As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 9, 2006
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF
REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number: 811-21334
NEUBERGER BERMAN INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND INC.
---------------------------------------------
(Exact Name of the Registrant as Specified in Charter)
c/o Neuberger Berman Management Inc.
605 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, New York 10158-0180
Registrant's Telephone Number, including area code: (212) 476-8800
Peter E. Sundman, Chief Executive Officer
Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity Fund Inc.
605 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, New York 10158-0180
Arthur C. Delibert, Esq.
Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham LLP
1800 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20036-1800
(Names and addresses of agents for service)
Date of fiscal year end: October 31, 2005
Date of reporting period: October 31, 2005
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with
the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of
any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may
use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review,
inspection, and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR,
and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not
required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR
unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget
("OMB") control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the
information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the
burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW,
Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information
under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. ss. 3507.
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
[NEUBERGER BERMAN LOGO]
A LEHMAN BROTHERS COMPANY
ANNUAL REPORT
OCTOBER 31, 2005
NEUBERGER BERMAN
INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND INC.
<Page>
NEUBERGER BERMAN OCTOBER 31, 2005
CONTENTS
<Table>
THE FUND
CHAIRMAN'S LETTER 1
PORTFOLIO COMMENTARY 2
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS/
TOP TEN EQUITY HOLDINGS 6
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 14
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS/PER SHARE DATA 25
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 27
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN 28
DIRECTORY 30
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS 31
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 40
QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO SCHEDULE 40
CHANGE TO INVESTMENT POLICY 40
CHANGE IN PORTFOLIO MANAGER 40
NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS 41
BOARD CONSIDERATION OF THE
MANAGEMENT AND SUB-ADVISORY
AGREEMENTS 42
</Table>
CHAIRMAN'S LETTER
DEAR SHAREHOLDER,
I am pleased to present to you this annual report for the Neuberger Berman
Income Opportunity Fund Inc., for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2005. The
report includes portfolio commentary, a listing of the Fund's investments, and
its audited financial statements for the reporting period.
The Fund's investment objective is to provide high current income through a
diversified portfolio of both real estate securities and high yield bonds.
Portfolio Co-Manager Steven Brown manages the real estate portion of the Fund.
His investment approach combines analysis of security fundamentals and real
estate with property sector diversification. His disciplined valuation
methodology seeks real estate securities that are attractively priced relative
to their historical growth rates and the valuation of other property sectors.
Portfolio Co-Managers Ann Benjamin and Tom O'Reilly manage the high yield bond
portion of the Fund. Their investment approach focuses on generating income and
managing risk. They seek to avoid the default and volatility risk associated
with many high yield bonds by applying rigorous credit analysis to higher
quality issues, and by emphasizing the intermediate range of the yield curve.
We believe that our conservative investing philosophy and disciplined investment
process will benefit shareholders by providing attractive current income over
the long term.
Thank you for your confidence in Neuberger Berman. We will continue to do our
best to earn it.
Sincerely,
/s/ Peter Sundman
PETER SUNDMAN
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
NEUBERGER BERMAN INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND INC.
"Neuberger Berman" and the Neuberger Berman logo are service marks of Neuberger
Berman, LLC. "Neuberger Berman Management Inc." and the individual fund name in
this shareholder report are either service marks or registered service marks of
Neuberger Berman Management Inc.(C)2005 Neuberger Berman Management Inc. All
rights reserved.
1
<Page>
INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND INC. PORTFOLIO COMMENTARY
For the fiscal year ending October 31, 2005, on a Net Asset Value (NAV) basis,
the Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity Fund Inc. (AMEX: NOX) provided a 10.33%
return.
The Fund pursues a primary objective of high current income by investing a
portion of its assets in intermediate term, high yield corporate bonds with
maturities of primarily ten years or less at the time of initial investment and
another portion in real estate investment trust (REIT) securities, including
REIT common stocks and REIT preferred shares.
During the 12-month reporting period, the portfolio's allocations remained
mostly unchanged. As of October 31, 2005, the Fund held 40.0% of its investments
in REIT common stocks, 14.0% in REIT preferred stocks, 43.3% in bonds, 2.1% in
cash and cash equivalents, and 0.6% in other securities.
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST HOLDINGS
REITs performed well across the board--office properties, regional malls,
apartments and industrial properties all provided strong returns. The office
sector benefited from improved economic growth and modest rent growth. Shares in
industrial properties rose as the demand for warehouse space increased, pension
funds became more interested in the sector and industrial property joint
ventures multiplied. Apartment properties fared well, reflecting the recent
improvement of fundamentals and rising occupancy rates. The apartment sector
also benefited from the perception that the market for housing sales has peaked.
Regional malls did well, in part due to healthy consumer spending and excellent
retail economics this year.
In this environment, the Fund benefited from the strength of--and an overweight
position in--the office sector. Health care REITs also performed well and the
Fund's holdings outperformed benchmark sector components. In the apartment
sector, the portfolio's market weight position in this strongly performing
segment helped overall returns. However, the hotel sector lagged, as did our
holdings in the group, as investors took gains made in 2004 and moved on to
other property areas. Community shopping centers also lagged behind other REIT
sectors, which we attribute to limited acquisition opportunities.
We believe that our emphasis on diversification across property sectors and
geographic regions continues to enhance the Fund's ability to deliver consistent
returns. The Fund's position in the office sector provides a good example.
Performance in this area improved during the first four months of calendar 2005,
reflecting the attractive valuation levels and dividend yields that were
prevalent in the sector at the start of the year. Since then, continued evidence
of an improving leasing environment has positively affected valuations. We
expect this trend to continue throughout 2006.
From a broader perspective, we remain optimistic about REIT fundamentals. As a
result of rising construction costs (a 10%-15% rise over the last 12 months,
concentrated in labor and raw materials), we believe that supply growth will
remain modest over the coming year. Furthermore, we remain positive on demand
growth, particularly in light of expectations for 3% GDP growth in 2006. We also
expect the Federal Reserve to complete its series of rate increases in the first
half of 2006. If this supply/demand environment continues, we anticipate a rise
in occupancy rates and rent levels for 2006, a scenario that bodes well for the
commercial real estate market.
Looking out into 2006, we expect higher interest rates to slow the housing boom
of the last several years. We also believe that investors will be able to
differentiate between declining homebuilding fundamentals and improving
commercial real estate fundamentals, which as we mentioned, we expect to benefit
from limited supply growth as well as our expectations for modest consumer
activity in 2006.
2
<Page>
The REIT industry's solid earnings growth through the first three quarters of
2005 suggests to us a favorable earnings outlook for 2006. Commercial real
estate fundamentals remain attractive, which is consistent with market
expectations. We expect REIT dividend growth also to be attractive, at around 3%
to 4% in the coming 12 months.
In our view, continued healthy capital markets would be expected to lead to an
increase in merger and acquisition activity in 2006. Many REITs trade at modest
discounts to their real estate asset value levels. Strategic buyers, such as
real estate opportunity funds, are becoming more aggressive in their bidding for
REITs, and are also comfortable with assigning value to the "operating platform"
of REITs. This operating platform offers the buyer growth through an ongoing
development and leasing pipeline. We expect the Fund to be a beneficiary of this
trend.
HIGH YIELD SECURITIES HOLDINGS
The high yield market was volatile over the course of the fiscal year. High
yield bonds ended calendar 2004 on a reasonably strong note and held onto that
strength through February 2005. With fears of higher inflation, a spike in
Treasury rates, and Federal Reserve Chairman Greenspan's comments about a bond
market "conundrum," high yield bonds declined in March and were down slightly in
April. May and June, in contrast, were solid months, but September and October
saw the return of declines, in part due to rising Treasury rates.
In addition to the economic drivers of high yield returns, there were other
notable developments affecting the market. In mid-March, General Motors revised
its expectations for corporate cash flow from positive $2 billion to negative $2
billion. This announcement focused investors' attention on credit risk and
heightened expectations for a ratings downgrade of GM. Auto and auto-related
sectors were hit particularly hard, but tight spreads generally were
increasingly viewed as inadequately pricing the risk in the marketplace.
Ultimately, GM was downgraded to below investment grade in May 2005, which in
turn created technical disruptions in the market. During the second half of the
year, the market recovered from this technical decline.
Given the current environment, we believe that a conservative approach is highly
appropriate. Therefore, we are presently maintaining a relatively short
duration/short maturity structure (thereby reducing exposure to a rise in
interest rates). At the same time, we are currently looking to reduce exposure
to deep cyclicals and increase exposure to defensive sectors. We are maintaining
an optimistic, but cautious, outlook for the high yield market and for the Fund.
We believe that the recent, unsettled environment has provided an opportunity
for reallocation within the market at favorable prices.
Our optimism is buoyed by several factors specific to historical high yield bond
performance. First, our analysis indicates that during periods of rising
interest rates high yield bonds have outperformed other fixed income sectors.
Second, during periods of widening credit spreads, higher quality, high yield
issues have tended to outperform lower-rated, non-investment grade issues.
Accordingly, we believe that select high yield investments can generate
relatively strong returns in an environment of gradually increasing interest
rates. In addition, we believe that our longstanding orientation toward higher
quality issues and a shorter duration profile relative to the broader
non-investment grade market can also provide relative support and opportunity
should credit spreads continue to widen.
Sincerely,
/s/ Steven R. Brown, Ann H. Benjamin
/s/ Thomas P. O'Reilly
STEVEN R. BROWN, ANN H. BENJAMIN
AND THOMAS P. O'REILLY
PORTFOLIO CO-MANAGERS
3
<Page>
INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND
INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND
AMEX TICKER SYMBOL NOX
1 YEAR TOTAL RETURN
<Table>
NAV (1),(3) 10.33%
MARKET PRICE (2),(3) 6.22%
</Table>
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (Life of Fund as of October 31, 2005)
<Table>
NAV (1),(3) 16.51%
MARKET PRICE (2),(3) 7.67%
INCEPTION DATE 06/24/2003
</Table>
RATING DIVERSIFICATION
(% OF HIGH YIELD BOND RATINGS)
<Table>
AAA/Government/Government Agency 0.0%
AA 0.0
A 0.0
BBB 0.0
BB 21.3
B 39.8
CCC 1.7
CC 0.0
C 0.0
D 0.0
Not Rated 0.0
Short Term 3.4
</Table>
INDUSTRY DIVERSIFICATION
(% OF EQUITY HOLDINGS)
<Table>
Apartments 11.2%
Commercial Services 1.3
Community Centers 4.5
Diversified 8.3
Health Care 7.9
Industrial 2.4
Lodging 4.3
Office 23.2
Office-Industrial 4.5
Regional Malls 7.4
Self Storage 2.1
Specialty 0.4
Short-Term Investments 18.1
Liabilities, less cash, receivables and other
assets (61.80)
</Table>
Closed-end funds, unlike open-end funds, are not continually offered. There is
an initial public offering and once issued, common shares of closed-end funds
are sold in the open market through a stock exchange.
The composition, industries and holdings of the Fund are subject to change.
Investment return will fluctuate.
4
<Page>
ENDNOTES
(1) Returns based on Net Asset Value ("NAV") of the Fund.
(2) Returns based on market price of Fund shares on the American Stock
Exchange.
(3) Neuberger Berman Management Inc. has contractually agreed to waive a
portion of the management fees that it is entitled to receive from the
Fund. The undertaking lasts until October 31, 2011. Please see the notes to
the financial statements for specific information regarding the rate of the
management fees waived by Neuberger Berman Management Inc. Absent such a
waiver, the performance of the Fund would be lower.
5
<Page>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND INC.
