VANGUARD SPECIALIZED PORTFOLIOS INC
497, 1995-05-31
Previous: MYLEX CORP, S-3/A, 1995-05-31
Next: INTERTRANS CORP, 15-12G, 1995-05-31



<PAGE>   1
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                                   FORM N-1A

                   REGISTRATION STATEMENT (NO. 2-88116) UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                          PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO.                        /X/
                        POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 18
                                      AND
 
              REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY
                                  ACT OF 1940
                                AMENDMENT NO. 20

                     VANGUARD SPECIALIZED PORTFOLIOS, INC.
               (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN CHARTER)
 
                  POST OFFICE BOX 2600, VALLEY FORGE, PA 19482
                    (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE)
 
                  REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER (610) 669-1000
 
                         RAYMOND J. KLAPINSKY, ESQUIRE
                                  P.O. BOX 876
                             VALLEY FORGE, PA 19482
 
               IT IS PROPOSED THAT THIS FILING BECOME EFFECTIVE:
             On May 26, 1995 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485.
 
                 APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED PUBLIC OFFERING:
  As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
 
     REGISTRANT ELECTS TO REGISTER AN INDEFINITE NUMBER OF SHARES PURSUANT TO
REGULATION 24F-2 UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940. REGISTRANT FILED ITS
RULE 24F-2 NOTICE FOR THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 1995 ON MARCH 21, 1995.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
 
                     VANGUARD SPECIALIZED PORTFOLIOS, INC.
 
                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FORM N-1A
ITEM NUMBER                                                    LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
<C>           <S>                                              <C>
    Item 1.   Cover Page....................................   Cover Page
    Item 2.   Synopsis......................................   Highlights
    Item 3.   Condensed Financial Information...............   Financial Highlights: Fund Expenses
    Item 4.   General Description of Registrant.............   Investment Objectives; Investment
                                                               Policies; Investment Limitations;
                                                               General Information
    Item 5.   Management of the Fund........................   Management of the Fund; Investment
                                                               Advisers
    Item 6.   Capital Stock and Other Securities............   Opening an Account and Purchasing
                                                               Shares; Selling Your Shares; The
                                                               Share Price of each Portfolio;
                                                               Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes;
                                                               General Information
    Item 7.   Purchase of Securities Being Offered..........   Cover Page; Opening an Account and
                                                               Purchasing Shares
    Item 8.   Redemption or Repurchase......................   Selling Your Shares
    Item 9.   Pending Legal Proceedings.....................   Not Applicable
 
                                                            
FORM N-1A                                                      LOCATION IN STATEMENT
ITEM NUMBER                                                    OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
   Item 10.   Cover Page....................................   Cover Page
   Item 11.   Table of Contents.............................   Cover Page
   Item 12.   General Information and History...............   Investment Objectives and Policies;
                                                               General Information
   Item 13.   Investment Objective and Policies.............   Investment Objectives and Policies;
                                                               Investment Limitations
   Item 14.   Management of the Fund........................   Management of the Fund
   Item 15.   Control Persons and Principal Holders of
              Securities....................................   Management of the Fund; General
                                                               Information
   Item 16.   Investment Advisory and Other Services........   Management of the Fund; Investment
                                                               Advisory Services
   Item 17.   Brokerage Allocation..........................   Not Applicable
   Item 18.   Capital Stock and Other Securities............   Financial Statements
   Item 19.   Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Securities
              Being Offered.................................   Purchase of Shares; Redemption of
                                                               Shares
   Item 20.   Tax Status....................................   Appendix
   Item 21.   Underwriters..................................   Not Applicable
   Item 22.   Calculations of Yield Quotations of Money
              Market Fund...................................   Not Applicable
   Item 23.   Financial Statements..........................   Financial Statements
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   3
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[VANGUARD SPECIALIZED PORTOFOLIOS LOGO] 
                                                  A Member of The Vanguard Group
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
PROSPECTUS--MAY 26, 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
NEW ACCOUNT INFORMATION: INVESTOR INFORMATION DEPARTMENT--1-800-662-7447 (SHIP)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNT SERVICES: CLIENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT--1-800-662-2739 (CREW)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
AND POLICIES          Vanguard Specialized Portfolios, Inc. (the "Fund") is an
                      open-end diversified investment company. The Fund consists
                      of four Portfolios that invest primarily in common stocks
                      and other equity securities concentrated in a particular
                      industry or group of related industries. Three Portfolios
                      of the Fund (Energy, Gold & Precious Metals and Health
                      Care) seek to provide long-term capital appreciation. A
                      fourth Portfolio (Utilities Income) seeks to provide
                      current income and moderate growth of capital and income.
                      Given their specialized focus, the Portfolios should not
                      be considered a complete investment program. There is no
                      assurance that the Portfolios will achieve their stated
                      objectives. Shares of the Fund are neither insured nor
                      guaranteed by any agency of the U.S. Government, including
                      the FDIC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
OPENING AN
ACCOUNT               To open a regular (non-retirement) account, please
                      complete and return the Account Registration Form. If you
                      need assistance in completing this Form, please call our
                      Investor Information Department. To open an Individual
                      Retirement Account (IRA), please use a Vanguard IRA
                      Adoption Agreement. To obtain a copy of this form, call
                      1-800-662-7447, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to
                      9:00 p.m. (Eastern time), and Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to
                      4:00 p.m. (Eastern time). The minimum initial investment
                      is $3,000 per Portfolio or $500 for Uniform
                      Gifts/Transfers to Minors Act accounts. The Fund is
                      offered on a no-load basis (i.e., there are no sales
                      commissions or 12b-1 fees). However, the Fund incurs
                      expenses for investment advisory, management,
                      administrative, and distribution services.
 
IMPORTANT NOTE:
1% REDEMPTION FEE     If shares of the Energy, Gold & Precious Metals and Health
                      Care Portfolios are redeemed or exchanged prior to being
                      held for one year, they will be subject to a 1% redemption
                      fee. See "Fund Expenses."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
ABOUT THIS
PROSPECTUS            This Prospectus is designed to set forth concisely the
                      information you should know about the Fund before you
                      invest. It should be retained for future reference. A
                      "Statement of Additional Information" containing
                      additional information about the Fund has been filed with
                      the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such Statement is
                      dated May 26, 1995, and has been incorporated by reference
                      into this Prospectus. A copy may be obtained without
                      charge by writing to the Fund or by calling the Investor
                      Information Department.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                        <C>                                        <C>
Page                                       Page                                       Page
Highlights .......................  2      Who Should Invest ................ 14      SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
Fund Expenses ....................  4       Implementation of                        Opening an Account and
Financial Highlights ...............5      Policies ......................... 15      Purchasing Shares ................ 24
Yield and Total Return .............7      Investment Limitations ........... 17     When Your Account Will
        FUND INFORMATION                   Management of the Fund ........... 17      Be Credited ...................... 27
Investment Objectives ..............8      Investment Advisers .............. 18     Selling Your Shares ............... 28
Investment Policies ................8      Dividends, Capital Gains                  Exchanging Your Shares ............ 30
Investment Risks ................. 10       and Taxes ....................... 20      Important Information About
                                           The Share Price of Each                   Telephone Transactions ............ 31
                                           Portfolio ........................ 22      Transferring
                                           General Information .............. 23     Registration ....................... 32
                                                                                      Other Vanguard Services ........... 32
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   4
 
                                   HIGHLIGHTS
 
OBJECTIVE AND
POLICIES              The Fund is an open-end diversified investment company.
                      The Fund consists of four Portfolios that invest primarily
                      in common stocks and other equity securities concentrated
                      in a particular industry or group of related industries.
                      Three Portfolios of the Fund (Energy, Gold & Precious
                      Metals and Health Care) seek to provide long-term capital
                      appreciation. A fourth Portfolio (Utilities Income) seeks
                      to provide current income and moderate growth of capital
                      and income. There is no assurance that any Portfolio will
                      achieve its stated objective.                       PAGE 8
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
RISK
CHARACTERISTICS       Each Portfolio of the Fund is subject to market risk and
                      industry risk. Market risk is the possibility that stock
                      prices will decline over short or even extended periods.
                      The stock market tends to be cyclical, with periods when
                      stock prices generally rise and periods when stock prices
                      generally decline. Each Portfolio is expected to be
                      strongly influenced by these broad fluctuations in stock
                      prices.
 
                      In addition, unlike more widely diversified mutual funds,
                      the Portfolios are subject to industry risk, the
                      possibility that a particular group of related stocks will
                      decline in price due to industry-specific developments.
                      Securities held by the Energy Portfolio will be influenced
                      by cyclical fluctuations in the supply and demand for oil,
                      as well as tax and regulatory policies, conservation
                      trends, and international oil politics. The Gold &
                      Precious Metals Portfolio will be subject to the highly
                      volatile and often erratic markets for gold and precious
                      metals and for the common stocks of mining companies.
                      Investments relating to gold and precious metals or
                      minerals are considered speculative, and are affected by a
                      host of world-wide economic, financial and political
                      factors. Stocks held by the Health Care Portfolio will be
                      affected by government policies on health care
                      reimbursements, regulatory approval for new drugs and
                      medical instruments, and similar matters.
 
                      Industry risks in the Utilities Income Portfolio include:
                      changing utility regulation, new competitive pressures,
                      and rising operating costs, on top of unique risks for
                      telephone, electric, gas and water utilities. The
                      Utilities Income Portfolio is also exposed to interest
                      rate risk--price fluctuations due to changing interest
                      rates. More so than other stock market sectors, utility
                      stocks may sometimes behave like fixed-income investments,
                      rising and falling as interest rates change.
                                                                         PAGE 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THE VANGUARD
GROUP                 The Fund is a member of The Vanguard Group of Investment
                      Companies, a group of more than 30 investment companies
                      with more than 80 distinct investment portfolios and total
                      assets in excess of $130 billion. The Vanguard Group, Inc.
                      ("Vanguard"), a subsidiary jointly owned by the Vanguard
                      funds, provides on an at-cost basis all corporate
                      management, administrative, distribution, marketing and
                      shareholder accounting services to the funds in the
                      Group.                                             PAGE 17
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   5
 
INVESTMENT
ADVISERS              Wellington Management Company serves as investment adviser
                      to the Energy, Health Care, and Utilities Income
                      Portfolios. M&G Investment Management Limited serves as
                      investment adviser to the Gold & Precious Metals
                      Portfolio.
                                                                         PAGE 18
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL
GAINS AND TAXES       Distributions of net investment income are expected to be
                      made quarterly for the Utilities Income Portfolio, and
                      annually for the Energy, Gold & Precious Metals and Health
                      Care Portfolios. Capital gains, if any, will be
                      distributed annually. Dividend and capital gains
                      distributions are generally subject to federal, state and
                      local income taxes. Also, a sale of shares--whether by
                      outright redemption or exchange--is a taxable event and
                      may result in a capital gain or loss.              PAGE 20
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
PURCHASING
SHARES                You may purchase shares by mail, wire, or exchange from
                      another Vanguard Fund. The minimum initial investment is
                      $3,000 per Portfolio; the minimum for subsequent
                      investments is $100. There are no sales commissions or
                      12b-1 fees.
                                                                         PAGE 24
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SELLING SHARES        You may redeem shares of each Portfolio by mail or by
                      telephone. The Energy, Gold & Precious Metals and Health
                      Care Portfolios assess a 1% redemption fee on shares held
                      less than 12 months. (The Utilities Income Portfolio does
                      not assess a 1% redemption fee.) Each Portfolio's share
                      price is expected to fluctuate, and at the time of
                      redemption may be more or less than at the time of initial
                      purchase, resulting in a gain or loss.             PAGE 28
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
EXCHANGING
SHARES                You may exchange a Portfolio's shares for those of another
                      Portfolio of the Fund or other available Vanguard Funds.
                      An exchange from the Energy, Gold & Precious Metals, and
                      Health Care Portfolios will be subject to a 1% redemption
                      fee on shares held for less than 12 months. (The Utilities
                      Income Portfolio does not assess a 1% redemption
                      fee.)                                              PAGE 30
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SPECIAL
CONSIDERATIONS        (1) Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the assets
                      of each Portfolio (75% in the case of the Utilities Income
                      Portfolio) will be invested in equity securities
                      concentrated in a particular industry or group of
                      industries. As a result, a Portfolio of the Fund may be
                      subject to greater fluctuations in market value than a
                      mutual fund which invests in a more widely-diversified
                      group of stocks. Due to the specialized focus of the
                      individual Portfolios, an investment in a Portfolio should
                      not be considered a complete investment program.
 
                      (2) The Gold & Precious Metals Portfolio may invest all of
                      its assets in foreign securities, and each of the other
                      Portfolios of the Fund may invest a portion of its assets
                      in foreign securities. Each Portfolio may enter into
                      forward foreign exchange contracts in order to protect
                      against uncertainty in the level of future foreign
                      exchange rates, but not for speculative purposes.  PAGE 15
 
                      (3) Each Portfolio may lend its securities.        PAGE 16
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   6
 
FUND EXPENSES         The following table illustrates ALL expenses and fees that
                      you would incur as a shareholder of the Fund. The expenses
                      and fees set forth in the table are for the fiscal year
                      ended January 31, 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      GOLD &
                                                                                     PRECIOUS     HEALTH     UTILITIES
                                                                          ENERGY      METALS       CARE       INCOME
                                 SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES        PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO
                           <S>                                           <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
                           ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           Sales Load Imposed on Purchases.............     None        None        None        None
                           Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested
                             Dividends.................................     None        None        None        None
                           Redemption Fees*............................        1%          1%          1%       None
                           Exchange Fees**.............................     None        None        None        None
                            *The 1% fee withheld from redemption proceeds of shares held for less than one year is
                             paid to the Portfolio.
                           ** Exchanges will be treated as redemptions for purposes of imposing the redemption fees.
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      GOLD &
                                                                                     PRECIOUS     HEALTH     UTILITIES
                                                                          ENERGY      METALS       CARE       INCOME
                                    ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES            PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO
                           <S>                                           <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
                           ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           Management & Administrative Fees............     0.10%*      0.02%*      0.22%*      0.33%
                           Investment Advisory Fees....................     0.14        0.18        0.14        0.12
                           12b-1 Fees..................................     None        None        None        None
                           Other Expenses
                             Distribution Costs........................     0.00*       0.00*       0.00*       0.00
                             Miscellaneous Expenses....................     0.06        0.05        0.04        0.05
                                                                         --------    --------    --------    --------
                           Total Other Expenses........................     0.06%       0.05%       0.04%       0.05%
                                                                         --------    --------    --------    --------
                               TOTAL OPERATING
                                 EXPENSES..............................     0.30%       0.25%       0.40%       0.50%
                                                                         ========    ========    ========    ========
                           *Excludes the effects of reductions associated with redemption fees.
</TABLE>
 
1% REDEMPTION FEE     The Energy, Gold & Precious Metals and Health Care
                      Portfolios are intended for long-term investors who can
                      withstand substantial price fluctuation. For this reason,
                      the Portfolios assess a 1% redemption fee on shares that
                      are redeemed or exchanged before they have been held for
                      one year. Solely for purposes of calculating the one-year
                      holding period, the Portfolio uses the "first-in,
                      first-out" (FIFO) method. That is, the date of any
                      redemption or exchange will be compared to the earliest
                      purchase date. If this holding period is less than one
                      year, the fee will be assessed. The fee will be prorated
                      if a portion of the shares being redeemed or exchanged has
                      been held for more than one year. This fee will not apply
                      to dividend or capital gain reinvestments and it is paid
                      directly to the Portfolio. The Utilities Income Portfolio
                      does not assess the 1% fee.
 
                      The following example illustrates the expenses that you
                      would incur on a $1,000 investment over various periods,
                      assuming (1) a 5% annual rate of return and (2) redemption
                      at the end of each period. This example takes into account
                      the 1% fee that applies to redemptions from the Energy,
                      Gold & Precious Metals, and Health Care Portfolios or
                      exchanges from these Portfolios to another Vanguard Fund
                      or Portfolio (including the Utilities Income Portfolio).
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   7
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1 YEAR    3 YEARS    5 YEARS    10 YEARS
                                                             -------   --------   --------   ---------
                        <S>                                  <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
                        Energy Portfolio...................    $ 3       $ 10       $ 17        $38
                        Gold & Precious Metals Portfolio...    $ 3       $  8       $ 14        $32
                        Health Care Portfolio..............    $ 4       $ 13       $ 22        $51
                        Utilities Income Portfolio.........    $ 5       $ 16       $ 28        $63
</TABLE>
 
                      THIS EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF
                      PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES OR PERFORMANCE. ACTUAL EXPENSES
                      MAY BE HIGHER OR LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
FINANCIAL
HIGHLIGHTS            The following financial highlights for a share outstanding
                      throughout each period, insofar as they relate to each of
                      the five years in the period ended January 31, 1995, have
                      been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, independent
                      accountants, whose report thereon was unqualified. This
                      information should be read in conjunction with the Fund's
                      financial statements and notes thereto, which are
                      incorporated by reference in the Statement of Additional
                      Information and in this Prospectus, and which appear,
                      along with the report of Price Waterhouse LLP, in the
                      Fund's 1995 Annual Report to the Shareholders. For a more
                      complete discussion of the Fund's performance, please see
                      the Fund's 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders which may be
                      obtained without charge by writing to the Fund or by
                      calling our Investor Information Department at
                      1-800-662-7447.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               ENERGY PORTFOLIO
                                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,
                                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                1995       1994       1993       1992       1991       1990       1989       1988
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF YEAR...........  $15.77     $13.82     $12.73     $13.39     $14.94     $12.29     $10.22     $12.42
                                                -----     ------     ------     ------     ------     ------     ------     ------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
 Net Investment Income.......................     .23        .31        .34        .42        .45        .38        .36        .61
 Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
   on Investments............................   (1.65)      3.31       1.29       (.24)      (.66)      3.20       2.08       (.64)
                                                -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----
   TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS..........   (1.42)      3.62       1.63        .18       (.21)      3.58       2.44       (.03)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
 Dividends from Net
   Investment Income.........................    (.24)      (.29)      (.36)      (.42)      (.46)      (.36)      (.37)      (.76)
 Distributions from Realized
   Capital Gains.............................    (.29)     (1.38)      (.18)      (.42)      (.88)      (.57)        --      (1.41)
                                                -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----
   TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS.......................    (.53)     (1.67)      (.54)      (.84)     (1.34)      (.93)      (.37)     (2.17)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF YEAR.................  $13.82     $15.77     $13.82     $12.73     $13.39     $14.94     $12.29     $10.22
==================================================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN*................................   (9.15)%    27.31%     13.02%      1.27%     (1.64)%    28.98%     24.16%      0.76%
==================================================================================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of Year (Millions)...........    $433       $339       $164       $124       $114        $80        $43        $36
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets......     .30%       .17%       .21%       .30%       .35%       .38%       .40%       .38%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average
 Net Assets..................................    1.66%      1.87%      2.47%      2.78%      3.24%      3.05%      3.07%      3.70%
Portfolio Turnover Rate......................      13%        41%        37%        42%        40%        44%        46%        84%
</TABLE>

*Returns exclude 1% fee applied to shares redeemed or exchanged within one year
 of purchase.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                ----------------
                                                ENERGY PORTFOLIO
                                                ----------------
                                                  YEAR ENDED 
                                                  JANUARY 31,
                                                ----------------
                                                1987       1986
<S>                                            <C>        <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF YEAR...........   $9.93      $9.81
                                               ------     ------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
 Net Investment Income.......................     .18        .45
 Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
   on Investments............................    2.80       (.11)
                                                -----      -----
   TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS..........    2.98        .34
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
 Dividends from Net
   Investment Income.........................    (.44)      (.14)
 Distributions from Realized
   Capital Gains.............................    (.05)      (.08)
                                                -----      -----
   TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS.......................    (.49)      (.22)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF YEAR.................  $12.42      $9.93
================================================================
TOTAL RETURN*................................   31.88%      3.42%
================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of Year (Millions)...........     $29         $2
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets......     .65%       .92%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average
 Net Assets..................................    3.43%      4.40%
Portfolio Turnover Rate......................      34%       156%
*Returns exclude 1% fee applied to shares red
</TABLE>
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   8
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        GOLD & PRECIOUS METALS PORTFOLIO
                                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,
                                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                1995       1994       1993       1992       1991       1990       1989       1988
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF YEAR...........  $13.58      $7.29      $9.41      $8.29     $12.49      $9.65      $9.35     $10.50
                                                -----     ------     ------     ------     ------     ------     ------     ------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
 Net Investment Income.......................     .27        .20        .19        .24        .29        .27        .27        .35
 Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
   on Investments............................   (2.83)      6.30      (2.13)      1.13      (4.17)      2.91        .29        .12
                                                -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----
   TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS..........   (2.56)      6.50      (1.94)      1.37      (3.88)      3.18        .56        .47
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
 Dividends from Net
   Investment Income.........................    (.31)      (.21)      (.18)      (.25)      (.32)      (.34)      (.26)      (.48)
 Distributions from Realized
   Capital Gains.............................      --         --         --         --         --         --         --      (1.14)
                                                -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----
   TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS.......................    (.31)      (.21)      (.18)      (.25)      (.32)      (.34)      (.26)     (1.62)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF YEAR.................  $10.71     $13.58      $7.29      $9.41      $8.29     $12.49      $9.65      $9.35
==================================================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN*................................  (19.20)%    89.24%    (20.58)%    16.67%    (31.21)%    33.38%      6.14%      2.52%
==================================================================================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of Year (Millions)...........    $531       $613       $175       $178       $144       $223       $126       $128
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets......     .25%       .26%       .36%       .35%       .42%       .45%       .48%       .47%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average
 Net Assets..................................    2.04%      2.04%      2.50%      2.54%      2.78%      3.01%      2.67%      2.71%
Portfolio Turnover Rate......................       4%        14%         2%         3%        10%        17%        18%        44%
</TABLE>
*Returns exclude 1% fee applied to shares redeemed or exchanged within one year
 of purchase.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                ----------------
                                                GOLD & PRECIOUS 
                                                METALS PORTFOLIO
                                                ----------------
                                                   YEAR ENDED
                                                   JANUARY 31,
                                                ----------------
                                                1987       1986
<S>                                            <C>        <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF YEAR...........   $7.60      $6.60
                                               ------     ------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
 Net Investment Income.......................     .20        .20
 Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
   on Investments............................    2.91        .86
                                                -----      -----
   TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS..........    3.11       1.06
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
 Dividends from Net
   Investment Income.........................    (.21)      (.06)
 Distributions from Realized
   Capital Gains.............................      --         --
                                                -----      -----
   TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS.......................    (.21)      (.06)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF YEAR.................  $10.50      $7.60
================================================================
TOTAL RETURN*................................   42.17%     16.27%
================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of Year (Millions)...........     $70        $30
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets......     .59%       .73%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average
 Net Assets..................................    3.36%      3.86%
Portfolio Turnover Rate......................      32%        40%
</TABLE>
*Returns exclude 1% fee applied to shares red
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             HEALTH CARE PORTFOLIO
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                1995       1994       1993       1992       1991       1990       1989       1988
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF YEAR...........  $36.51     $32.66     $35.54     $27.32     $22.16     $19.46     $17.53     $19.53
                                                -----     ------     ------     ------     ------     ------     ------     ------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
 Net Investment Income.......................     .55        .79        .70        .53        .52        .48        .36        .35
 Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
   on Investments............................    2.83       5.79      (1.68)      8.75       6.03       3.43       3.20       (.39)
                                                -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----
   TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS..........    3.38       6.58       (.98)      9.28       6.55       3.91       3.56       (.04)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
 Dividends from Net
   Investment Income.........................    (.57)      (.76)      (.70)      (.53)      (.55)      (.49)      (.34)      (.57)
 Distributions from Realized
   Capital Gains.............................   (2.31)     (1.97)     (1.20)      (.53)      (.84)      (.72)     (1.29)     (1.39)
                                                -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----
   TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS.......................   (2.88)     (2.73)     (1.90)     (1.06)     (1.39)     (1.21)     (1.63)     (1.96)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF YEAR.................  $37.01     $36.51     $32.66     $35.54     $27.32     $22.16     $19.46     $17.53
==================================================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN*................................    9.79%     21.21%     (2.92)%    33.97%     30.09%     20.22%     21.43%      0.35%
==================================================================================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of Year (Millions)...........    $771       $638       $562       $553       $189        $76        $58        $54
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets......     .40%       .19%       .22%       .30%       .36%       .39%       .62%       .51%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average
 Net Assets..................................    1.58%      2.37%      2.06%      1.98%      2.54%      2.34%      1.85%      1.65%
Portfolio Turnover Rate......................      25%        19%        15%         7%        17%        28%        19%        41%
</TABLE>
*Returns exclude 1% fee applied to shares redeemed or exchanged within one year
 of purchase.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                ----------------
                                                  HEALTH CARE
                                                   PORTFOLIO
                                                ----------------
                                                  YEAR ENDED
                                                  JANUARY 31,
                                                ----------------
                                                1987       1986
<S>                                            <C>        <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF YEAR...........  $15.61     $11.85
                                               ------     ------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
 Net Investment Income.......................     .25        .13
 Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
   on Investments............................    4.60       3.81
                                                -----      -----
   TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS..........    4.85       3.94
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
 Dividends from Net
   Investment Income.........................    (.13)      (.07)
 Distributions from Realized
   Capital Gains.............................    (.80)      (.11)
                                                -----      -----
   TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS.......................    (.93)      (.18)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF YEAR.................  $19.53     $15.61
================================================================
TOTAL RETURN*................................   31.85%     33.69%
================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of Year (Millions)...........     $49        $23
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets......     .61%       .83%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average
 Net Assets..................................    1.47%      1.52%
Portfolio Turnover Rate......................      27%        59%
*Returns exclude 1% fee applied to shares red
</TABLE>
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   9
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                -------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           UTILITIES INCOME PORTFOLIO
                                                                                -------------------------------------------------
                                                                                YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,            MAY 15, 1992+,
                                                                                ----------------------                  TO
                                                                                1995               1994          JANUARY 31, 1993
<S>                                                                            <C>                <C>            <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD.........................................  $11.67             $11.18              $10.00
                                                                               ------             ------         -----------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
 Net Investment Income.......................................................     .56                .57                 .41
 Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
   on Investments............................................................   (1.10)               .88                1.03
                                                                                -----              -----          ----------
   TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS..........................................    (.54)              1.45                1.44
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
 Dividends from Net
   Investment Income.........................................................    (.59)              (.56)               (.24)
 Distributions from Realized
   Capital Gains.............................................................    (.12)              (.40)               (.02)
                                                                                -----              -----          ----------
   TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS.......................................................    (.71)              (.96)               (.26)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD...............................................  $10.42             $11.67              $11.18
=================================================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN.................................................................   (4.47)%            13.08%              14.51%
=================================================================================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions).........................................    $593             $  738                $361
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets......................................     .50%               .42%                .45%*
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average
 Net Assets..................................................................    5.43%              4.82%               4.70%*
Portfolio Turnover Rate......................................................      35%                46%                 20%
 * Annualized.
 + Commencement of operations.
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
YIELD AND
TOTAL RETURN          From time to time a Portfolio may advertise its yield and
                      total return. Both yield and total return figures are
                      based on historical earnings and are not intended to
                      indicate future performance. The "total return" of a
                      Portfolio refers to the average annual compounded rates of
                      return over one-, five- and ten-year periods or for the
                      life of the Portfolio (as stated in the advertisement)
                      that would equate an initial amount invested at the
                      beginning of a stated period to the ending redeemable
                      value of the investment, assuming the reinvestment of all
                      dividend and capital gains distributions.
 
