasters, war, acts of terrorism, or other events, can adversely affect local and global markets and normal market operations. Any such disruptions could have an adverse impact on the value of the fund’s investments and fund performance.
To the extent the fund’s investment portfolio reflects concentration in a particular market, industry, sector, country or asset class, the fund may be adversely affected by the performance of these concentrations and may be subject to increased price volatility and other risks.
The use of derivatives may expose the fund to various risks. Derivatives can be highly volatile, and any initial investment is generally small relative to the notional amount so that transactions may be leveraged in terms of market exposure. A relatively small market movement may have a potentially larger impact on derivatives than on standard securities. Leveraged derivatives positions can, therefore, increase volatility. Additional information regarding the fund’s use of derivative(s) and the specific risks associated is described under significant accounting policies.
I. Management has determined that no events or transactions occurred subsequent to February 29, 2024, that would require recognition or disclosure in these financial statements.
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