TOP TEN EQUITY HOLDINGS
<Table>
<Caption>
HOLDING %
1 iStar Financial 4.7
2 Mid-America
Apartment Communities 3.8
3 Apartment
Investment & Management 3.7
4 Health Care
REIT 3.2
5 Glimcher
Realty Trust 3.1
6 Kilroy Realty 3.0
7 Arden Realty 2.6
8 Maguire
Properties 2.4
9 Brandywine
Realty Trust 2.4
10 Colonial
Properties Trust 2.4
</Table>
<Table>
<Caption>
MARKET VALUE +
NUMBER OF SHARES (000'S OMITTED)
COMMON STOCKS (57.4%)
APARTMENTS (5.6%)
73,000 Amli Residential
Properties Trust $ 2,763
66,000 Apartment Investment &
Management 2,534
85,000 BNP Residential Properties 1,239
71,000 Education Realty Trust 1,101
66,500 Mid-America Apartment
Communities 3,102
66,300 Post Properties 2,705
94,500 Town & Country Trust 2,797~
---------
16,241
COMMERCIAL SERVICES (0.9%)
56,500 Deerfield Triarc Capital 733
79,500 Gramercy Capital 1,875
---------
2,608
COMMUNITY CENTERS (4.2%)
40,800 Cedar Shopping Centers 572
148,900 Heritage Property
Investment Trust 4,854
151,000 New Plan Excel Realty Trust 3,471
122,000 Tanger Factory Outlet Centers 3,281
---------
12,178
DIVERSIFIED (4.9%)
152,100 Colonial Properties Trust 6,648
148,100 Crescent Real Estate Equities 2,955
117,600 iStar Financial 4,336
25,400 Spirit Finance 285
---------
14,224
HEALTH CARE (7.1%)
88,000 Health Care Property Investors 2,240
247,802 Health Care REIT 8,733~
75,600 Healthcare Realty Trust 2,861
134,300 Nationwide Health Properties 3,114
119,700 Ventas, Inc. 3,666
---------
20,614
INDUSTRIAL (2.4%)
61,400 EastGroup Properties 2,683
105,100 First Industrial Realty Trust 4,270
---------
6,953
LODGING (1.1%)
82,000 Hospitality Properties Trust 3,255
OFFICE (21.9%)
164,200 Arden Realty 7,412
254,900 Brandywine Realty Trust 6,984
125,300 CarrAmerica Realty 4,126
130,600 Equity Office Properties Trust 4,023
22,400 Glenborough Realty Trust $ 429
148,900 Highwoods Properties 4,200
270,000 HRPT Properties Trust 2,946
126,700 Kilroy Realty 7,114
114,000 Mack-Cali Realty 4,862
234,500 Maguire Properties 7,035
149,000 Prentiss Properties Trust 5,880
169,000 Reckson Associates Realty 5,932
120,200 Trizec Properties 2,674
---------
63,617
OFFICE--INDUSTRIAL (3.2%)
192,500 Bedford Property Investors 4,322
120,000 Liberty Property Trust 5,003
---------
9,325
REGIONAL MALLS (4.0%)
257,000 Glimcher Realty Trust 5,903
143,000 Pennsylvania REIT 5,506
---------
11,409
SELF STORAGE (2.1%)
2,700 Public Storage,
Depositary Shares 76
127,500 Sovran Self Storage 5,932
---------
6,008
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(COST $126,698) 166,432
---------
PREFERRED STOCKS (20.1%)
APARTMENTS (5.6%)
300,000 Apartment Investment &
Management, Ser. R 7,743
12,400 Apartment Investment &
Management, Ser. T 312
10,000 Apartment Investment &
Management, Ser. U 249
302,200 Mid-America Apartment
Communities, Ser. H 7,905
---------
16,209
COMMERCIAL SERVICES (0.4%)
20,000 Anthracite Capital, Ser. C 516
20,000 Newcastle Investment, Ser. B 525
---------
1,041
COMMUNITY CENTERS (0.3%)
20,000 Cedar Shopping Centers, Ser. A 533
12,000 Developers Diversified Realty,
Ser. I 305
---------
838
</Table>
6
<Page>
<Table>
<Caption>
MARKET VALUE +
NUMBER OF SHARES (000'S OMITTED)
DIVERSIFIED (3.4%)
9,000 Colonial Properties Trust,
Ser. E $ 223
18,400 Crescent Real Estate Equities,
Ser. B 473
200,000 iStar Financial, Ser. E 5,116
160,000 iStar Financial, Ser. F 4,064~
---------
9,876
HEALTH CARE (0.8%)
25,000 Health Care REIT, Ser. D 643
18,200 LTC Properties, Ser. E 744
34,000 LTC Properties, Ser. F 852
---------
2,239
LODGING (3.2%)
36,500 Eagle Hospitality Properties
Trust, Ser. A 917
182,000 Equity Inns, Ser. B 4,681
22,600 Hersha Hospitality Trust, Ser. A 556
16,000 Host Marriott, Ser. E 435
77,500 LaSalle Hotel Properties, Ser. B 2,019
28,000 LaSalle Hotel Properties, Ser. D 671
---------
9,279
OFFICE (1.3%)
60,000 DRA CRT Acquisition, Ser. A 1,500
25,878 Glenborough Realty Trust, Ser. A 653
60,000 Kilroy Realty, Ser. E 1,500
6,800 SL Green Realty, Ser. D 174
---------
3,827
OFFICE--INDUSTRIAL (1.3%)
50,000 Bedford Property Investors,
Ser. A 2,445**
25,000 Digital Realty Trust, Ser. A 639
16,900 Digital Realty Trust, Ser. B 406
8,000 PS Business Parks, Ser. K 206
---------
3,696
REGIONAL MALLS (3.4%)
60,000 Glimcher Realty Trust, Ser. F 1,534
61,800 Glimcher Realty Trust, Ser. G 1,539
80,000 Mills Corp., Ser. B 2,050
131,400 Mills Corp., Ser. E 3,410
19,800 Pennsylvania REIT, Ser. A 1,137
11,300 Taubman Centers, Ser. G 292
---------
9,962
SPECIALTY (0.4%)
8,000 Capital Automotive REIT,
Ser. B $ 188
40,000 Entertainment Properties
Trust, Ser. A 1,036
---------
1,224
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS
(COST $57,663) 58,191
---------
</Table>
See Notes to Schedule of Investments
7
<Page>
<Table>
<Caption>
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT RATING ^ VALUE +
(000'S OMITTED) MOODY'S S&P (000'S OMITTED)
CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES (61.9%)
$ 1,000 Abitibi-Consolidated Inc., Notes, 8.55%, due 8/1/10 Ba3 BB- $ 978~
3,000 AES Corp., Senior Secured Notes, 9.00%, due 5/15/15 Ba3 B+ 3,255**
2,000 Allied Waste North America, Inc., Guaranteed Senior Secured
Notes, Ser. B, 9.25%, due 9/1/12 B2 BB- 2,156&&
2,050 American Achievement Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes,
8.25%, due 4/1/12 B3 B- 2,050
1,750 Amerigas Partners L.P., Senior Unsecured Notes, 7.25%,
due 5/20/15 B2 BB- 1,811**~
2,000 Arch Western Finance, Senior Notes, 6.75%, due 7/1/13 Ba3 BB- 2,010
1,500 ArvinMeritor, Inc., Notes, 8.75%, due 3/1/12 Ba2 BB 1,406~
2,000 Ashtead Holdings PLC, Secured Notes, 8.63%, due 8/1/15 B2 B 2,065**
1,500 AT&T Corp., Medium-Term Notes, 8.35%, due 5/15/25 Ba1 BB+ 1,534
1,000 Athena Neuro Finance LLC, Guaranteed Notes, 7.25%,
due 2/21/08 B3 B 965
2,000 Aviall, Inc., Senior Notes, 7.63%, due 7/1/11 B1 BB 2,030
2,250 BCP Crystal Holdings Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes,
9.63%, due 6/15/14 B3 B- 2,475
2,000 Bombardier Recreational Products, Senior Subordinated Notes,
8.38%, due 12/15/13 B3 B 2,040
1,000 Bowater Canada Finance, Guaranteed Notes, 7.95%,
due 11/15/11 Ba3 BB 955~
1,750 Case New Holland, Inc., Senior Notes, 9.25%, due 8/1/11 Ba3 BB- 1,842~
1,000 Centennial Cell, Guaranteed Notes, 10.13%, due 6/15/13 B3 CCC 1,118
2,000 Charter Communications Operating LLC, Senior Notes, 8.00%,
due 4/30/12 B2 B- 2,007**
2,000 Chesapeake Energy Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 6.25%,
due 1/15/18 Ba2 BB 1,940~
2,000 Chiquita Brands International, Senior Notes, 7.50%,
due 11/1/14 B3 B- 1,885
1,950 Chukchansi Economic Development Authority, Senior Notes,
8.00%, due 11/15/13 B2 BB- 1,965**&
2,125 CMS Energy Corp., Senior Notes, 7.75%, due 8/1/10 B1 B+ 2,242~
1,000 Constellation Brands, Inc., Guaranteed Senior Subordinated
Notes, Ser. B, 8.13%, due 1/15/12 Ba3 B+ 1,041~
2,500 CSC Holdings, Inc., Senior Notes, Ser. B, 8.13%, due 7/15/09 B1 BB- 2,556~
2,000 Dex Media West, Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.88%,
due 8/15/13 B2 B 2,205
2,500 Dole Foods Co., Inc., Debentures, 8.75%, due 7/15/13 B2 B+ 2,606~
2,000 Ferrellgas Partners L.P., Senior Notes, 8.75%, due 6/15/12 B2 B- 1,980~
2,000 Ford Motor Credit Co., Senior Notes, 4.95%, due 1/15/08 Baa3 BB+ 1,876
2,000 Forest Oil Corp., Guaranteed Senior Notes, 7.75%, due 5/1/14 Ba3 BB- 2,105
2,500 Freescale Semiconductor, Senior Notes, 7.13%, due 7/15/14 Ba2 BB+ 2,622~
4,000 General Motors Acceptance Corp., Notes, 7.00%, due 2/1/12 Ba1 BB 3,880
2,000 GulfMark Offshore, Inc., Senior Notes, 7.75%, due 7/15/14 B2 BB- 2,100~
1,000 Hanover Equipment Trust 2001 B, Senior Secured Notes,
Ser. B, 8.75%, due 9/1/11 B2 B+ 1,060
1,775 Host Marriott L.P., Senior Notes, Ser. M, 7.00%, due 8/15/12 Ba2 B+ 1,788
3,000 Houghton Mifflin Co., Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.88%,
due 2/1/13 Caa1 B- 3,097~
1,375 Ikon Office Solutions, Inc., Senior Notes, 7.75%, due 9/15/15 Ba2 BB 1,303**
2,000 Intelsat Bermuda Ltd., Senior Notes, 8.63%, due 1/15/15 B2 B+ 2,025**
</Table>
8
<Page>
<Table>
<Caption>
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT RATING ^ VALUE +
(000'S OMITTED) MOODY'S S&P (000'S OMITTED)
$ 2,000 Invista, Notes, 9.25%, due 5/1/12 B1 B+ $ 2,147**
3,000 Iron Mountain, Inc., Guaranteed Senior Subordinated Notes,
8.63%, due 4/1/13 Caa1 B 3,127&&~
1,525 Jafra Cosmetics, Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.75%,
due 5/15/11 B3 B- 1,674
3,000 Jean Coutu Group (PJC), Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes,
8.50%, due 8/1/14 B3 B- 2,782~
2,000 Knowledge Learning Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 7.75%,
due 2/1/15 B3 B- 1,860**
1,000 Lamar Media Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 7.25%, due 1/1/13 Ba3 B 1,038~
2,000 LIN Television Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 6.50%,
due 5/15/13 B1 B- 1,895~
1,000 Lyondell Chemical Co., Guaranteed Senior Notes, 9.50%,
due 12/15/08 B1 BB- 1,047
1,500 Lyondell Chemical Co., Guaranteed Senior Notes, 10.50%,
due 6/1/13 B1 BB- 1,701
2,000 MGM Mirage, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 6.00%, due 10/1/09 Ba2 BB 1,965
3,000 Midwest Generation LLC, Secured Notes, 8.75%, due 5/1/34 B1 B 3,284
1,500 Mohegan Tribal Gaming, Senior Subordinated Notes, 6.38%,
due 7/15/09 Ba3 B+ 1,500~
1,000 Moog Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 6.25%, due 1/15/15 Ba3 B+ 995
1,000 MSW Energy Holdings LLC, Senior Secured Notes, Ser. B,
8.50%, due 9/1/10 Ba3 BB- 1,065
2,000 Mueller Group, Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.00%,
due 5/1/12 Caa1 B- 2,100
3,000 Nalco Co., Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.88%, due 11/15/13 Caa1 B- 3,064
2,250 Navistar International Corp., Senior Notes, 7.50%,
due 6/15/11 Ba3 BB- 2,137~
3,000 Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 10.38%,
due 10/15/15 B3 B- 2,895**~
1,500 Nell AF SARL, Senior Notes, 8.38%, due 8/15/15 B2 B- 1,440**
2,000 Norske Skog Canada, Ltd., Guaranteed Senior Notes, Ser. D,
8.63%, due 6/15/11 Ba3 BB- 1,930~
2,000 Nortek, Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.50%, due 9/1/14 Caa1 CCC+ 1,910~
1,825 Novelis, Inc., Senior Notes, 7.25%, due 2/15/15 B1 B 1,665**
2,500 NRG Energy, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 8.00%, due 12/15/13 B1 B 2,725~
2,000 Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc., Senior Notes, 8.25%,
due 5/15/13 B2 B 2,040
2,000 Perry Ellis International, Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes,
Ser. B, 8.88%, due 9/15/13 B3 B- 2,015
1,500 Pilgrims Pride Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.25%,
due 11/15/13 Ba3 B+ 1,646
1,000 Pogo Producing Co., Senior Subordinated Notes, 6.88%,
due 10/1/17 Ba3 B+ 990**
1,000 Primedia, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 8.88%, due 5/15/11 B2 B 975
1,875 PSE&G Energy Holdings, Notes, 7.75%, due 4/16/07 Ba3 BB- 1,903
2,000 Qwest Corp., Notes, 8.88%, due 3/15/12 Ba3 BB 2,195
1,250 Reliant Energy Inc., Secured Notes, 6.75%, due 12/15/14 B1 B+ 1,163
1,000 Rogers Cable, Inc., Senior Secured Notes, 7.88%, due 5/1/12 Ba3 BB+ 1,060
2,000 Rogers Wireless, Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.00%,
due 12/15/12 B2 B+ 2,115~
2,000 Salem Communications, Guaranteed Notes, 7.75%,
due 12/15/10 B2 B- 2,060
</Table>
See Notes to Schedule of Investments
9
<Page>
<Table>
<Caption>
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT RATING ^ VALUE +
(000'S OMITTED) MOODY'S S&P (000'S OMITTED)
$ 2,500 Select Medical Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 7.63%, due 2/1/15 B3 B- $ 2,319~
1,500 Sequa Corp., Senior Notes, Ser. B, 8.88%, due 4/1/08 B1 BB- 1,537
2,500 Sierra Pacific Resources, Senior Notes, 6.75%, due 8/15/17 B1 B- 2,487**
1,000 Smithfield Foods, Inc., Senior Notes, Ser. B, 8.00%,
due 10/15/09 Ba2 BB 1,056~
1,000 Smithfield Foods, Inc., Senior Notes, 7.00%, due 8/1/11 Ba2 BB 1,015
2,500 Southern Natural Gas, Notes, 6.13%, due 9/15/08 B1 B 2,507
1,000 Southern Star Central Corp., Senior Secured Notes, 8.50%,
due 8/1/10 B1 B+ 1,063
1,000 Standard Pacific Corp., Senior Notes, 7.00%, due 8/15/15 Ba2 BB 900~
1,000 Station Casinos, Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 6.88%,
due 3/1/16 Ba3 B+ 1,008
2,000 Stena AB, Senior Notes, 9.63%, due 12/1/12 Ba3 BB- 2,160
1,000 Stone Container Corp., Senior Notes, 9.75%, due 2/1/11 B2 B 1,000
2,500 Sungard Data Systems, Inc., Senior Unsecured Notes, 9.13%,
due 8/15/13 B3 B- 2,537**~
775 Targa Resources, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 8.50%, due 11/1/13 B2 B- 787**
1,250 Tenet Healthcare Corp., Senior Notes, 9.25%, due 2/1/15 B3 B 1,184**
1,000 Tenneco Automotive, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 8.63%,
due 11/15/14 B3 B- 955
1,000 Texas Genco LLC, Senior Notes, 6.88%, due 12/15/14 B1 B 1,070**
1,750 Toll Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.25%, due 12/1/11 Ba2 BB+ 1,851
1,825 Universal Compression, Inc., Senior Notes, 7.25%,
due 5/15/10 Ba3 B 1,861
1,000 Ventas Realty L.P., Guaranteed Notes, 6.75%, due 6/1/10 Ba3 BB 1,010
1,000 Vintage Petroleum, Inc., Senior Notes, 8.25%, due 5/1/12 Ba3 BB- 1,078
1,500 Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc., Senior Notes, 8.00%,
due 7/15/11 B2 B- 1,418
2,000 VWR International, Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.00%,
due 4/15/14 Caa1 B- 1,940~
1,000 Warnaco, Inc., Senior Notes, 8.88%, due 6/15/13 B1 BB- 1,078
1,500 Warner Music Group, Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.38%,
due 4/15/14 B3 B- 1,462~
3,000 Williams Cos., Inc., Notes, 7.63%, due 7/15/19 B1 B+ 3,180
2,000 Williams Scotsman, Inc., Senior Notes, 8.50%, due 10/1/15 B3 B 2,030**
2,000 Xerox Capital Trust I, Guaranteed Notes, 8.00%, due 2/1/27 Ba3 B- 2,060~
2,000 XM Satellite Radio, Inc., Floating Rate Secured Notes,
9.19%, due 11/1/05 Caa1 CCC+ 2,015!