                      In accordance with industry guidelines set forth by the
                      U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the "30-day
                      yield" of a Portfolio is calculated by dividing net
                      investment income per share earned during a 30-day period
                      by the net asset value per share on the last day of the
                      period. Net investment income includes interest and
                      dividend income earned on a Portfolio's securities; it is
                      net of all expenses and all recurring and nonrecurring
                      charges that have been applied to all shareholder
                      accounts. The yield calculation assumes that net
                      investment income earned over 30 days is compounded
                      monthly for six months and then annualized. Methods used
                      to calculate advertised yields are standardized for all
                      stock and bond mutual funds. However, these methods differ
                      from the accounting methods used by a Portfolio to
                      maintain its books and records, and so the advertised
                      30-day yield may not fully reflect the income paid to your
                      own account or the yield reported in a Portfolio's
                      financial statements.
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   10
 
                      Also, the Portfolios may compare their performance to that
                      of various stock market indices, including the Standard &
                      Poor's 500 Index.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVES

THREE PORTFOLIOS SEEK
TO PROVIDE LONG-TERM
GROWTH; A FOURTH
PORTFOLIO SEEKS
CURRENT INCOME        The Fund is an open-end diversified investment company.
                      The Fund consists of four Portfolios that invest primarily
                      in common stocks and other equity securities concentrated
                      in a particular industry or group of related industries.
 
                      The Energy, Gold & Precious Metals, and Health Care
                      Portfolios seek to provide long-term capital appreciation.
                      Although these three Portfolios may generate dividend
                      income to a limited extent, current income will be
                      secondary to these Portfolios' primary objective of
                      achieving capital appreciation.
 
                      The Utilities Income Portfolio, in contrast, seeks to
                      provide current income as its primary objective. Its
                      secondary objective is to provide moderate growth of
                      capital and income over time.
 
                      There is no assurance that any Portfolio of the Fund will
                      achieve its stated objective.
 
                      The investment objective of each Portfolio is fundamental
                      and so cannot be changed without the approval of a
                      majority of a Portfolio's shareholders.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
INVESTMENT
POLICIES

EACH PORTFOLIO INVESTS
IN INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC
COMMON STOCKS         Under normal circumstances, the Energy, Gold & Precious
                      Metals, and Health Care Portfolios will each invest at
                      least 80% of their net assets in the equity securities
                      (common stocks and securities convertible into common
                      stocks) of companies in a particular industry or group of
                      related industries. The Gold & Precious Metals Portfolio
                      may also invest up to 20% of its assets in gold or other
                      precious metal bullion and coins. A security will
                      generally be considered appropriate for a given Portfolio
                      if, as determined by the investment adviser, at least 50%
                      of the company's assets, revenues or net income are
                      related to or derived from the industry or industries
                      designated for the Portfolio. The Fund is managed without
                      regard to tax ramifications.
 
                      Under normal circumstances, the Utilities Income Portfolio
                      will invest at least 75% of its assets in equity
                      securities of companies in the utilities industry. The
                      remainder of the Portfolio's assets will be invested in
                      utility bonds rated A or better by Standard & Poor's
                      Corporation or Moody's Investors Service. Because of its
                      emphasis on higher-yielding utility stocks and its
                      holdings of utility bonds, the Portfolio is expected to
                      offer a dividend yield well above the stock market
                      average.
 
                      The Portfolios of the Fund will invest primarily in
                      securities that trade in U.S. markets. However, the Gold &
                      Precious Metals Portfolio may invest up to 100% of its
                      assets in foreign securities, and each of the other
                      Portfolios may invest up to 30% of its assets in foreign
                      securities. (Note, however, that the Utilities Income
                      Portfolio has no present intention of investing more than
                      10% of its assets in foreign securities). In order to
                      protect against fluctuations in foreign exchange rates,
                      each Portfolio may invest in forward foreign currency
                      exchange contracts.
 
                      Besides investing primarily in equity securities, each
                      Portfolio may hold certain short-term fixed income
                      securities as cash reserves. Each Portfolio may also
                      invest
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   11
 
                      in stock futures contracts and options to a limited
                      extent. See "Implementation of Policies" for a description
                      of these and other investment practices of the Fund.
 
                      The specific investment policies of the four Portfolios
                      are listed below:
 
                      The ENERGY PORTFOLIO invests in the equity securities of
                      companies engaged in the following energy-related
                      activities: the production, transmission, marketing,
                      control or measurement of energy or energy fuels; the
                      making of component products for such activities; energy
                      research or experimentation; and activities related to
                      energy conservation and pollution control. Such activities
                      may involve newer sources of energy, such as geothermal,
                      nuclear and solar power, as well as more traditional
                      sources of energy, such as oil, natural gas and coal. As
                      new sources of energy are developed and current methods of
                      exploiting and developing energy are advanced, then
                      companies in these new areas will also be considered for
                      the Energy Portfolio. The Portfolio, however, will not
                      purchase the securities of electric utility companies,
                      although it may invest in natural gas distributors and
                      natural gas pipeline concerns.
 
                      The GOLD & PRECIOUS METALS PORTFOLIO invests in the equity
                      securities of foreign and domestic companies engaged in
                      the exploration, mining, fabrication, processing, or
                      marketing and distribution of gold, silver, platinum,
                      diamonds or other precious and rare metals and minerals.
                      The Portfolio may also invest up to 20% of its assets
                      directly in gold, silver or other precious metal bullion
                      and coins.
 
                      Bullion and coins for the Gold & Precious Metals Portfolio
                      will only be bought from and sold to banks (both U.S. and
                      foreign), and dealers who are members of, or affiliated
                      with members of, a regulated U.S. commodities exchange, in
                      accordance with applicable investment laws. Gold, silver
                      or other precious metal bullion will not be purchased in
                      any form that is not readily marketable. Coins will not be
                      purchased for their numismatic value and will not be
                      considered for the Portfolio if they cannot be bought or
                      sold in an active market. Any bullion or coins purchased
                      by the Portfolio will be delivered to and stored with a
                      qualified custodian bank in the U.S.
 
                      Investors should be aware that bullion and coins do not
                      generate income, offering only the potential for capital
                      appreciation or depreciation, and may subject the
                      Portfolio to higher custody and transactions costs than
                      those normally associated with the ownership of
                      securities. Investments relating to gold and other
                      precious metals or minerals are considered speculative.
                      See "Investment Risks."
 
                      The HEALTH CARE PORTFOLIO invests in securities of
                      companies engaged in the development, production or
                      distribution of products and services related to the
                      treatment or prevention of diseases and other medical
                      infirmities. Companies in these fields include, but are
                      not limited to, pharmaceutical firms; companies that
                      design, manufacture or sell medical supplies, equipment
                      and support services; and companies that operate hospitals
                      and other health care facilities. The Portfolio will also
                      consider companies engaged in medical, diagnostic,
                      biochemical, and biotechnological research and
                      development.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   12
 
                      The UTILITIES INCOME PORTFOLIO invests in equity and debt
                      securities of companies engaged in the generation,
                      transmission, or distribution of electricity,
                      telecommunications, gas, or water. Such investments will
                      be selected on the basis of fundamental analysis to
                      identify those securities that the adviser believes will
                      provide both current income and the potential for growth
                      in income and capital over time.
 
                      The utilities sector of the stock market, from which the
                      UTILITIES INCOME PORTFOLIO'S primary investments will be
                      drawn, is dominated by telephone and electric utility
                      common stocks, with gas and water companies playing an
                      appreciably smaller role. For example, as of January 31,
                      1995, the Standard & Poor's Utility Index was heavily
                      weighted towards telephone and electric stocks, as the
                      following chart illustrates:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  % OF
                                     UTILITY SECTOR               INDEX
                           ----------------------------------     -----
                          <S>                                     <C>
                          Telephone/Telecommunications              51%
                          Electric                                   40
                          Gas                                         9
                                                                  -----
                          TOTAL                                    100%
                                                                  -----
                                                                  -----
</TABLE>                 
 
                      Similarly, the market for utility bonds is dominated by
                      telephone and electric utility issuers. For example, as of
                      January 31, 1995, telephone company bonds represented 30%
                      of the outstanding utility bonds rated A or better
                      (measured in terms of market value by the Lehman Brothers
                      Investment Grade Utility Bond Index). Electric utility
                      issues accounted for 32% of A-or-better utility bonds,
                      while gas, water and other utilities represented the
                      remaining 38%.
 
                      Utilities are subject to strict regulatory oversight.
                      However, in recent years, changes in the regulatory
                      climate have allowed utilities to provide products and
                      services outside their traditional geographic areas,
                      leading to increased competition and expanded prospects
                      for growth. The Portfolio seeks to take advantage of
                      favorable opportunities that are expected to arise from
                      these structural changes in regulation.
 
                                            *      *      *
                      The investment policies of the Fund are not fundamental
                      and so may be changed by the Board of Directors without
                      shareholder approval.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
INVESTMENT
RISKS

EACH PORTFOLIO IS
SUBJECT TO MARKET AND
INDUSTRY RISK         As equity mutual funds specializing in specific industries
                      or groups of industries, the Portfolios of the Fund are
                      subject primarily to two types of risk: market risk and
                      industry risk. Since the Portfolios may invest in foreign
                      securities, investors are also exposed to currency risk
                      and other risks of international investing.
 
                      MARKET RISK is the possibility that stock prices in
                      general will decline over short or even extended periods.
                      The stock market tends to be cyclical, with periods when
                      stock prices generally rise and periods when stock prices
                      generally decline. Stocks have provided annual total
                      returns (capital appreciation plus dividend income)
                      averaging +10.7% for all 10-year periods from 1926 to
                      1994, as measured by the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite
                      Stock Price Index. In contrast, the return on
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   13
 
                      stocks in individual years has varied from a low of -43.3%
                      to a high of +53.9%, reflecting the short-term volatility
                      of stock prices.
 
                      These fluctuations in stock market prices are expected to
                      have a substantial influence on the value of each
                      Portfolio. Moreover, the Energy, Gold & Precious Metals,
                      and Health Care Portfolios are likely to exhibit greater
                      volatility than the broad stock market, largely as a
                      result of their industry-specific holdings and, in several
                      of the Portfolios, an emphasis on the stocks of smaller
                      companies.
 
                      By contrast, the Utilities Income Portfolio is expected to
                      exhibit less volatility than the stock market as a whole
                      and the other Portfolios of the Fund. Historically,
                      utility stocks have been one of the least volatile sectors
                      of the stock market (when measured by such statistics as
                      standard deviation of returns or industry "beta").
                      Moreover, the Portfolio's investment in utility bonds is
                      expected to further dampen the stock market's influence on
                      the Portfolio. Of course, the Portfolio's bond holdings
                      will fluctuate in value, sometimes substantially, as
                      interest rates change.
 
                      In addition to stock market risk, each Portfolio is
                      subject to INDUSTRY RISK -- i.e., the possibility that a
                      particular group of related stocks will decline in price
                      due to industry-specific developments. The special
                      industry risks of the Energy Portfolio are that earnings
                      and dividends of companies in the energy industry are
                      greatly affected by changes in the prices and supplies of
                      oil and other energy fuels. Prices and supplies can
                      fluctuate significantly over a short period due to changes
                      in international politics, policies of the Organization of
                      Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), relationships among
                      OPEC members and between OPEC and oil-importing nations,
                      energy conservation, the regulatory environment,
                      governmental tax policies, and the economic growth and
                      stability of the main energy-consuming countries.
 
                      The industry risks of the Gold & Precious Metals Portfolio
                      include the sharp price volatility of gold and other
                      precious metals and of mining company shares. Investments
                      related to gold or other precious metals or minerals are
                      considered speculative and are affected by a host of
                      worldwide economic, financial and political factors.
                      Prices of gold and other precious metals may fluctuate
                      sharply over short periods due to several factors: changes
                      in inflation or expectations regarding inflation in
                      various countries; currency fluctuations; metal sales by
                      governments, central banks or international agencies;
                      investment speculation; changes in industrial and
                      commercial demand; and governmental prohibitions or
                      restrictions on the private ownership of certain precious
                      metals or minerals.
 
                      Political and economic conditions in gold-producing
                      countries may also have a direct effect on the mining and
                      distribution of gold and, consequently, its price. At
                      present, there are only four major producers of gold
                      bullion. In order of magnitude, they are: the Republic of
                      South Africa ("South Africa"), Russia, Canada and the
                      United States.
 
                      Events in South Africa are of particular importance since
                      the Portfolio intends to invest a substantial portion of
                      its assets in securities of South African mining companies
                      (21% of the Portfolio's net assets as of January 31,
                      1995). In South Africa, the activities of gold-mining
                      companies are subject to policies promulgated
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   14
 
                      by the Ministry of Mines. The Reserve Bank of South
                      Africa, as the sole authorized agent for South African
                      gold, influences the price and timing of sales of South
                      African gold. The South African government has also from
                      time to time imposed restrictions on the flow of
                      international capital.
 
                      Political and social problems in South Africa may also
                      pose certain risks to the Portfolio's investments in South
                      African issuers. These include the effect of social and
                      political unrest on mining production and gold prices, as
                      well as the threat of nationalization or expropriation by
                      the current or future government of South Africa. Other
                      risks include potential U.S. Government regulation of
                      South African investments.
 
                      The special industry risks of the Health Care Portfolio
                      are that the economic prospects of health care companies
                      can fluctuate dramatically due to changes in the
                      regulatory and competitive environment. A substantial
                      portion of health care services are funded or subsidized
                      by the government, and so changes in governmental policies
                      at the federal or state level may affect the demand for
                      health care products and services. Regulatory approvals,
                      which often entail lengthy application and testing
                      procedures, are generally required before new drugs and
                      certain medical instrumentation may be introduced. Health
                      care companies may face lawsuits related to product
                      liability issues. Also, many products and services
                      provided by health care companies are subject to rapid
                      obsolescence.
 
                      For the Utilities Income Portfolio, changing regulation
                      constitutes one of the key industry-specific risks.
                      Regulators (largely at the state level) monitor and
                      control utility revenues and costs, and therefore may
                      limit utility profits and dividends paid to investors.
                      Regulatory authorities may also restrict a company's
                      access to new markets, thereby diminishing the firm's
                      long-term prospects. Individual sectors of the utility
                      market are subject to the following additional risks:
 
                      - Electric utilities may be burdened by unexpected
                        increases in fuel and other operating costs. They are
                        also adversely affected when long-term interest rates
                        rise. Long-term borrowings are used to finance most
                        utility investment, and rising interest rates lead to
                        higher financing costs and reduced earnings. There are
                        also the considerable costs associated with
                        environmental compliance, nuclear waste clean-up, and
                        safety regulation. Increasingly, electric utilities are
                        being called upon by regulators to bear these added
                        costs, and there is a risk that these costs will not be
                        fully recovered through an increase in revenues.
 
                      - Telephone utilities have been buffeted by technological
                        development leading to increased competition, as well as
                        changing regulation of long-distance telephone service
                        and other telecommunications businesses. While certain
                        companies have benefitted from the new competitive
                        climate, others have not, and increased competition in
                        the future may hinder the growth of more traditionally
                        oriented telephone companies.
 
                      - Among gas transmission and distribution companies, there
                        has been a move to diversify into oil and gas
                        exploration and development, making investment returns
                        more sensitive to energy prices. In the case of the
                        water utility sector, the
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   15
 
                       industry is highly fragmented, and most water supply
                       companies find themselves in mature markets, with little
                       potential for growth.
 
                      The Utilities Income Portfolio is also subject to interest
                      rate risk -- price fluctuations due to changing interest
                      rates. In general, fixed-income investments, such as
                      bonds, vary inversely with interest rates, falling in
                      price when interest rates rise, and rising in price when
                      interest rates fall. Utility stocks, more so than other
                      stock market sectors, are often influenced by these trends
                      in interest rates, rather than price movements in the
                      broad stock market. At the same time, the Portfolio's bond
                      holdings are subject to interest rate risk. This
                      combination of interest-rate-sensitive stocks and bonds
                      means that the Portfolio may at times move in tandem with
                      the bond market, rising and falling as interest rates
                      change, independent of the broad stock market.
 
                      Investors in the Utilities Income Portfolio should be
                      aware that while utility stocks have historically provided
                      above-average dividend yields, there is no guarantee that
                      they will continue to do so in the future. As of January
                      31, 1995, the Standard & Poor's Utility Index provided a
                      current yield of 5.6%, which was twice as high as the
                      yield of 2.8% provided by the broad stock market (as
                      measured by the Standard & Poor's 500 Index). Many of the
                      risks enumerated above have made it increasingly difficult
                      for utility companies to sustain such generous dividend
                      pay-outs, and future dividend yields of the utility sector
                      could decline.
 
                      Similarly, while utility stocks during recent years have
                      provided total investment returns (dividend yield plus
                      capital change) above stock market averages, there is
                      again no guarantee that such returns will continue. For
                      example, during the ten-year period ended January 31,
                      1995, the Standard & Poor's Utility Index gained 14.5% per
                      year on average, while the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, a
                      measure of the broad stock market, returned 13.8% per
                      year. Investors should recognize that a period of
                      above-average investment performance by a stock market
                      sector, such as that provided by utility stocks over the
                      past ten years, is often followed by a period of
                      below-average investment performance. In addition,
                      investors should not anticipate that utility stocks will
                      outperform the broad stock market over the long haul,
                      given the generally limited growth prospects of the
                      utilities industry.
 
EACH PORTFOLIO IS
SUBJECT TO MANAGER
RISK                  The investment advisers manage each Portfolio according to
                      the traditional methods of "active" investment management,
                      which involve the buying and selling of securities based
                      upon economic, financial and market analysis and
                      investment judgment. MANAGER RISK refers to the
                      possibility that each Portfolio's investment adviser may
                      fail to execute the Portfolio's investment strategy
                      effectively. As a result, each Portfolio may fail to
                      achieve its stated objective.
 
FOREIGN SECURITIES
ENTAIL CURRENCY AND
OTHER RISKS           Since each Portfolio may invest in foreign securities,
                      investors in the Fund are also exposed to the unique risks
                      of international investing. For U.S. investors, the
                      returns of foreign securities are influenced by not only
                      the returns on foreign common stocks themselves, but also
                      by CURRENCY RISK -- i.e., changes in the value of the
                      currencies in which the stocks are denominated. In a
                      period when the U.S. dollar rises against foreign
                      currencies, the returns on foreign stocks for a U.S.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   16
 
                      investor are diminished. By contrast, in a period when the
                      U.S. dollar declines, the returns on foreign stocks are
                      enhanced.
 
                      Other risks and considerations of international investing
                      include the following: differences in accounting, auditing
                      and financial reporting standards; generally higher
                      commission rates on foreign portfolio transactions; the
                      smaller trading volumes and generally lower liquidity of
                      foreign stock markets, which may result in greater price
                      volatility; foreign withholding taxes payable on a
                      Portfolio's foreign securities, which may reduce dividend
                      income payable to shareholders; the possibility of
                      expropriation or confiscatory taxation; adverse changes in
                      investment or exchange control regulations; political
                      instability which could affect U.S. investment in foreign
                      countries; difficulty in obtaining and enforcing foreign
                      court judgements; and potential restrictions on the flow
                      of international capital.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
WHO SHOULD
INVEST                The Fund is designed for investors who are seeking the
                      potential rewards, and who are willing to accept the risks
                      associated with equity investments concentrated in
                      specific industries. Because of the risks associated with
                      common stock and bond investments, the Fund is intended to
                      be a long-term investment vehicle and is not designed to
                      provide investors with a means of speculating on
                      short-term stock and bond market movements. Investors who
                      engage in excessive account activity generate additional
                      costs which are borne by all of the Fund's shareholders.
                      In order to minimize such costs the Fund has adopted the
                      following policies. The Fund reserves the right to reject
                      any purchase request (including exchange purchases from
                      other Vanguard portfolios) that is reasonably deemed to be
                      disruptive to efficient portfolio management, either
                      because of the timing of the investment or previous
                      excessive trading by the investor. Additionally, the Fund
                      has adopted exchange privilege limitations as described in
                      the section "Exchange Privilege Limitations." Finally, the
                      Fund reserves the right to suspend the offering of its
                      shares.
    
 
                      The Energy, Gold & Precious Metals, and Health Care
                      Portfolios are intended for investors with substantial
                      financial resources who have the perspective and patience
                      to assume above-average interim investment risks in
                      pursuit of long-term capital growth. Since many of the
                      securities owned by these three Portfolios may be
                      considered speculative in nature or unseasoned by
                      traditional investment standards, substantially
                      greater-than-average investment risk is involved. The
                      share prices of these three Portfolios are expected to be
                      volatile.
 
                      In contrast, the Utilities Income Portfolio is designed
                      for investors who are seeking a more conservative,
                      income-oriented stock market investment. The Portfolio is
                      likely to offer higher dividend yields than the stock
                      market average, with substantially lower volatility in
                      share price. The Portfolio may also offer modest growth in
                      income and capital over time. Nonetheless, because utility
                      stock and bond prices will fluctuate, sometimes
                      substantially, investors in the Utilities Income Portfolio
                      should be willing to accept moderate to high fluctuations
                      in principal value.
 
                      There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its
                      stated objective, or that shareholders will be protected
                      from the substantial risks inherent in equity investing.
                      Investors may wish to reduce the potential risk of
                      investing in a Portfolio
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   17
 
                      by purchasing shares on a periodic basis (dollar-cost
                      averaging) rather than investing in one lump sum.
 
                      Since each Portfolio concentrates its holdings in a
                      particular industry or group of industries, the Fund
                      should not be considered a complete investment program.
                      Most investors should maintain diversified holdings of
                      securities with different risk
                      characteristics -- including common stocks, bonds and
                      money market instruments.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
IMPLEMENTATION
OF POLICIES

EACH PORTFOLIO MAY
HOLD FOREIGN 
SECURITIES
                      Each Portfolio follows a number of investment practices in
                      an effort to achieve its objective of long-term capital
                      growth.
 
                      Each Portfolio may invest up to 30% of its assets, and the
                      Gold & Precious Metals Portfolio may invest up to 100% of
                      its assets, in foreign securities. (At present, the
                      Utilities Income Portfolio is not expected to invest more
                      than 10% of its net assets in foreign securities.) Such a
                      policy expands the investment opportunities available to
                      the Portfolios and may result in improved diversification
                      and performance.
 
                      All or a portion of the foreign securities purchased by a
                      Portfolio may be in the form of American Depository
                      Receipts (ADRs) or European Depository Receipts (EDRs).
                      ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust
                      company that evidence ownership of underlying securities
                      issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs are receipts issued
                      in Europe that evidence a similar ownership arrangement.
                      Generally, ADRs are designed for trading in the United
                      States securities markets and EDRs are designed for
                      trading in European securities markets.
 
EACH PORTFOLIO MAY
ENTER INTO FORWARD
CURRENCY CONTRACTS    Each Portfolio of the Fund may enter into forward foreign
                      currency exchange contracts in order to protect against
                      uncertainty in the level of future foreign exchange rates
                      in the purchase and sale of investment securities. A
                      Portfolio may not enter into such contracts for
                      speculative purposes.
 
                      A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an
                      obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a
                      future date, which may be any fixed number of days from
                      the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a
                      price set at the time of the contract. These contracts may
                      be bought or sold to protect a Portfolio to a limited
                      extent against adverse changes in exchange rates between
                      foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Such contracts,
                      which protect the value of a Portfolio's investment
                      securities against a decline in the value of a currency,
                      do not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of
                      the securities. They simply establish an exchange rate at
                      a future date. Also, although such contracts tend to
                      minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of
                      the hedged currency, at the same time they tend to limit
                      any potential gain that might be realized should the value
                      of such currency increase.
 
EACH PORTFOLIO MAY
INVEST IN SHORT-TERM
FIXED-INCOME
SECURITIES            Although they normally seek to remain substantially fully
                      invested in equity securities (except the Utilities Income
                      Portfolio, which may invest up to 25% of its assets in
                      fixed-income securities), the Portfolios of the Fund may
                      invest temporarily in certain short-term fixed income
                      securities. Such securities may be used to invest
                      uncommitted cash balances, to maintain liquidity to meet
                      shareholder redemptions, or to take a temporarily
                      defensive position against potential stock market
                      declines. These securities include: obligations of the
                      United States Government and its
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   18
 
                      agencies or instrumentalities; commercial paper, bank
                      certificates of deposit, and bankers' acceptances; and
                      repurchase agreements collateralized by these securities.
 
                      The use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks,
                      including the risk of losses caused by the default or
                      insolvency of the other party to the agreement. However,
                      each Portfolio expects that it can control this risk
                      through careful evaluation of the creditworthiness of the
                      other party to any repurchase agreement and careful
                      monitoring procedures.
 
EACH PORTFOLIO MAY
USE FUTURES CONTRACTS
AND OPTIONS           Each Portfolio may utilize stock futures contracts and
                      options to a limited extent. Specifically, each Portfolio
                      may enter into futures contracts provided that not more
                      than 5% of its assets are required as a futures contract
                      deposit; in addition, each Portfolio may enter into
                      futures contracts and options transactions only to the
                      extent that obligations under such contracts or
                      transactions represent not more than 20% of the
                      Portfolio's assets.
 
                      Futures contracts and options may be used for several
                      reasons: to maintain cash reserves while simulating full
                      investment, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction
                      costs, or to seek higher investment returns when a futures
                      contract is priced more attractively than the underlying
                      equity security. While futures contracts and options can
                      be used as leveraged instruments, the Fund may not use
                      futures contracts or options to leverage its net assets.
 
                      The risk of loss in trading futures contracts in some
                      strategies can be substantial due both to the low margin
                      deposits required and the extremely high degree of
                      leveraging involved in futures pricing. As a result, a
                      relatively small price movement in a futures contract may
                      result in immediate and substantial loss or gain. However,
                      a Portfolio will not use futures contracts or options for
                      speculative purposes.
 
EACH PORTFOLIO MAY
LEND ITS SECURITIES   Each Portfolio may lend its securities on a short-term or
                      long-term basis to qualified institutional investors for
                      the purpose of realizing additional income. With any loan
                      of portfolio securities, there is a risk that the
                      borrowing institution will fail to redeliver the
                      securities when due. However, loans of securities by a
                      Portfolio will be collateralized by cash, letters of
                      credit, or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
                      Government or its agencies. The collateral will equal at
                      least 100% of the current market value of the loaned
                      securities.
 
   
EACH PORTFOLIO MAY
BORROW MONEY          Each Portfolio may borrow money, subject to the limits set
                      forth on page 17, for temporary or emergency purposes,
                      including the meeting of redemption requests which might
                      otherwise require the untimely disposition of securities.
    