-------------
TOTAL CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES (COST $181,141) 179,649
-------------
CONVERTIBLE BONDS (0.9%)
3,000 Allied Waste Industries, Notes, 4.25%, due 4/15/34
(COST $2,611) Caa2 B+ 2,599
-------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS (8.6%)
15,045 Banc of America Securities LLC, Repurchase Agreement, 4.02%, due
11/1/05, dated 10/31/05, Maturity Value $15,046,646 Collateralized
by $16,804,446 Fannie Mae, 5.00%,
due 4/1/35 (Collateral Value $15,345,865) 15,045#
10,020 State Street Bank and Trust Co. Repurchase Agreement, 3.45%,
due 11/1/05, dated 10/31/05, Maturity Value $10,020,960
Collateralized by $9,965,000 Fannie Mae, 5.75%,
due 2/15/08 (Collateral Value $10,321,079) 10,020#
-------------
TOTAL REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS (COST $25,065) 25,065
-------------
</Table>
10
<Page>
<Table>
<Caption>
VALUE +
NUMBER OF SHARES (000'S OMITTED)
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (12.9%)
36,482,615 Neuberger Berman Securities Lending Quality Fund, LLC $ 36,483++
964,595 Neuberger Berman Prime Money Fund Trust Class 965@
-------------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $37,448) 37,448#
-------------
WARRANTS (0.0%)
8,923 Reliant Resources, Inc. (COST $0) --*
-------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (161.8%) (COST $430,626) 469,384##
Liabilities, less cash, receivables and other assets [(18.5%)] (53,821)
Liquidation Value of Auction Preferred Shares [(43.3%)] (125,500)
-------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS (100.0%) $ 290,063
-------------
</Table>
See Notes to Schedule of Investments
11
<Page>
NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
+ Investments in equity securities by Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity
Fund Inc. (the "Fund") are valued at the latest sale price where that price
is readily available; securities for which no sales were reported, unless
otherwise noted, are valued at the last available bid price. Securities
traded primarily on the NASDAQ Stock Market are normally valued by the Fund
at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price ("NOCP") provided by NASDAQ each
business day. The NOCP is the most recently reported price as of 4:00:02
p.m., Eastern time, unless that price is outside the range of the "inside"
bid and asked prices (i.e., the bid and asked prices that dealers quote to
each other when trading for their own accounts); in that case, NASDAQ will
adjust the price to equal the inside bid or asked price, whichever is
closer. Because of delays in reporting trades, the NOCP may not be based on
the price of the last trade to occur before the market closes. Investments
in debt securities by the Fund are valued daily by obtaining bid price
quotations from independent pricing services on all securities available in
each service's data base. For all other debt securities, bid prices are
obtained from principal market makers in those securities. The Fund values
all other securities, including securities for which the necessary last
sale, asked, and/or bid prices are not readily available, by methods the
Board of Directors of the Fund (the "Board") has approved on the belief
that they reflect fair value. Numerous factors may be considered when
determining the fair value of a security, including available analyst,
media or other reports, trading in futures or ADRs and whether the issuer
of the security being fair valued has other securities outstanding. Foreign
security prices are furnished by independent quotation services and
expressed in local currency values. Foreign security prices are translated
from the local currency into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate as of
12:00 noon, Eastern time. The Board has approved the use of FT Interactive
Data Corporation ("FT Interactive") to assist in determining the fair value
of the Fund's foreign equity securities when changes in the value of a
certain index suggest that the closing prices on the foreign exchanges may
no longer represent the amount that the Fund could expect to receive for
those securities. In this event, FT Interactive will provide adjusted
prices for certain foreign equity securities using a statistical analysis
of historical correlations of multiple factors. In the absence of precise
information about the market values of these foreign securities as of the
close of the New York Stock Exchange, the Board has determined on the basis
of available data that prices adjusted in this way are likely to be closer
to the prices the Fund could realize on a current sale than are the prices
of those securities established at the close of the foreign markets in
which the securities primarily trade. However, fair value prices are
necessarily estimates, and there is no assurance that such a price will be
at or close to the price at which the security next trades. Short-term debt
securities with less than 60 days until maturity may be valued at cost
which, when combined with interest earned, approximates market value.
# At cost, which approximates market value.
## At October 31, 2005, the cost of investments for U.S. Federal income tax
purposes was $431,191,000. Gross unrealized appreciation of investments was
$43,966,000 and gross unrealized depreciation of investments was
$5,773,000, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $38,193,000, based
on cost for U.S. Federal income tax purposes.
@ Neuberger Berman Prime Money Fund ("Prime Money") is also managed by
Neuberger Berman Management Inc. (see Notes A & E of Notes to Financial
Statements) and may be considered an affiliate since it has the same
officers, Board members, and investment manager as the Fund and because, at
times, the Fund may own 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of
Prime Money.
12
<Page>
* Non-income producing security.
** Restricted security subject to restrictions on resale under federal
securities laws. These securities may be resold, normally to qualified
institutional buyers under Rule 144A, and have been deemed by the adviser
to be liquid. At October 31, 2005, these securities amounted to $37,968,000
or 13.1% of net assets applicable to common shareholders.
& Security purchased on a when-issued basis. At October 31, 2005, these
securities amounted to $1,965,000.
&& All or a portion of this security is segregated as collateral for
when-issued purchase commitments and/or as collateral for interest rate
swap contracts.
++ Managed by an affiliate of Neuberger Berman Management Inc. and could be
deemed an affiliate of the Fund (see Notes A & E of Notes to Financial
Statements).
~ All or a portion of this security is on loan (see Note A of Notes to
Financial Statements).
! Floating rate securities are securities whose yields vary with a designated
market index or market rate. These securities are shown at their current
rates as of October 31, 2005.
^ Credit ratings are unaudited.
See Notes to Financial Statements
13
<Page>
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
<Table>
<Caption>
NEUBERGER BERMAN INCOME OPPORTUNITY
(000'S OMITTED EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) FUND
ASSETS
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES, AT MARKET VALUE*+ (NOTES A & E)--SEE SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS:
Unaffiliated issuers $ 431,936
Affiliated issuers 37,448
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
469,384
Cash 8
Dividends and interest receivable 4,713
Receivable for securities sold 8,408
Interest rate swaps, at market value (Note A) 2,766
Prepaid expenses and other assets 4
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS 485,283
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES
Payable for collateral on securities loaned (Note A) 51,528
Dividends payable--preferred shares 63
Dividends payable--common shares 224
Payable for securities purchased 17,591
Payable to investment manager--net (Notes A & B) 123
Payable to administrator (Note B) 88
Accrued expenses and other payables 103
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 69,720
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUCTION PREFERRED SHARES SERIES A & B AT LIQUIDATION VALUE
6,000 shares authorized; 5,020 shares issued and outstanding;
$.0001 par value; $25,000 liquidation value per share (Note A) 125,500
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS AT VALUE $ 290,063
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS CONSIST OF:
Paid-in capital--common shares $ 249,429
Distributions in excess of net investment income (295)
Accumulated net realized gains (losses) on investments (564)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in value of investments 41,493
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS AT VALUE $ 290,063
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING ($.0001 PAR VALUE; 999,994,000 SHARES AUTHORIZED) 17,724
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING $ 16.37
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+SECURITIES ON LOAN, AT MARKET VALUE $ 50,441
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*COST OF INVESTMENTS:
Unaffiliated issuers $ 393,178
Affiliated issuers 37,448
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL COST OF INVESTMENTS $ 430,626
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>
See Notes to Financial Statements
14
<Page>
NEUBERGER BERMAN FOR THE YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2005
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
<Table>
<Caption>
NEUBERGER BERMAN INCOME OPPORTUNITY
(000'S OMITTED) FUND
INVESTMENT INCOME
INCOME (NOTE A):
Dividend income--unaffiliated issuers $ 7,669
Interest income--unaffilated issuers 14,488
Income from securities loaned--affiliated issuer (Note E) 44
Income from investments in affiliated issuers (Note E) 30
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total income 22,231
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPENSES:
Investment management fee (Notes A & B) 2,505
Administration fee (Note B) 1,044
Auction agent fees (Note B) 319
Audit fees 49
Basic maintenance expense (Note B) 25
Custodian fees (Note B) 140
Directors' fees and expenses 27
Insurance expense 19
Legal fees 66
Shareholder reports 78
Stock exchange listing fees 6
Stock transfer agent fees 35
Miscellaneous 27
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses 4,340
Investment management fee waived (Notes A & B) (1,044)
Expenses reduced by custodian fee expense offset and commission recapture arrangements (Note B) (7)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total net expenses 3,289
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income 18,942
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS (NOTE A)
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Sales of investment securities of unaffiliated issuers 8,298
Interest rate swap contracts (675)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in value of:
Unaffiliated investment securities (1,053)
Interest rate swap contracts 3,568
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net gain (loss) on investments 10,138
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO PREFERRED SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income (3,685)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS $ 25,395
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>
See Notes to Financial Statements
15
<Page>
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<Table>
<Caption>
INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND
NEUBERGER BERMAN YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
(000'S OMITTED) 2005 2004
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:
FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) $ 18,942 $ 22,443
Net realized gain (loss) on investments 7,623 7,369
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments 2,515 29,469
DISTRIBUTIONS TO PREFERRED SHAREHOLDERS FROM (NOTE A):
Net investment income (2,189) (1,511)
Net realized gain on investments (1,273) (224)
Tax return of capital (223) --
Total distributions to preferred shareholders (3,685) (1,735)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shareholders resulting from operations 25,395 57,546
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS FROM (NOTE A):
Net investment income (18,527) (19,678)
Net realized gain on investments (10,739) (2,920)
Tax return of capital (1,885) --
Total distributions to common shareholders (31,151) (22,598)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (NOTE D):
Preferred shares offering costs -- 53
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total net proceeds from capital share transactions -- 53
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS (5,756) 35,001
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:
Beginning of year 295,819 260,818
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of year $ 290,063 $ 295,819
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions in excess of net investment income at end of year $ (295) $ (239)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>
See Notes to Financial Statements
16
<Page>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Income Opportunity Fund Inc.
NOTE A--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
1 GENERAL: Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity Fund Inc. (the "Fund") was
organized as a Maryland corporation on April 17, 2003 as a non-diversified,
closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The Board of Directors of the Fund
(the "Board") may classify or re-classify any unissued shares of capital
stock into one or more classes of preferred stock without the approval of
shareholders.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles requires Neuberger Berman Management Inc.
("Management") to make estimates and assumptions at the date of the
financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
2 PORTFOLIO VALUATION: Investment securities are valued as indicated in the
notes following the Schedule of Investments.
3 SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME: Securities transactions are
recorded on a trade date basis. Dividend income is recorded on the
ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income, if any,
are recorded at the fair market value of the securities received. Interest
income, including accretion of discount (adjusted for original issue
discount, where applicable), and amortization of premium, where applicable,
is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses from securities
transactions and foreign currency transactions, if any, are recorded on the
basis of identified cost and stated separately in the Statement of
Operations.
4 INCOME TAX INFORMATION: It is the policy of the Fund to continue to qualify
as a regulated investment company by complying with the requirements of
Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated
investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its earnings to
its shareholders. Therefore, no Federal income or excise tax provision is
required.