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER IS
NOT EXPECTED TO EXCEED
100%                  Although they generally seek to invest for the long term,
                      the Portfolios of the Fund retain the right to sell
                      securities irrespective of how long they have been held.
                      It is anticipated that the annual portfolio turnover of
                      each Portfolio will not exceed 100%. A turnover rate of
                      100% would occur, for example, if all the securities of a
                      Portfolio were replaced within one year.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   19
 
INVESTMENT
LIMITATIONS

THE FUND HAS ADOPTED
CERTAIN FUNDAMENTAL
LIMITATIONS           Each Portfolio has adopted certain limitations designed to
                      reduce its exposure to specific situations. Some of these
                      limitations are that a Portfolio will not:
 
                      (a) with respect to 75% of the value of its total assets,
                          invest more than 5% of its assets in the securities of
                          any single company;
                      (b) with respect to 75% of the value of its total assets,
                          purchase more than 10% of the voting securities of any
                          issuer;
                      (c) borrow money, except from banks (or through reverse
                          repurchase agreements) for temporary or emergency (not
                          leveraging) purposes, and then not in an amount
                          exceeding 15% of the value of the Fund's net assets at
                          the time the borrowing is made. Whenever borrowing
                          exceeds 5% of the value of the Fund's net assets, the
                          Fund will not make any additional investments;
   
                      (d) purchase or otherwise acquire any security if, as a
                          result, more than 15% of its net assets would be
                          invested in securities that are illiquid; and
    
   
                      (e) make loans except (i) by purchasing bonds, debentures
                          or similar obligations (including repurchase
                          agreements, subject to the limitation described in (e)
                          above) which are either publicly distributed or
                          customarily purchased by institutional investors, and
                          (ii) by lending its securities to banks, brokers,
                          dealers and other financial institutions so long as
                          such loans are not inconsistent with the Investment
                          Company Act or the Rules and Regulations or
                          interpretations of the Commission thereunder and the
                          aggregate value of all securities loaned does not
                          exceed 33 1/3% of the market value of the Portfolio's
                          total assets.
    
 
                      These investment limitations are considered at the time
                      investment securities are purchased. The limitations
                      described here and in the Statement of Additional
                      Information are fundamental and so may be changed only
                      with the approval of a majority of the Fund's
                      shareholders.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
MANAGEMENT OF
THE FUND

VANGUARD ADMINISTERS
AND DISTRIBUTES THE
FUND                  The Fund is a member of The Vanguard Group of Investment
                      Companies, a family of more than 30 investment companies
                      with more than 80 distinct investment portfolios and total
                      assets in excess of $130 billion. Through their
                      jointly-owned subsidiary, The Vanguard Group, Inc.
                      ("Vanguard"), the Fund and the other funds in the Group
                      obtain at cost virtually all of their corporate
                      management, administrative and distribution services.
                      Vanguard also provides investment advisory services on an
                      at-cost basis to certain Vanguard funds. As a result of
                      Vanguard's unique corporate structure, the Vanguard funds
                      have costs substantially lower than those of most
                      competing mutual funds. In 1994, the average expense ratio
                      (annual costs including advisory fees divided by total net
                      assets) for the Vanguard funds amounted to approximately
                      .30% compared to an average of 1.05% for the mutual fund
                      industry (data provided by Lipper Analytical Services).
 
                      The Officers of the Fund manage its day-to-day operations
                      and are responsible to the Fund's Board of Directors. The
                      Directors set broad policies for the Fund and choose its
                      Officers. A list of the Directors and Officers of the Fund
                      and a statement of their present positions and principal
                      occupations during the past five years can be found in the
                      Statement of Additional Information.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   20
 
                      Vanguard employs a supporting staff of management and
                      administrative personnel needed to provide the requisite
                      services to the funds and also furnishes the funds with
                      necessary office space, furnishings and equipment. Each
                      fund pays its share of Vanguard's net expenses, which are
                      allocated among the funds under methods approved by the
                      Board of Directors (Trustees) of each fund. In addition,
                      each fund bears its own direct expenses, such as legal,
                      auditing and custodian fees.
 
                      Vanguard provides distribution and marketing services to
                      the funds. The funds are available on a no-load basis
                      (i.e., there are no sales commissions or 12b-1 fees).
                      However, each fund bears its share of the Group's
                      distribution costs.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
INVESTMENT
ADVISERS              The Fund employs two investment advisers. Wellington
                      Management Company serves as investment adviser to the
                      Energy, Health Care, and Utilities Income Portfolios of
                      the Fund. M&G Investment Management Limited serves as
                      investment adviser to the Gold & Precious Metals
                      Portfolio.
 
WELLINGTON
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
MANAGES INVESTMENTS
FOR THREE PORTFOLIOS  Under an investment advisory agreement with the Fund,
                      Wellington Management Company ("WMC"), 75 State Street,
                      Boston, MA 02109, manages the investment and reinvestment
                      of the assets of the Fund's Energy, Health Care, and
                      Utilities Income Portfolios and continuously reviews,
                      supervises and administers each Portfolio's investment
                      program. WMC discharges its responsibilities subject to
                      the control of the Officers and Directors of the Fund.
 
                      WMC is a professional investment advisory firm which
                      globally provides services to investment companies,
                      institutions and individuals. Among the clients of WMC are
                      more than 10 of the investment companies of The Vanguard
                      Group. As of December 31, 1994, WMC held discretionary
                      management authority with respect to more than $80 billion
                      of assets. WMC and its predecessor organizations have
                      provided investment advisory services to investment
                      companies since 1933 and to investment counseling clients
                      since 1960.
 
                      Ernst H. von Metzsch, Senior Vice President of WMC, serves
                      as the portfolio manager of the Energy Portfolio. Mr. von
                      Metzsch has been an investment professional with WMC since
                      1973. Edward P. Owens, Senior Vice President of WMC,
                      serves as portfolio manager of the Health Care Portfolio.
                      Mr. Owens has been an investment professional with WMC
                      since 1974. John R. Ryan, Senior Vice President of WMC,
                      serves as the portfolio manager of the Utilities Income
                      Portfolio. Mr. Ryan is assisted by Paul D. Kaplan, Senior
                      Vice President of WMC, who manages the Portfolio's
                      fixed-income investments. Messrs. Ryan and Kaplan have
                      been investment professionals with WMC since 1981 and
                      1978, respectively. Messrs. von Metzsch and Owens have
                      served as portfolio managers of the Energy and Health Care
                      Portfolios, respectively, since the Fund's inception in
                      May 1984; Messrs. Ryan and Kaplan have served as portfolio
                      managers of the Utilities Income Portfolio since its
                      inception in May 1992. WMC's portfolio managers are
                      supported by research and other investment services
                      provided by the professional staff of WMC.
 
                      Under the investment advisory agreement, the three
                      Portfolios are required to pay WMC an aggregate fee at the
                      end of the fiscal quarter, calculated by applying the
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   21
 
                      following annual percentage rates to the average month-end
                      net assets for the quarter of the three Portfolios for
                      which WMC serves as investment adviser:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       NET ASSETS                 RATE
                                   -------------------           -------
                           <S>                                   <C>
                           First $100 million                     0.300%
                           Next $150 million                      0.200%
                           Next $250 million                      0.150%
                           Next $500 million                      0.125%
                           Over $1 billion                        0.100%
</TABLE>                  
 
                      In addition, once the advisory fee to WMC is calculated
                      for the three Portfolios under this schedule, the total
                      fee will be reduced in order that the advisory fee paid by
                      the Utilities Income Portfolio does not exceed 0.125%.
 
   
                      The advisory fee is based on the total assets for the
                      three Portfolios and is allocated, except as noted above,
                      to each Portfolio based on the net assets of each. For the
                      fiscal year ended January 31, 1995, the investment
                      advisory fee represented an effective annual rate of .14
                      of 1% of average net assets for the Energy and Health Care
                      Portfolios. The investment advisory fee for the Utilities
                      Income Portfolio represented an effective annual rate of
                      .12 of 1% of average net assets.
    
 
M&G INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT LTD.
MANAGES THE GOLD &
PRECIOUS METALS
PORTFOLIO             The Fund has also entered into an investment advisory
                      agreement with M&G Investment Management Limited ("M&G"),
                      Three Quays, Tower Hill, London, England EC3R 6BQ. Under
                      that investment advisory agreement, M&G manages the
                      investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Fund's
                      Gold & Precious Metals Portfolio and continuously reviews,
                      supervises and administers the Portfolio's investment
                      program. M&G discharges its responsibilities subject to
                      the control of the Officers and Directors of the Fund.
 
                      M&G is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the M&G Group Plc and
                      is authorized to carry on investment business under
                      English law by the Investment Management Regulatory
                      Organisation Limited. The M&G Group, an independent group
                      of companies, began providing investment advisory services
                      to the public over 50 years ago, when they launched Great
                      Britain's first unit trust (mutual fund). Today, the
                      principal operating subsidiaries of the M&G Group manage
                      funds for some 147 accounts, including individual
                      investors, company pension plans and charitable
                      foundations. In total, the M&G Group manages or advises
                      approximately $21.6 billion in assets. Among these assets
                      are two unit trusts that invest in the securities of gold
                      and precious metals related companies. David J. Hutchins,
                      an Investment Manager of M&G, serves as portfolio manager
                      of the Gold & Precious Metals Portfolio, a position he has
                      held since January, 1987.
 
                      Under the investment advisory agreement, the Gold &
                      Precious Metals Portfolio pays M&G a fee at the end of
                      each fiscal quarter, calculated by applying the
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   22
 
                      following annual percentage rates to the average month-end
                      net assets of the Portfolio for the quarter:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          NET ASSETS                 RATE
                                      -------------------            -----
                             <S>                                     <C>
                             First $100 million                       .30%
                             Next $300 million                        .25%
                             Over $400 million                        .20%
</TABLE>                   
 
                      For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1995, the investment
                      advisory fee paid by the Gold & Precious Metals Portfolio
                      represented an effective annual rate of .17 of 1% of
                      average net assets after giving effect to a fee waiver of
                      $415,000 (.07 of 1%).
 
                      The investment advisory agreements with WMC and M&G
                      authorize the advisers to select brokers or dealers to
                      execute purchases and sales of the Fund's portfolio
                      securities, and direct the advisers to use their best
                      efforts to obtain the best available price and most
                      favorable execution with respect to all transactions. The
                      full range and quality of brokerage services are
                      considered in making these determinations.
 
                      The Fund has authorized WMC and M&G to pay higher
                      commissions in recognition of brokerage services felt
                      necessary for the achievement of better execution,
                      provided the advisers believe this to be in the best
                      interest of the Fund. Although the Fund does not market
                      its shares through intermediary brokers or dealers, the
                      Fund may place orders with qualified broker-dealers who
                      recommend the Fund to clients if the Officers of the Fund
                      believe that the quality of the transaction and the
                      commission are comparable to what they would be with other
                      qualified brokerage firms.
 
                      The Fund's Board of Directors may, without the approval of
                      shareholders, provide for: (a) the employment of a new
                      investment adviser pursuant to the terms of a new advisory
                      agreement, either as a replacement for an existing adviser
                      or as an additional adviser; (b) a change in the terms of
                      an advisory agreement; and (c) the continued employment of
                      an existing adviser on the same advisory contract terms
                      where a contract has been assigned because of a change in
                      control of the adviser. Any such change will only be made
                      upon not less than 30 days' prior written notice to
                      shareholders of the Fund which shall include substantially
                      the information concerning the adviser that would have
                      normally been included in a proxy statement.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
DIVIDENDS,
CAPITAL GAINS
AND TAXES

THE UTILITIES INCOME
PORTFOLIO PAYS
DIVIDENDS QUARTERLY;
THE OTHER PORTFOLIOS,
ANNUALLY              The Utilities Income Portfolio pays dividends consisting
                      of ordinary income on a quarterly basis; the Energy, Gold
                      & Precious Metals, and Health Care Portfolios pay
                      dividends annually. Capital gains distributions for all
                      Portfolios, if any, are also made annually.
    
 
                      Dividend and capital gains distributions may be
                      automatically reinvested or received in cash. See
                      "Choosing a Distribution Option" for a description of
                      these distribution methods.
 
                      In order to satisfy certain distribution requirements of
                      the Tax Reform Act of 1986, each Portfolio may declare
                      year-end dividend and capital gains distributions during
                      December. Such distributions, if received by shareholders
                      by January 31, are
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   23
 
                      deemed to have been paid by the Portfolio and received by
                      shareholders on December 31 of the prior year.
 
                      Each Portfolio of the Fund intends to continue to qualify
                      for taxation as a "regulated investment company" under the
                      Internal Revenue Code so that each Portfolio will not be
                      subject to federal income tax to the extent its income is
                      distributed to shareholders. Dividends paid by a Portfolio
                      from net investment income, whether received in cash or
                      reinvested in additional shares, will be taxable to
                      shareholders as ordinary income. For corporate investors,
                      dividends from net investment income will generally
                      qualify in part for the intercorporate dividends-received
                      deduction. However, the portion of the dividends so
                      qualified depends on the aggregate taxable qualifying
                      dividend income received by the Portfolio from domestic
                      (U.S.) sources.
 
                      Distributions paid by a Portfolio from long-term capital
                      gains, whether received in cash or reinvested in
                      additional shares, are taxable as long-term capital gains,
                      regardless of the length of time you have owned shares in
                      the Portfolio. Capital gains distributions are made when a
                      Portfolio realizes net capital gains on sales of portfolio
                      securities during the year. A Portfolio does not seek to
                      realize any particular amount of capital gains during a
                      year; rather, realized gains are a by-product of portfolio
                      management activities. Consequently, capital gains
                      distributions may be expected to vary considerably from
                      year to year; there will be no capital gains distributions
                      in years when a Portfolio realizes net capital losses.
 
                      Note that if you accept capital gains distributions in
                      cash, instead of reinvesting them in additional shares,
                      you are in effect reducing the capital at work for you in
                      a Portfolio. Also, keep in mind that if you purchase
                      shares in a Portfolio shortly before the record date for a
                      dividend or capital gains distribution, a portion of your
                      investment will be returned to you as a taxable
                      distribution, regardless of whether you are reinvesting
                      your distributions or receiving them in cash.
 
                      The Fund will notify you annually as to the tax status of
                      dividend and capital gains distributions paid by a
                      Portfolio.
 
THE GOLD & PRECIOUS
METALS PORTFOLIO MAY
"PASS THROUGH"
FOREIGN TAXES         The Gold & Precious Metals Portfolio may elect to "pass
                      through" to the Portfolio's shareholders the amount of
                      foreign income taxes paid by the Portfolio. The
                      Portfolio will make such an election only if it deems it
                      to be in the best interests of its shareholders.
 
                      If this election is made, shareholders of the Gold &
                      Precious Metals Portfolio will be required to include in
                      their gross income their pro rata share of foreign taxes
                      paid by the Portfolio. However, shareholders will be able
                      to treat their pro rata share of foreign taxes as either
                      an itemized deduction or a foreign tax credit against U.S.
                      income taxes on their tax return.
 
A CAPITAL GAIN OR LOSS
MAY BE REALIZED
UPON EXCHANGE OR
REDEMPTION            A sale of shares of a Portfolio of the Fund is a taxable
                      event and may result in a capital gain or loss. A capital
                      gain or loss may be realized from an ordinary redemption
                      of shares or an exchange of shares between two mutual
                      funds (or two portfolios of a mutual fund).
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   24
 
                      Dividend distributions, capital gains distributions, and
                      capital gains or losses from redemptions and exchanges may
                      be subject to state and local taxes.
 
                      The Fund is required to withhold 31% of taxable dividends,
                      capital gains distributions, and redemptions paid to
                      shareholders who have not complied with IRS taxpayer
                      identification regulations. You may avoid this withholding
                      requirement by certifying on your Account Registration
                      Form your proper Social Security or Employer
                      Identification number and by certifying that you are not
                      subject to backup withholding.
 
                      The Fund has obtained a Certificate of Authority to do
                      business as a foreign corporation in Pennsylvania and does
                      business and maintains an office in that state. In the
                      opinion of counsel, the shares of the Fund are exempt from
                      Pennsylvania personal property taxes.
 
                      The tax discussion set forth above is included for general
                      information only. Prospective investors should consult
                      their own tax advisers concerning the tax consequences of
                      an investment in the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THE SHARE PRICE OF
EACH PORTFOLIO        The share price or "net asset value" per share of each
                      Portfolio is computed once each day at the close of
                      regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally
                      4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the Exchange is open
                      for trading. Net asset value per share is computed by
                      dividing the total value of the investments and other
                      assets of each Portfolio, less any liabilities, by the
                      total number of outstanding shares of such Portfolio.
 
                      Securities listed on a U.S. exchange are valued at the
                      latest quoted sales prices on the day the valuation is
                      made. Securities listed on a U.S. exchange that are not
                      traded on the valuation date are valued at the mean of the
                      bid and ask prices. Securities listed on a foreign
                      exchange are valued at the latest quoted sales price
                      available before the time when assets are valued. All
                      prices of listed securities are taken from the exchange
                      where the security is primarily traded. Unlisted
                      securities for which market quotations are readily
                      available are valued at the latest quoted bid price. Other
                      assets and securities for which no market quotations are
                      readily available are valued in good faith at fair value
                      using methods determined by, or under the supervision of,
                      the Board of Directors of the Fund. Securities may be
                      valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing
                      service when such prices are believed to reflect the fair
                      market value of such securities.
 
                      In determining each Portfolio's net asset value per share,
                      all assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign
                      currencies will be converted into U.S. dollars at the bid
                      price of such currencies against U.S. dollars last quoted
                      by a major bank or broker. If such quotations are not
                      available as of the close of the Exchange, the rate of
                      exchange will be determined in accordance with policies
                      established in good faith by the Board of Directors.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   25
 
GENERAL
INFORMATION           The Fund is a Maryland corporation. The Articles of
                      Incorporation permit the Directors to issue 6,000,000,000
                      shares of common stock, with a $.001 par value. The Board
                      of Directors has the power to designate one or more
                      classes ("Portfolios") of shares of common stock and to
                      classify or reclassify any unissued shares with respect to
                      such classes. Currently the Fund is offering four classes
                      of shares.
 
                      The shares of each Portfolio are fully paid and
                      non-assessable; have no preference as to conversion,
                      exchange, dividends, retirement or other features; and
                      have no preemptive rights. Such shares have non-cumulative
                      voting rights, meaning that the holders of more than 50%
                      of the shares voting for the election of Directors can
                      elect 100% of the Directors if they so choose.
 
                      Annual meetings of shareholders will not be held except as
                      required by the Investment Company Act of 1940 and other
                      applicable law. An annual meeting will be held to vote on
                      the removal of a Director or Directors of the Fund if
                      requested in writing by the holders of not less than 10%
                      of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
 
                      All securities and cash for the Energy, Health Care, and
                      Utilities Income Portfolios are held by State Street Bank
                      and Trust Company, Boston, MA. All securities and cash for
                      the Gold & Precious Metals Portfolio are held by Morgan
                      Guaranty Trust Company, New York, NY. The Vanguard Group,
                      Inc., Valley Forge, PA, serves as the Fund's Transfer and
                      Dividend Disbursing Agent. Price Waterhouse LLP, serves as
                      independent accountants for the Fund and will audit its
                      financial statements annually. The Fund is not involved in
                      any material litigation.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   26
 
                               SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
 
OPENING AN
ACCOUNT AND
PURCHASING
SHARES                You may open a regular (non-retirement) account, either by
                      mail or wire. Simply complete and return an Account
                      Registration Form and any required legal documentations
                      indicating the amount you wish to invest. Your purchase
                      must be equal to or greater than the $3,000 minimum
                      initial investment requirement for each Portfolio ($500
                      for Uniform Gifts/Transfers to Minors Act accounts). You
                      must open a new Individual Retirement Account by mail
                      (IRAs may not be opened by wire) using a Vanguard IRA
                      Adoption Agreement. Your purchase must be equal to or
                      greater than the $500 minimum initial investment
                      requirement, but no more than $2,000 if you are making a
                      regular IRA contribution. Rollover contributions are
                      generally limited to the amount withdrawn within the past
                      60 days from an IRA or other qualified Retirement Plan. If
                      you need assistance with the forms or have any questions
                      about the Fund, please call our Investor Information
                      Department (1-800-662-7447). NOTE: For other types of
                      account registrations (e.g., corporations, associations,
                      other organizations, trust or powers of attorney), please
                      call us to determine which additional forms you may need.
                      The Fund's shares are purchased at the next-determined net
                      asset value after your investment has been received. The
                      Fund is offered on a no-load basis (i.e., there are no
                      sales commissions or 12b-1 fees).
 
                      Because of the risks associated with common stock and bond
                      investments, the Fund is intended to be a long-term
                      investment vehicle and is not designed to provide
                      investors with a means of speculating on short-term stock
                      and bond market movements. Consequently, the Fund reserves
                      the right to reject any specific purchase (and exchange
                      purchase) request. The Fund also reserves the right to
                      suspend the offering of shares for a period of time.
 
IMPORTANT NOTE:
1% REDEMPTION FEE     Potential investors should note that a 1% redemption fee
                      is charged for the Energy, Gold & Precious Metals, and
                      Health Care Portfolios. This fee, which is paid to the
                      Portfolios, applies to redemptions or exchanges from these
                      three Portfolios of shares held for less than 12 months.
 
ADDITIONAL
INVESTMENTS           Subsequent investments to regular accounts may be made by
                      mail ($100 minimum), wire ($1,000 minimum), exchange from
                      another Vanguard Fund account ($100 minimum), or Vanguard
                      Fund Express. Subsequent investments to Individual
                      Retirement Accounts may be made by mail ($100 minimum) or
                      exchange from another Vanguard Fund account. In some
                      instances, contributions may be made by wire or Vanguard
                      Fund Express. Please call us for more information on these
                      options.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   27
 
<TABLE>
<S>                       <C>                                       <C>
                                                                       ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS
                                  NEW ACCOUNT                           TO EXISTING ACCOUNTS
PURCHASING BY MAIL        Please include the amount of              Additional investments should
                          your initial investment and the           include the Invest-by-Mail
Complete and sign the     name of the Portfolio you have            remittance form attached to your
enclosed Account          selected on the registration              Fund confirmation statements.
Registration Form         form, make your check payable to          Please make your check payable
                          The Vanguard Group-(Portfolio             to The Vanguard Group-(Portfolio
                          Number) (see below), and mail             Number) (see below), write your
                          to:                                       account number on your check
                                                                    and, using the return envelope
                          VANGUARD FINANCIAL CENTER                 provided, mail to the address
                          P.O. BOX 2600                             indicated on the Invest-by-Mail
                          VALLEY FORGE, PA 19482                    Form.

For express or            VANGUARD FINANCIAL CENTER                 All written requests should be
registered mail,          455 DEVON PARK DRIVE                      mailed to one of the addresses
send to:                  WAYNE, PA 19087                           indicated for new accounts. Do
                                                                    not send registered or express
                                                                    mail to the post office box
                                                                    address.
                          Vanguard Specialized Portfolio
                          Numbers:
                          Energy Portfolio-51
                          Health Care Portfolio-52
                          Gold & Precious Metals
                          Portfolio-53
                          Utilities Income Portfolio-57
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                       <C>
PURCHASING BY WIRE                          CORESTATES BANK, N.A.
                                            ABA 031000011
Money should be                             CORESTATES NO. 0101 9897
wired to:                                   ATTN VANGUARD
                                            VANGUARD SPECIALIZED PORTFOLIOS
BEFORE WIRING                               PORTFOLIO NAME
                                            ACCOUNT NUMBER
Please contact                              ACCOUNT REGISTRATION
Client Services
(1-800-662-2739)
</TABLE>
 
                      To assure proper receipt, please be sure your bank
                      includes the Portfolio name, the account number Vanguard
                      has assigned to you and the eight-digit CoreStates number.
                      If you are opening a new account, please complete the
                      Account Registration Form and mail it to the "New Account"
                      address above after completing your wire arrangement.
                      Note: Federal Funds wire purchase orders will be accepted
                      only when the Fund and Custodian Bank are open for
                      business.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   28
 
PURCHASING BY
EXCHANGE (from a
Vanguard account)     You may open a new account or purchase additional shares
                      by making an exchange from an existing Vanguard account.
                      However, the Fund reserves the right to refuse any
                      exchange purchase request. Call our Client Services
                      Department (1-800-662-2739). The new account will have the
                      same registration as the existing account.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
PURCHASING BY
FUND EXPRESS

Special Purchase and
Automatic Investment  The Fund Express Special Purchase option lets you move
                      money from your bank account to your Vanguard account on
                      an "as needed" basis. Or if you choose the Automatic
                      Investment option, money will be moved automatically from
                      your bank account to your Vanguard account on the schedule
                      (monthly, bimonthly [every other month], quarterly or
                      yearly) you select. To establish these Fund Express
                      options, please provide the appropriate information on the
                      Account Registration Form. We will send you a confirmation
                      of your Fund Express service; please wait three weeks
                      before using the service.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
CHOOSING A
DISTRIBUTION
OPTION
                      You must select one of three distribution options:
 
                      1. AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT OPTION -- Both dividends and
                         capital gains distributions will be reinvested in
                         additional Fund shares. This option will be selected
                         for you automatically unless you specify one of the
                         other options.
 
                      2. CASH DIVIDEND OPTION -- Your dividends will be paid in
                         cash and your capital gains will be reinvested in
                         additional Fund shares.
 
                      3. ALL CASH OPTION -- Both dividend and capital gains
                         distributions will be paid in cash.
 
                      In addition, an option to invest your cash dividends
                      and/or capital gains distributions in another Vanguard
                      Fund account is available. Please call our Client Services
                      Department (1-800-662-2739) for information. You may also
                      elect Vanguard Dividend Express which allows you to
                      transfer your cash dividends and/or capital gains
                      distributions automatically to your bank account. Please
                      see "Other Vanguard Services" for more information.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
TAX CAUTION
Investors should ask
about the timing of
capital gains and
dividend distributions
before investing
                      Under Federal tax laws, the Fund is required to distribute
                      net capital gains and dividend income to Fund
                      shareholders. These distributions are made to all
                      shareholders who own Fund shares as of the distribution's
                      record date, regardless of how long the shares have been
                      owned. Purchasing shares just prior to the record date
                      could have a significant impact on your tax liability for
                      the year. For example, if you purchase shares immediately
                      prior to the record date of a sizable capital gain or
                      income dividend distribution, you will be assessed taxes
                      on the amount of the capital gain and/or dividend
                      distribution later paid even though you owned the Fund
                      shares for just a short period of time. (Taxes are due on
                      the distributions even if the dividend or gain is
                      reinvested in additional Fund shares.) While the total
                      value of your investment will be the same after the
                      distribution -- the amount of the distribution will offset
                      the drop in the net asset value of the shares -- you
                      should be aware of the tax implications the timing of your
                      purchase may have.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   29
 
                      Prospective investors should, therefore, inquire about
                      potential distributions before investing. The Fund's
                      annual dividend and capital gains distribution normally
                      occurs in December for the Energy, Gold & Precious Metals,
                      and Health Care Portfolios. The Utilities Income
                      Portfolio's annual capital gains distribution normally
                      occurs in December, and this Portfolio also generally pays
                      quarterly dividends in March, June, September and
                      December. For additional information on distributions and
                      taxes, see the section titled "Dividends, Capital Gains,
                      and Taxes."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION

ESTABLISHING OPTIONAL
SERVICES
                      The easiest way to establish optional Vanguard services on
                      your account is to select the options you desire when you
                      complete your Account Registration Form. IF YOU WISH TO
                      ADD SHAREHOLDER OPTIONS LATER, YOU MAY NEED TO PROVIDE
                      VANGUARD WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND A SIGNATURE
                      GUARANTEE. PLEASE CALL OUR CLIENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
                      (1-800-662-2739) FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE.
 
SIGNATURE
GUARANTEES            For our mutual protection, we may require a signature
                      guarantee on certain written transaction requests. A
                      signature guarantee verifies the authenticity of your
                      signature and may be obtained from banks, brokers and any
                      other guarantor that Vanguard deems acceptable. A
                      SIGNATURE GUARANTEE CANNOT BE PROVIDED BY A NOTARY PUBLIC.
 
CERTIFICATES
                      Share certificates will be issued upon request (with the
                      exception of the Utilities Income Portfolio, for which
                      certificates are not available). If a certificate is lost,
                      you may incur an expense to replace it.
 
BROKER-DEALER
PURCHASES
                      If you purchase shares in Vanguard Funds through a
                      registered broker-dealer or investment adviser, the
                      broker-dealer or adviser may charge a service fee.
 
CANCELLING TRADES     The Fund will not cancel any trade (e.g., a purchase,
                      exchange or redemption) believed to be authentic, received
                      in writing or by telephone, once the trade request has
                      been received.
 
ELECTRONIC
PROSPECTUS
DELIVERY
                      If you would prefer to receive a prospectus for the Fund
                      or any of the Vanguard Funds in an electronic format,
                      please call 1-800-231-7870 for additional information. If
                      you elect to do so, you may also receive a paper copy of
                      the prospectus, by calling 1-800-662-7447.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
WHEN YOUR
ACCOUNT WILL BE
CREDITED              Your trade date is the date on which your account is
                      credited. If your purchase is made by check, Federal Funds
                      wire or exchange, and is received by the close of the New
                      York Stock Exchange (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time),
                      your trade date is the day of receipt. If your purchase is
                      received after the close of the Exchange, your trade date
                      is the next business day. Your shares are purchased at the
                      net asset value determined on your trade date. Vanguard
                      will not accept third-party checks to open an account.
                      Please be sure your purchase check is made payable to the
                      Vanguard Group.
 
                      In order to prevent lengthy processing delays caused by
                      the clearing of foreign checks, Vanguard will only accept
                      a foreign check which has been drawn in U.S. dollars and
                      has been issued by a foreign bank with a U.S.
                      correspondent bank.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   30
 
                      The name of the U.S. correspondent bank must be printed on
                      the face of the foreign check.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SELLING YOUR
SHARES                You may withdraw any portion of the funds in your account
                      by redeeming shares at any time. You may initiate a
                      request by writing or by telephoning. Your redemption
                      proceeds are normally mailed within two business days
                      after the receipt of the request in Good Order.
 
   
                      IMPORTANT NOTE: For investors in the Energy, Gold &
                      Precious Metals, and Health Care Portfolios, a redemption
                      fee amounting to 1% of the value of the shares redeemed
                      will be deducted from the redemption proceeds of any
                      shares held for less than one year. This fee is paid
                      directly to the Portfolio.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SELLING BY MAIL
                      Requests should be mailed to VANGUARD FINANCIAL CENTER,
                      VANGUARD SPECIALIZED PORTFOLIOS, P.O. BOX 1120, VALLEY
                      FORGE, PA 19482. (For express or registered mail, send
                      your request to Vanguard Financial Center, Vanguard
                      Specialized Portfolios, 455 Devon Park Drive, Wayne, PA
                      19087).
 
                      The redemption price of shares will be the Portfolio's net
                      asset value next determined after Vanguard has received
                      all required documents in Good Order.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
DEFINITION OF
GOOD ORDER
                      GOOD ORDER means that the request includes the following:
 
                      1. The account number and Portfolio name.
                      2. The amount of the transaction (specified in dollars or
                         shares).
                      3. The signatures of all owners EXACTLY as they are
                         registered on the account.
                      4. Any required signature guarantees.
                      5. Other supporting legal documentation that might be
                         required, in the case of estates, corporations, trusts,
                         and certain other accounts.
                      6. Any certificates you are holding for the account.
 
                      IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS DEFINITION AS IT PERTAINS
                      TO YOUR REQUEST, PLEASE CALL OUR CLIENT SERVICES
                      DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-662-2739.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SELLING BY
TELEPHONE
                      To sell shares by telephone, you or your pre-authorized
                      representative may call our Client Services Department at
                      1-800-662-2739. The proceeds will be sent to you by mail.
                      Please see "Important Information About Telephone
                      Transactions."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SELLING BY FUND
EXPRESS

Automatic Withdrawal
& Special Redemption  If you select the Fund Express Automatic Withdrawal
                      option, money will be automatically moved from your
                      Vanguard Fund account to your bank account according to
                      the schedule you have selected. The Special Redemption
                      option lets you move money from your Vanguard account to
                      your bank account on an "as needed" basis. To establish
                      these Fund Express options, please provide the appropriate
                      information on the Account Registration Form. We will send
                      you a confirmation of your Fund Express service; please
                      wait three weeks before using the service.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SELLING BY EXCHANGE   You may sell shares by making an exchange into another
                      Vanguard Fund account. Please see "Exchanging Your Shares"
                      for details.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   31
 
IMPORTANT REDEMPTION
INFORMATION
                      Shares purchased by check or Fund Express may be redeemed
                      at any time. However, your redemption proceeds will not be
                      paid until payment for the purchase is collected, which
                      may take up to ten calendar days.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
DELIVERY OF
REDEMPTION
PROCEEDS
                      Redemption requests received by telephone prior to the
                      close of the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4:00 p.m.
                      Eastern time) are processed on the day of receipt and the
                      redemption proceeds are normally sent on the following
                      business day.
 
                      Redemption requests received by telephone after the close
                      of the Exchange are processed on the business day
                      following receipt and the proceeds are normally sent on
                      the second business day following receipt.
 
                      Redemption proceeds must be sent to you within seven days
                      of receipt of your request in Good Order.
 
                      If you experience difficulty in making a telephone
                      redemption during periods of drastic economic or market
                      changes, your redemption request may be made by regular or
                      express mail. It will be implemented at the net asset
                      value next determined after your request has been received
                      by Vanguard in Good Order. The Fund reserves the right to
                      revise or terminate the telephone redemption privilege at
                      any time.
 
                      The Fund may suspend the redemption right or postpone
                      payment at times when the New York Stock Exchange is
                      closed or under any emergency circumstances as determined
                      by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
                      If the Board of Directors determines that it would be
                      detrimental to the best interests of the Fund's remaining
                      shareholders to make payment in cash, the Fund may pay
                      redemption proceeds in whole or in part by a distribution
                      in kind of readily marketable securities.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
VANGUARD'S AVERAGE
COST STATEMENT        If you make a redemption from a qualifying account,
                      Vanguard will send you an Average Cost Statement which
                      provides you with the tax basis of the shares you
                      redeemed. Please see "Other Vanguard Services" for
                      additional information.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
MINIMUM ACCOUNT
BALANCE
REQUIREMENT           Due to the relatively high cost of maintaining smaller
                      accounts, the Fund reserves the right to redeem shares in
                      any account that is below the minimum initial investment
                      amount of $3,000. If at any time your total investment
                      does not have a value of at least $3,000, you may be
                      notified that your account is below the Fund's minimum
                      account balance requirement. You would then be allowed 60
                      days to make an additional investment before the account
                      is liquidated. Proceeds would be promptly paid to the
                      registered shareholder. (This minimum requirement does not
                      apply to IRAs, other retirement accounts and Uniform
                      Gifts/Transfers to Minors Act accounts).
 
                      The Fund's minimum account balance requirement will not
                      apply if your account falls below $3,000 solely as a
                      result of declining markets (i.e., a decline in a
                      Portfolio's net asset value).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   32
 
EXCHANGING YOUR
SHARES                Should your investment goals change, you may exchange your
                      shares of Vanguard Specialized Portfolios for those of
                      other available Vanguard Funds.
 
                      IMPORTANT NOTE: For investors in the Energy, Gold &
                      Precious Metals, and Health Care Portfolios, a redemption
                      fee amounting to 1% of the value of the shares exchanged
                      will be deducted from the exchange proceeds if shares held
                      for less than one year are exchanged. This fee is paid
                      directly to the Portfolio.
 
EXCHANGING BY
TELEPHONE

Call Client Services
(1-800-662-2739)      When exchanging shares by telephone, please have ready the
                      Portfolio name, account number, Social Security Number or
                      Employer Identification number listed on the account and
                      exact name and address in which the account is registered.
                      Only the registered shareholder or his or her
                      pre-authorized representative may complete such an
                      exchange. Requests for telephone exchanges received prior
                      to the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange
                      (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) are processed at the
                      close of business that same day. Requests received after
                      the close of the Exchange are processed the next business
                      day. TELEPHONE EXCHANGES ARE NOT ACCEPTED INTO OR FROM
                      VANGUARD BALANCED INDEX FUND, VANGUARD INDEX TRUST,
                      VANGUARD INTERNATIONAL EQUITY INDEX FUND AND VANGUARD
                      QUANTITATIVE PORTFOLIOS. If you experience difficulty in
                      making a telephone exchange, your exchange request may be
                      made by regular or express mail, and it will be
                      implemented at the closing net asset value on the date
                      received by Vanguard, provided the request is received in
                      Good Order.
 
EXCHANGING BY MAIL    Please be sure to include on your exchange request the
                      name and account number of your current Portfolio, the
                      name of the Fund you wish to exchange into, the amount you
                      wish to exchange, and the signatures of all registered
                      account holders. Send your request to VANGUARD FINANCIAL
                      CENTER, VANGUARD SPECIALIZED PORTFOLIOS, P.O. BOX 1120,
                      VALLEY FORGE, PA 19482. (For express or registered mail,
                      send your request to Vanguard Financial Center, Vanguard
                      Specialized Portfolios, 455 Devon Park Drive, Wayne, PA
                      19087).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
IMPORTANT EXCHANGE
INFORMATION           Before you make an exchange, you should consider the
                      following:
 
                      - Please read the Fund's prospectus before making an
                        exchange. For a copy and for answers to any questions
                        you may have, call our Investor Information Department
                        (1-800-662-7447).
 
                      - An exchange is treated as a redemption and a purchase.
                        Therefore, you could realize a taxable gain or loss on
                        the transaction.
 
                      - Exchanges are accepted only if the registrations and the
                        Taxpayer Identification numbers of the two accounts are
                        identical.
 
                      - The shares to be exchanged must be on deposit and not
                        held in certificate form.
 
                      - New accounts are not currently accepted in
                        Vanguard/Windsor Fund or Vanguard/PRIMECAP Fund.
 
                      - The redemption price of shares redeemed by exchange is
                        the net asset value next determined after Vanguard has
                        received the required documentation in Good Order.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   33
 
                      - When opening a new account by exchange, you must meet
                        the minimum investment requirement of the new Fund.
 
                      Every effort will be made to maintain the exchange
                      privilege. However, the Fund reserves the right to revise
                      or terminate its provisions, limit the amount of or reject
                      any exchange, as deemed necessary, at any time.
 
                      The Fund's exchange privilege is only available in states
                      in which the shares of the Fund are registered for sale.
                      The Fund's shares are currently registered for sale in all
                      50 states and the Fund intends to maintain such
                      registration.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
EXCHANGE
PRIVILEGE
LIMITATIONS           The Fund's exchange privilege is not intended to afford
                      shareholders a way to speculate on short-term movements in
                      the market. Accordingly, in order to prevent excessive use
                      of the exchange privilege that may potentially disrupt the
                      management of the Fund and increase transaction costs, the
                      Fund has established a policy of limiting excessive
                      exchange activity.
 
                      Exchange activity generally will not be deemed excessive
                      if limited to THREE SUBSTANTIVE EXCHANGE REDEMPTIONS (AT
                      LEAST 30 DAYS APART) from a Portfolio of the Fund during
                      any twelve month period. Notwithstanding these
                      limitations, the Fund reserves the right to reject any
                      purchase request (including exchange purchases from other
                      Vanguard Portfolios) that is reasonably deemed to be
                      disruptive to efficient portfolio management.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
ABOUT TELEPHONE
TRANSACTIONS          The ability to initiate redemptions (except wire
                      redemptions) and exchanges by telephone is automatically
                      established on your account unless you request in writing
                      that telephone transactions on your account not be
                      permitted.
 
                      To protect your account from losses resulting from
                      unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions,
                      Vanguard adheres to the following security procedures:
 
                      1. SECURITY CHECK.  To request a transaction by telephone,
                         the caller must know (i) the name of the Portfolio;
                         (ii) the 10-digit account number; (iii) the exact name
                         and address used in the registration; and (iv) the
                         Social Security or Employer Identification number
                         listed on the account.
 
                      2. PAYMENT POLICY.  The proceeds of any telephone
                         redemption by mail will be made payable to the
                         registered shareowner and mailed to the address of
                         record only.
 
                      Neither the Fund nor Vanguard will be responsible for the
                      authenticity of transaction instructions received by
                      telephone, provided that reasonable security procedures
                      have been followed. Vanguard believes that the security
                      procedures described above are reasonable, and that if
                      such procedures are followed, you will bear the risk of
                      any losses resulting from unauthorized or fraudulent
                      telephone transactions on your account.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   34
 
TRANSFERRING
REGISTRATION          You may transfer the registration of any of your Fund
                      shares to another person by completing a transfer form and
                      sending it to: VANGUARD FINANCIAL CENTER, P.O. BOX 1110,
                      VALLEY FORGE, PA 19482, ATTENTION: TRANSFER DEPARTMENT.
                      The request must be in Good Order. TO REQUEST A TRANSFER
                      FORM AND FULL INSTRUCTIONS PLEASE CALL OUR CLIENT SERVICES
                      DEPARTMENT (1- 800-662-2739).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
STATEMENTS AND
REPORTS               Vanguard will send you a confirmation statement each time
                      you initiate a transaction in your account except for
                      checkwriting redemptions from Vanguard money market
                      accounts. You will also receive a comprehensive account
                      statement at the end of each calendar quarter. The
                      fourth-quarter statement will be a year-end statement,
                      listing all transaction activity for the entire calendar
                      year.
 
                      Vanguard's Average Cost Statement provides you with the
                      average cost of shares redeemed from your account, using
                      the average cost single category method. This service is
                      available for most taxable accounts opened since January
                      1, 1986. In general, investors who redeemed shares from a
                      qualifying Vanguard account may expect to receive their
                      Average Cost Statement in February of the following year.
                      Please call our Client Services Department
                      (1-800-662-2739) for information.
 
                      Financial reports on the Fund will be mailed to you
                      semi-annually, according to the Fund's fiscal year-end.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
OTHER VANGUARD
SERVICES              For more information about any of these services, please
                      call our Investor Information Department at
                      1-800-662-7447.
 
VANGUARD DIRECT
DEPOSIT SERVICE
                      With Vanguard's Direct Deposit Service, most U.S.
                      Government checks (including Social Security and military
                      pension checks) and private payroll checks may be
                      automatically deposited into your Vanguard Fund account.
                      Separate brochures and forms are available for direct
                      deposit of U.S. Government and private payroll checks.
 
VANGUARD AUTOMATIC
EXCHANGE SERVICE      Vanguard's Automatic Exchange Service allows you to move
                      money automatically among your Vanguard Fund accounts. For
                      instance, the service can be used to "dollar cost average"
                      from a money market portfolio into a stock or bond fund or
                      to contribute to an IRA or other retirement plan. Please
                      contact our Client Services Department at 1-800-662-2739
                      for additional information.
 
VANGUARD FUND
EXPRESS
                      Vanguard's Fund Express allows you to transfer money
                      between your Fund account and your account at a bank,
                      savings and loan association, or a credit union that is a
                      member of the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system. You
                      may elect this service on the Account Registration Form or
                      call our Investor Information Department (1-800-662-7447)
                      for a Fund Express application.
 
                      The minimum amount that can be transferred by telephone is
                      $100. However, if you have established one of the
                      automatic options, the minimum amount is $50. The maximum
                      amount that can be transferred using any of the options is
                      $100,000.
 
                      Special rules govern how your Fund Express purchases or
                      redemptions are credited to your account. In addition,
                      some services of Fund Express cannot be used with
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   35
 
                      specific Vanguard Funds. For more information, please
                      refer to the Vanguard Fund Express brochure.
 
VANGUARD DIVIDEND
EXPRESS
                      Vanguard's Dividend Express allows you to transfer your
                      dividends and/or capital gains distributions automatically
                      from your Fund account, one business day after the Fund's
                      payable date, to your account at a bank, savings and loan
                      association, or a credit union that is a member of the
                      Automated Clearing House (ACH) system. You may elect this
                      service on the Account Registration Form or call our
                      Investor Information Department (1-800-662-7447) for a
                      Vanguard Dividend Express application.
 
VANGUARD
TELE-ACCOUNT          Vanguard's Tele-Account is a convenient, automated service
                      that provides share price, price change and yield
                      quotations on Vanguard Funds through any TouchTone(TM)
                      telephone. This service also lets you obtain information
                      about your account balance, your last transaction, and
                      your most recent dividend or capital gains payment. To
                      contact Vanguard's Tele-Account service, dial
                      1-800-ON-BOARD (1-800-662-6273). A brochure offering
                      detailed operating instructions is available from our
                      Investor Information Department (1-800-662-7447).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   36
 
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
<PAGE>   37
 
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
<PAGE>   38
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>                                    <C>
                                 [VANGUARD SPECIALIZED PORTFOLIOS LOGO]          [VANGUARD SPECIALIZED PORTFOLIOS LOGO]
                                 ---------------------------                      P   R   O   S   P   E   C   T   U   S
                                 THE VANGUARD GROUP                                            MAY 26, 1995
                                 OF INVESTMENT
                                 COMPANIES
                                 Vanguard Financial Center
                                 P.O. Box 2600
                                 Valley Forge, PA 19482
                                 INVESTOR INFORMATION
                                 DEPARTMENT:
                                 1-800-662-7447 (SHIP)
                                 CLIENT SERVICES
                                 DEPARTMENT:
                                 1-800-662-2739 (CREW)
                                 TELE-ACCOUNT FOR
                                 24-HOUR ACCESS:
                                 1-800-662-6273 (ON BOARD)
                                 TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICE
                                 FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED:
                                 1-800-662-2738
                                 TRANSFER AGENT:
                                 The Vanguard Group, Inc.
                                 Vanguard Financial Center
                                 Valley Forge, PA 19482
                                                                                  [THE VANGUARD GROUP LOGO]
</TABLE>
      P051
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   39
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[VANGUARD SPECIALIZED PORTFOLIOS LOGO] 
- --------------------------------------
    UTILITIES INCOME PORTFOLIO                   A Member of The Vanguard Group
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
PROSPECTUS--MAY 26, 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
NEW ACCOUNT INFORMATION: INVESTOR INFORMATION DEPARTMENT--1-800-662-7447 (SHIP)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNT SERVICES: CLIENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT--1-800-662-2739 (CREW)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
AND POLICIES          Vanguard Specialized Portfolios, Inc. (the "Fund") is an
                      open-end diversified investment company which consists of
                      four Portfolios. This prospectus relates only to the
                      Utilities Income Portfolio (the "Portfolio"). The
                      objective of the Portfolio is to provide current income
                      and growth of capital and income. The Portfolio invests
                      primarily in common stocks and bonds of utilities
                      companies. Given its specialized focus, the Portfolio
                      should not be considered a complete investment program.
                      There is no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its
                      stated objective. Shares of the Fund are neither insured
                      nor guaranteed by any agency of the U.S. Government,
                      including the FDIC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
OPENING AN
ACCOUNT               To open a regular (non-retirement) account, please
                      complete and return the Account Registration Form. If you
                      need assistance in completing this Form, please call our
                      Investor Information Department. To open an Individual
                      Retirement Account (IRA), please use a Vanguard IRA
                      Adoption Agreement, to obtain a copy of this form, call
                      1-800-662-7447 Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to
                      9:00 p.m. (Eastern time), and Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to
                      4:00 p.m. (Eastern time). The minimum initial investment
                      is $3,000 or $500 for Uniform Gifts/Transfers to Minors
                      Act accounts. The Portfolio is offered on a no-load basis
                      (i.e., there are no sales commissions or 12b-1 fees).
                      However, the Portfolio incurs expenses for investment
                      advisory, management, administrative and distribution
                      services.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
ABOUT THIS
PROSPECTUS            This Prospectus is designed to set forth concisely the
                      information you should know about the Portfolio before you
                      invest. It should be retained for future reference. A
                      "Statement of Additional Information" containing
                      additional information about the Portfolio has been filed
                      with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such
                      Statement is dated May 26, 1995, and has been incorporated
                      by reference into this Prospectus. A copy may be obtained
                      without charge by writing to the Portfolio or by calling
                      the Investor Information Department.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                        <C>                                        <C>
                                   Page                                       Page                                       Page
Portfolio Expenses  ................ 2     Who Should Invest .................  7                SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
Financial Highlights ............... 2     Implementation of Policies.........  7     Opening an Account and
Yield and Total Return ............. 3     Investment Limitations ............ 10       Purchasing Shares ............... 16
        FUND INFORMATION                   Management of the                          When Your Account Will
Investment Objective  .............. 4     Portfolio ......................... 11       Be Credited ..................... 19
Investment Policies ................ 4     Investment Adviser ................ 11     Selling Your Shares ............... 19
Investment Risks  .................. 4     Dividends, Capital Gains                   Exchanging Your Shares ............ 21
                                             and Taxes ....................... 13     Important Information About
                                           The Share Price of the                       Telephone Transactions .......... 23
                                             Portfolio ....................... 14     Transferring
                                           General Information ............... 15       Registration .................... 23
                                                                                      Other Vanguard Services ........... 24
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   40
 
PORTFOLIO
EXPENSES              The following table illustrates all expenses and fees that
                      you would incur as a shareholder of the Portfolio. The
                      expenses and fees set forth below are for the fiscal year
                      ended January 31, 1995.
 
<TABLE>
                           <S>                                                                <C>       <C>
                                                    SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
                           -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           Sales Load Imposed on Purchases...............................                None
                           Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends....................                None
                           Redemption Fees...............................................                None
                           Exchange Fees.................................................                None
                                                        ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES
                           -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           Management & Administrative Fees..............................                0.33%
                           Investment Advisory Fees......................................                0.12
                           12b-1 Fees....................................................                None
                           Other Expenses
                             Distribution Costs..........................................     0.00
                             Miscellaneous Expenses......................................     0.05
                                                                                              ----
                           Total Other Expenses..........................................                0.05%
                                                                                                        ------
                                    TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES.............................                0.50%
                                                                                                        ------
                                                                                                        ------
                      The purpose of this table is to assist you in 
                      understanding the various costs and expenses that you 
                      would bear directly or indirectly as an investor in the 
                      Portfolio.

                      The following example illustrates the expenses that you 
                      would incur on a $1,000 investment over various periods,
                      assuming (1) a 5% annual rate of return and (2) 
                      redemption at the end of each period.
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       
                                1 YEAR        3 YEARS       5 YEARS       10 YEARS
                                -------       -------       -------       --------
                                <S>           <C>           <C>           <C>
                                  $ 5           $16           $28           $ 63
</TABLE>

                      THIS EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION 
                      OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES OR PERFORMANCE. ACTUAL 
                      EXPENSES MAY BE HIGHER OR LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
FINANCIAL
HIGHLIGHTS            The following financial highlights for a share outstanding
                      throughout each period, have been audited by Price
                      Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, whose report
                      thereon was unqualified. This information should be read
                      in conjunction with the Fund's financial statements and
                      notes thereto, which are incorporated by reference in the
                      Statement of Additional Information and in this
                      Prospectus, and which appear, along with the report of
                      Price Waterhouse LLP, in the Fund's 1995 Annual Report to
                      Shareholders. For a more complete discussion of the Fund's
                      performance, please see the Fund's 1995 Annual Report to
                      Shareholders which may be obtained without charge by
                      writing to the Fund or by calling our Investor Information
                      Department at 1-800-662-7447.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   41
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              ---------------------------------------------
                                                                       UTILITIES INCOME PORTFOLIO
                                                              ---------------------------------------------
                                                                                            MAY 15, 1992+,
                                                              YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,              TO
                                                               1995             1994         JAN. 31, 1993
<S>                                                           <C>              <C>          <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD........................  $11.67           $11.18            $10.00
                                                              ------           ------           -------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS                                                                       
  Net Investment Income.....................................     .56              .57               .41
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments....   (1.10)             .88              1.03
                                                              ------           ------           -------
    TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS........................    (.54)            1.45              1.44
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................    (.59)            (.56)             (.24)
  Distributions from Realized Capital Gains.................    (.12)            (.40)             (.02)
                                                              ------           ------           -------
    TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS.....................................    (.71)            (.96)             (.26)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD..............................  $10.42           $11.67            $11.18
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN................................................   (4.47)%          13.08%            14.51%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of Period (Millions)........................    $593             $738              $361
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets.....................     .50%             .42%              .45%*
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets........    5.43%            4.82%             4.70%*
Portfolio Turnover Rate.....................................      35%              46%               20%
 * Annualized.
 + Commencement of operations.
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
YIELD AND TOTAL
RETURN                From time to time the Portfolio may advertise its yield
                      and total return. Both yield and total return figures are
                      based on historical earnings and are not intended to
                      indicate future performance. The "total return" of the
                      Portfolio refers to the average annual compounded rates of
                      return over one-, five- and ten-year periods or for the
                      life of the Portfolio (as stated in the advertisement)
                      that would equate an initial amount invested at the
                      beginning of a stated period to the ending redeemable
                      value of the investment, assuming the reinvestment of all
                      dividend and capital gains distributions.
 
                      In accordance with industry guidelines set forth by the
                      U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the "30-day
                      yield" of the Portfolio is calculated by dividing net
                      investment income per share earned during a 30-day period
                      by the net asset value per share on the last day of the
                      period. Net investment income includes interest and
                      dividend income earned on the Portfolio's securities; it
                      is net of all expenses and all recurring and nonrecurring
                      charges that have been applied to all shareholder
                      accounts. The yield calculation assumes that net
                      investment income earned over 30 days is compounded
                      monthly for six months and then annualized. Methods used
                      to calculate advertised yields are standardized for all
                      stock and bond mutual funds. However, these methods differ
                      from the accounting methods used by the Portfolio to
                      maintain its books and records, and so the advertised
                      30-day yield may not fully reflect the income paid to your
                      own account or the yield reported in the Portfolio's
                      financial statements.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   42
 
                      Also, the Portfolio may compare its performance to that of
                      various stock market indices, including the Standard &
                      Poor's 500 Index and the Standard & Poor's Utility Index.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
THE PORTFOLIO SEEKS
CURRENT INCOME        The primary objective of the Portfolio is to provide
                      current income. Its secondary objective is to provide
                      moderate growth of capital and income. There can be no
                      assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its stated
                      objective. The Portfolio is one of four Portfolios of
                      Vanguard Specialized Portfolios, Inc. (the "Fund").
 