Income distributions and capital gain distributions are determined in
accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles. These differences are primarily
due to differing treatments of income and gains on various investment
securities held by the Fund, timing differences and differing
characterization of distributions made by the Fund as a whole.
As determined on October 31, 2005, permanent differences resulting
primarily from different book and tax accounting for distributions in
excess of earnings, amortization of bond premium, and income recognized on
interest rate swaps were reclassified at year end. These reclassifications
had no effect on net income, net assets applicable to common shareholders
or net asset value per common share of the Fund.
The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31,
2005 and October 31, 2004 was as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
DISTRIBUTIONS PAID FROM:
LONG-TERM TAX RETURN
ORDINARY INCOME CAPITAL GAIN OF CAPITAL TOTAL
2005 2004 2005 2004 2005 2004 2005 2004
$ 23,827,885 $ 24,332,882 $ 8,900,047 $ -- $ 2,108,248 $ -- $ 34,836,180 $ 24,332,882
</Table>
17
<Page>
As of October 31, 2005, the components of distributable earnings
(accumulated losses) on a U.S. Federal income tax basis were as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
UNDISTRIBUTED UNDISTRIBUTED UNREALIZED LOSS
ORDINARY LONG-TERM APPRECIATION CARRYFORWARDS
INCOME GAIN (DEPRECIATION) AND DEFERRALS TOTAL
$ -- $ -- $ 40,921,019 $ -- $ 40,921,019
</Table>
The difference between book and tax basis distributable earnings is
attributable primarily to timing differences of distribution payments, wash
sales, amortization of bond premium, and income recognized on interest rate
swaps.
5 DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: The Fund earns income, net of expenses,
daily on its investments. It is the policy of the Fund to declare quarterly
and pay monthly distributions to common shareholders. The Fund has adopted
a policy to pay common shareholders a stable monthly distribution. The
Fund's ability to satisfy its policy will depend on a number of factors,
including the stability of income received from its investments, the
availability of capital gains, distributions paid on preferred shares, and
the level of expenses. In an effort to maintain a stable distribution
amount, the Fund may pay distributions consisting of net investment income,
realized gains and paid-in capital. There is no assurance that the Fund
will always be able to pay distributions of a particular size, or that
distributions will consist solely of net investment income and realized
capital gains. The composition of the Fund's distribution for the calendar
year 2005 will be reported to Fund shareholders on IRS Form 1099. The Fund
may pay distributions in excess of those required by its stable
distribution policy to avoid excise tax or to satisfy the requirements of
Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. Income distributions and capital
gain distributions to common shareholders are recorded on the ex-date. Net
realized capital gains, if any, will be offset to the extent of any
available capital loss carryforwards. Any such offset will not reduce the
level of the stable distribution paid by the Fund. Distributions to
preferred shareholders are accrued and determined as described in Note A-7.
The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in securities issued
by real estate companies, including real estate investment trusts
("REITs"). The distributions received from REITs held by the Fund are
generally comprised of income, capital gains, and return of REIT capital,
but the REITs do not report this information to the Fund until the
following calendar year. At October 31, 2005, the Fund estimated these
amounts within the financial statemets since the information is not
available from the REITs until after the Fund's fiscal year-end. For the
year ended October 31, 2005, the character of distributions paid to
shareholders is disclosed within the Statement of Changes and is also based
on these estimates. All estimates are based upon REIT information sources
available to the Fund together with actual IRS Forms 1099 received to date.
Based on past experience it is probable that a portion of the Fund's
distributions during the current fiscal year will be considered tax return
of capital but the actual amount of tax return of capital, if any, is not
determinable until after the Fund's fiscal year. After calendar year-end,
when the Fund learns the nature of the distributions paid by REITs during
that year, distributions previously identified as income are often
recharacterized as return of capital and/or capital gain. After all
applicable REITs have informed the Fund of the actual breakdown of
distributions paid to the Fund during its fiscal year,
18
<Page>
estimates previously recorded are adjusted to reflect actual results. As a
result, the composition of the Fund's distributions as reported herein may
differ from the final composition determined after calendar year-end and
reported to Fund shareholders on IRS Form 1099.
On September 29, 2005, the Fund declared two monthly distributions to
common shareholders in the amount of $0.10625 per share per month, payable
after the close of the reporting period, on November 30, 2005 and December
30, 2005, to shareholders of record on November 14, 2005 and December 15,
2005, respectively, with ex-dates of November 10, 2005 and December 13,
2005, respectively.
6 EXPENSE ALLOCATION: Certain expenses are applicable to multiple funds.
Expenses directly attributable to the Fund are charged to the Fund.
Expenses borne by the complex of related investment companies, which
includes open-end and closed-end investment companies for which Management
serves as investment manager, that are not directly attributed to the Fund
are allocated among the Fund and the other investment companies in the
complex or series thereof on the basis of relative net assets, except where
a more appropriate allocation of expenses to each investment company in the
complex or series thereof can otherwise be made fairly.
7 REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SHARES: On June 5, 2003, the Fund re-classified 6,000
unissued shares of capital stock as Series A Auction Preferred Shares and
Series B Auction Preferred Shares ("Preferred Shares"). On September 26,
2003, the Fund issued 2,510 Series A Auction Preferred Shares and 2,510
Series B Auction Preferred Shares. All Preferred Shares have a liquidation
preference of $25,000 per share plus any accumulated unpaid distributions,
whether or not earned or declared by the Fund, but excluding interest
thereon ("Liquidation Value").
Except when the Fund has declared a special rate period, distributions to
preferred shareholders, which are cumulative, are accrued daily and paid
every 7 days. Distribution rates are reset every 7 days based on the
results of an auction, except during special rate periods. For the year
ended October 31, 2005, distribution rates ranged from 1.90% to 3.84% for
Series A and 1.90% to 3.92% for Series B Auction Preferred Shares. The Fund
declared distributions to preferred shareholders for the period November 1,
2005 to November 30, 2005 of $198,261 and $197,064 for Series A and Series
B Preferred Shares, respectively.
The Fund may redeem Preferred Shares, in whole or in part, on the second
business day preceding any distribution payment date at Liquidation Value.
The Fund is also subject to certain restrictions relating to the Preferred
Shares. Failure to comply with these restrictions could preclude the Fund
from declaring any distributions to common shareholders or repurchasing
common shares and/or could trigger the mandatory redemption of Preferred
Shares at Liquidation Value. The holders of Preferred Shares are entitled
to one vote per share and will vote with holders of common shares as a
single class, except that the Preferred Shares will vote separately as a
class on certain matters, as required by law or the Fund's charter. The
holders of the Preferred Shares, voting as a separate class, are entitled
at all times to elect two Directors of the Fund, and to elect a majority of
the Directors of the Fund if the Fund fails to pay distributions on
Preferred Shares for two consecutive years.
19
<Page>
8 INTEREST RATE SWAPS: The Fund may enter into interest rate swap
transactions, with institutions that Management has determined are
creditworthy, to reduce the risk that an increase in short-term interest
rates could reduce common share net earnings as a result of leverage. Under
the terms of the interest rate swap contracts, the Fund agrees to pay the
swap counter party a fixed-rate payment in exchange for the counter party's
paying the Fund a variable-rate payment that is intended to approximate all
or a portion of the Fund's variable-rate payment obligation on the Fund's
Preferred Shares. The fixed-rate and variable-rate payment flows are netted
against each other, with the difference being paid by one party to the
other on a monthly basis. The Fund segregates cash or liquid securities
having a value at least equal to the Fund's net payment obligations under
any swap transaction, marked to market daily.
Risks may arise if the counter party to a swap contract fails to comply
with the terms of its contract. The loss incurred by the failure of a
counter party is generally limited to the net interest payment to be
received by the Fund and/or the termination value at the end of the
contract. Additionally, risks may arise from movements in interest rates
unanticipated by Management.
Periodic expected interim net interest payments or receipts on the swaps
are recorded as an adjustment to unrealized gains/losses, along with the
fair value of the future periodic payment streams on the swaps. The
unrealized gains/losses associated with the periodic interim net interest
payments are reclassified to realized gains/losses in conjunction with the
actual net receipt or payment of such amounts. The reclassifications do not
impact the Fund's total net assets applicable to common shareholders. At
October 31, 2005, the Fund had outstanding interest rate swap contracts as
follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
RATE TYPE
--------------------------
FIXED-RATE VARIABLE-RATE ACCRUED
PAYMENTS PAYMENTS NET INTEREST UNREALIZED TOTAL
SWAP NOTIONAL MADE BY RECEIVED BY RECEIVABLE APPRECIATION FAIR
COUNTER PARTY AMOUNT TERMINATION DATE THE FUND THE FUND(1) (PAYABLE) (DEPRECIATION) VALUE
Citibank, N.A. $ 24,000,000 April 24, 2008 3.70% 4.03% $ 1,767 $ 577,659 $ 579,426
Citibank, N.A. 70,000,000 October 24, 2008 3.63% 4.03% 6,242 2,180,794 2,187,036
------- ----------- -----------
$ 8,009 $ 2,758,453 $ 2,766,462
</Table>
(1) 30 day LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate)
9 SECURITY LENDING: Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities
and Exchange Commission, the Fund entered into a Securities Lending
Agreement ("Neuberger Agreement") on July 1, 2004 with Neuberger Berman,
LLC ("Neuberger"), an affiliate of the Fund, pursuant to which Neuberger
acted as the Fund's lending agent. Under the Neuberger Agreement, Neuberger
guaranteed a certain amount of revenue to the Fund and received any revenue
earned in excess of the guaranteed amount as a lending agency fee. For the
year ended October 31, 2005, Neuberger received revenue under the Agreement
of $98,350.
On October 4, 2005, the Fund entered into new securities lending
arrangements using a third party, eSecLending, to secure bids. Pursuant to
such arrangements, eSecLending currently acts as agent for the Fund.
20
<Page>
Under the Neuberger Agreement and the new securities lending arrangements,
the Fund receives cash collateral at the beginning of each transaction
equal to at least 102% of the prior day's market value of the loaned
securities (105% in the case of international securities). Prior to
February 7, 2005, the Fund invested the cash collateral in the N&B
Securities Lending Quality Fund, LLC ("Old Fund"), which was managed by
State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street") pursuant to guidelines
approved by Management. Effective February 7, 2005, the Fund changed the
collateral investment vehicle from the Old Fund to the Neuberger Berman
Securities Lending Quality Fund, LLC ("Quality Fund"), a fund managed by
Lehman Brothers Asset Management LLC, an affiliate of Management, as
approved by the Board.
Income earned on the securities loaned, if any, is reflected in the
Statement of Operations under the caption "Income from securities
loaned-affiliated issuers."
10 REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS: The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with
institutions that Management has determined are creditworthy. Each
repurchase agreement is recorded at cost. The Fund requires that the
securities purchased in a repurchase agreement be transferred to the
custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the Fund to assert a perfected
security interest in those securities in the event of a default under the
repurchase agreement. The Fund monitors, on a daily basis, the value of the
securities transferred to ensure that their value, including accrued
interest, is greater than amounts owed to the Fund under each such
repurchase agreement.
11 TRANSACTIONS WITH OTHER FUNDS MANAGED BY NEUBERGER BERMAN MANAGEMENT INC.:
Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, the Fund may invest in a money market fund managed by
Management or an affiliate. Prior to December 2004, the Fund invested in
the Neuberger Berman Institutional Cash Fund (the "Cash Fund"), as approved
by the Board. As of December 2004, the Fund changed its investment from the
Cash Fund to the newly created Neuberger Berman Prime Money Fund ("Prime
Money"), as approved by the Board. The Cash Fund and Prime Money each seek
to provide the highest available current income consistent with safety and
liquidity. For any cash that the Fund invests in the Cash Fund or Prime
Money, Management waives a portion of its management fee equal to the
management fee it receives from the Cash Fund and Prime Money on those
assets (the "Arrangement"). For the year ended October 31, 2005, management
fees waived under this Arrangement with respect to the Cash Fund and Prime
Money amounted to $125 and $774, respectively. For the year ended October
31, 2005, income earned under this Arrangement with respect to the Cash
Fund and Prime Money amounted to $2,104 and $27,712, respectively, and is
reflected in the Statement of Operations under the caption "Income from
investments in affiliated issuers."
12 CONCENTRATION OF RISK: Under normal market conditions, the Fund's equity
investments will be concentrated in income-producing common equity
securities, preferred securities, convertible securities and
non-convertible debt securities issued by companies deriving the majority
of their revenue from the ownership, construction, financing, management
and/or sale of commercial, industrial, and/or residential real estate. The
value of the Fund's shares may fluctuate more due to economic, legal,
cultural, geopolitical or technological developments affecting the United
States real estate industry, or a segment of the United States real estate
industry in which the Fund owns a substantial position, than would the
shares of a fund not concentrated in the real estate industry. The Fund's
debt investments will be concentrated in
21
<Page>
high-yield corporate debt securities rated, at the time of investment, Ba
or lower by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or BB or lower by Standard &
Poor's Corp, or if unrated by either of those entities, determined by
Management to be of comparable quality. Due to the inherent volatility and
illiquidity of the high yield securities in which the Fund invests and the
real or perceived difficulty of issuers of those high yield securities to
meet their payment obligations during economic downturns or because of
negative business developments relating to the issuer or its industry in
general, the value of the Fund's shares may fluctuate more than would be
the case if the Fund did not concentrate in high yield securities.
13 INDEMNIFICATIONS: Like many other companies, the Fund's organizational
documents provide that its officers and trustees are indemnified against
certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the
Fund. In addition, both in some of its principal service contracts and in
the normal course of its business, the Fund enters into contracts that
provide indemnifications to other parties for certain types of losses or
liabilities. The Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is
unknown as this could involve future claims against the Fund.
NOTE B--MANAGEMENT FEES, ADMINISTRATION FEES, AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH
AFFILIATES:
The Fund retains Management as its investment manager under a Management
Agreement. For such investment management services, the Fund pays
Management a fee at the annual rate of 0.60% of its average daily Managed
Assets. Managed Assets equal the total assets of the Fund, less liabilities
other than the aggregate indebtedness entered into for purposes of
leverage. For purposes of calculating Managed Assets, the Liquidation Value
of any Preferred Shares outstanding is not considered a liability.
Management has contractually agreed to waive a portion of the management
fees it is entitled to receive from the Fund at the following annual rates:
<Table>
<Caption>
YEAR ENDED % OF AVERAGE
OCTOBER 31, DAILY MANAGED ASSETS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2005 - 2008 0.25%
2009 0.19
2010 0.13
2011 0.07
</Table>
Management has not contractually agreed to waive any portion of its fees
beyond October 31, 2011.
For the year ended October 31, 2005, such waived fees amounted to
$1,043,570.
The Fund retains Management as its administrator under an Administration
Agreement. The Fund pays Management an administration fee at the annual
rate of 0.25% of its average daily Managed Assets under this agreement.
Additionally, Management retains State Street as its sub-administrator
under a Sub-Administration Agreement. Management pays State Street a fee
for all services received under the agreement.
Management and Neuberger, a member firm of the New York Stock Exchange and
sub-adviser to the Fund, are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Lehman Brothers
Holdings Inc. ("Lehman"), a publicly-owned
22
<Page>
holding company. Neuberger is retained by Management to furnish it with
investment recommendations and research information without added cost to
the Fund. Several individuals who are officers and/or Directors of the Fund
are also employees of Neuberger and/or Management.
The Fund has entered into a commission recapture program, which enables it
to pay some of its operational expenses by recouping a portion of the
commissions it pays to a broker that is not a related party of the Fund.
Expenses paid through this program may include costs of custodial, transfer
agency or accounting services. For the year ended October 31, 2005, the
impact of this arrangement was a reduction of expenses of $1,596.
The Fund has an expense offset arrangement in connection with its custodian
contract. For the year ended October 31, 2005, the impact of this
arrangement was a reduction of expenses of $5,049.
In connection with the settlement of each Preferred Share auction, the Fund
pays, through the auction agent, a service fee to each participating
broker-dealer based upon the aggregate liquidation preference of the
Preferred Shares held by the broker-dealer's customers. For any auction
preceding a rate period of less than one year, the service fee is paid at
the annual rate of 1/4 of 1%; for any auction preceding a rate period of
one year or more, the service fee is paid at a rate agreed to by the Fund
and the broker-dealer.
In order to satisfy rating agencies' requirements, the Fund is required to
provide each rating agency a report on a monthly basis verifying that the
Fund is maintaining eligible assets having a discounted value equal to or
greater than the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount, which is a
minimum level set by each rating agency as one of the conditions to
maintain the AAA/Aaa rating on the Preferred Shares. "Discounted value"
refers to the fact that the rating agencies require the Fund, in performing
this calculation, to discount portfolio securities below their face value,
at rates determined by the rating agencies. The Fund pays a fee to State
Street for the preparation of this report, which is reflected in the
Statement of Operations under the caption "Basic maintenance expense."
NOTE C--SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS:
During the year ended October 31, 2005, there were purchase and sale
transactions (excluding short-term securities and interest rate swap
contracts) of $255,077,762 and $259,432,474, respectively.
During the year ended October 31, 2005, brokerage commissions on securities
transactions amounted to $35,891, of which Neuberger received $0, Lehman
received $6,680, and other brokers received $29,211.
NOTE D--CAPITAL:
At October 31, 2005, the common shares outstanding and the common shares of
the Fund owned by Neuberger were as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
COMMON SHARES COMMON SHARES
OUTSTANDING OWNED BY NEUBERGER
17,723,648 6,981
</Table>
23
<Page>
Transactions in common shares for the years ended October 31, 2005 and
October 31, 2004 were as follows:
COMMON SHARES ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH:
<Table>
<Caption>
REINVESTMENT OF NET INCREASE IN
DIVIDENDS AND COMMON SHARES
DISTRIBUTIONS OUTSTANDING
2005 2004 2005 2004
-- -- -- --
</Table>
NOTE E--INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES*:
<Table>
<Caption>
INCOME FROM
INVESTMENTS IN
BALANCE OF GROSS BALANCE OF AFFILIATED
SHARES HELD PURCHASES GROSS SHARES HELD VALUE ISSUERS
OCTOBER 31, AND SALES AND OCTOBER 31, OCTOBER 31, INCLUDED IN TOTAL
NAME OF ISSUER 2004 ADDITIONS REDUCTIONS 2005 2005 INCOME
Neuberger Berman
Securities Lending
Quality Fund, LLC** 44,249,000 2,315,126,230 2,322,892,615 36,482,615 $ 36,482,615 $ 44,369
Neuberger Berman
Institutional Cash Fund
Trust Class*** 819,000 2,038,168 2,857,168 -- -- 2,104
Neuberger Berman
Prime Money Fund
Trust Class*** -- 19,966,710 19,002,115 964,595 964,595 27,712
------------ --------
TOTAL $ 37,447,210 $ 74,185
------------ --------
</Table>
* Affiliated issuers, as defined in the 1940 Act.
** Prior to February 7, 2005, the Old Fund, an investment vehicle
established by the Fund's custodian, was used to invest cash the Fund
received as collateral for securities loans. Effective February 7,
2005, the Fund changed the collateral investment vehicle from the Old
Fund to the Quality Fund, a fund managed by Lehman Brothers Asset
Management LLC, an affiliate of Management, as approved by the Board.
The Fund's shares in the Old Fund and Quality Fund were and are
non-voting. However, because all shares of the Old Fund and Quality
Fund were and are held by funds in the related investment company
complex, the Old Fund and Quality Fund may have been and may be
considered affiliates of the Fund.
*** The Cash Fund and Prime Money are also managed by Management and may be
considered affiliates since they have the same officers, Board members,
and investment manager as the Fund and because, at times, the Fund may
own 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Cash Fund or
Prime Money, respectively.
24
<Page>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND INC.
The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the Financial
Statements.
<Table>
<Caption>
PERIOD FROM
JULY 2, 2003^
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, TO OCTOBER 31,
2005 2004 2003
COMMON SHARE NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 16.69 $ 14.72 $ 14.33
------------- ------------- -------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:
NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS)@@ 1.07 1.27~ .25
NET GAINS OR LOSSES ON SECURITIES (BOTH REALIZED AND UNREALIZED) .57 2.08~ .59
COMMON SHARE EQUIVALENT OF DISTRIBUTIONS TO PREFERRED SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
NET INVESTMENT INCOME@@ (.13) (.09) (.01)
NET CAPITAL GAINS@@ (.07) (.01) (.00)
TAX RETURN OF CAPITAL@@ (.01) -- (.00)
------------- ------------- -------------
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS TO PREFERRED SHAREHOLDERS (.21) (.10) (.01)
------------- ------------- -------------
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS 1.43 3.25 .83
------------- ------------- -------------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
NET INVESTMENT INCOME (1.03) (1.11) (.27)
NET CAPITAL GAINS (.61) (.17) (.05)
TAX RETURN OF CAPITAL (.11) -- (.00)
------------- ------------- -------------
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS (1.75) (1.28) (.32)
------------- ------------- -------------
LESS CAPITAL CHARGES:
ISSUANCE OF COMMON SHARES -- -- (.03)
ISSUANCE OF PREFERRED SHARES -- (.00) (.09)
------------- ------------- -------------
TOTAL CAPITAL CHARGES -- (.00) (.12)
------------- ------------- -------------
COMMON SHARE NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 16.37 $ 16.69 $ 14.72
------------- ------------- -------------
COMMON SHARE MARKET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 14.23 $ 15.07 $ 13.98
------------- ------------- -------------
TOTAL RETURN, COMMON SHARE NET ASSET VALUE+ +10.33% +23.67% +5.11%**
TOTAL RETURN, COMMON SHARE MARKET VALUE+ +6.22% +17.57% -4.67%**
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA+++
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS, END OF PERIOD (IN MILLIONS) $ 290.0 $ 295.8 $ 260.8
PREFERRED STOCK, AT LIQUIDATION VALUE ($25,000 PER SHARE
LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE) (IN MILLIONS) $ 125.5 $ 125.5 $ 125.5
RATIO OF GROSS EXPENSES TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS# 1.13% 1.16%~ .88%*
RATIO OF NET EXPENSES TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS+++ 1.13% 1.16%~ .87%*
RATIO OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS) EXCLUDING PREFERRED SHARE DIVIDENDS
TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS 6.49% 8.08%~ 5.24%*
RATIO OF PREFERRED SHARE DIVIDENDS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS 1.26% .62% .17%*
RATIO OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS) INCLUDING PREFERRED
SHARE DIVIDENDS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS 5.23% 7.46%~ 5.07%*
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE 49% 74% 21%**
ASSET COVERAGE PER PREFERRED SHARE, END OF PERIOD@ $ 82,794 $ 83,933 $ 76,957
</Table>
See Notes to Financial Highlights
25
<Page>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND INC.
+ Total return based on per share net asset value reflects the effects of
changes in net asset value on the performance of the Fund during each
fiscal period. Total return based on per share market value assumes the
purchase of common shares at the market price on the first day and sales of
common shares at the market price on the last day of the period indicated.
Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed to be reinvested at prices
obtained under the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan. Results represent
past performance and do not guarantee future results. Current returns may
be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Total return would
have been lower if Management had not waived a portion of the investment
management fee. Performance data current to the most recent month-end are
available at www.nb.com.
# The Fund is required to calculate an expense ratio without taking into
consideration any expense reductions related to expense offset
arrangements.
+++ After waiver of a portion of the investment management fee. Had Management
not undertaken such action, the annualized ratios of net expenses to
average daily net assets applicable to common shareholders would have been:
<Table>
<Caption>
PERIOD FROM
JULY 2, 2003 TO
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, OCTOBER 31,
2005 2004 2003
1.48% 1.52% 1.16%
</Table>
^ The date investment operations commenced.
* Annualized.
** Not annualized.
@ Calculated by subtracting the Fund's total liabilities (excluding
accumulated unpaid dividends on Preferred Shares) from the Fund's total
assets and dividing by the number of Preferred Shares outstanding.
++ Expense ratios do not include the effect of dividend payments to preferred
shareholders. Income ratios include income earned on assets attributable to
Preferred Shares.
~ Prior to November 1, 2003, the Fund recorded the accrual of the net
interest income or expense expected to be received or paid at interim
settlement dates as a net payable or receivable for swap contracts and
actual amounts paid as net interest income or expense on swap contracts. As
a result of SEC staff guidance relating to the application of FASB
Statement No 133, ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING
ACTIVITIES to registered investment companies, effective November 1, 2003,
periodic expected interim net interest payments or receipts on the swaps
are recorded as an adjustment to unrealized gains/losses, along with the
fair value of the future periodic payment streams on the swaps.
Accordingly, for the year ended October 31, 2004, the per share amounts and
ratios shown decreased or increased as follows:
<Table>
Net Investment Income $ .11
Net Gains or Losses on Securities (both realized and unrealized) $ (.11)
Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders (.71%)
Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders (.71%)
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) Excluding Preferred Share Dividends to
Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders .71%
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) Including Preferred Share Dividends to
Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders .71%
</Table>
@@ Calculated based on the average number of shares outstanding during each
fiscal period.
26
<Page>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity Fund Inc.
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of
Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity Fund Inc. (the "Fund"), including the
schedule of investments, as of October 31, 2005, and the related statement of
operations for the year then ended, the statement of changes in net assets for
each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for
each of the periods indicated therein. These financial statements and financial
highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights
based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. We were
not engaged to perform an audit of the Fund's internal control over financial
reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial
reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the
effectiveness of the Fund's internal control over financial reporting.
Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements and financial highlights, assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of
securities owned as of October 31, 2005, by correspondence with the custodian
and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from
brokers were not received. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity Fund Inc. at October 31, 2005, the results
of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for
each of the two years in the period then ended, and its financial highlights for
each of the periods indicated therein, in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
December 9, 2005
27
<Page>
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN (Unaudited)
The Bank of New York ("Plan Agent") will act as Plan Agent for shareholders who
have not elected in writing to receive dividends and distributions in cash (each
a "Participant"), will open an account for each Participant under the Dividend
Reinvestment Plan ("Plan") in the same name as their then current Shares are
registered, and will put the Plan into effect for each Participant as of the
first record date for a dividend or capital gains distribution.
Whenever the Fund declares a dividend or distribution with respect to the common
stock of the Fund ("Shares"), each Participant will receive such dividends and
distributions in additional Shares, including fractional Shares acquired by the
Plan Agent and credited to each Participant's account. If on the payment date
for a cash dividend or distribution, the net asset value is equal to or less
than the market price per Share plus estimated brokerage commissions, the Plan
Agent shall automatically receive such Shares, including fractions, for each
Participant's account. Except in the circumstances described in the next
paragraph, the number of additional Shares to be credited to each Participant's
account shall be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the dividend or
distribution payable on their Shares by the greater of the net asset value per
Share determined as of the date of purchase or 95% of the then current market
price per Share on the payment date.