                      The investment objective of the Portfolio is fundamental
                      and so cannot be changed without the approval of a
                      majority of the Portfolio's shareholders.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
INVESTMENT
POLICIES
THE PORTFOLIO INVESTS
IN UTILITY STOCKS AND
BONDS                 Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio will invest at
                      least 75% of its assets in equity securities of companies
                      in the utilities industry. The remainder of the
                      Portfolio's assets will be invested in utility bonds rated
                      A or better by Standard & Poor's Corporation or Moody's
                      Investors Service. Because of its emphasis on higher-
                      yielding utility stocks and its holdings of utility bonds,
                      the Portfolio is expected to offer a dividend yield well
                      above the stock market average. The Portfolio is managed
                      without regard to tax ramifications.
 
FOREIGN DEBT
SECURITIES            The Portfolio will invest primarily in securities that
                      trade in U.S. markets. The Portfolio may invest up to 30%
                      of its assets in foreign securities, but has no present
                      intention of investing more than 10% of its assets in such
                      securities. In order to protect against fluctuations in
                      foreign exchange rates, the Portfolio may invest in
                      forward foreign currency exchange contracts.
 
                      Besides investing primarily in equity securities, the
                      Portfolio may hold certain short-term fixed income
                      securities as cash reserves. The Portfolio may also invest
                      in stock futures contracts and options to a limited
                      extent. See "Implementation of Policies" for a description
                      of these and other investment practices of the Fund.
 
                      The investment policies of the Portfolio are not
                      fundamental and so may be changed by the Board of
                      Directors without shareholder approval.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
INVESTMENT RISKS      As a mutual fund specializing in utility stocks and bonds,
                      the Portfolio is subject primarily to four types of risk:
                      stock market risk, interest rate risk, industry risk, and
                      manager risk. Since the Portfolio may invest in foreign
                      securities, investors are also exposed to currency risk
                      and other risks of international investing.
 
MARKET RISK MAY BE
SUBSTANTIAL           Market risk is the possibility that stock prices in
                      general will decline over short or even extended periods.
                      The stock market tends to be cyclical, with periods when
                      stock prices generally rise and periods when stock prices
                      generally decline. Stocks have provided annual total
                      returns (capital appreciation plus dividend income)
                      averaging +10.7% for all 10-year periods from 1926 to
                      1994, as measured by the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite
                      Stock Price Index. In contrast, the return on stocks in
                      individual years has varied from a low of -43.3% to a high
                      of +53.9%, reflecting the short-term volatility of stock
                      prices.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   43
 
                      However, the Portfolio is expected to exhibit somewhat
                      less volatility than the stock market as a whole.
                      Historically, utility stocks have been one of the least
                      volatile sectors of the stock market (when measured by
                      such statistics as standard deviation of returns or
                      industry "beta"). Moreover, the Portfolio's investment in
                      utility bonds is expected to further dampen the stock
                      market's influence on the Portfolio.
 
INTEREST RATE RISK MAY
BE SUBSTANTIAL        In addition to stock market risk, utility stocks and bonds
                      are also subject to interest rate risk -- price
                      fluctuations due to changing market interest rates. In
                      general, fixed-income investments, such as bonds, vary
                      inversely with interest rates, falling in price when
                      interest rates rise, and rising in price when interest
                      rates fall. Utility stocks, more so than other stock
                      market sectors, are often influenced by these trends in
                      interest rates, rather than price movements in the stock
                      market. At the same time, the Portfolio's bond holdings
                      are subject to interest rate risk. This combination of
                      interest-rate-sensitive stocks and bonds means that the
                      Portfolio may at times move in tandem with the bond
                      market, rising and falling as interest rates change,
                      independent of the stock market.
 
INVESTORS ARE EXPOSED
TO INDUSTRY RISK      In addition to stock market and interest rate risk, the
                      Portfolio is subject to industry risk -- i.e., the
                      possibility that a particular group of related stocks will
                      decline in price due to industry-specific developments.
 
                      Changing regulation constitutes one of the key industry
                      specific risks for the Portfolio. Regulators (largely at
                      the state level) monitor and control utility revenues and
                      costs, and therefore may limit utility profits and
                      dividends paid to investors. Regulatory authorities may
                      also restrict a company's access to new markets, thereby
                      diminishing the firm's long-term prospects. Individual
                      sectors of the utility market are subject to the following
                      additional risks:
 
                      - Electric utilities may be burdened by unexpected
                        increases in fuel and other operating costs. They are
                        also adversely affected when long-term interest rates
                        rise. Long-term borrowings are used to finance most
                        utility investment, and rising interest rates lead to
                        higher financing costs and reduced earnings. There are
                        also the considerable costs associated with
                        environmental compliance, nuclear waste clean-up, and
                        safety regulation. Increasingly, electric utilities are
                        being called upon by regulators to bear these added
                        costs, and there is a risk that these costs will not be
                        fully recovered through an increase in revenues.
 
                      - Telephone utilities have been buffeted by technological
                        development leading to increased competition, as well as
                        changing regulation of long-distance telephone service
                        and other telecommunications businesses. While certain
                        companies have benefitted from the new competitive
                        climate, others have not, and increased competition in
                        the future may hinder the growth of more traditionally
                        oriented telephone companies.
 
                      - Among gas transmission and distribution companies, there
                        has been a move to diversify into oil and gas
                        exploration and development, making investment returns
                        more sensitive to energy prices. In the case of the
                        water utility sector, the industry is highly fragmented,
                        and most water supply companies find themselves in
                        mature markets, with little potential for growth.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   44
 
THE PORTFOLIO IS
SUBJECT TO MANAGER
RISK                  In addition to the risks described above, the Portfolio is
                      subject to manager risk. The investment adviser manages
                      the Portfolio according to the traditional methods of
                      "active" investment management, which involve the buying
                      and selling of securities based upon economic, financial
                      and market analysis and investment judgment. Manager risk
                      refers to the possibility that the Portfolio's investment
                      adviser may fail to execute the Portfolio's investment
                      strategy effectively. As a result, the Portfolio may fail
                      to achieve its stated objective.
 
FOREIGN SECURITIES
ENTAIL CURRENCY AND
OTHER RISKS           Since the Portfolio may invest in foreign securities,
                      investors are also exposed to the unique risks of
                      international investing. For U.S. investors, the returns
                      of foreign securities are influenced by not only the
                      returns on foreign common stocks themselves, but also by
                      currency risk -- i.e., changes in the value of the
                      currencies in which the stocks are denominated. In a
                      period when the U.S. dollar rises against foreign
                      currencies, the returns on foreign stocks for a U.S.
                      investor are diminished. By contrast, in a period when the
                      U.S. dollar declines, the returns on foreign stocks are
                      enhanced.
 
                      Other risks and considerations of international investing
                      include the following: differences in accounting, auditing
                      and financial reporting standards; generally higher
                      commission rates on foreign portfolio transactions; the
                      smaller trading volumes and generally lower liquidity of
                      foreign stock markets, which may result in greater price
                      volatility; foreign withholding taxes payable on a
                      Portfolio's foreign securities, which may reduce dividend
                      income payable to shareholders; the possibility of
                      expropriation or confiscatory taxation; adverse changes in
                      investment or exchange control regulations; political
                      instability which could affect U.S. investment in foreign
                      countries; difficulty in obtaining and enforcing foreign
                      court judgments; and potential restrictions on the flow of
                      international capital.
 
HIGHER YIELDS AND
RETURNS MAY NOT
PERSIST               Investors in the Portfolio should be aware that while
                      utility stocks have historically provided above-average
                      dividend yields, there is no guarantee that they will
                      continue to do so in the future. For example, as of
                      January 31, 1995, the Standard & Poor's Utility Index
                      provided a current yield of 5.6%, which was twice as high
                      as the yield of 2.8% provided by the broad stock market
                      (as measured by the Standard & Poor's 500 Index). Many of
                      the risks enumerated above have made it increasingly
                      difficult for utility companies to sustain such generous
                      dividend pay-outs, and future dividend yields of the
                      utility sector could decline.
 
                      Similarly, while utility stocks during recent years have
                      provided total investment returns (dividend yield plus
                      capital change) above stock market averages, there is
                      again no guarantee that such returns will continue. For
                      example, during the ten-year period ended January 31,
                      1995, the Standard & Poor's Utility Index gained 14.5% per
                      year on average, while the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, a
                      measure of the broad stock market, returned 13.8% per
                      year. Investors should recognize that a period of
                      above-average investment performance by a stock market
                      sector, such as that provided by utility stocks over the
                      past ten years, is often followed by a period of
                      below-average investment performance. In addition,
                      investors should not
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   45
 
                      anticipate that utility stocks will outperform the broad
                      stock market over the long haul, given the generally
                      limited growth prospects of the utilities industry.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
WHO SHOULD
INVEST
INVESTORS SEEKING AN
INCOME-ORIENTED STOCK
INVESTMENT            The Utilities Income Portfolio is designed for investors
                      who are seeking a more conservative, income-oriented stock
                      market investment. The Portfolio is likely to offer higher
                      dividend yields than the stock market average, with
                      substantially lower volatility in share price. The
                      Portfolio may also offer modest growth in income and
                      capital over time. Nonetheless, because utility stock and
                      bond prices will fluctuate, sometimes substantially,
                      investors should be willing to accept moderate to high
                      fluctuations in principal value. Because of the risks
                      associated with common stock and bond investments, the
                      Portfolio is intended to be a long-term investment vehicle
                      and is not designed to provide investors with a means of
                      speculating on short-term common stock and bond market
                      movements. Investors who engage in excessive account
                      activity generate additional costs which are borne by all
                      of the Portfolio shareholders. In order to minimize such
                      costs the Portfolio has adopted the following policies.
                      The Portfolio reserves the right to reject any purchase
                      request (including exchange purchases from other Vanguard
                      portfolios) that is reasonably deemed to be disruptive to
                      efficient portfolio management, either because of the
                      timing of the investment or previous excessive trading by
                      the investor. Additionally, the Portfolio has adopted
                      exchange privilege limitations as described in the section
                      "Exchange Privilege Limitations." Finally, the Portfolio
                      reserves the right to suspend the offering of its shares.
 
                      There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve
                      its stated objective, or that shareholders will be
                      protected from the substantial risks inherent in equity
                      investing. Investors may wish to reduce the potential risk
                      of investing in the Portfolio by purchasing shares on a
                      periodic basis (dollar cost averaging) rather than
                      investing in one lump sum.
 
                      Since the Portfolio concentrates its holdings in equity
                      securities of companies in The utilities industry, the 
                      Portfolio should not be considered a complete investment
                      program. Most investors should maintain diversified 
                      holdings of securities with different risk 
                      characteristics -- including common stocks, bonds and 
                      money market instruments.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
IMPLEMENTATION OF
POLICIES              The Portfolio follows a number of investment practices in
                      an effort to achieve its objective of long-term capital
                      growth.
 
THE PORTFOLIO INVESTS
IN A RANGE OF UTILITY
STOCKS AND BONDS      The Portfolio invests in equity and debt securities of
                      companies engaged in the generation, transmission, or
                      distribution of electricity, telecommunications, gas, or
                      water. Such investments will be selected on the basis of
                      fundamental analysis to identify those securities that the
                      adviser believes will provide both current income and the
                      potential for growth in income and capital over time.
 
                      The utilities sector of the stock market, from which the
                      Portfolio's primary investments will be drawn, is
                      dominated by telephone and electric utility common stocks,
                      with gas and water companies playing an appreciably
                      smaller role. For
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   46
 
                      example, as of January 31, 1995, the Standard & Poor's
                      Utility Index was heavily weighted towards telephone and
                      electric stocks, as the following chart illustrates:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             % OF
                                               UTILITY SECTOR               INDEX
                                       -------------------------------    --------
                                       <S>                                <C>
                                       Telephone/Telecommunications            51%
                                       Electric                                40
                                       Gas                                      9
                                                                          --------
                                         TOTAL                                100%
                                                                          ========
</TABLE>
 
                      Similarly, the market for utility bonds is dominated by
                      telephone and electric utility issuers. For example, as of
                      January 31, 1995, telephone company bonds represented 30%
                      of the outstanding utility bonds rated A or better
                      (measured in terms of market value by the Lehman Brothers
                      Investment Grade Utility Bond Index). Electric utility
                      issues accounted for 32% of A-or-better utility bonds,
                      while gas, water and other utilities represented the
                      remaining 38%.
 
                      Utilities are subject to strict regulatory oversight.
                      However, in recent years, changes in the regulatory
                      climate have allowed utilities to provide products and
                      services outside their traditional geographic areas,
                      leading to increased competition and expanded prospects
                      for growth. The Portfolio seeks to take advantage of
                      favorable opportunities that are expected to arise from
                      these structural changes in regulation.
 
THE PORTFOLIO MAY
HOLD FOREIGN
SECURITIES            The Portfolio may invest up to 30% of its assets in
                      foreign securities, but at present is not expected to
                      invest more than 10% of its net assets in foreign
                      securities. Such a policy expands the investment
                      opportunities available to the Portfolio and may result in
                      improved diversification and performance.
 
                      All or a portion of the foreign securities purchased by
                      the Portfolio may be in the form of American Depository
                      Receipts (ADRs) or European Depository Receipts (EDRs).
                      ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust
                      company that evidence ownership of underlying securities
                      issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs are receipts issued
                      in Europe that evidence a similar ownership arrangement.
                      Generally, ADRs are designed for trading in the United
                      States securities markets and EDRs are designed for
                      trading in European securities markets.
 
THE PORTFOLIO MAY
ENTER INTO FORWARD
CURRENCY CONTRACTS    The Portfolio may enter into forward foreign currency
                      exchange contracts in order to protect against uncertainty
                      in the level of future foreign exchange rates in the
                      purchase and sale of investment securities. The Portfolio
                      may not enter into such contracts for speculative
                      purposes.
 
                      A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an
                      obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a
                      future date, which may be any fixed number of days from
                      the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a
                      price set at the time of the contract. These contracts may
                      be bought or sold to protect the Portfolio to a limited
                      extent against adverse changes in exchange rates between
                      foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Such contracts,
                      which protect the value of the Portfolio's investment
                      securities against a decline in the value of a currency,
                      do not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of
                      the securities. They simply establish an exchange rate at
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   47
 
                      a future date. Also, although such contracts tend to
                      minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of
                      the hedged currency, at the same time they tend to limit
                      any potential gain that might be realized should the value
                      of such currency increase.
 
THE PORTFOLIO MAY
INVEST IN SHORT-TERM
FIXED INCOME
SECURITIES            The Portfolio may invest temporarily in certain short-term
                      fixed income securities. Such securities may be used to
                      invest uncommitted cash balances, to maintain liquidity to
                      meet shareholder redemptions, or to take a temporarily
                      defensive position against potential stock market
                      declines. These securities include: obligations of the
                      United States Government and its agencies or
                      instrumentalities; commercial paper, bank certificates of
                      deposit, and bankers' acceptances; and repurchase
                      agreements collateralized by these securities.
 
                      The use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks,
                      including the risk of losses caused by the default or
                      insolvency of the other party to the agreement. However,
                      the Portfolio expects that it can control this risk
                      through careful evaluation of the creditworthiness of the
                      other party to any repurchase agreement and careful
                      monitoring procedures.
 
THE PORTFOLIO MAY USE
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND
OPTIONS               The Portfolio may utilize stock futures contracts and
                      options to a limited extent. Specifically, the Portfolio
                      may enter into futures contracts provided that not more
                      than 5% of its assets are required as a futures contract
                      deposit; in addition, the Portfolio may enter into futures
                      contracts and options transactions only to the extent that
                      obligations under such contracts or transactions represent
                      not more than 20% of the Portfolio's assets.
 
                      Futures contracts and options may be used for several
                      reasons: to maintain cash reserves while simulating full
                      investment, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction
                      costs, or to seek higher investment returns when a futures
                      contract is priced more attractively than the underlying
                      equity security. While futures contracts and options can
                      be used as leveraged instruments, the Portfolio may not
                      use futures contracts or options to leverage its net
                      assets.
 
                      The risk of loss in trading futures contracts in some
                      strategies can be substantial due both to the low margin
                      deposits required and the extremely high degree of
                      leveraging involved in futures pricing. As a result, a
                      relatively small price movement in a futures contract may
                      result in immediate and substantial loss or gain. However,
                      the Portfolio will not use futures contracts or options
                      for speculative purposes.
 
THE PORTFOLIO MAY
LEND ITS SECURITIES   The Portfolio may lend its investment securities on a
                      short-term or long-term basis to qualified institutional
                      investors for the purpose of realizing additional income.
                      A loan of portfolio securities may be either short-term
                      (less than nine months) or long-term. With any loan of
                      portfolio securities, there is a risk that the borrowing
                      institution will fail to redeliver the securities when
                      due. However, loans of securities by the Portfolio will be
                      collateralized by cash, letters of credit, or securities
                      issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its
                      agencies. The collateral will equal at least 100% of the
                      current market value of the loaned securities.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   48
 
THE PORTFOLIO MAY
BORROW MONEY          The Portfolio may borrow money, subject to the limits set
                      forth below, for temporary or emergency purposes,
                      including the meeting of redemption requests which might
                      otherwise require the untimely disposition of securities.
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER IS
NOT EXPECTED TO
EXCEED 100%           Although it generally seeks to invest for the long term,
                      the Portfolio retains the right to sell securities
                      irrespective of how long they have been held. It is
                      anticipated that the annual portfolio turnover of the
                      Portfolio will not exceed 100%. A turnover rate of 100%
                      would occur, for example, if all of the securities held by
                      the Portfolio were replaced within one year.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
INVESTMENT
LIMITATIONS
THE FUND HAS ADOPTED
CERTAIN FUNDAMENTAL
LIMITATIONS           The Portfolio has adopted certain limitations designed to
                      reduce its exposure to specific situations. Some of these
                      limitations are that the Portfolio will not:
 
                      (a) with respect to 75% of the value of its total assets,
                          invest more than 5% of its assets in the securities of
                          any single company;
                      (b) with respect to 75% of the value of its total assets,
                          purchase more than 10% of the voting securities of any
                          issuer;
                      (c) borrow money, except from banks (or through reverse
                          repurchase agreements) for temporary or emergency (not
                          leveraging) purposes, and then not in an amount
                          exceeding 15% of the value of the Fund's net assets at
                          the time the borrowing is made. Whenever borrowing
                          exceeds 5% of the value of the Fund's net assets, the
                          Fund will not make any additional investments;
                      (d) engage in the business of underwriting securities
                          issued by other persons, except to the extent that the
                          Portfolio may technically be deemed to be an
                          underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as
                          amended, in disposing of investment securities;
                      (e) purchase or otherwise acquire any security if, as a
                          result, more than 15% of its net assets would be
                          invested in securities that are illiquid; and
                      (f) make loans except (i) by purchasing bonds, debentures
                          or similar obligations (including repurchase
                          agreements, subject to the limitation described in
                          (e) above) which are either publicly distributed or
                          customarily purchased by institutional investors, and
                          (ii) by lending its securities to banks, brokers,
                          dealers and other financial institutions so long as
                          such loans are not inconsistent with the Investment
                          Company Act or the Rules and Regulations or
                          interpretations of the Commission thereunder and the
                          aggregate value of all securities loaned does not
                          exceed 33 1/3% of the market value of the Portfolio's
                          total assets.
                          
                      These investment limitations are considered at the time
                      investment securities are purchased. The limitations
                      described here and in the Statement of Additional
                      Information are fundamental and so may be changed only
                      with the approval of a majority of the Portfolio's
                      shareholders.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   49
 
MANAGEMENT OF
THE PORTFOLIO
VANGUARD ADMINISTERS
AND DISTRIBUTES THE
PORTFOLIO             The Portfolio is one of four Portfolio's of Vanguard
                      Specialized Portfolios, Inc. (the "Fund"), a member of The
                      Vanguard Group of Investment Companies, a family of more
                      than 30 investment companies with more than 80 distinct
                      investment portfolios and total assets in excess of $130
                      billion. Through their jointly-owned subsidiary, The
                      Vanguard Group, Inc. ("Vanguard"), the Fund and the other
                      funds in the Group obtain at cost virtually all of their
                      corporate management, administrative and distribution
                      services. Vanguard also provides investment advisory
                      services on an at-cost basis to certain Vanguard funds. As
                      a result of Vanguard's unique corporate structure, the
                      Vanguard funds have costs substantially lower than those
                      of most competing mutual funds. In 1994, the average
                      expense ratio (annual costs including advisory fees
                      divided by total net assets) for the Vanguard funds
                      amounted to approximately .30% compared to an average of
                      1.05% for the mutual fund industry (data provided by
                      Lipper Analytical Services).
 
                      The Officers of the Portfolio manage the day-to-day
                      operations of the Portfolio and are responsible to the
                      Portfolio's Board of Directors. The Directors set broad
                      policies for the Portfolio and choose its Officers. A list
                      of the Directors and Officers of the Portfolio and a
                      statement of their present positions and principal
                      occupations during the past five years can be found in the
                      Statement of Additional Information.
 
                      Vanguard employs a supporting staff of management and
                      administrative personnel needed to provide the requisite
                      services to the funds and also furnishes the funds with
                      necessary office space, furnishings and equipment. Each
                      fund pays its share of Vanguard's net expenses, which are
                      allocated among the funds under methods approved by the
                      Board of Directors (Trustees) of each fund. In addition,
                      each fund bears its own direct expenses, such as legal,
                      auditing and custodian fees.
 
                      Vanguard provides distribution and marketing services to
                      the funds. The funds are available on a no-load basis
                      (i.e., there are no sales commissions or 12b-1 fees).
                      However, each fund bears its share of the Group's
                      distribution costs.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
INVESTMENT
ADVISER
WELLINGTON
MANAGEMENT
COMPANY MANAGES
INVESTMENTS FOR THE
PORTFOLIO             Under an investment advisory agreement with the Fund,
                      Wellington Management Company ("WMC"), 75 State Street,
                      Boston, MA 02109, manages the investment and reinvestment
                      of the assets of the Utilities Income Portfolio, and
                      continuously reviews, supervises and administers the
                      Portfolio's investment program. WMC discharges its
                      responsibilities subject to the control of the Officers
                      and Directors of the Fund.
 
                      WMC is a professional investment advisory firm which
                      globally provides services to investment companies,
                      institutions and individuals. Among the clients of WMC are
                      more than 10 of the investment companies of The Vanguard
                      Group. As of December 31, 1994, WMC held discretionary
                      management authority with respect to more than $80 billion
                      of assets. WMC and its predecessor organizations have
                      provided advisory services to investment companies since
                      1933 and to investment counseling clients since 1960.
 
                      John R. Ryan, Senior Vice President of WMC, serves as the
                      portfolio manager of the Utilities Income Portfolio. Mr.
                      Ryan is assisted by Paul D. Kaplan, Senior Vice
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   50
 
                      President of WMC, who manages the Portfolio's fixed-income
                      investments. Messrs. Ryan and Kaplan have served as
                      portfolio managers of the Utilities Income Portfolio since
                      its inception in May 1992. Messrs. Ryan and Kaplan have
                      been investment professionals with WMC since 1981 and
                      1978, respectively. WMC's portfolio managers are supported
                      by research and other investment services provided by the
                      professional staff of WMC.
 
   
                      Under the Fund's investment advisory agreement, the fee
                      paid to WMC is based on the total assets of the Utilities
                      Income Portfolio and the total assets of two other
                      Portfolios of Vanguard Specialized Portfolios, Inc.
                      managed by WMC (the Energy and Health Care Portfolios).
                      The three Portfolios are required to pay WMC an aggregate
                      fee at the end of the fiscal quarter, calculated by
                      applying the following annual percentage rates to the
                      average month-end net assets for the quarter of the three
                      Portfolios:
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       NET ASSETS                            RATE
                                       -------------------                  ------
                                       <S>                                  <C>
                                       First $100 million                   0.300%
                                       Next $150 million                    0.200%
                                       Next $250 million                    0.150%
                                       Next $500 million                    0.125%
                                       Over $1 billion                      0.100%
</TABLE>
 
                      In addition, once the advisory fee to WMC is calculated
                      for the three Portfolios under this schedule, the total
                      fee will be reduced in order that the advisory fee paid by
                      the Utilities Income Portfolio does not exceed 0.125%.
 
                      The advisory fee is based on the total assets for the
                      three Portfolios and is allocated, except as noted above,
                      to each Portfolio based on the net assets of each. For
                      the fiscal year ended January 31, 1995, the investment
                      advisory fee represented an effective annual rate of .12
                      of 1% of average net assets for the Utilities Income
                      Portfolio.
 
                      The investment advisory agreement with WMC authorizes the
                      adviser to select brokers or dealers to execute purchases
                      and sales of the Portfolio's securities, and direct the
                      advisers to use their best efforts to obtain the best
                      available price and most favorable execution with respect
                      to all transactions. The full range and quality of
                      brokerage services are considered in making these
                      determinations.
 
                      The Portfolio has authorized WMC to pay higher commissions
                      in recognition of brokerage services felt necessary for
                      the achievement of better execution, provided the adviser
                      believes this to be in the best interest of the Portfolio.
                      Although the Portfolio does not market its shares through
                      intermediary brokers or dealers, the Portfolio may place
                      orders with qualified broker-dealers who recommend the
                      Portfolio to clients if the Officers of the Fund believe
                      that the quality of the transaction and the commission are
                      comparable to what they would be with other qualified
                      brokerage firms.
 
                      The Portfolio's Board of Directors may, without the
                      approval of shareholders, provide for: (a) the employment
                      of a new investment adviser pursuant to the terms of a new
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   51
 
                      advisory agreement, either as a replacement for an
                      existing adviser or as an additional adviser; (b) a change
                      in the terms of an advisory agreement; and (c) the
                      continued employment of an existing adviser on the same
                      advisory contract terms where a contract has been assigned
                      because of a change in control of the adviser. Any such
                      change will only be made upon not less than 30 days' prior
                      written notice to shareholders of the Portfolio which
                      shall include substantially the information concerning the
                      adviser that would have normally been included in a proxy
                      statement.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
DIVIDENDS,
CAPITAL GAINS
AND TAXES
THE UTILITIES INCOME
PORTFOLIO PAYS
QUARTERLY DIVIDENDS   The Utilities Income Portfolio pays dividends consisting
                      of ordinary income on a quarterly basis. Capital gains
                      distributions, if any, are made annually.
 
                      Dividend and capital gains distributions may be
                      automatically reinvested or received in cash. See
                      "Choosing a Distribution Option" for a description of
                      these distribution methods.
 
                      In order to satisfy certain distribution requirements of
                      the Tax Reform Act of 1986, the Portfolio may declare
                      year-end dividend and capital gains distributions during
                      December. Such distributions, if received by shareholders
                      by January 31, are deemed to have been paid by the
                      Portfolio and received by shareholders on December 31 of
                      the prior year.
 
                      The Portfolio intends to continue to qualify for taxation
                      as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal
                      Revenue Code so that the Portfolio will not be subject to
                      federal income tax to the extent its income is distributed
                      to shareholders. Dividends paid by the Portfolio from net
                      investment income, whether received in cash or reinvested
                      in additional shares, will be taxable to shareholders as
                      ordinary income. For corporate investors, dividends from
                      net investment income will generally qualify in part for
                      the intercorporate dividends-received deduction. However,
                      the portion of the dividends so qualified depends on the
                      aggregate taxable qualifying dividend income received by
                      the Portfolio from domestic (U.S.) sources.
 