Should the net asset value per Share exceed the market price per Share plus
estimated brokerage commissions on the payment date for a cash dividend or
distribution, the Plan Agent or a broker-dealer selected by the Plan Agent shall
endeavor, for a purchase period lasting until the last business day before the
next date on which the Shares trade on an "ex-dividend" basis, but in no event,
except as provided below, more than 30 days after the dividend payment date, to
apply the amount of such dividend or distribution on each Participant's Shares
(less their PRO RATA share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the
Plan Agent's open-market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of such
dividend or distribution) to purchase Shares on the open market for each
Participant's account. No such purchases may be made more than 30 days after the
payment date for such dividend except where temporary curtailment or suspension
of purchase is necessary to comply with applicable provisions of federal
securities laws. If, at the close of business on any day during the purchase
period the net asset value per Share equals or is less than the market price per
Share plus estimated brokerage commissions, the Plan Agent will not make any
further open-market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of such
dividend or distribution. If the Plan Agent is unable to invest the full
dividend or distribution amount through open-market purchases during the
purchase period, the Plan Agent shall request that, with respect to the
uninvested portion of such dividend or distribution amount, the Fund issue new
Shares at the close of business on the earlier of the last day of the purchase
period or the first day during the purchase period on which the net asset value
per Share equals or is less than the market price per Share, plus estimated
brokerage commissions, such Shares to be issued in accordance with the terms
specified in the third paragraph hereof. These newly issued Shares will be
valued at the then-current market price per Share at the time such Shares are to
be issued.
For purposes of making the dividend reinvestment purchase comparison under the
Plan, (a) the market price of the Shares on a particular date shall be the last
sales price on the New York Stock Exchange (or if the Shares are not listed on
the New York Stock Exchange, such other exchange on which the Shares are
principally traded) on that date, or, if there is no sale on such Exchange (or
if not so listed, in the over-the-counter market) on that date, then the mean
between the closing bid and asked quotations for such Shares on such Exchange on
such date and (b) the net asset value per Share on a particular date shall be
the net asset value per Share most recently calculated by or on behalf of the
Fund. All dividends, distributions and other payments (whether made in cash or
Shares) shall be made net of any applicable withholding tax.
Open-market purchases provided for above may be made on any securities exchange
where the Fund's Shares are traded, in the over-the-counter market or in
negotiated transactions and may be on such terms as to price, delivery and
otherwise as the Plan Agent shall determine. Each Participant's uninvested funds
held by the Plan Agent will not bear interest, and it is understood that, in any
event, the Plan Agent shall have no liability in connection with any inability
to purchase Shares within 30 days after the initial date of such purchase as
herein provided, or with the timing of any purchases effected. The Plan Agent
shall have no responsibility as to the value of the Shares acquired for each
Participant's account. For the purpose of cash investments, the Plan Agent may
commingle each Participant's funds with those of other shareholders of the Fund
for whom the Plan Agent similarly acts as agent, and the average price
(including brokerage commissions) of all Shares purchased by the Plan Agent as
Plan Agent shall be the price per Share allocable to each Participant in
connection therewith.
28
<Page>
The Plan Agent may hold each Participant's Shares acquired pursuant to the Plan
together with the Shares of other shareholders of the Fund acquired pursuant to
the Plan in noncertificated form in the Plan Agent's name or that of the Plan
Agent's nominee. The Plan Agent will forward to each Participant any proxy
solicitation material and will vote any Shares so held for each Participant only
in accordance with the instructions set forth on proxies returned by the
participant to the Fund.
The Plan Agent will confirm to each Participant each acquisition made for their
account as soon as practicable but not later than 60 days after the date
thereof. Although each Participant may from time to time have an undivided
fractional interest (computed to three decimal places) in a Share, no
certificates for a fractional Share will be issued. However, dividends and
distributions on fractional Shares will be credited to each Participant's
account. In the event of termination of a Participant's account under the Plan,
the Plan Agent will adjust for any such undivided fractional interest in cash at
the market value of the Shares at the time of termination, less the PRO RATA
expense of any sale required to make such an adjustment.
Any Share dividends or split Shares distributed by the Fund on Shares held by
the Plan Agent for Participants will be credited to their accounts. In the event
that the Fund makes available to its shareholders rights to purchase additional
Shares or other securities, the Shares held for each Participant under the Plan
will be added to other Shares held by the Participant in calculating the number
of rights to be issued to each Participant.
The Plan Agent's service fee for handling capital gains distributions or income
dividends will be paid by the Fund. Participants will be charged their PRO RATA
share of brokerage commissions on all open-market purchases.
Each Participant may terminate their account under the Plan by notifying the
Plan Agent in writing. Such termination will be effective immediately if the
Participant's notice is received by the Plan Agent not less than ten days prior
to any dividend or distribution record date, otherwise such termination will be
effective the first trading day after the payment date for such dividend or
distribution with respect to any subsequent dividend or distribution. The Plan
may be terminated by the Plan Agent or the Fund upon notice in writing mailed to
each Participant at least 30 days prior to any record date for the payment of
any dividend or distribution by the Fund.
These terms and conditions may be amended or supplemented by the Plan Agent or
the Fund at any time or times but, except when necessary or appropriate to
comply with applicable law or the rules or policies of the Securities and
Exchange Commission or any other regulatory authority, only by mailing to each
Participant appropriate written notice at least 30 days prior to the effective
date thereof. The amendment or supplement shall be deemed to be accepted by each
Participant unless, prior to the effective date thereof, the Plan Agent receives
written notice of the termination of their account under the Plan. Any such
amendment may include an appointment by the Plan Agent in its place and stead of
a successor Plan Agent under these terms and conditions, with full power and
authority to perform all or any of the acts to be performed by the Plan Agent
under these terms and conditions. Upon any such appointment of any Plan Agent
for the purpose of receiving dividends and distributions, the Fund will be
authorized to pay to such successor Plan Agent, for each Participant's account,
all dividends and distributions payable on Shares held in their name or under
the Plan for retention or application by such successor Plan Agent as provided
in these terms and conditions.
The Plan Agent shall at all times act in good faith and agrees to use its best
efforts within reasonable limits to ensure the accuracy of all services
performed under this Agreement and to comply with applicable law, but assumes no
responsibility and shall not be liable for loss or damage due to errors unless
such error is caused by the Plan Agent's negligence, bad faith, or willful
misconduct or that of its employees.
These terms and conditions shall be governed by the laws of the State of
Maryland.
29
<Page>
DIRECTORY
INVESTMENT MANAGER AND ADMINISTRATOR
Neuberger Berman Management Inc.
605 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10158-0180
877.461.1899 or 212.476.8800
SUB-ADVISER
Neuberger Berman, LLC
605 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10158-3698
CUSTODIAN
State Street Bank and Trust Company
225 Franklin Street
Boston, MA 02110
STOCK TRANSFER AGENT
The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street, 11-E
New York, NY 10286
LEGAL COUNSEL
Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham LLP
1800 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20036
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Ernst & Young LLP
200 Clarendon Street
Boston, MA 02116
30
<Page>
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The following tables set forth information concerning the directors and officers
of the Fund. All persons named as directors and officers also serve in similar
capacities for other funds administered or managed by Management and Neuberger.
The Statement of Additional Information for the Fund includes additional
information about Fund directors and is available upon request, without charge,
by calling (877) 461-1899.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
<Table>
<Caption>
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS IN
FUND COMPLEX
NAME, AGE, ADDRESS(1) AND LENGTH OF TIME OVERSEEN BY OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD OUTSIDE
POSITION(2) WITH FUND SERVED PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)(4) DIRECTOR(5) FUND COMPLEX BY DIRECTOR
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS I
INDEPENDENT FUND DIRECTORS
Faith Colish (70) Since the Counsel, Carter Ledyard & 45 Director, American Bar
Director inception of the Milburn LLP (law firm) since Retirement Association (ABRA)
Fund(3) October 2002; formerly, since 1997 (not-for-profit
Attorney-at-Law and President, membership association).
Faith Colish, A Professional
Corporation, 1980 to 2002.
C. Anne Harvey (68) Since the Consultant, C.A. Harvey 45 President, Board of Associates
Director inception of the Associates since June 2001; to The National Rehabilitation
Fund(3) formerly, Director, AARP, 1978 Hospital's Board of Directors
to December 2001. since 2002; formerly, Member,
Individual Investors Advisory
Committee to the New York
Stock Exchange Board of
Directors, 1998 to June 2002;
formerly, Member, American
Savings Education Council's
Policy Board (ASEC), 1998 to
2000; formerly, Member,
Executive Committee, Crime
Prevention Coalition of
America, 1997 to 2000.
Cornelius T. Ryan (74) Since the Founding General Partner, Oxford 45 Director, Capital Cash
Director inception of the Partners and Oxford Bioscience Management Trust (money market
Fund(3) Partners (venture capital fund), Naragansett Insured
partnerships) and President, Tax-Free Income Fund, Rocky
Oxford Venture Corporation. Mountain Equity Fund, Prime
Cash Fund, several private
companies and QuadraMed
Corporation (NASDAQ).
</Table>
31
<Page>
<Table>
<Caption>
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS IN
FUND COMPLEX
NAME, AGE, ADDRESS(1) AND LENGTH OF TIME OVERSEEN BY OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD OUTSIDE
POSITION(2) WITH FUND SERVED PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)(4) DIRECTOR(5) FUND COMPLEX BY DIRECTOR
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peter P. Trapp (61) Since the Regional Manager for Atlanta 45 None.
Director inception of Region, Ford Motor Credit
the Fund(3) Company since August 1997;
formerly, President, Ford Life
Insurance Company, April 1995
to August 1997.
DIRECTOR WHO IS AN "INTERESTED PERSON"
Peter E. Sundman* (46) Since the Executive Vice President, 45 Director and Vice President,
Chief Executive Officer, inception of Neuberger Berman Inc. (holding Neuberger & Berman
Director and Chairman the Fund(3) company) since 1999; Head of Agency, Inc. since 2000;
of the Board Neuberger Berman Inc.'s Mutual formerly, Director, Neuberger
Funds Business (since 1999) and Berman Inc. (holding
Institutional Business (from company) from
1999 to October 2005); October 1999 to
responsible for Managed March 2003; Trustee, Frost
Accounts Business and Valley YMCA.
intermediary distribution since
October 2005; President and
Director, Management since
1999; Executive Vice President,
Neuberger since 1999; formerly,
Principal, Neuberger from 1997
to 1999; formerly, Senior Vice
President, Management from
1996 to 1999.
CLASS II
INDEPENDENT FUND DIRECTORS
John Cannon (75) Since the Consultant. Formerly, 45 Independent Trustee or
Director inception of Chairman, CDC Investment Director of three series of
the Fund(3) Advisers (registered investment Oppenheimer Funds:
adviser), 1993 to January 1999; Limited Term New York
formerly, President and Chief Municipal Fund, Rochester
Executive Officer, AMA Fund Municipals, and
Investment Advisors, an Oppenheimer Convertible
affiliate of the American Securities Fund, since 1992.
Medical Association.
</Table>
32
<Page>
<Table>
<Caption>
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS IN
FUND COMPLEX
NAME, AGE, ADDRESS(1) AND LENGTH OF TIME OVERSEEN BY OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD OUTSIDE
POSITION(2) WITH FUND SERVED PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)(4) DIRECTOR(5) FUND COMPLEX BY DIRECTOR
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barry Hirsch (72) Since the Attorney-at-Law. Formerly, 45 None.
Director inception of Senior Counsel, Loews
the Fund(3) Corporation (diversified
financial corporation) May 2002
to April 2003; formerly, Senior
Vice President, Secretary and
General Counsel, Loews
Corporation.
Tom D. Seip (55) Since the General Partner, Seip 45 Director, H&R Block, Inc.
Director inception of Investments LP (a private (financial services company)
the Fund(3) investment partnership); since May 2001; Director,
formerly, President and CEO, Forward Management, Inc.
Westaff, Inc. (temporary (asset management) since
staffing), May 2001 to 2001; formerly, Director,
January 2002; Senior Executive General Magic (voice
at the Charles Schwab recognition software) 2001 to
Corporation from 1983 to 1999, 2002; formerly, Director,
including Chief Executive E-Finance Corporation
Officer, Charles Schwab (credit decisioning services)
Investment Management, Inc. 1999 to 2003; formerly,
and Trustee, Schwab Family of Director, Save-Daily.com
Funds and Schwab Investments (micro investing services)
from 1997 to 1998; and 1999 to 2003; Director,
Executive Vice President-Retail Offroad Capital Inc. (pre-
Brokerage, Charles Schwab public internet commerce
Investment Management from company).
1994 to 1997.
</Table>
33
<Page>
<Table>
<Caption>
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS IN
FUND COMPLEX
NAME, AGE, ADDRESS(1) AND LENGTH OF TIME OVERSEEN BY OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD OUTSIDE
POSITION(2) WITH FUND SERVED PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)(4) DIRECTOR(5) FUND COMPLEX BY DIRECTOR
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIRECTOR WHO IS AN "INTERESTED PERSON"
Jack L. Rivkin* (65) Since 2002(3) Executive Vice President and 45 Director, Dale Carnegie and
President and Director Chief Investment Officer, Associates, Inc. (private
Neuberger Berman Inc. (holding company) since 1998; Director,
company) since 2002 and 2003, Emagin Corp. (public company)
respectively; Executive Vice since 1997; Director,
President and Chief Investment Solbright, Inc. (private
Officer, Neuberger since company) since 1998; Director,
December 2002 and 2003, Infogate, Inc. (private
respectively; Director and company) since 1997; Director,
Chairman, Management since Broadway Television Network
December 2002; formerly, (private company) since 2000.
Executive Vice President,
Citigroup Investments, Inc. from
September 1995 to February 2002;
formerly, Executive Vice
President, Citigroup Inc. from
September 1995 to February 2002.
CLASS III
INDEPENDENT FUND DIRECTORS
Robert A. Kavesh (78) Since the Marcus Nadler Professor Emeritus 45 Director, The Caring Community
Director inception of the of Finance and Economics, New (not-for-profit); formerly,
Fund(3) York University Stern School of Director, DEL Laboratories,
Business; formerly, Executive Inc. (cosmetics and
Secretary-Treasurer, American pharmaceuticals), 1978 to
Finance Association, 1961 to 2004; formerly, Director,
1979. Apple Bank for Savings, 1979
to 1990; formerly, Director,
Western Pacific Industries,
Inc., 1972 to 1986 (public
company).
</Table>
34
<Page>
<Table>
<Caption>
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS IN
FUND COMPLEX
NAME, AGE, ADDRESS(1) AND LENGTH OF TIME OVERSEEN BY OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD OUTSIDE
POSITION(2) WITH FUND SERVED PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)(4) DIRECTOR(5) FUND COMPLEX BY DIRECTOR
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Howard A. Mileaf (68) Since the Retired. Formerly, Vice 45 Director, WHX Corporation
Director inception of the President and Special Counsel, (holding company) since August
Fund(3) WHX Corporation (holding 2002; Director, Webfinancial
company) 1993 to 2001. Corporation (holding company)
since December 2002; Director,
State Theatre of New Jersey
(not-for-profit theater) since
2000; formerly, Director,
Kevlin Corporation
(manufacturer of microwave and
other products).
Edward I. O'Brien (77) Since the Formerly, Member, Investment 45 Director, Legg Mason, Inc.
Director inception of the Policy Committee, Edward Jones, (financial services holding
Fund(3) 1993 to 2001; President, company) since 1993; formerly,
Securities Industry Association Director, Boston Financial
("SIA") (securities industry's Group (real estate and tax
representative in government shelters) 1993 to 1999.
relations and regulatory matters
at the federal and state levels)
1974 to 1992; Adviser to SIA,
November 1992 to November 1993.
William E. Rulon (73) Since the Retired. Formerly, Senior Vice 45 Director, Pro-Kids Golf and
Director inception of the President, Foodmaker, Inc. Learning Academy (teach golf
Fund(3) (operator and franchiser of and computer usage to "at
restaurants) until January 1997. risk" children) since 1998;
formerly, Director, Prandium,
Inc. (restaurants) from March
2001 to July 2002.
Candace L. Straight (58) Since the Private investor and consultant 45 Director, The Proformance
Director inception of the specializing in the insurance Insurance Company (personal
Fund(3) industry; formerly, Advisory lines property and casualty
Director, Securitas Capital LLC insurance company) since March
(a global private equity 2004; Director, Providence
investment firm dedicated to Washington (property and
making investments in the casualty insurance company)
insurance sector) 1998 to since December 1998; Director,
December 2002. Summit Global Partners
(insurance brokerage firm)
since October 2000.
</Table>
35
<Page>
(1) The business address of each listed person is 605 Third Avenue, New York,
New York 10158.
(2) The Board of Directors shall at times be divided as equally as possible
into three classes of Directors designated Class I, Class II, and Class
III. The terms of office of Class I, Class II, and Class III Directors
shall expire at the annual meeting of shareholders held in 2006, 2007, and
2008, respectively, and at each third annual meeting of stockholders
thereafter.
(3) The Director has served since the Fund's inception except for Mr. Rivkin
who has served as a Director since December 2002 for the Funds with an
inception date of 2002. The inception date of Neuberger Berman Intermediate
Municipal Fund Inc., Neuberger Berman California Intermediate Municipal
Fund Inc., Neuberger Berman New York Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc., and
Neuberger Berman Real Estate Income Fund Inc. is 2002. The inception date
of Neuberger Berman Realty Income Fund Inc., Neuberger Berman Real Estate
Securities Income Fund Inc. and Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity Fund
Inc. is 2003. The inception date of Neuberger Berman Dividend Advantage
Fund Inc. is 2004.
(4) Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the positions shown
for at least the last five years.
(5) For funds organized in a master-feeder structure, we count the master fund
and its associated feeder funds as a single portfolio.
* Indicates a Director who is an "interested person" within the meaning of
the 1940 Act. Mr. Sundman and Mr. Rivkin are interested persons of the Fund
by virtue of the fact that they are officers and/or directors of Management
and Executive Vice Presidents of Neuberger Berman.
36
<Page>
INFORMATION ABOUT THE OFFICERS OF THE FUND
<Table>
<Caption>
POSITION AND
NAME, AGE, AND ADDRESS (1) LENGTH OF TIME SERVED PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) (2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael J. Bradler (35) Assistant Treasurer since 2005 Employee, Management since 1997; Assistant
Treasurer, fifteen registered investment companies
for which Management acts as investment manager
and administrator since 2005.
Claudia A. Brandon (49) Secretary since the Fund's inception (3) Vice President-Mutual Fund Board Relations,
Management since 2000 and Assistant Secretary
since 2004; Vice President, Neuberger since 2002
and employee since 1999; Assistant Secretary,
Management since 2004; formerly, Vice President,
Management from 1986 to 1999; Secretary, fifteen
registered investment companies for which
Management acts as investment manager and
administrator (three since 2000, four since 2002,
three since 2003, four since 2004 and one since
2005).
Robert Conti (49) Vice President since the Fund's Senior Vice President, Neuberger since 2003;
inception (3) formerly, Vice President, Neuberger from 1999 to
2003; Senior Vice President, Management since
2000; formerly, Controller,Management until 1996;
formerly, Treasurer,Management from 1996 to 1999;
Vice President, fifteen registered investment
companies for which Management acts as investment
manager and administrator (three since 2000, four
since 2002, three since 2003, four since 2004 and
one since 2005).
Brian J. Gaffney (52) Vice President since the Fund's Managing Director, Neuberger since 1999; Senior
inception (3) Vice President, Management since 2000; formerly,
Vice President, Management from 1997 to 1999; Vice
President, fifteen registered investment companies
for which Management acts as investment manager
and administrator (three since 2000, four since
2002, three since 2003, four since 2004 and one
since 2005).
</Table>
37
<Page>
<Table>
<Caption>
POSITION AND
NAME, AGE, AND ADDRESS (1) LENGTH OF TIME SERVED PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) (2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sheila R. James (40) Assistant Secretary since the Fund's Employee, Neuberger since 1999; formerly,
inception (3) Employee, Management from 1991 to 1999; Assistant
Secretary, fifteen registered investment companies
for which Management acts as investment manager
and administrator (seven since 2002, three since
2003, four since 2004 and one since 2005).
Kevin Lyons (50) Assistant Secretary since 2003 (4) Employee, Neuberger since 1999; formerly,
Employee, Management from 1993 to 1999; Assistant
Secretary, fifteen registered investment companies
for which Management acts as investment manager
and administrator (ten since 2003, four since 2004
and one since 2005).
John M. McGovern (35) Treasurer and Principal Financial and Vice President, Neuberger since January 2004;
Accounting Officer since 2005; prior Employee, Management since 1993; Treasurer and
thereto, Assistant Treasurer since the Principal Financial and Accounting Officer,
Fund's inception (3) fifteen registered investment companies for which
Management acts as investment manager and
administrator (fifteen since 2005); formerly,
Assistant Treasurer, fifteen registered investment
companies for which Management acts as investment
manager and administrator from 2002 to 2005.
Frank Rosato (34) Assistant Treasurer since 2005 Employee, Management since 1995; Assistant
Treasurer, fifteen registered investment companies
for which Management acts as investment manager
and administrator since 2005.
Frederic B. Soule (59) Vice President since the Fund's Senior Vice President, Neuberger since 2003;
inception (3) formerly, Vice President, Neuberger from 1999 to
2003; formerly, Vice President, Management from
1995 to 1999; Vice President, fifteen registered
investment companies for which Management acts as
investment manager and administrator (three since
2000, four since 2002, three since 2003, four
since 2004 and one since 2005).
</Table>
38
<Page>
<Table>
<Caption>
POSITION AND
NAME, AGE, AND ADDRESS (1) LENGTH OF TIME SERVED PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) (2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chamaine Williams (34) Chief Compliance Officer since 2005 Vice President, Lehman Brothers Inc. since 2003;
Chief Compliance Officer, fifteen registered
investment companies for which Management acts as
investment manager and administrator (fifteen
since 2005); Chief Compliance Officer, Lehman
Brothers Asset Management Inc. since 2003; Chief
Compliance Officer, Lehman Brothers Alternative
Investment Management LLC since 2003; formerly,
Vice President, UBS Global Asset Management (US)
Inc. (formerly, Mitchell Hutchins Asset
Management, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
PaineWebber Inc.) from 1997-2003.
</Table>
- ----------------
(1) The business address of each listed person is 605 Third Avenue, New York,
New York 10158.
(2) Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the positions shown
for at least the last five years.
(3) The officer has served since the Fund's inception. The inception date of
Neuberger Berman Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc., Neuberger Berman
California Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc., Neuberger Berman New York
Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc., and Neuberger Berman Real Estate Income
Fund Inc. is 2002. The inception date of Neuberger Berman Realty Income
Fund Inc., Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Inc. and
Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity Fund Inc. is 2003. The inception date
of the Neuberger Berman Dividend Advantage Fund Inc. is 2004.
(4) For Neuberger Berman Dividend Advantage Fund Inc., the officer has served
since the Fund's inception in March 2004.
39
<Page>
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how
to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available, without charge,
by calling 1-800-877-9700 (toll-free) and on the website of the Securities and
Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted
proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period
ended June 30 is also available without charge, by calling 1-800-877-9700
(toll-free), on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission at
www.sec.gov, and on the Fund's website at www.nb.com.
QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO SCHEDULE
The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form
N-Q. The Fund's Forms N-Q are available on the Securities and Exchange
Commission's website at www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the
Securities and Exchange Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC.
Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by
calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The information on Form N-Q is available upon request,
without charge, by calling 1-800-877-9700 (toll-free).
CHANGE TO INVESTMENT POLICY
On August 17, 2005, the Board approved a change to the Fund's investment policy
stating that securities lending and the investment of collateral in the
Neuberger Berman Securities Lending Quality Fund are permitted exceptions to the
policies of the Fund requiring that it invest specific percentages of its assets
in accordance with its principal investment program.
CHANGE IN PORTFOLIO MANAGER
In October 2005, Ann Benjamin and Thomas O'Reilly assumed portfolio management
responsibility for the high yield corporate debt portion of the Fund's
portfolio. Each is a Vice President of Management and a Managing Director of
Neuberger. Ms. Benjamin and Mr. O'Reilly also manage high yield portfolios for
Lehman Brothers Asset Management LLC and its predecessor, an affiliate of
Neuberger Berman. They have managed money for Lehman Brothers Asset Management
LLC since 1997. Ms. Benjamin has been in the industry for over 24 years and Mr.
O'Reilly for over 15 years.
Steven Brown will continue to manage the real estate portion of the Fund's
portfolio. Ms. Benjamin and Mr. O'Reilly will serve on the Fund's Asset
Allocation Committee with current members Jack Rivkin, Neuberger Berman Chief
Investment Officer, and Mr. Brown.
40
<Page>
NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS (UNAUDITED)
The Fund hereby designates $8,900,047, as a capital gain distribution.
41
<Page>
BOARD CONSIDERATION OF THE MANAGEMENT AND SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
At a meeting held on September 21, 2005, the Board of Directors ("Board") of
Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity Fund Inc. ("Fund"), including the Directors
who are not "interested persons" of the Fund ("Independent Fund Directors"),
approved continuance of the Management and Sub-Advisory Agreements
("Agreements") for the Fund.
In evaluating the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Fund
Directors, reviewed materials furnished by Management and Neuberger Berman, LLC
("Neuberger") in response to questions submitted by counsel to the Independent
Fund Directors, and met with senior representatives of Management and Neuberger
regarding their personnel and operations. The Independent Fund Directors were
advised by counsel that is experienced in Investment Company Act of 1940 matters
and that is independent of Management and Neuberger. The Independent Fund
Directors received a memorandum from independent counsel discussing the legal
standards for their consideration of the proposed continuance of the Agreements.
They met with such counsel separately from representatives of Management to
discuss the annual contract review. The annual contract review extends over two
regular meetings of the Board to ensure that Management and Neuberger have time
to respond to any questions the Independent Fund Directors may have on their
initial review of the report and that the Independent Fund Directors have time
to consider those responses. In addition, during this process, the Board held a
separate meeting devoted to reviewing and discussing Fund performance.
The Board considered the following factors, among others, in connection with its
approval of the continuance of the Agreements: (1) the nature, extent, and
quality of the services to be provided by Management and Neuberger; (2) the
performance of the Fund compared to a peer group of investment companies; (3)
the costs of the services to be provided and profits historically realized by
Management and its affiliates from the relationship with the Fund; (4) the
extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the Fund grows; and (5)
whether fee levels reflect those potential economies of scale for the benefit of
investors in the Fund. In their deliberations, the Board members did not
identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and
each Director may have attributed different weights to the various factors.
The Board evaluated the terms of the Agreements and whether the Agreements were
in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Board considered,
with respect to the Fund, the nature, extent and quality of the services
provided under the Agreements and the overall fairness of the Agreements to the
Fund. The Board requested and evaluated a report from Management and Neuberger
that addressed specific factors designed to inform the Board's consideration of
these and other issues. The Board also retained an independent consultant to
provide additional data.