                      Distributions paid by the Portfolio from long-term capital
                      gains, whether received in cash or reinvested in
                      additional shares, are taxable as long-term capital gains,
                      regardless of the length of time you have owned shares in
                      the Portfolio. Capital gains distributions are made when
                      the Portfolio realizes net capital gains on sales of
                      portfolio securities during the year. The Portfolio does
                      not seek to realize any particular amount of capital gains
                      during a year; rather, realized gains are a by-product of
                      portfolio management activities. Consequently, capital
                      gains distributions may be expected to vary considerably
                      from year to year; there will be no capital gains
                      distributions in years when the Portfolio realizes net
                      capital losses.
 
                      Note that if you accept capital gains distributions in
                      cash, instead of reinvesting them in additional shares,
                      you are in effect reducing the capital at work for you in
                      the Portfolio. Also, keep in mind that if you purchase
                      shares in a Portfolio shortly before the record date for a
                      dividend or capital gains distribution, a portion of your
                      investment will be returned to you as a taxable
                      distribution, regardless of whether you are reinvesting
                      your distributions or receiving them in cash.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   52
 
                      The Portfolio will notify you annually as to the tax
                      status of dividend and capital gains distributions paid by
                      the Portfolio.
 
A CAPITAL GAIN OR
LOSS MAY BE REALIZED
UPON EXCHANGE OR
REDEMPTION            A sale of shares of the Portfolio is a taxable event and
                      may result in a capital gain or loss. A capital gain or
                      loss may be realized from an ordinary redemption of shares
                      or an exchange of shares between two mutual funds (or two
                      portfolios of a mutual fund).
 
                      Dividend distributions, capital gains distributions, and
                      capital gains or losses from redemptions and exchanges may
                      be subject to state and local taxes.
 
                      The Fund is required to withhold 31% of taxable dividends,
                      capital gains distributions, and redemptions paid to
                      shareholders who have not complied with IRS taxpayer
                      identification regulations. You may avoid this withholding
                      requirement by certifying on your Account Registration
                      Form your proper Social Security or Employer
                      Identification number and by certifying that you are not
                      subject to backup withholding.
 
                      The Portfolio has obtained a Certificate of Authority to
                      do business as a foreign corporation in Pennsylvania and
                      does business and maintains an office in that state. In
                      the opinion of counsel, the shares of the Portfolio are
                      exempt from Pennsylvania personal property taxes.
 
                      The tax discussion set forth above is included for general
                      information only. Prospective investors should consult
                      their own tax advisers concerning the tax consequences of
                      an investment in the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THE SHARE PRICE
OF THE PORTFOLIO      The share price or "net asset value" per share of the
                      Portfolio is computed once each day at the close of
                      regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally
                      4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the Exchange is open
                      for trading. Net asset value per share is computed by
                      dividing the total value of the investments and other
                      assets of the Portfolio, less any liabilities, by the
                      total number of outstanding shares of the Portfolio.
 
                      Securities listed on a U.S. exchange are valued at the
                      latest quoted sales prices on the day the valuation is
                      made. Securities listed on a U.S. exchange that are not
                      traded on the valuation date are valued at the mean of the
                      bid and ask prices. Securities listed on a foreign
                      exchange are valued at the latest quoted sales price
                      available before the time when assets are valued. All
                      prices of listed securities are taken from the exchange
                      where the security is primarily traded. Unlisted
                      securities for which market quotations are readily
                      available are valued at the latest quoted bid price. Other
                      assets and securities for which no market quotations are
                      readily available are valued in good faith at fair value
                      using methods determined by, or under the supervision of,
                      the Board of Directors of the Fund. Securities may be
                      valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing
                      service when such prices are believed to reflect the fair
                      market value of such securities.
 
                      In determining the Portfolio's net asset value per share,
                      all assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign
                      currencies will be converted into U.S. dollars at the bid
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   53
 
                      price of such currencies against U.S. dollars last quoted
                      by a major bank or broker. If such quotations are not
                      available as of the close of the Exchange, the rate of
                      exchange will be determined in accordance with policies
                      established in good faith by the Board of Directors.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
GENERAL
INFORMATION           The Portfolio is one of four Portfolios of Vanguard
                      Specialized Portfolios, Inc. (the "Fund"). The Fund is a
                      Maryland corporation. The Articles of Incorporation permit
                      the Directors to issue 6,000,000,000 shares of common
                      stock, with a $.001 par value. The Board of Directors has
                      the power to designate one or more classes ("Portfolios")
                      of shares of common stock and to classify or reclassify
                      any unissued shares with respect to such classes.
                      Currently the Fund is offering four classes of shares.
 
                      The shares of each Portfolio are fully paid and
                      non-assessable; have no preference as to conversion,
                      exchange, dividends, retirement or other features; and
                      have no preemptive rights. Such shares have non-cumulative
                      voting rights, meaning that the holders of more than 50%
                      of the shares voting for the election of Directors can
                      elect 100% of the Directors if they so choose.
 
                      Annual meetings of shareholders will not be held except as
                      required by the Investment Company Act of 1940 and other
                      applicable law. An annual meeting will be held to vote on
                      the removal of a Director or Directors of the Fund if
                      requested in writing by the holders of not less than 10%
                      of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
 
                      All securities and cash for the Utilities Income Portfolio
                      are held by State Street Bank and Trust Company, Boston,
                      MA. The Vanguard Group, Inc., Valley Forge, PA, serves as
                      the Fund's Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent. Price
                      Waterhouse LLP, serves as independent accountants for the
                      Fund and will audit its financial statements annually. The
                      Fund is not involved in any material litigation.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   54
 
                               SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
 
OPENING AN
ACCOUNT AND
PURCHASING
SHARES                You may open a regular (non-retirement) account, either by
                      mail or wire. Simply complete and return an Account
                      Registration Form and any required documentation,
                      indicating the amount you wish to invest. Your purchase
                      must be equal to or greater than the $3,000 minimum
                      initial investment requirement for the Portfolio ($500 for
                      Uniform Gifts/Transfers to Minors Act accounts). You must
                      open a new Individual Retirement Account by mail (IRAs may
                      not be opened by wire) using a Vanguard IRA Adoption
                      Agreement. Your purchase must be equal to or greater than
                      the $500 minimum initial investment requirement, but no
                      more than $2,000 if you are making a regular IRA
                      contribution. Rollover contributions are generally limited
                      to the amount withdrawn within the past 60 days from an
                      IRA or other qualified Retirement Plan. If you need
                      assistance with the forms or have any questions about the
                      Portfolio, please call our Investor Information Department
                      (1-800-662-7447). NOTE: For other types of account
                      registrations (e.g., corporations, associations, other
                      organizations, trusts or powers of attorney), please call
                      us to determine which additional forms you may need.
 
                      Because of the risks associated with common stock and bond
                      investments, the Portfolio is intended to be a long-term
                      investment vehicle and is not designed to provide
                      investors with a means of speculating on short-term stock
                      and bond market movements. Consequently, the Portfolio
                      reserves the right to reject any specific purchase (and
                      exchange purchase) request. The Portfolio also reserves
                      the right to suspend the offering of shares for a period
                      of time.
 
                      The Portfolio's shares are purchased at the
                      next-determined net asset value after your investment has
                      been received. The Portfolio is offered on a no-load basis
                      (i.e., there are no sales commissions or 12b-1 fees).
 
ADDITIONAL
INVESTMENTS           Subsequent investments to regular accounts may be made by
                      mail ($100 minimum), wire ($1,000 minimum), exchange from
                      another Vanguard Fund account ($100 minimum), or Vanguard
                      Fund Express. Subsequent investments to Individual
                      Retirement Accounts may be made by mail ($100 minimum) or
                      exchange from another Vanguard Fund account. In some
                      instances, contributions may be made by wire or Vanguard
                      Fund Express. Please call us for more information on these
                      options.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   55
 
<TABLE>
<S>                       <C>                                       <C>
                                                                    ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS
                          NEW ACCOUNT                               TO EXISTING ACCOUNTS
PURCHASING BY MAIL        Please include the amount of              Additional investments should
                          your initial investment on the            include the Invest-by-Mail
Complete and sign the     registration form, make your              remittance form attached to your
enclosed Account          check payable to The Vanguard             Fund confirmation statements.
Registration Form         Group - 57, and mail to:                  Please make your check payable
                                                                    to The Vanguard Group - 57,
                          VANGUARD FINANCIAL CENTER                 write your account number on
                          P.O. BOX 2600                             your check and, using the return
                          VALLEY FORGE, PA 19482                    envelope provided, mail to the
                                                                    address indicated on the In-
                                                                    vest-by-Mail Form.
For express or            VANGUARD FINANCIAL CENTER                 All written requests should be
registered mail,          455 DEVON PARK DRIVE                      mailed to one of the addresses
send to:                  WAYNE, PA 19087                           indicated for new accounts. Do
                                                                    not send registered or express
                                                                    mail to the post office box
                                                                    address.
                          --------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
PURCHASING BY WIRE                CORESTATES BANK, N.A.            
Money should be                   ABA 031000011                    
wired to:                         CORESTATES NO. 0101 9897         
                                  ATTN VANGUARD                    

BEFORE WIRING                     VANGUARD SPECIALIZED PORTFOLIOS  
Please contact                    UTILITIES INCOME PORTFOLIO       
Client Services                   ACCOUNT NUMBER                   
(1-800-662-2739)                  ACCOUNT REGISTRATION             
                                                                   
                                 
                      To assure proper receipt, please be sure your bank
                      includes the Portfolio name, the account number Vanguard
                      has assigned to you and the eight-digit CoreStates number.
                      If you are opening a new account, please complete the
                      Account Registration Form and mail it to the "New Account"
                      address above after completing your wire arrangement.
                      NOTE: Federal Funds wire purchase orders will be accepted
                      only when the Fund and Custodian Bank are open for
                      business.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
PURCHASING BY
EXCHANGE (from a
Vanguard account)     You may open a new account or purchase additional shares
                      by making an exchange from an existing Vanguard account.
                      However, the Portfolio reserves the right to refuse any
                      exchange purchase request. Call our Client Services
                      Department (1-800-662-2739). The new account will have the
                      same registration as the existing account.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
PURCHASING BY
FUND EXPRESS
Special Purchase and
Automatic Investment  The Fund Express Special Purchase option lets you move
                      money from your bank account to your Vanguard account on
                      an "as needed" basis. Or if you choose the Automatic
                      Investment option, money will be moved automatically from
                      your bank account to your Vanguard account on the schedule
                      (monthly, bimonthly [every other month], quarterly or
                      yearly) you select. To establish these Fund Express
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   56
 
                      options, please provide the appropriate information on the
                      Account Registration Form. We will send you a confirmation
                      of your Fund Express service; please wait three weeks
                      before using the service.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
CHOOSING A
DISTRIBUTION
OPTION                You must select one of three distribution options:
 
                      1. AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT OPTION -- Both dividends and
                         capital gains distributions will be reinvested in
                         additional Fund shares. This option will be selected
                         for you automatically unless you specify one of the
                         other options.
 
                      2. CASH DIVIDEND OPTION -- Your dividends will be paid in
                         cash and your capital gains will be reinvested in
                         additional Fund shares.
 
                      3. ALL CASH OPTION -- Both dividend and capital gains
                         distributions will be paid in cash.
 
                      In addition, an option to invest your cash dividends
                      and/or capital gains distributions in another Vanguard
                      Fund account is available. Please call our Client Services
                      Department (1-800-662-2739) for information. You may also
                      elect Vanguard Dividend Express which allows you to
                      transfer your cash dividends and/or capital gains
                      distributions automatically to your bank account. Please
                      see "Other Vanguard Services" for more information.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
TAX CAUTION
INVESTORS SHOULD ASK
ABOUT THE TIMING OF
CAPITAL GAINS AND
DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTIONS
BEFORE INVESTING      Under Federal tax laws, the Portfolio is required to
                      distribute net capital gains and dividend income to
                      Portfolio shareholders. These distributions are made to
                      all shareholders who own Portfolio shares as of the
                      distribution's record date, regardless of how long the
                      shares have been owned. Purchasing shares just prior to
                      the record date could have a significant impact on your
                      tax liability for the year. For example, if you purchase
                      shares immediately prior to the record date of a sizable
                      capital gain or income dividend distribution, you will be
                      assessed taxes on the amount of the capital gain and/or
                      dividend distribution later paid even though you owned the
                      Portfolio shares for just a short period of time. (Taxes
                      are due on the distributions even if the dividend or gain
                      is reinvested in additional Portfolio shares.) While the
                      total value of your investment will be the same after the
                      distribution -- the amount of the distribution will offset
                      the drop in the net asset value of the shares -- you
                      should be aware of the tax implications the timing of your
                      purchase may have.
 
                      Prospective investors should, therefore, inquire about
                      potential distributions before investing. The Portfolio's
                      annual capital gains distribution normally occurs in
                      December, while income dividends are generally paid
                      quarterly in March, June, September and December. For
                      additional information on distributions and taxes, see the
                      section titled "Dividends, Capital Gains, and Taxes."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
ESTABLISHING OPTIONAL
SERVICES              The easiest way to establish optional Vanguard services on
                      your account is to select the options you desire when you
                      complete your Account Registration Form. IF YOU WISH TO
                      ADD SHAREHOLDER OPTIONS LATER, YOU MAY NEED TO PROVIDE
                      VANGUARD WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND A SIGNATURE
                      GUARANTEE. PLEASE CALL OUR CLIENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
                      (1-800-662-2739) FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   57
 
SIGNATURE
GUARANTEES            For our mutual protection, we may require a signature
                      guarantee on certain written transaction requests. A
                      signature guarantee verifies the authenticity of your
                      signature and may be obtained from banks, brokers and any
                      other guarantor that Vanguard deems acceptable. A
                      SIGNATURE GUARANTEE CANNOT BE PROVIDED BY A NOTARY PUBLIC.
 
CERTIFICATES          Share certificates are not available for the Utilities
                      Income Portfolio.
 
BROKER-DEALER
PURCHASES             If you purchase shares in Vanguard Funds through a
                      registered broker-dealer or investment adviser, the
                      broker-dealer or adviser may charge a service fee.
 
CANCELLING TRADES     The Fund will not cancel any trade (e.g., a purchase,
                      exchange or redemption) believed to be authentic, received
                      in writing or by telephone, once the trade request has
                      been received.
 
ELECTRONIC
PROSPECTUS
DELIVERY              If you would prefer to receive a prospectus for the Fund
                      or any of the Vanguard Funds in an electronic format,
                      please call 1-800-231-7870 for additional information. If
                      you elect to do so, you may also receive a paper copy of
                      the prospectus, by calling 1-800-662-7447.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
WHEN YOUR
ACCOUNT WILL BE
CREDITED              Your trade date is the date on which your account is
                      credited. If your purchase is made by check, Federal Funds
                      wire or exchange, and is received by the close of the New
                      York Stock Exchange (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time),
                      your trade date is the day of receipt. If your purchase is
                      received after the close of the Exchange, your trade date
                      is the next business day. Your shares are purchased at the
                      net asset value determined on your trade date. Vanguard
                      will not accept third-party checks to open an account.
                      Please be sure your purchase check is made payable to the
                      Vanguard Group.
 
                      In order to prevent lengthy processing delays caused by
                      the clearing of foreign checks, Vanguard will only accept
                      a foreign check which has been drawn in U.S. dollars and
                      has been issued by a foreign bank with a U.S.
                      correspondent bank. The name of the U.S. correspondent
                      bank must be printed on the face of the foreign check.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SELLING YOUR
SHARES                You may withdraw any portion of the funds in your account
                      by redeeming shares at any time. You may initiate a
                      request by writing or by telephoning. Your redemption
                      proceeds are normally mailed within two business days
                      after the receipt of the request in Good Order.
 
SELLING BY MAIL       Requests should be mailed to VANGUARD FINANCIAL CENTER,
                      VANGUARD SPECIALIZED PORTFOLIOS, P.O. BOX 1120, VALLEY
                      FORGE, PA 19482. (For express or registered mail, send
                      your request to Vanguard Financial Center, Vanguard
                      Specialized Portfolios, 455 Devon Park Drive, Wayne, PA
                      19087.)
 
                      The redemption price of shares will be the Portfolio's net
                      asset value next determined after Vanguard has received
                      all required documents in Good Order.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   58
 
DEFINITION OF
GOOD ORDER            GOOD ORDER means that the request includes the following:
                      1. The account number and Portfolio name.
                      2. The amount of the transaction (specified in dollars or
                         shares).
                      3. The signatures of all owners EXACTLY as they are
                         registered on the account.
                      4. Any required signature guarantees.
                      5. Other supporting legal documentation that might be
                         required in the case of estates, corporations, trusts,
                         and certain other accounts.
 
                      IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS DEFINITION AS IT PERTAINS
                      TO YOUR REQUEST, PLEASE CALL OUR CLIENT SERVICES
                      DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-662-2739.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SELLING BY
TELEPHONE             To sell shares by telephone you or your pre-authorized
                      representative may call our Client Services Department at
                      1-800-662-2739. The proceeds will be sent to you by mail.
                      Please see "Important Information About Telephone
                      Transactions."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SELLING BY FUND
EXPRESS
AUTOMATIC
WITHDRAWAL
& SPECIAL REDEMPTION  If you select the Fund Express Automatic Withdrawal
                      option, money will be automatically moved from your
                      Vanguard Fund account to your bank account according to
                      the schedule you have selected. The Special Redemption
                      option lets you move money from your Vanguard account to
                      your bank account on an "as needed" basis. To establish
                      these Fund Express options, please provide the appropriate
                      information on the Account Registration Form. We will send
                      you a confirmation of your Fund Express service; please
                      wait three weeks before using the service.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SELLING BY
EXCHANGE              You may sell shares by making an exchange into another
                      Vanguard Fund account. Please see "Exchanging Your Shares"
                      for details.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
IMPORTANT REDEMPTION
INFORMATION           Shares purchased by check or Fund Express may be redeemed
                      at any time. However, your redemption proceeds will not be
                      paid until payment for the purchase is collected, which
                      may take up to ten calendar days.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
DELIVERY OF
REDEMPTION
PROCEEDS              Redemption requests received by telephone prior to the
                      close of the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4:00 p.m.
                      Eastern time) are processed on the day of receipt and the
                      redemption proceeds are normally sent on the following
                      business day.
 
                      Redemption requests received by telephone after the close
                      of the Exchange are processed on the business day
                      following receipt and the proceeds are normally sent on
                      the second business day following receipt.
 
                      Redemption proceeds must be sent to you within seven days
                      of receipt of your request in Good Order.
 
                      If you experience difficulty in making a telephone
                      redemption during periods of drastic economic or market
                      changes, your redemption request may be made by regular or
                      express mail. It will be implemented at the net asset
                      value next determined after your request has been received
                      by Vanguard in Good Order. The Fund reserves the right to
                      revise or terminate the telephone redemption privilege at
                      any time.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   59
 
                      The Fund may suspend the redemption right or postpone
                      payment at times when the New York Stock Exchange is
                      closed or under any emergency circumstances as determined
                      by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
                      If the Board of Directors determines that it would be
                      detrimental to the best interests of the Fund's remaining
                      shareholders to make payment in cash, the Fund may pay
                      redemption proceeds in whole or in part by a distribution
                      in kind of readily marketable securities.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
VANGUARD'S AVERAGE
COST STATEMENT        If you make a redemption from a qualifying account,
                      Vanguard will send you an Average Cost Statement which
                      provides you with the tax basis of the shares you
                      redeemed. Please see "Other Vanguard Services" for
                      additional information.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
MINIMUM ACCOUNT
BALANCE REQUIREMENT   Due to the relatively high cost of maintaining smaller
                      accounts, the Fund reserves the right to redeem shares in
                      any account that is below the minimum initial investment
                      amount of $3,000. If at any time your total investment
                      does not have a value of at least $3,000, you may be
                      notified that your account is below the Fund's minimum
                      account balance requirement. You would then be allowed 60
                      days to make an additional investment before the account
                      is liquidated. Proceeds would be promptly paid to the
                      registered shareholder. (This minimum requirement does not
                      apply to IRAs, other retirement accounts and Uniform
                      Gifts/Transfers to Minors Act accounts.)
 
                      The Fund's minimum account balance requirement will not
                      apply if your account falls below $3,000 solely as a
                      result of declining markets (i.e., a decline in a
                      Portfolio's net asset value).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
EXCHANGING YOUR
SHARES                Should your investment goals change, you may exchange your
                      shares of the Utilities Income Portfolio of Vanguard
                      Specialized Portfolios for those of other available
                      Vanguard Funds.
 
EXCHANGING BY
TELEPHONE
Call Client Services
(1-800-662-2739)      When exchanging shares by telephone, please have ready the
                      Portfolio name, account number, Social Security Number or
                      Employer Identification number listed on the account, and
                      exact name and address in which the account is registered.
                      Only the registered shareholder or his or her
                      pre-authorized representative may complete such an
                      exchange. Requests for telephone exchanges received prior
                      to the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange
                      (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) are processed at the
                      close of business that same day. Requests received after
                      the close of the Exchange are processed the next business
                      day. TELEPHONE EXCHANGES ARE NOT ACCEPTED INTO OR FROM
                      VANGUARD BALANCED INDEX FUND, VANGUARD INDEX TRUST,
                      VANGUARD INTERNATIONAL EQUITY INDEX FUND AND VANGUARD
                      QUANTITATIVE PORTFOLIOS. If you experience difficulty in
                      making a telephone exchange, your exchange request may be
                      made by regular or express mail, and it will be
                      implemented at the closing net asset value on the date
                      received by Vanguard, provided the request is received in
                      Good Order.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   60
 
EXCHANGING BY MAIL    Please be sure to include on your exchange request the
                      name and account number of your current Portfolio, the
                      name of the Fund you wish to exchange into, the amount you
                      wish to exchange, and the signatures of all registered
                      account holders. Send your request to VANGUARD FINANCIAL
                      CENTER, VANGUARD SPECIALIZED PORTFOLIOS, P.O. BOX 1120,
                      VALLEY FORGE, PA 19482. (For express or registered mail,
                      send your request to Vanguard Financial Center, Vanguard
                      Specialized Portfolios, 455 Devon Park Drive, Wayne, PA
                      19087.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
IMPORTANT EXCHANGE
INFORMATION           Before you make an exchange, you should consider the
                      following:
 
                      Please read the Fund's prospectus before making an
                      exchange. For a copy and for answers to any questions you
                      may have, call our Investor Information Department
                      (1-800-662-7447).
 
                      - An exchange is treated as a redemption and a purchase.
                        Therefore, you could realize a taxable gain or loss on
                        the transaction.
 
                      - Exchanges are accepted only if the registrations of the
                        two accounts are identical.
 
                      - The shares to be exchanged must be on deposit and not
                        held in certificate form.
 
                      - New accounts are not currently accepted in
                        Vanguard/Windsor Fund or Vanguard/PRIMECAP Fund.
 
                      - The redemption price of shares redeemed by exchange is
                        the net asset value next determined after Vanguard has
                        received the required documentation in Good Order.
 
                      - When opening a new account by exchange, you must meet
                        the minimum investment requirement of the new Fund.
 
                      Every effort will be made to maintain the exchange
                      privilege. However, the Fund reserves the right to revise
                      or terminate its provisions, limit the amount of or reject
                      any exchange, as deemed necessary, at any time.
 
                      The Fund's exchange privilege is only available in states
                      in which the shares of the Fund are registered for sale.
                      The Fund's shares are currently registered for sale in all
                      50 states and the Fund intends to maintain such
                      registration.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
EXCHANGE
PRIVILEGE
LIMITATIONS           The Fund's exchange privilege is not intended to afford
                      shareholders a way to speculate on short-term movements in
                      the market. Accordingly, in order to prevent excessive use
                      of the exchange privilege that may potentially disrupt the
                      management of the Fund and increase transaction costs, the
                      Fund has established a policy of limiting excessive
                      exchange activity.
 
   
                      Exchange activity generally will not be deemed excessive
                      if limited to THREE SUBSTANTIVE EXCHANGE REDEMPTIONS (AT
                      LEAST 30 DAYS APART) from the Portfolio during any
                      twelve-month period. Notwithstanding these limitations,
                      the Portfolio reserves the right to reject any purchase
                      request (including exchange purchases from other Vanguard
                      portfolios) that is reasonably deemed to be disruptive to
                      efficient portfolio management.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   61
 
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
ABOUT TELEPHONE
TRANSACTIONS          The ability to initiate redemptions (except wire
                      redemptions) and exchanges by telephone is automatically
                      established on your account unless you request in writing
                      that telephone transactions on your account not be
                      permitted.
 
                      To protect your account from losses resulting from
                      unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions,
                      Vanguard adheres to the following security procedures:
 
                      1. SECURITY CHECK.  To request a transaction by telephone,
                         the caller must know (i) the name of the Portfolio;
                         (ii) the 10-digit account number; (iii) the exact name
                         and address used in the registration; and (iv) the
                         Social Security or Employer Identification number
                         listed on the account.
 
                      2. PAYMENT POLICY.  The proceeds of any telephone
                         redemption by mail will be made payable to the
                         registered shareowner and mailed to the address of
                         record only.
 
                      Neither the Portfolio nor Vanguard will be responsible for
                      the authenticity of transaction instructions received by
                      telephone, provided that reasonable security procedures
                      have been followed. Vanguard believes that the security
                      procedures described above are reasonable, and that if
                      such procedures are followed, you will bear the risk of
                      any losses resulting from unauthorized or fraudulent
                      telephone transactions on your account.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
TRANSFERRING
REGISTRATION          You may transfer the registration of any of your Fund
                      shares to another person by completing a transfer form and
                      sending it to: VANGUARD FINANCIAL CENTER, P.O. BOX 1110,
                      VALLEY FORGE, PA 19482, ATTENTION: TRANSFER DEPARTMENT.
                      The request must be in Good Order. TO REQUEST A TRANSFER
                      FORM AND FULL INSTRUCTIONS PLEASE CALL OUR CLIENT SERVICES
                      DEPARTMENT (1-800-662-2739).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
STATEMENTS AND
REPORTS               Vanguard will send you a confirmation statement each time
                      you initiate a transaction in your account except for
                      checkwriting redemptions from Vanguard money market
                      accounts. You will also receive a comprehensive account
                      statement at the end of each calendar quarter. The fourth
                      quarter statement will be a year-end statement, listing
                      all transaction activity for the entire calendar year.
 
                      Vanguard's Average Cost Statement provides you with the
                      average cost of shares redeemed from your account, using
                      the average cost single category method. This service is
                      available for most taxable accounts opened since January
                      1, 1986. In general, investors who redeemed shares from a
                      qualifying Vanguard account may expect to receive their
                      Average Cost Statement in February of the following year.
                      Please call our Client Services Department
                      (1-800-662-2739) for information.
 
                      Financial reports on the Fund will be mailed to you
                      semi-annually, according to the Fund's fiscal year-end.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   62
 
OTHER VANGUARD
SERVICES              For more information about any of these services, please
                      call our Investor Information Department at
                      1-800-662-7447.
 