With respect to the nature, extent and quality of the services provided, the
Board considered the performance of the Fund and the degree of risk undertaken
by the portfolio managers. The Board considered the experience and staffing of
portfolio management and the investment research personnel of Management and
Neuberger dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The Board noted that
Management also provides certain administrative services, including fund
accounting and compliance oversight. The Board also considered Management's and
Neuberger's policies and practices regarding brokerage and allocation of
portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Board considered the quality of
brokerage execution provided by Management and its affiliates. The Board's
Portfolio Transactions and Pricing Committee from time to time reviews the
quality of the brokerage services that Neuberger and Lehman provide, and has
reviewed studies by independent firms engaged to review and evaluate the quality
of brokerage execution received by the Fund. In addition, the Board noted the
positive compliance history of Management and Neuberger, as each firm has been
free of significant compliance problems.
With respect to the performance of the Fund, the Board considered the
performance of the Fund on both a market return and net asset value basis
relative to a peer group of investment companies pursuing broadly similar
strategies. The Board also considered the performance in relation to the degree
of risk undertaken by the portfolio managers. The Board noted the difficulty of
constructing an appropriate peer group. The Board discussed the Fund's
performance with Management and discussed steps that Management had taken, or
intended to take, to improve the Fund's performance. The Board also considered
Management's resources and responsiveness with respect to the Fund.
42
<Page>
With respect to the overall fairness of the Agreements, the Board considered the
fee structure of the Agreements as compared to a peer group of comparable funds
and any fall-out benefits likely to accrue to Management or Neuberger or their
affiliates. The Board also considered the profitability of Management and its
affiliates from their association with the Fund.
The Board received a detailed report from an independent consultant that
compares the Fund's management fee and overall expense ratio to a peer group of
comparable funds. The Board considered the range and average of the management
fees and expense ratios of the peer group. With regard to the sub-advisory fee
paid to Neuberger, the Board noted that this fee is reflective of an "at cost"
basis and there is no profit to Neuberger with regard to these fees. The Board
considered the Fund's overall expenses in relation to the overall expenses of
the peer group median. In addition, the Board considered the contractual waiver
of a portion of the management fee undertaken by Management.
The Board considered whether there were other funds that were sub-advised by
Management or its affiliates or separate accounts managed by Management with
similar investment objectives, policies and strategies as the Fund. The Board
noted that there were no comparable sub-advised funds or separate accounts.
The Board also evaluated any actual or anticipated economies of scale in
relation to the services Management provides to the Fund. The Board considered
that the Fund was a closed-end fund that is not continuously offering shares and
that, without daily inflows and outflows of capital, there were not at this time
significant economies of scale to be realized by Management in managing the
Fund's assets.
In concluding that the benefits accruing to Management and its affiliates by
virtue of their relationship to the Fund were reasonable in comparison with the
costs of providing the investment advisory services and the benefits accruing to
the Fund, the Board reviewed specific data as to Management's profit or loss on
the Fund for a recent period and the trend in profit or loss since the Fund's
inception. The Board also carefully examined Management's cost allocation
methodology and had an independent expert review the methodology. It also
reviewed an analysis from an independent data service on investment management
profitability margins. The Board also reviewed whether Management and Neuberger
used brokers to execute Fund transactions that provide research and other
services to Management and Neuberger, and the types of benefits potentially
derived by the Fund and by other clients of Management and Neuberger from such
services. The Board recognized that Management should be entitled to earn a
reasonable level of profits for services it provides to the Fund and, based on
its review, concluded it was satisfied that Management's level of profitability
from its relationship with the Fund was not excessive.
CONCLUSIONS
In approving the Agreements, the Board concluded that the terms of each
Agreement are fair and reasonable and that approval of the Agreements is in the
best interest of the Fund and its shareholders. In reaching this determination,
the Board considered that Management and Neuberger could be expected to provide
a high level of service to the Fund; that it retained confidence in Management's
and Neuberger's capabilities to manage the Fund; that the Fund's fee structure
appeared to the Board to be reasonable given the quality of services expected to
be provided; and that the benefits accruing to Management and its affiliates by
virtue of their relationship to the Fund were reasonable in comparison with the
costs of providing the investment advisory services and the benefits accruing to
the Fund.
43
<Page>
[NEUBERGER BERMAN LOGO]
A LEHMAN BROTHERS COMPANY
NEUBERGER BERMAN MANAGEMENT INC.
605 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10158-0180
INTERNAL SALES & SERVICES
877.461.1899
www.nb.com
Statistics and projections in this report are derived from sources deemed to be
reliable but cannot be regarded as a representation of future results of the
Fund. This report is prepared for the general information of shareholders and is
not an offer of shares of the Fund.
[RECYCLED SYMBOL] D0502 12/05
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS
The Board of Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity Fund Inc. ("Registrant")
adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Registrant's principal executive
officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or
controller, or persons performing similar functions ("Code of Ethics"). A copy
of the Code of Ethics is filed as Exhibit 12(a)(1) to this Form N-CSR. The Code
of Ethics is also available, without charge, by calling 1-800-877-9700
(toll-free).
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
The Board has determined that the Registrant has two audit committee financial
experts serving on its audit committee. The Registrant's audit committee
financial experts are John Cannon and Howard Mileaf. Mr. Cannon and Mr. Mileaf
are independent directors as defined by Form N-CSR.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Ernst & Young, LLP ("E&Y") serves as independent registered public accounting
firm to the Registrant.
(a) Audit Fees
----------
The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by E&Y for the
audit of the annual financial statements or services that are normally provided
by E&Y in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements were
$31,250 and $31,250 for the fiscal years ended 2004 and 2005, respectively.
(b) Audit-Related Fees
------------------
The aggregate fees billed to the Registrant for assurance and related services
by E&Y that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the
Registrant's financial statements and are not reported above in AUDIT FEES were
$0 and $6,000 for the fiscal years ended 2004 and 2005, respectively. The nature
of the services provided involved agreed upon procedures relating to the
Preferred Shares. The Audit Committee approved 0% and 0% of these services
provided by E&Y for the fiscal year ended 2005 pursuant to the waiver provisions
of Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X.
The fees billed to other entities in the investment company complex for
assurance and related services by E&Y that are reasonably related to the
performance of the audit that the Audit Committee was required to approve
because the engagement related directly to the operations and financial
reporting of the Registrant were $0 and $0 for the fiscal years ended 2004 and
2005, respectively.
(c) Tax Fees
--------
The aggregate fees billed to the Registrant for professional services rendered
by E&Y for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning were $8,700 and $8,700
for the fiscal years ended 2004 and 2005, respectively. The nature of the
services provided were tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. The Audit
Committee approved 0% and 0% of these services provided by E&Y for the fiscal
years ended 2004 and 2005, respectively, pursuant to the waiver provisions of
Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X.
The fees billed to other entities in the investment company complex for tax
compliance, tax advice, and tax planning that the Audit Committee was required
to approve because the engagement related directly to the operations and
financial reporting of the Registrant were $0 and $0 for the fiscal years ended
2004 and 2005, respectively.
(d) All Other Fees
--------------
The aggregate fees billed to the Registrant for products and services provided
by E&Y, other than services reported in AUDIT FEES, AUDIT-RELATED FEES, and TAX
FEES were $0 and $0 for the fiscal years ended 2004 and 2005, respectively.
The fees billed to other entities in the investment company complex for products
and services provided by E&Y, other than services reported in AUDIT FEES,
AUDIT-RELATED FEES, and TAX FEES that the Audit Committee was required to
approve because the engagement related directly to the operations and financial
reporting of the Registrant were $0 and $0 for the fiscal years ended 2004 and
2005, respectively.
(e) Audit Committee's Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
------------------------------------------------------
(1) The Audit Committee's pre-approval policies and procedures for the
Registrant to engage an accountant to render audit and non-audit services
delegate to the Chair of the Committee the power to pre-approve services between
meetings of the Committee.
(2) None of the services described in paragraphs (b) through (d) above were
approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01
of Regulation S-X.
(f) Hours Attributed to Other Persons
---------------------------------
Not applicable.
(g) Non-Audit Fees
--------------
Non-audit fees billed by E&Y for services rendered to the Registrant were $8,700
and $14,700 for the fiscal years ended 2004 and 2005, respectively.
Non-audit fees billed by E&Y for services rendered to the Registrant's
investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common
control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant were
$256,050 and $160,650 for the fiscal years ended 2004 and 2005, respectively.
(h) The Audit Committee of the Board considered whether the provision of
non-audit services rendered to the Registrant's investment adviser and any
entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that
provides ongoing services to the Registrant that were not pre-approved by the
Audit Committee because the engagement did not relate directly to the operations
and financial reporting of the Registrant is compatible with maintaining E&Y's
independence.
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS
The Board has established an Audit Committee to oversee particular aspects of
the Registrant's management. The Audit Committee's purposes are (a) to oversee
the Funds' accounting and financial reporting processes, their internal control
over financial reporting and, as the Committee deems appropriate, to inquire
into the internal control over financial reporting of certain third-party
service providers; (b) to oversee the quality and integrity of the Funds'
financial statements and the independent audit thereof; (c) to oversee, or, as
appropriate, assist Board oversight of, the Funds' compliance with legal and
regulatory requirements that relate to the Funds' accounting and financial
reporting, internal control over financial reporting and independent audits; (d)
to approve prior to appointment the engagement of the Funds' independent
registered public accounting firms and, in connection therewith, to review and
evaluate the qualifications, independence and performance of the Funds'
independent registered public accounting firms; (e) to act as a liaison between
the Funds' independent registered public accounting firms and the full Board;
and (f) to prepare an audit committee report as required by Item 306 of
Regulations S-K to be included in proxy statements relating to the election of
directors. Its members are John Cannon, Howard A. Mileaf, Cornelius T. Ryan
(Chairman), Tom D. Seip, and Peter P. Trapp. All members are Independent Fund
Trustees.
ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
The complete schedule of investments for each series is disclosed in the
Registrant's Annual Report, which is included as Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
The Board has delegated to Neuberger Berman, LLC ("Neuberger Berman") the
responsibility to vote proxies related to the securities held in the Fund's
portfolios. Under this authority, Neuberger Berman is required by the Board to
vote proxies related to portfolio securities in the best interests of the Fund
and its stockholders. The Board permits Neuberger Berman to contract with a
third party to obtain proxy voting and related services, including research of
current issues.
Neuberger Berman has implemented written Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
("Proxy Voting Policy") that are designed to reasonably ensure that Neuberger
Berman votes proxies prudently and in the best interest of its advisory clients
for whom Neuberger Berman has voting authority, including the Fund. The Proxy
Voting Policy also describes how Neuberger Berman addresses any conflicts that
may arise between its interests and those of its clients with respect to proxy
voting.
Neuberger Berman's Proxy Committee is responsible for developing, authorizing,
implementing and updating the Proxy Voting Policy, overseeing the proxy voting
process and engaging and overseeing any independent third-party vendors as
voting delegate to review, monitor and/or vote proxies. In order to apply the
Proxy Voting Policy noted above in a timely and consistent manner, Neuberger
Berman utilizes Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. ("ISS") to vote proxies
in accordance with Neuberger Berman's voting guidelines.
Neuberger Berman's guidelines adopt the voting recommendations of ISS. Neuberger
Berman retains final authority and fiduciary responsibility for proxy voting.
Neuberger Berman believes that this process is reasonably designed to address
material conflicts of interest that may arise between Neuberger Berman and a
client as to how proxies are voted.
In the event that an investment professional at Neuberger Berman believes that
it is in the best interests of a client or clients to vote proxies in a manner
inconsistent with Neuberger Berman's proxy voting guidelines or in a manner
inconsistent with ISS recommendations, the Proxy Committee will review
information submitted by the investment professional to determine that there is
no material conflict of interest between Neuberger Berman and the client with
respect to the voting of the proxy in that manner.
If the Proxy Committee determines that the voting of a proxy as recommended by
the investment professional presents a material conflict of interest between
Neuberger Berman and the client or clients with respect to the voting of the
proxy, the Proxy Committee shall: (i) take no further action, in which case ISS
shall vote such proxy in accordance with the proxy voting guidelines or as ISS
recommends; (ii) disclose such conflict to the client or clients and obtain
written direction from the client as to how to vote the proxy; (iii) suggest
that the client or clients engage another party to determine how to vote the
proxy; or (iv) engage another independent third party to determine how to vote
the proxy.
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Not applicable to the Registrant.
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT
COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
No reportable purchases for the period covered by this report.
ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
There were no changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend
nominees to the Board.
ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Based on an evaluation of the disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "Act")) as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of
this document, the Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer and Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer of the Registrant have concluded that
such disclosure controls and procedures are effectively designed to
ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant is
accumulated and communicated to the Registrant's management to allow
timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) There were no significant changes in the Registrant's internal controls
over financial reporting (as defined in rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) that
occurred during the Registrant's last fiscal half-year that have
materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the
Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 12. EXHIBITS
(a)(1) A copy of the Code of Ethics is filed herewith.
(a)(2) The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(a) of the Act and Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 ("Sarbanes-Oxley Act") are attached
hereto.
(a)(3) Not applicable to the Registrant.
(b) The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) of the Act and Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act are attached hereto.
The certifications provided pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
are not deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 ("Exchange Act"), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section.
Such certifications will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any
filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except to the
extent that the Registrant specifically incorporates them by reference.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity Fund Inc.
By: /s/ Peter E. Sundman
------------------------
Peter E. Sundman
Chief Executive Officer
Date: January 9, 2006
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
By: /s/ Peter E. Sundman
------------------------
Peter E. Sundman
Chief Executive Officer
Date: January 9, 2006
By: /s/ John M. McGovern
------------------------
John M. McGovern
Treasurer and Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer
Date: January 9, 2006