VANGUARD DIRECT
DEPOSIT SERVICE       With Vanguard's Direct Deposit Service, most U.S.
                      Government checks (including Social Security and military
                      pension checks) and private payroll checks may be
                      automatically deposited into your Vanguard Fund account.
                      Separate brochures and forms are available for direct
                      deposit of U.S. Government and private payroll checks.
 
VANGUARD AUTOMATIC
EXCHANGE SERVICE      Vanguard's Automatic Exchange Service allows you to move
                      money automatically among your Vanguard Fund accounts. For
                      instance, the service can be used to "dollar cost average"
                      from a money market portfolio into a stock or bond fund or
                      to contribute to an IRA or other retirement plan. Please
                      contact our Client Services Department at 1-800-662-2739
                      for additional information.
 
VANGUARD FUND
EXPRESS               Vanguard's Fund Express allows you to transfer money
                      between your Fund account and your account at a bank,
                      savings and loan association, or a credit union that is a
                      member of the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system. You
                      may elect this service on the Account Registration Form or
                      call our Investor Information Department (1-800-662-7447)
                      for a Fund Express application.
 
                      The minimum amount that can be transferred by telephone is
                      $100. However, if you have established one of the
                      automatic options, the minimum amount is $50. The maximum
                      amount that can be transferred using any of the options is
                      $100,000.
 
                      Special rules govern how your Fund Express purchases or
                      redemptions are credited to your account. In addition,
                      some services of Fund Express cannot be used with specific
                      Vanguard Funds. For more information, please refer to the
                      Vanguard Fund Express brochure.
 
VANGUARD DIVIDEND
EXPRESS               Vanguard's Dividend Express allows you to transfer your
                      dividends and/or capital gains distributions automatically
                      from your Fund account, one business day after the Fund's
                      payable date, to your account at a bank, savings and loan
                      association, or a credit union that is a member of the
                      Automated Clearing House (ACH) system. You may elect this
                      service on the Account Registration Form or call our
                      Investor Information Department (1-800-662-7447) for a
                      Vanguard Dividend Express application.
 
VANGUARD
TELE-ACCOUNT          Vanguard's Tele-Account is a convenient, automated service
                      that provides share price, price change and yield
                      quotations on Vanguard Funds through any TouchTone(TM)
                      telephone. This service also lets you obtain information
                      about your account balance, your last transaction, and
                      your most recent dividend or capital gains payment. To
                      contact Vanguard's Tele-Account service, dial
                      1-800-ON-BOARD (1-800-662-6273). A brochure offering
                      detailed operating instructions is available from our
                      Investor Information Department (1-800-662-7447).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   63
 
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
<PAGE>   64
 
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
<PAGE>   65
 
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
<PAGE>   66
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    [VANGUARD SPECIALIZED PORTFOLIOS LOGO]
    ----------------------------                                              
           UTILITIES INCOME
              PORTFOLIO
    ----------------------------                                              
    THE VANGUARD GROUP                                                        
      OF INVESTMENT                    
      COMPANIES                         [VANGUARD SPECIALIZED PORTFOLIOS LOGO]
    Vanguard Financial Center                -----------------------------
    P.O. Box 2600                             UTILITITES INCOME PORTFOLIO
    Valley Forge, PA 19482              P   R   O   S   P   E   C   T   U   S 
                                                       MAY 26, 1995           
    INVESTOR INFORMATION
      DEPARTMENT:
    1-800-662-7447 (SHIP)

    CLIENT SERVICES
      DEPARTMENT:
    1-800-662-2739 (CREW)

    TELE-ACCOUNT FOR
      24-HOUR ACCESS:
    1-800-662-6273 (ON-BOARD)

    TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICE
      FOR THE HEARING-IMPAIRED:
    1-800-662-2738

    TRANSFER AGENT:
    The Vanguard Group, Inc.
    Vanguard Financial Center
    Valley Forge, PA 19482







    P057                                             [THE VANGUARD GROUP LOGO]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   67
 
                                     PART B
 
                        VANGUARD SPECIALIZED PORTFOLIOS
 
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
                                  MAY 26, 1995
 
     This Statement is not a prospectus but should be read in conjunction with
the Fund's current Prospectus (dated May 26, 1995). To obtain the Prospectus
please call the Investor Information Department:
 
                                 1-800-662-7447
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            PAGE
                                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                                         <C>
Investment Objectives and Policies........................................................     1
Investment Policies.......................................................................     2
Investment Limitations....................................................................     5
Management of the Fund....................................................................     8
Investment Advisory Services..............................................................    10
Securities Transactions...................................................................    11
Purchase of Shares........................................................................    12
Redemption of Shares......................................................................    13
Comparative Indexes.......................................................................    13
Yield and Total Return....................................................................    15
Financial Statements......................................................................    15
</TABLE>
 
                       INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
 
     The following policies supplement the Fund's investment objectives and
policies set forth in the Prospectus.
 
     FOREIGN INVESTMENTS  As indicated in the Prospectus, each Portfolio may
include foreign securities to a certain extent. Investors should recognize that
investing in foreign companies involves certain special considerations which are
not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. Since the stocks of
foreign companies are frequently denominated in foreign currencies, and since
the Portfolio may temporarily hold uninvested reserves in bank deposits in
foreign currencies, the Portfolio will be affected favorably or unfavorably by
changes in currency rates and in exchange control regulations, and may incur
costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. The investment
policies of each Portfolio permit it to enter into forward foreign currency
exchange contracts in order to hedge the Portfolio's holdings and commitments
against changes in the level of future currency rates. Such contracts involve an
obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price
set at the time of the contract.
 
     As foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards and practices comparable to those
applicable to domestic companies, there may be less publicly available
information about certain foreign companies than about domestic companies.
Securities of some foreign companies are generally less liquid and more volatile
than securities of comparable domestic companies. There is generally less
government supervision and regulation of stock exchanges, brokers and listed
companies than in the U.S. In addition, with respect to certain foreign
countries, there is the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation,
political or social instability, or diplomatic developments which could affect
U.S investments in those countries.
 
     Although each Portfolio will endeavor to achieve most favorable execution
costs in its portfolio transactions in foreign securities, fixed commissions on
many foreign stock exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on
U.S. exchanges. In addition, it is expected that the expenses for custodial
 
                                        1
<PAGE>   68
 
arrangements of the Portfolio's foreign securities will be somewhat greater than
the expenses for the custodian arrangements for handling U.S. securities of
equal value.
 
     Certain foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and
interest income. Although in some countries a portion of these taxes is
recoverable, the non-recovered portion of foreign withholding taxes will reduce
the income the Portfolio receives from its foreign investments. However, these
foreign withholding taxes are not expected to have a significant impact on the
Portfolios, since each Portfolio's investment objective is to seek long-term
capital appreciation and any income should be considered incidental.
 
     PORTFOLIO TURNOVER  While the rate of Portfolio turnover is not a limiting
factor when management deems changes appropriate, it is anticipated that each
Portfolio's annual portfolio turnover rate will not normally exceed 100%. One
way a portfolio turnover rate of 100% can occur is if all of the Portfolio's
securities, exclusive of U.S. Government securities and other securities whose
maturities at the time of acquisition are one year or less, are replaced in the
period of one year. Turnover rates may vary greatly from year to year as well as
within a particular year and may also be affected by cash requirements for
redemptions of each Portfolio's shares and by requirements which enable the Fund
to receive certain favorable tax treatments. The portfolio turnover rates will,
of course, depend in large part on the level of purchases and redemptions of
shares of each Portfolio. Higher portfolio turnover can result in corresponding
increases in brokerage costs to the Portfolios of the Fund and their
shareholders.
 
                              INVESTMENT POLICIES
 
     FUTURES CONTRACTS  The Fund may enter into futures contracts, options, and
options on futures contracts for several reasons: to maintain cash reserves
while remaining fully invested, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction
costs, or to seek higher investment returns when a futures contract is priced
more attractively than the underlying equity security or index. Futures
contracts provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party
of a specified amount of a specific security at a specified future time and at a
specified price. Futures contracts which are standardized as to maturity date
and underlying financial instrument are traded on national futures exchanges.
Futures exchanges and trading are regulated under the Commodity Exchange Act by
the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"), a U.S. Government Agency.
 
     Although futures contracts by their terms call for actual delivery or
acceptance of the underlying securities, in most cases the contracts are closed
out before the settlement date without the making or taking of delivery. Closing
out an open futures position is done by taking an opposite position ("buying" a
contract which has previously been "sold," or "selling" a contract previously
purchased) in an identical contract to terminate the position. Brokerage
commissions are incurred when a futures contract is bought or sold.
 
     Futures traders are required to make a good faith margin deposit in cash or
government securities with a broker or custodian to initiate and maintain open
positions in futures contracts. The Fund's margin deposits will be placed in a
segregated account maintained by the Fund's custodian bank. A margin deposit is
intended to assure completion of the contract (delivery or acceptance of the
underlying security) if it is not terminated prior to the specified delivery
date. Minimal initial margin requirements are established by the futures
exchange and may be changed. Brokers may establish deposit requirements which
are higher than the exchange minimums. Futures contracts are customarily
purchased and sold on margin which may range upward from less than 5% of the
value of the contract being traded.
 
     After a futures contract position is opened, the value of the contract is
marked to market daily. If the futures contract price changes to the extent that
the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, payment of
additional "variation" margin will be required. Conversely, change in the
contract value may reduce the required margin, resulting in a repayment of
excess margin to the contract holder. Variation margin payments are made to and
from the futures broker for as long as the contract remains open. The Fund
expects to earn interest income on its margin deposits.
 
     Traders in futures contracts may be broadly classified as either "hedgers"
or "speculators." Hedgers use the futures markets primarily to offset
unfavorable changes in the value of securities otherwise held for
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   69
 
investment purposes or expected to be acquired by them. Speculators are less
inclined to own the securities underlying the futures contracts which they
trade, and use futures contracts with the expectation of realizing profits from
fluctuations in the prices of underlying securities.
 
     Regulations of the CFTC applicable to the Fund require that all of its
futures transactions constitute bona fide hedging transactions. A Portfolio will
only sell futures contracts to protect securities it owns against price declines
or purchase contracts to protect against an increase in the price of securities
it intends to purchase. As evidence of this hedging interest, the Fund expects
that approximately 75% of its futures contract purchases will be "completed,"
that is, equivalent amounts of related securities will have been purchased or
are being purchased by the Portfolio upon sale of open futures contracts.
 
     Although techniques other than the sale and purchase of futures contracts
could be used to control a Portfolio's exposure to market fluctuations, the use
of futures contracts may be a more effective means of hedging this exposure.
While a Portfolio will incur commission expenses in both opening and closing out
futures positions, these costs are lower than transaction costs incurred in the
purchase and sale of the underlying securities.
 
     RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF FUTURES CONTRACTS  A Portfolio will not enter
into futures contract transactions to the extent that, immediately thereafter,
the sum of its initial margin deposits on open contracts exceeds 5% of the
market value of its total assets. In addition, a Portfolio will not enter into
futures contracts to the extent that its outstanding obligations to purchase
securities under these contracts would exceed 20% of the its total assets.
 
     RISK FACTORS IN FUTURES TRANSACTIONS  Positions in futures contracts may be
closed out only on an Exchange which provides a secondary market for such
futures. However, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will
exist for any particular futures contract at any specific time. Thus, it may not
be possible to close a futures position. In the event of adverse price
movements, a Portfolio would continue to be required to make daily cash payments
to maintain its required margin. In such situations, if the Portfolio has
insufficient cash, it may have to sell portfolio securities to meet daily margin
requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, a
Portfolio may be required to make delivery of the instruments underlying futures
contracts it holds. The inability to close options and futures positions also
could have an adverse impact on the ability to effectively hedge.
 
     Each Portfolio will minimize the risk that it will be unable to close out a
futures contract by only entering into futures which are traded on national
futures exchanges and for which there appears to be a liquid secondary market.
 
     The risk of loss in trading futures contracts in some strategies can be
substantial, due both to the low margin deposits required, and the extremely
high degree of leverage involved in futures pricing. As a result, a relatively
small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and
substantial loss (as well as gain) to the investor. For example, if at the time
of purchase, 10% of the value of the futures contract is deposited as margin, a
subsequent 10% decrease in the value of the futures contract would result in a
total loss of the margin deposit, before any deduction for the transaction
costs, if the account were then closed out. A 15% decrease would result in a
loss equal to 150% of the original margin deposit if the contract were closed
out. Thus, a purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses in
excess of the amount invested in the contract. However, because the futures
strategies of the Fund are engaged in only for hedging purposes, the Adviser
does not believe that the Portfolios are subject to the risks of loss frequently
associated with futures transactions. A Portfolio would presumably have
sustained comparable losses if, instead of the futures contract, it had invested
in the underlying financial instrument and sold it after the decline.
 
     Utilization of futures transactions by a Portfolio does involve the risk of
imperfect or no correlation where the securities underlying futures contracts
have different maturities than the portfolio securities being hedged. It is also
possible that a Portfolio could both lose money on futures contracts and also
experience a decline in value of its portfolio securities. There is also the
risk of loss by a Portfolio of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a
broker with whom the Portfolio has an open position in a futures contract or
related
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   70
 
option. Additionally, investments in futures contracts and options involve the
risk that the investment advisers will incorrectly predict stock market and
interest rate trends.
 
     Most futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures
contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit establishes the
maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down
from the previous day's settlement price at the end of a trading session. Once
the daily limit has been reached in a particular type of contract, no trades may
be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only
price movement during a particular trading day and therefore does not limit
potential losses, because the limit may prevent the liquidation of unfavorable
positions. Futures contract prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit
for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby
preventing prompt liquidation of future positions and subjecting some futures
traders to substantial losses.
 
     FEDERAL TAX TREATMENT OF FUTURES CONTRACTS  Each Portfolio is required for
Federal income tax purposes to recognize as income for each taxable year its net
unrealized gains and losses on certain futures contracts as of the end of the
year as well as those actually realized during the year. In most cases, any gain
or loss recognized with respect to a futures contract is considered to be 60%
long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss, without
regard to the holding period of the contract. Furthermore, sales of futures
contracts which are intended to hedge against a change in the value of
securities held by a Portfolio may affect the holding period of such securities
and, consequently, the nature of the gain or loss on such securities upon
disposition. A Portfolio may be required to defer the recognition of losses on
futures contracts to the extent of any unrecognized gains on related positions
held by the Portfolio.
 
     In order for a Portfolio to continue to qualify for Federal income tax
treatment as a regulated investment company, at least 90% of its gross income
for a taxable year must be derived from qualifying income; i.e., dividends,
interest, income derived from loans of securities, gains from the sale of
securities or foreign currencies or other income derived with respect to the
Fund's business of investing in securities or currencies. In addition, gains
realized on the sale or other disposition of securities held for less than three
months must be limited to less than 30% of the Portfolio's annual gross income.
It is anticipated that any net gain realized from the closing out of futures
contracts will be considered gain from the sale of securities and therefore be
qualifying income for purposes of the 90% requirement. In order to avoid
realizing excessive gains on securities held less than three months, the
Portfolio may be required to defer the closing out of futures contracts beyond
the time when it would otherwise be advantageous to do so. It is anticipated
that unrealized gains on futures contracts, which have been open for less than
three months as of the end of the Portfolio's fiscal year and which are
recognized for tax purposes, will not be considered gains on sales of securities
held less than three months for the purpose of the 30% test.
 
     A Portfolio will distribute to shareholders annually any net capital gains
which have been recognized for Federal income tax purposes (including unrealized
gains at the end of the Fund's fiscal year) on futures transactions. Such
distributions will be combined with distributions of capital gains realized on
the Portfolio's other investments and shareholders will be advised on the nature
of the transactions.
 
     REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS  Each Portfolio may invest in repurchase agreements
with commercial banks, brokers or dealers either for defensive purposes due to
market conditions or to generate income from its excess cash balances. A
repurchase agreement is an agreement under which the Fund acquires a money
market instrument (generally a security issued by the U.S Government or an
agency thereof, a banker's acceptance or a certificate of deposit) from a
commercial bank, broker or dealer, subject to resale to the seller at an agreed
upon price and date (normally, the next business day). A repurchase agreement
may be considered a loan collateralized by securities. The resale price reflects
an agreed upon interest rate effective for the period the instrument is held by
the Portfolio and is unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying
instrument. In these transactions, the securities acquired by the Portfolio
(including accrued interest earned thereon) must have a total value in excess of
the value of the repurchase agreement and are held by the Fund's Custodian Bank
until repurchased. In addition, the Fund's Board of Directors will monitor each
Portfolio's repurchase agreement transactions generally and will establish
guidelines and standards for review by the investment adviser of the
creditworthiness of any bank, broker or dealer party to a repurchase agreement
with any Portfolio of the
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   71
 
Fund. No more than an aggregate of 15% of a Portfolio's assets, at the time of
investment, will be invested in repurchase agreements having maturities longer
than seven days and securities subject to legal or contractual restrictions on
resale, or for which there are no readily available market quotations.
 
     The use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks. For example, if
the other party to the agreement defaults on its obligation to repurchase the
underlying security at a time when the value of the security has declined, the
Portfolio may incur a loss upon disposition of the security. If the other party
to the agreement becomes insolvent and subject to liquidation or reorganization
under the Bankruptcy Code or other laws, a court may determine that the
underlying security is collateral for a loan by the Portfolio not within the
control of the Portfolio and therefore the realization by the Portfolio on such
collateral may be automatically stayed. Finally, it is possible that the
Portfolio may not be able to substantiate its interest in the underlying
security and may be deemed an unsecured creditor of the other party to the
agreement. While the Fund's management acknowledges these risks, it is expected
that they can be controlled through careful monitoring procedures.
 
     LENDING OF SECURITIES  Each Portfolio may lend its securities on a
short-term basis or long-term basis to qualified institutional investors who
need to borrow securities in order to complete certain transactions, such as
covering short sales, avoiding failures to deliver securities or completing
arbitrage operations. By lending its securities, the Portfolio will be
attempting to increase its net investment income through the receipt of interest
on the loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the securities loaned that
might occur during the term of the loan would be for the account of the
Portfolio. Each Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to qualified
brokers, dealers, banks or other financial institutions, so long as the terms,
the structure and the aggregate amount of such loans are not inconsistent with
the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the Rules and Regulations or
interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
thereunder, which currently require that (a) the borrower pledge and maintain
with the Fund collateral consisting of cash, an irrevocable letter of credit or
securities issued or guaranteed by the United States Government having a value
at all times not less than 100% of the value of the securities loaned, (b) the
borrower add to such collateral whenever the price of the securities loaned
rises (i.e., the borrower "marks to the market" on a daily basis), (c) the loan
be made subject to termination by the Portfolio at any time and (d) the
Portfolio receives reasonable interest on the loan which may include the
Portfolio's investing any cash collateral in interest bearing short-term
investments, any distribution on the loaned securities and any increase in their
market value. A Portfolio will not lend its portfolio securities, if as a
result, the aggregate value of such loans exceeds 33 1/3% of the value of the
Portfolio's total assets. Loan arrangements made by a Portfolio will comply with
all other applicable regulatory requirements, including the rules of the New
York Stock Exchange, which rules presently require the borrower, after notice,
to redeliver the securities within the normal settlement time of five business
days. All relevant facts and circumstances, including the credit-worthiness of
the broker, dealer or institution, will be considered in making decisions with
respect to the lending of securities, subject to review by the Fund's Board of
Directors.
 
     At the present time, the Staff of the Commission does not object if an
investment company pays reasonable negotiated fees in connection with loaned
securities, so long as such fees are set forth in a written contract and
approved by the investment company's Directors (Trustees). In addition, voting
rights may pass with the loaned securities, but if a material event will occur
affecting an investment on loan, the loan must be called and the securities
voted.
 
                             INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
 
     The following policies supplement the Fund's investment limitations set
forth in the Prospectus. It is a fundamental policy of each Portfolio not to
engage in any of the following activities or business practices. These
restrictions may not be changed with respect to a particular Portfolio without
the approval of a majority
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   72
 
of the outstanding shares (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the
"1940 Act")) of that Portfolio. A Portfolio may not:
 
      1) Issue senior securities;
 
      2) Borrow money, except from banks (or through reverse repurchase
         agreements), for temporary or emergency (not leveraging) purposes,
         including the meeting of redemption requests which might otherwise
         require the untimely disposition of securities, in an amount not in
         excess of 15% of the value of the net assets of the Portfolio
         (including the amount borrowed and the value of any outstanding reverse
         repurchase agreements) at the time the borrowing is made. Whenever
         borrowings exceed 5% of the value of the net assets of the Portfolio,
         the Portfolio will not make any additional investments;
 
      3) With respect to 75% of the value of its total assets, purchase the
         securities of any issuer (except obligations of the United States
         government and its instrumentalities) if as a result the Portfolio
         would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the
         issuer, or more than 5% of the value of the Portfolio's total assets
         would be invested in the securities of such issuer;
 
      4) Engage in the business of underwriting securities issued by others,
         except to the extent that the Portfolio may technically be deemed to be
         an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in
         disposing of portfolio securities;
 
      5) Purchase or otherwise acquire any security if, as a result, more than
         15% of its net assets would be invested in securities that are illiquid
         (including the Fund's investment in The Vanguard Group, Inc., as
         described on page 7);
 
      6) Make loans except (i) by purchasing bonds, debentures or similar
         obligations (including repurchase agreements, subject to the limitation
         described in (5) above) which are either publicly distributed or
         customarily purchased by institutional investors, and (ii) by lending
         its securities to banks, brokers, dealers and other financial
         institutions so long as such loans are not inconsistent with the
         Investment Company Act or the Rules and Regulations or interpretations
         of the Commission thereunder and the aggregate value of all securities
         loaned does not exceed 33 1/3% of the market value of the Portfolio's
         total assets;
 
      7) Pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate its assets, except to secure
         borrowings permitted by limitation (2) above;
 
      8) Buy any securities or other property on margin (except for such
         short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions),
         or engage in short sales (unless by virtue of its ownership of other
         securities it has a right to obtain at no added cost securities
         equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold) except as set
         forth below in (12);
 
      9) Purchase or sell puts or calls, or combinations thereof; provided
         however, that a Portfolio may enter into forward foreign currency
         exchange transactions except as set forth below in (12);
 
     10) Purchase or sell real estate or real estate limited partnerships
         (although it may purchase securities secured by real estate or
         interests therein, or issued by companies or investment trusts which
         invest in real estate or interests therein);
 
     11) The Fund will not invest in securities of other investment companies,
         except as may be acquired as a part of a merger, consolidation or
         acquisition of assets approved by the Fund's shareholders or otherwise
         to the extent permitted by Section 12 of the 1940 Act. The Fund will
         invest only in investment companies which have investment objectives
         and investment policies consistent with those of the Fund;
 
     12) Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts; provided, however,
         that a Portfolio may enter into forward foreign currency exchange
         transactions and that each Portfolio may invest in futures contracts
         and options to the extent that not more than 5% of the portfolios
         assets are required as deposit to secure obligations under futures
         contracts and not more than 20% of a portfolio's assets
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   73
 
         are invested in futures contracts and options at any time, the
         Portfolio may also invest in bullion as described in the prospectus;
 
     13) Purchase or retain securities of an issuer if an officer or director of
         such issuer is an officer or Director of the Fund or its investment
         adviser and one or more of such officers or Directors of the Fund or
         its investment adviser owns beneficially more than  1/2% of such shares
         or securities of such issuer and all such directors and officers owning
         more than  1/2% of such shares or securities together own more than 5%
         of such shares or securities; and
 
     14) Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control of
         management.
 
     Notwithstanding these limitations, the Fund may own all or any portion of
the securities of, make loans to, or contribute to the costs or other financial
requirements of, any company which will be wholly owned by the Fund and one or
more other investment companies and is primarily engaged in the business of
providing at cost services, such as management, administrative, distribution or
other related services to the Fund and other investment companies. (See
"Management of the Fund").
 
     In addition, no Portfolio may engage in any of the following activities;
however, these restrictions may be changed by the Directors without shareholder
approval or prior notification:
 
      1) Invest directly in oil, gas, or other mineral exploration or
         development programs, including oil & gas or other mineral leases;
         provided, however, that if consistent with the designated business
         activities of a particular Portfolio, a Portfolio may purchase
         securities of issuers whose principal business activities fall within
         such areas;
 
      2) Purchase warrants, valued at the lower of cost or market, in excess of
         5% of the value of the Fund's net assets. Including within that amount,
         but not to exceed 2% of the value of the Fund's net assets, may be
         warrants which are not listed on the New York or American Stock
         Exchange. Warrants acquired by a Portfolio at any time in units or
         attached to securities are not subject to this restriction;
 
      3) Invest more than 5% of its assets, at the time of investment, in the
         securities of any issuers which have records of less than three years
         continuous operation, including the operation of any predecessor (other
         than obligations issued or guaranteed as to interest and principal by
         the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities.
 
     In order to permit the sale of shares of the Fund in certain states, the
Fund may make commitments more restrictive than the fundamental or
non-fundamental operating restrictions described above. Should the Fund
determine that any such commitment is no longer in the best interests of the
Fund and its shareholders, it will revoke the commitment by terminating sales of
its shares in the state(s) involved.
 
     The above-mentioned investment limitations are considered at the time
investment securities are purchased.
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   74
 
                             MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
 
     The Officers of the Fund manage its day-to-day operations and are
responsible to the Fund's Board of Directors. The Directors set broad policies
for each Fund and choose its Officers. The following is a list of the Directors
and Officers of the Funds and a statement of their present positions and
principal occupations during the past five years. The mailing address of the
Directors and Officers of the Fund is Post Office Box 876, Valley Forge, PA
19482.
 
                             DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>
JOHN C. BOGLE, Chairman, Chief                     JOHN C. SAWHILL, Director
Executive Officer and Director*                      President and Chief Executive Officer, The
  Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and              Nature Conservancy; formerly, Director and
  Director of The Vanguard Group, Inc. and of        Senior Partner, McKinsey & Co.; and
  each of the investment companies in The            President, New York University; Director of
  Vanguard Group; Director of The Mead               Pacific Gas and Electric Company and NACCO
  Corporation and General Accident Insurance.        Industries.

JOHN J. BRENNAN, President and Director*           JAMES O. WELCH, JR., Director
  President and Director of The Vanguard             Retired Chairman of Nabisco Brands, Inc.,
  Group, Inc. and of each of the investment          retired Vice Chairman and Director of RJR
  companies in The Vanguard Group.                   Nabisco; Director of TECO Energy, Inc.

ROBERT E. CAWTHORN, Director                       J. LAWRENCE WILSON, Director
  Chairman of Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, Inc.;             Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rohm &
  Director of Sun Company, Inc.                      Haas Company; Director of Cummins Energy
                                                     Company; Trustee of Vanderbilt University
BARBARA BARNES HAUPTFUHRER, Director                 and the Culver Educational Foundation.
  Director of The Great Atlantic and Pacific
  Tea Company, Alco Standard Corp., Raytheon       RAYMOND J. KLAPINSKY, Secretary*
  Company, Knight-Ridder, Inc., and                  Senior Vice President and Secretary of The
  Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. and        Vanguard Group, Inc.; Secretary of each of the
  trustee Emerita of Wellesley College.              investment companies in The Vanguard Group.

BRUCE K. MACLAURY, Director                        RICHARD F. HYLAND, Treasurer*
  President, The Brookings Institution;              Treasurer of The Vanguard Group, Inc. and of
  Director of American Express Bank, Ltd., The       each of the investment companies in The
  St. Paul Companies, Inc. and Scott Paper           Vanguard Group.
  Company.
                                                   KAREN E. WEST, Controller*
BURTON G. MALKIEL, Director                          Vice President of The Vanguard Group, Inc.;
  Chemical Bank Chairman's Professor of              Controller of each of the investment companies
  Economics, Princeton University; Director of       in The Vanguard Group.
  Prudential Insurance Co. of America, Amdahl      
  Corporation, Baker Fentress & Co., The           ---------------
  Jeffrey Co. and Southern New England             *Officers of the Fund are "interested persons"
  Communications Company.                          as defined in the Investment Company Act of
                                                   1940.
ALFRED M. RANKIN, JR., Director
  Chairman, President and Chief Executive
  Officer of NACCO Industries, Inc.; Director
  of The BFGoodrich Company, The Standard
  Products Company and The Reliance Electric
  Company.
</TABLE>
 
     THE VANGUARD GROUP  The Fund is a member of The Vanguard Group of
Investment Companies which consists of more than 30 investment companies.
Through their jointly-owned subsidiary, The Vanguard Group, Inc. ("Vanguard"),
the Vanguard Funds obtain at cost virtually all of their corporate management,
administrative and distribution services.
 
     Vanguard employs a supporting staff of management personnel needed to
provide the requisite services to the Funds and also furnishes the Funds with
necessary office space, furnishings and equipment. Each Fund pays its share of
Vanguard's net expenses which are allocated among the Funds under procedures
approved by the Directors (Trustees) of each Fund. In addition, each Fund bears
its own direct expenses such as legal, auditing and custodian fees.
 
     The Officers of the Fund and the Vanguard Funds are also Officers and
employees of Vanguard. No Officer or employee is permitted to own any securities
of any external adviser for the Vanguard Funds.
 
     The Vanguard Group adheres to a Code of Ethics established pursuant to Rule
17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Code is designed to prevent
unlawful practices in connection with the purchase or sale of securities by
persons associated with Vanguard. Under Vanguard's Code of Ethics certain
officers and employees of Vanguard who are considered access persons are
permitted to engage in personal securities
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   75
 
transactions. However, such transactions are subject to procedures and
guidelines substantially similar to those recommended by the mutual fund
industry and approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
   
     The Vanguard Group was established and operates under a Funds' Service
Agreement which was approved by the shareholders of each of the Funds. The
amounts which each of the Funds have invested are adjusted from time to time in
order to maintain the proportionate relationship between each Fund's relative
net assets and its contribution to Vanguard's capital. At the year ended January
31, 1995 the Fund had contributed capital of $365,000 to Vanguard representing
1.8% of its capitalization. The Fund's Service Agreement provides as follows:
(a) each Vanguard Fund may invest up to .40% of its current assets in Vanguard,
and (b) there is no other limitation on the amount that each Vanguard Fund may
contribute to Vanguard's capitalization. The amount contributed to Vanguard by
the Fund's Portfolios at the year ended January 31, 1995 included contributions
by the Fund's Service Economy and Technology Portfolios, which are no longer in
existence.
    
 
     MANAGEMENT  Corporate management and administrative services include: (1)
executive staff; (2) accounting and financial; (3) legal and regulatory; (4)
shareholder account maintenance; (5) monitoring and control of custodian
relationships; (6) shareholder reporting; and (7) review and evaluation of
advisory and other services provided to the Vanguard Funds by third parties.
During the fiscal year ended January 31, 1995, the Fund's share of Vanguard's
actual net costs of operation relating to management and administrative services
(including transfer agency) totaled approximately $4,005,000.
 
     DISTRIBUTION  Vanguard also provides all distribution and marketing
services for the Vanguard Funds. The principal distribution expenses are for
advertising, promotional materials and marketing personnel. Distribution
services may also include organizing and offering to the public, from time to
time, one or more new investment companies which will become members of the
Group. The Directors and Officers of Vanguard determine the amount to be spent
annually on distribution activities, the manner and amount to be spent on each
Fund, and whether to organize new investment companies.
 
     One half of the distribution expenses of a marketing and promotional nature
is allocated among the Vanguard Funds based upon their relative net assets. The
remaining one half of these expenses is allocated among the Vanguard Funds based
upon each Fund's sales for the preceding 24 months relative to the total sales
of the Funds as a Group. Provided, however, that no Fund's aggregate quarterly
rate of contribution for distribution expenses of a marketing and promotional
nature shall exceed 125% of the average distribution expense rate for the Group,
and that no Fund shall incur annual distribution expenses in excess of 20/100 of
1% of its average month-end net assets.
 
   
     INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES  Vanguard provides Vanguard Money Market
Reserves, Vanguard Institutional Money Market Portfolio, Vanguard Admiral Funds,
Vanguard Municipal Bond Fund, the several Portfolios of Vanguard Fixed Income
Securities Fund, Vanguard Institutional Index Fund, Vanguard Bond Index Fund,
several Portfolios of Vanguard Variable Insurance Fund, Vanguard California
Tax-Free Fund, Vanguard Florida Insured Tax-Free Fund, Vanguard New Jersey
Tax-Free Fund, Vanguard New York Insured Tax-Free Fund, Vanguard Ohio Tax-Free
Fund, Vanguard Pennsylvania Tax-Free Fund, Vanguard Balanced Index Fund,
Vanguard Index Trust, Vanguard International Equity Index Fund, Vanguard
Tax-Managed Fund, a portion of Vanguard/Windsor II, and a portion of
Vanguard/Morgan Growth Fund, as well as several indexed separate accounts with
investment advisory services. These services are provided on an at-cost basis
from a money management staff employed directly by Vanguard. The compensation
and other expenses of this staff are paid by the Funds utilizing these services.
    
 
   
     REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS  The Fund pays each Director who is
not also an Officer, an annual fee plus travel and other expenses incurred in
attending Board meetings. During the year ended January 31, 1995, the Fund paid
approximately $11,000 in Director's fees. Directors who are also Officers
receive no remuneration for their services as Directors. The Fund's Officers and
employees are paid by Vanguard which, in turn, is reimbursed by the Fund, and
each other Fund in the Group, for its proportionate share of Officers' and
employees' salaries and retirement benefits. The Fund's proportionate share of
remuneration paid by Vanguard (and reimbursed by the Fund) during the fiscal
year to all Officers of the Fund, as a group, was approximately $92,419.
    
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   76
 
   
     Under its Retirement Plan, Vanguard contributes annually an amount equal to
10% of each Officer's annual compensation plus 5.7% of that part of an eligible
Officer's compensation during the year, if any, that exceeds the Social Security
Taxable Wage Base then in effect. Under its Thrift Plan, all employees of
Vanguard are permitted to make pre-tax basic contributions in a maximum amount
equal to 4% of total compensation. Vanguard matches the basic contributions on a
100% basis. The Fund's proportionate share of benefits paid by Vanguard under
its Retirement and Thrift Plans to all Officers of the Fund, as a group, during
the fiscal year ended January 31, 1995 was approximately $10,800.
    
 
     The following table provides detailed information with respect to the
amounts paid or accrued for the Directors for the fiscal year ended January 31,
1995.
 
                        VANGUARD SPECIALIZED PORTFOLIOS
                               COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            TOTAL COMPENSATION
                                               PENSION OR RETIREMENT                             FROM ALL
                                AGGREGATE        BENEFITS ACCRUED       ESTIMATED ANNUAL      VANGUARD FUNDS
                               COMPENSATION         AS PART OF              BENEFITS              PAID TO
     NAMES OF DIRECTORS         FROM FUND          FUND EXPENSES        UPON RETIREMENT        DIRECTORS(2)
- ----------------------------   ------------    ---------------------    ----------------    -------------------
<S>                            <C>             <C>                      <C>                 <C>
John C. Bogle(1)                     --                  --                       --                   --
John J. Brennan(1)                   --                  --                       --                   --
Barbara Barnes Hauptfuhrer         $300                 $88                 $ 15,000              $50,000
Robert E. Cawthorn                 $300                 $61                 $ 13,000              $50,000
Bruce K. MacLaury                  $325                 $92                 $ 12,000              $45,000
Burton G. Malkiel                  $300                 $33                 $ 15,000              $50,000
Alfred M. Rankin, Jr.              $300                 $10                 $ 15,000              $50,000
John C. Sawhill                    $300                 $26                 $ 15,000              $50,000
James O. Welch, Jr.                $288                 $53                 $ 15,000              $48,000
J. Lawrence Wilson                 $294                 $16                 $ 15,000              $49,000
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) As "Interested Directors," Messrs. Bogle and Brennan receive no compensation
    for their service as Directors.
(2) The amounts reported in this column reflect the total compensation paid to
    each Director for their service as Director or Trustee of 33 Vanguard Funds
    (26 in the case of Mr. MacLaury).
 
     DIRECTORS' RETIREMENT FEES  A Retirement Plan for Directors has been
implemented to provide a fee to retired Directors equal to $1,000 per year of
service on the Board, up to 15 years of service. This fee will remain in place
subsequent to the Director's retirement for a period of 10 years or until a
retired Director's death.
 
                          INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
 
     INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT WITH WELLINGTON MANAGEMENT COMPANY  The Fund
employs Wellington Management Company ("WMC") under an investment advisory
agreement dated as of May 31, 1993 to manage the investment and reinvestment of
the assets of the Fund's Energy, Health Care, and Utilities Income Portfolios
and to continuously review, supervise and administer each Portfolio's investment
program. WMC discharges its responsibilities subject to the control of the
officers and Directors of the Fund.
 
     Under the investment advisory agreement, the three Portfolios are required
to pay the Adviser an aggregate fee at the end of each fiscal quarter,
calculated by applying a quarterly rate, based on the following annual
percentage rates, to the aggregate average month-end net assets of the
Portfolios for the quarter:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       NET ASSETS                                      RATE
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------
    <S>                                                                               <C>
    First $100 million..............................................................  0.300%
    Next $150 million...............................................................  0.200%
    Next $250 million...............................................................  0.150%
    Next $500 million...............................................................  0.125%
    Over $1 billion.................................................................  0.100%
</TABLE>
 
     The advisory fee is based on the total assets of the Portfolios and is
allocated to each Portfolio based on the relative net assets of each. In
addition, once the advisory fee to WMC is calculated for the three Portfolios
under this schedule, the total fee will be reduced in order that the advisory
fee paid by the Utilities Income Portfolio does not exceed 0.125%. During the
years ended January 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 the Fund paid to
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   77
 
   
WMC advisory fees totaling $1,481,000, $2,079,000 and $2,192,000, respectively,
which represented an effective annual rate of .16 of 1%, .14 of 1% and .14 of
1%, respectively, of the aggregate average net assets of the Energy, Health
Care, and Utilities Income Portfolios.
    
 
   
     WMC's fees during the fiscal years ended January 31, 1993 and 1994 were
payable under a prior investment advisory agreement. The assets on which
advisory fees for the 1993 and 1994 fiscal years were based included the Service
Economy and Technology Portfolios, which are no longer in existence.
    
 
   
     DESCRIPTION OF WMC  WMC is a Massachusetts general partnership, of which
the following persons are managing partners: Robert W. Doran, Duncan M.
McFarland, and John B. Neff.
    
 
     INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT WITH M & G GROUP P.L.C.  The Fund has also
entered into an investment advisory agreement with M & G Investment Management
Limited ("M & G"), effective February 1, 1987 to manage the assets of the Gold &
Precious Metals Portfolio. Under this agreement M & G manages the investment and
reinvestment of the assets of the Gold & Precious Metals Portfolio and
continuously renews, supervises and administers the Portfolio's investment
program. M & G will discharge its responsibilities subject to the control of the
officers and Directors of the Fund.
 
     DESCRIPTION OF M & G  M & G is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the M & G Group
P.L.C. M & G Group P.L.C. is a public company whose shares are quoted on the
London Stock Exchange. Kleinwort, Benson Limited, a merchant bank, and the Esmee
Fairbairn Charitable Trust own respectively 42% and 32% of
total shares outstanding. The remaining 26% of shares are held by individuals,
nominees, pension plans and
M & G employees.
 
     The Gold & Precious Metals Portfolio will pay M & G a fee at the end of
each fiscal quarter, calculated by applying a quarterly rate, based on the
following annual percentage rates, to the aggregate average month-end net assets
of the Portfolio for the quarter:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       NET ASSETS                                      RATE
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------
    <S>                                                                               <C>
    First $100 million..............................................................   0.30%
    Next $300 million...............................................................   0.25%
    Over $400 million...............................................................   0.20%
</TABLE>
 
     During the years ended January 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995, the Gold & Precious
Metals Portfolio paid an advisory fees of $506,000, $924,000, and $1,116,000
respectively, to M & G which represented an effective annual rate of .28 of 1%,
.22 of 1%, and .17 of 1% after giving effect to a fee waiver of (.07 of 1%)
respectively, of average net assets.
 
   
     The current agreements will continue until April 30, 1996, with respect to
WMC and January 31, 1996, with respect to M & G, and will be renewable
thereafter, for successive one-year periods, only if each renewal is
specifically approved by a vote of the Fund's Board of Directors, including the
affirmative votes of a majority of the Directors who are not parties to the
agreement or "interested persons" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of
1940) of any such party cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
considering such approval. In addition, the question of continuance of the
agreement may be presented to the shareholders of the Fund; in such event,
continuance shall be effected only if approved by the affirmative vote of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. If the holders of any
Portfolio fail to approve the agreement, WMC or M & G may continue to serve as
investment adviser to each Portfolio which approved the agreement, and to any
Portfolio which did not approve the agreement until new arrangements have been
made. The agreement is automatically terminated if assigned, and may be
terminated by any Portfolio without penalty, at any time, (1) either by vote of
the Board of Directors or by vote of the outstanding voting securities of the
Portfolio on sixty (60) days' written notice to WMC or M & G, or (2) by WMC or M
& G upon ninety (90) days' written notice to the Fund.
    
 
                            SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
 
     The investment advisory agreements with WMC and M & G authorize the
investment advisers (with the approval of the Fund's Board of Directors) to
select the brokers or dealers that will execute the purchases and
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   78
 
sales of securities for the Fund's Portfolio(s) and directs the investment
adviser to use its best efforts to obtain the best available price and most
favorable execution with respect to all transactions for the Portfolio(s). Each
investment adviser has undertaken to execute each investment transaction at a
price and commission which provides the most favorable total cost or proceeds
reasonably obtainable under the circumstances.
 
     In placing portfolio transactions, each investment adviser will use its
best judgment to choose the broker most capable of providing the brokerage
services necessary to obtain best available price and most favorable execution.
The full range and quality of brokerage services available will be considered in
making these determinations. In those instances where it is reasonably
determined that more than one broker can offer the brokerage services needed to
obtain the best available price and most favorable execution, consideration may
be given to those brokers which supply investment research and statistical
information, and provide other services in addition to execution services to the
Fund and/or the investment adviser. Each investment adviser considers the
investment services it receives useful in the performance of its obligations
under the agreement but is unable to determine the amount by which such services
may reduce its expenses.
 
     The investment advisory agreements also incorporate the concepts of Section
28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by providing that, subject to the
approval of the Fund's Board of Directors, each investment adviser may cause the
Fund to pay a broker-dealer which furnishes brokerage and research services a
higher commission than that which might be charged by another broker-dealer for
effecting the same transaction; provided that such commission is deemed
reasonable in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall
responsibilities of the investment adviser to the Fund and the other Funds in
the Group.
 
     Currently, it is the Fund's policy that each investment adviser may at
times pay higher commissions in recognition of brokerage services felt necessary
for the achievement of better execution of certain securities transactions that
otherwise might not be available. An investment adviser will only pay such
higher commissions if it believes this to be in the best interest of the Fund.
Some brokers or dealers who may receive such higher commissions in recognition
of brokerage services related to execution of securities transactions are also
providers of research information to the investment adviser and/or the Fund.
However, the investment adviser has informed the Fund that it will not pay
higher commission rates specifically for the purpose of obtaining research
services.
 
     Since the Fund does not market its shares through intermediary brokers or
dealers, it is not the Fund's practice to allocate brokerage or principal
business on the basis of sales of its shares which may be made through such
firms. However, the Fund may place portfolio orders with qualified
broker-dealers who recommend the sale of shares of the Fund and may, when a
number of brokers and dealers can provide comparable best price and execution on
a particular transaction, consider the sale of Fund shares by a broker or dealer
in selecting among qualified broker-dealers.
 
     The total brokerage commissions paid by each of the Fund's Portfolios
during the fiscal years ended January 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 totaled
$1,346,501, $3,334,211, and $2,225,321, respectively.
 
     Some securities considered for investment by one Portfolio may also be
appropriate for the other Portfolios and the other Funds and/or clients served
by the investment advisers. If purchase or sale of securities consistent with
the investment policies of a Portfolio, the other Portfolios and/or one or more
of these other Funds or clients are considered at or about the same time,
transactions in such securities will be allocated among the Portfolios and the
several Funds and clients in a manner deemed equitable by the respective
investment adviser. Although there will be no specified formula for allocating
such transactions, the allocation methods used, and the results of such
allocations, will be subject to periodic review by the Fund's Board of
Directors.
 
                               PURCHASE OF SHARES
 
     The Fund reserves the right in its sole discretion (i) to suspend the
offering of its shares, (ii) to reject purchase orders when in the judgment of
management such rejection is in the best interest of the Fund or any Portfolio,
and (iii) to reduce or waive the minimum for initial and subsequent investments
for certain fiduciary
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   79
 
accounts such as employee benefit plans or under circumstances where certain
economies can be achieved in sales of the Fund's shares.
 
     STOCK CERTIFICATES  Your purchase will be made in full and fractional
shares of a Portfolio calculated to three decimal places. Shares are normally
held on deposit for shareholders by the Fund, which will send to shareholders a
statement of shares owned at the time of each transaction. This saves the
shareholders the trouble of safe-keeping the certificates, and saves the Fund
the cost of issuing certificates. Except in the case of the Utilities Income
Portfolio, share certificates are available at any time upon written request at
no additional cost to shareholders. No certificates will be issued for the
Utilities Income Portfolio or for any fractional shares of the Fund's other
Portfolios.
 
                              REDEMPTION OF SHARES
 
     The Fund may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment
(i) during any period that the New York Stock Exchange is closed, or trading on
the Exchange is restricted as determined by the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"), (ii) during any period when an emergency exists
as defined by the rules of the Commission as a result of which it is not
reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it, or
fairly to determine the value of its assets, and (iii) for such other periods as
the Commission may permit.
 
     The Fund has made an election with the Commission to pay in cash all
redemptions requested by any shareholder of record limited in amount during any
90-day period to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% or the net assets of the Fund at
the beginning of such period. Such commitment is irrevocable without the prior
approval of the Commission. Redemptions in excess of the above limits may be
paid in whole or in part, in investment securities or in cash, as the Directors
may deem advisable; however, payment will be made wholly in cash unless the
Directors believe that economic or market conditions exist which would make a
practice detrimental to the best interests of the Fund. If redemptions are paid
in investment securities, such securities will be valued as set forth in the
Prospectus under "The Share Price of Each Portfolio" and a redeeming shareholder
would normally incur brokerage expenses if he converted these securities to
cash.
 
                              COMPARATIVE INDEXES
 
     Each of the investment company members of the Vanguard Group, including
Vanguard Specialized Portfolios, Inc., may, from time to time, use one or more
of the following unmanaged indices for comparative performance purposes.
 
STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 COMPOSITE STOCK PRICE INDEX -- is a well diversified
list of 500 companies representing the U.S. Stock Market.
 
WILSHIRE 5000 EQUITY INDEXES -- consists of more than 6,000 common equity
securities, covering all stocks in the U.S. for which daily pricing is
available.
 
WILSHIRE 4500 EQUITY INDEX -- consists of all stocks in the Wilshire 5000 except
for the 500 stocks in the Standard and Poor's 500 Index.
 
MORGAN STANLEY CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL EAFE INDEX -- is an arithmetic, market
value-weighted average of the performance of over 900 securities listed on the
stock exchanges of countries in Europe, Australia and the
Far East.
 
GOLDMAN SACHS 100 CONVERTIBLE BOND INDEX -- currently includes 67 bonds and 33
preferreds. The original list of names was generated by screening for
convertible issues of 100 million or greater in market capitalization. The index
is priced monthly.
 
SALOMON BROTHERS GNMA INDEX -- includes pools of mortgages originated by private
lenders and guaranteed by the mortgage pools of the Government National Mortgage
Association.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   80
 
SALOMON BROTHERS HIGH-GRADE CORPORATE BOND INDEX -- consists of publicly issued,
non-convertible corporate bonds rated AA or AAA. It is a value-weighted, total
return index, including approximately 800 issues with maturities of 12 years or
greater.
 
LEHMAN LONG-TERM TREASURY BOND -- is composed of all bonds covered by the
Shearson Lehman Hutton Treasury Bond Index with maturities of 10 years or
greater.
 
MERRILL LYNCH CORPORATE & GOVERNMENT BOND -- consists of over 4,500 U.S.
Treasury, Agency and investment grade corporate bonds.
 
LEHMAN CORPORATE (BAA) BOND INDEX -- all publicly offered fixed-rate,
nonconvertible domestic corporate bonds rated Baa by Moody's, with a maturity
longer than 1 year and with more than $25 million outstanding. This index
includes over 1,000 issues.
 
BOND BUYER MUNICIPAL INDEX (20 YEAR) BOND -- is a yield index on current coupon
high-grade general obligation municipal bonds.
 
STANDARD & POOR'S PREFERRED INDEX -- is a yield index based upon the average
yield for four high-grade, non-callable preferred stock issues.
 
NASDAQ INDUSTRIAL INDEX -- is composed of more than 3,000 industrial issues. It
is a value-weighted index calculated on price change only and does not include
income.
 
COMPOSITE INDEX -- 70% Standard & Poor's 500 Index and 30% NASDAQ Industrial
Index.
 
COMPOSITE INDEX -- 35% Standard & Poor's 500 Index and 65% Salomon Brothers High
Grade Bond Index.
 
COMPOSITE INDEX -- 65% Standard & Poor's 500 Index and 35% Salomon Brothers High
Grade Bond Index.
 
RUSSELL 2000 SMALL COMPANY STOCK INDEX -- consists of the smallest 2,000 stocks
within the Russell 3000; a widely-used benchmark for small capitalization common
stocks.
 
LEHMAN BROTHERS AGGREGATE BOND INDEX -- is a market weighted index that contains
individually priced U.S. Treasury, agency, corporate, and mortgage pass-through
securities corporate rated BBB- or better. The Index has a market value of over
$4 trillion.
 
LEHMAN BROTHERS MUTUAL FUND SHORT (1-5) GOVERNMENT/CORPORATE INDEX -- is a
market weighted index that contains individually priced U.S. Treasury, agency,
and corporate investment grade bonds rated BBB- or better with maturities
between 1 and 5 years. The index has a market value of over $1.3 trillion.
 
LEHMAN BROTHERS MUTUAL FUND INTERMEDIATE (5-10) GOVERNMENT/CORPORATE INDEX -- is
a market weighted index that contains individually priced U.S. Treasury, agency,
and corporate securities rated BBB- or better with maturities between 5 and 10
years. The index has a market value of over $600 billion.
 
LEHMAN BROTHERS MUTUAL FUND LONG (10+) GOVERNMENT/CORPORATE INDEX -- is a market
weighted index that contains individually priced U.S. Treasury, agency, and
corporate securities rated BBB- or better with maturities greater than 10 years.
The index has a market value of over $900 billion.
 
LIPPER BALANCED FUND AVERAGE -- An industry benchmark of average balanced funds
with similar investment objectives and policies, as measured by Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc.
 
LIPPER NON-GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND AVERAGE -- An industry benchmark of
average non-government money market funds with similar investment objectives and
policies, as measured by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.
 
LIPPER GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND AVERAGE -- An industry benchmark of average
government money market funds with similar investment objectives and policies,
as measured by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.
 
LIPPER SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND AVERAGE -- the average performance of small
company growth funds as defined by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. Lipper
defines a small company growth fund as a fund that by prospectus or portfolio
practice, limits its investments to companies on the basis of the size of the
company. From time to time, Vanguard may advertise using the average performance
and/or the average expense ratio of
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   81
 
the small company growth funds. (This fund category was first established in
1982. For years prior to 1982, the results of the Lipper Small Company Growth
category were estimated using the returns of the Funds that constituted the
Group at its inception.)
 
RUSSELL 3000 INDEX -- consists of approximately the 3,000 largest stocks of
U.S.-domiciled companies commonly traded on the New York and American Stock
Exchanges or the NASDAQ over-the-counter market, accounting for over 90% of the
market value of publicly traded Stocks in the U.S.
 
     Advertisements which refer to the use of the fund as a potential investment
for Individual Retirement Accounts may quote a total return based upon
compounding of dividends on which it is presumed no Federal income tax applies.
 
     In assessing such comparisons of yields, an investor should keep in mind
that the composition of the investments in the reported averages is not
identical to the Fund's Portfolio and that the items included in the
calculations of such averages may not be identical to the formula used by the
Fund to calculate its yield.
In addition there can be no assurance that the Fund will continue its
performance as compared to such
other averages.
 
                             YIELD AND TOTAL RETURN
 
     The yield* of each Portfolio of the Fund for the 30-day period ended
January 31, 1995 was as follows:
 
<TABLE>
                  <S>                                                     <C>
                  Energy Portfolio.....................................    1.61%
                  Gold & Precious Metals Portfolio.....................      N/A
                  Health Care Portfolio................................    1.23%
                  Utilities Income Portfolio...........................    5.64%
</TABLE>
 
                  -------------------------------
                  *Yield is calculated daily.
 
     The average annual total return of each Portfolio of the Fund for the one-
and five-year periods ended January 31, 1995 and since the inception of each
Portfolio was as follows.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 YEAR ENDED        FIVE YEARS ENDED
                                              JANUARY 31, 1995     JANUARY 31, 1995     SINCE INCEPTION**
                                              ----------------     ----------------     -----------------
    <S>                                       <C>                  <C>                  <C>
    Energy Portfolio*.......................         -9.2%                +5.4%               +11.1%
    Gold & Precious Metals Portfolio*.......        -19.2%                -0.5%                +8.9%
    Health Care Portfolio*..................         +9.8%               +17.6%               +19.3%
    Utilities Income Portfolio..............         -4.5%                   --                +8.6%
</TABLE>
 
     --------------------
      *Includes 1% portfolio redemption fee.
 
    **Inception for Utilities Income Portfolio, May 15, 1992; inception for all
      other Portfolios, May 23, 1984.
 
     Total return is computed by finding the average compounded rate of return
over the one-year period set forth above that would equate an initial amount
invested at the beginning of the period to the ending redeemable value of the
investment.
 
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
     The Fund's financial statements for the year ended January 31, 1995,
including the financial highlights for each of the five fiscal years in the
period ended January 31, 1995, as applicable, appearing in the Vanguard
Specialized Portfolios Annual Report to Shareholders, and the report thereon of
Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, also appearing therein, are
incorporated by reference in this Statement of Additional Information. The
Fund's 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders is enclosed with this Statement of
Additional Information.
 
                                       15


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission