<Page>
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 811-21342
---------------------------------------------
Lehman Brothers First Trust Income Opportunity Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)
399 Park Ave., New York, NY 10022
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Bradley Tank, Chief Executive Officer of Lehman Brothers Asset Management Inc.
399 Park Ave., New York, NY 10022
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 526-7000
----------------------------
Date of fiscal year end: 12/31/2004
--------------------
Date of reporting period: 06/30/2004
-------------------
<Page>
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.
The semi-annual report for the period January 1, 2004 through June 30,
2004 is filed herewith.
<Page>
SEMI ANNUAL REPORT 2004
LEHMAN BROTHERS
FIRST TRUST INCOME
OPPORTUNITY FUND
[GRAPHIC]
[LEHMAN BROTHERS LOGO]
<Page>
CONTENTS
<Table>
Chairman and President's Letter 2
Portfolio Manager's Report 3
Fund Overview 4
Schedule of Investments 5
Notes to Schedule of Investments 14
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 15
Statement of Operations 16
Statement of Changes in Net Assets 17
Financial Highlights 18
Notes to Financial Statements 19
Shareholder Voting Results 23
Dividend Reinvestment Plan 24
Trustee and Officer Table 25
</Table>
<Page>
CHAIRMAN AND PRESIDENT'S LETTER
Dear Shareholder:
We are pleased to present to you this semi-annual report of the Lehman Brothers
First Trust Income Opportunity Fund for the period ending June 30, 2004. The
report includes portfolio commentary, a listing of the Fund's investments, and
its financial statements for the reporting period.
The second quarter of 2004 was a challenging quarter for the fixed income market
as a whole. The high yield sector performed better than other areas of the fixed
income market; however, high yield bonds gave back some of the market
appreciation from earlier periods.
The Fund's investment objective is to seek high total return through income plus
capital appreciation. The Fund pursues this investment objective by investing
primarily in high yield debt securities. In seeking to achieve its investment
objective, the Fund employs leverage through the issuance of Money Market
Cumulative Preferred Shares.
Portfolio manager Ann H. Benjamin and her team of seasoned investment
professionals at Lincoln Capital manage the portfolio. A review of the
portfolio's performance and Ann's outlook for the high yield markets may be
found on the following page. Ann and her team take a proactive approach to high
yield asset management and integrate detailed security and industry analysis
within the context of a global economic outlook. Ann's research analysts are
industry specialists who carry out independent primary research on companies and
industries. In addition to seeking value from specific issue selections, they
also implement strategies seeking to take advantage of valuation opportunities
across industry sectors and credit quality tiers.
We thank you for your trust in Lehman Brothers Asset Management and Lincoln
Capital. We will continue to do our best to keep earning it.
Sincerely,
/s/ Kurt A. Locher /s/ Brad Tank
Kurt A. Locher Brad Tank
CHAIRMAN AND TRUSTEE PRESIDENT
<Page>
PORTFOLIO MANAGER'S REPORT
For the six-month period ending June 30, 2004, the Lehman Brothers First Trust
Income Opportunity Fund (NYSE: LBC) returned -0.10% on a Net Asset Value (NAV)
basis and -1.42% on a market value basis. Returns were affected by challenging
market conditions in the high yield and overall fixed income markets. Although
the Fund's history is short, having just begun operations on July 28, 2003, we
are pleased with its performance thus far, generating returns of 12.61%, on a
NAV basis and 8.90% on a market basis, since inception.
The performance of the overall U.S. fixed income market in the first half of
2004 was mixed. A couple of weak employment reports led to a rate DECLINE of
almost 60 basis points on the 10-year Treasury by mid-March. Despite a modest
backup by month-end, rates still ended the first quarter roughly 40 basis points
lower than year-end 2003 levels. These rate declines were reversed in the second
quarter of 2004, which saw the worst quarterly total return for the broad bond
market since the first quarter of 1994, and the third worst since the third
quarter of 1981. The changes in yields over the quarter were driven by changed
expectations with regard to the economy, inflation, and future Fed policy. This
led to the significant rise in market yields, declining somewhat over the last
part of the quarter as some of the pessimism abated, finishing roughly 35 basis
points above year-end levels. Consequently high yield markets gave back some of
their extraordinary gains from 2003, underperforming U.S. equities but
outperforming U.S. investment-grade credit.
The Fund was adversely affected by our overweight in the Wireless Communications
sector, which performed relatively poorly in the period. Security selection
decisions in the Utilities sector also negatively contributed to the Fund's
performance. We continue to have investments in credits in both sectors as we
expect them to recover. Cable, Retailing and Gaming were among our strongest
performing sectors in the period.
There has been little change to our outlook and strategy. We believe the economy
can continue expanding during the remainder of 2004, the default rate will
decline, and spreads will tighten, particularly in the lower quality sector. We
remain overweight in the Gaming, Cable and Wireless Communications sectors, as
well as in lower rated securities, as it is our belief that these sectors can
positively impact performance for the next 3 to 6 months. As spreads in these
sectors tighten, we currently expect to gradually shift some of our weights to
higher quality, more defensive sectors, preparing for slower growth in 2005 and
2006.
Fundamental business knowledge, credit research and proprietary financial
modeling are paramount to our success in managing this portfolio. Relative value
analysis between issuers, business sectors, and credit sectors drives our
portfolio positioning. By investing in this manner, we seek to provide high
total returns for our shareholders.
Sincerely,
/s/ Ann H. Benjamin
Ann H. Benjamin
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
3
<Page>
LEHMAN BROTHERS FIRST TRUST INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND
FUND OVERVIEW (AS OF 06/30/04)(1)
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS(2)
<Table>
<Caption>
3 MONTHS ENDED 6 MONTHS ENDED
INCEPTION ---------------- -------------- CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
DATE 3/31/04 6/30/04 6/30/04 SINCE INCEPTION(3)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAV 07/28/03 -0.09% -0.01% -0.10% 12.61%
Market Price 07/28/03 4.57% -5.72% -1.42% 8.90%
</Table>
<Table>
FUND FACTS
Ticker NYSE: LBC
Market Price $ 14.85
Net Asset Value (NAV) $ 14.67
Premium 1.23%
Shares outstanding 12,236,933
CUSIP number 525178 10 9
Inception Date 7/28/03
PORTFOLIO CHARACTERISTICS
Portfolio Turnover 48.1%
Expense Ratio 1.45%
Wtd. Avg. Maturity 6.77 Years
Average Coupon 8.70%
Average Credit Quality B
Portfolio Composition (% High Yield) 96.4%
CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND LEVERAGE ($MM)
Total Net Assets $ 269.5
Net Assets Attributable to Common Shares $ 179.5
Net Assets Attributable to Preferred Shares $ 90.0
Net Assets Attributable to Other Borrowings -
Leverage (% of total net assets) 33.4%
</Table>
[CHART]
CREDIT QUALITY BREAKDOWN
(% OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS AND CASH)
<Table>
BBB 4.3%
BB 33.4%
B 42.2%
CCC 16.8%
Not Rated 1.4%
Cash 1.9%
</Table>
[CHART]
MARKET PRICE AND NAV PERFORMANCE
<Table>
<Caption>
PRICE ($) NAV ($) PREMIUM/DISCOUNT (%)
1/2/2004 $ 16.22 $ 15.25 1/2/2004 2.19%
1/9/2004 $ 16.43 $ 15.12 1/9/2004 -0.82%
1/16/2004 $ 16.02 $ 14.98 1/16/2004 3.82%
1/23/2004 $ 16.20 $ 15.09 1/23/2004 1.88%
1/30/2004 $ 16.16 $ 15.06 1/30/2004 3.21%
2/6/2004 $ 15.90 $ 15.16 2/6/2004 4.51%
2/13/2004 $ 14.82 $ 15.17 2/13/2004 6.65%
2/20/2004 $ 14.90 $ 15.14 2/20/2004 5.06%
2/27/2004 $ 14.71 $ 15.02 2/27/2004 6.59%
3/5/2004 $ 14.39 $ 14.65 3/5/2004 4.98%
3/12/2004 $ 13.87 $ 14.35 3/12/2004 6.36%
3/19/2004 $ 14.94 $ 14.54 3/19/2004 8.66%
3/26/2004 $ 14.95 $ 14.54 3/26/2004 2.40%
3/31/2004 $ 14.98 $ 14.62 3/31/2004 4.23%
4/2/2004 $ 14.95 $ 14.71 4/2/2004 7.30%
4/8/2004 $ 14.75 $ 14.69 4/8/2004 4.88%
4/16/2004 $ 14.85 $ 14.67 4/16/2004 -2.31%
4/23/2004 $ 14.90 $ 15.14 4/23/2004 -1.59%
4/30/2004 $ 14.71 $ 15.02 4/30/2004 -2.06%
5/7/2004 $ 14.39 $ 14.65 5/7/2004 -1.77%
5/21/2004 $ 13.87 $ 14.35 5/21/2004 -3.34%
5/28/2004 $ 14.94 $ 14.54 5/28/2004 2.75%
6/4/2004 $ 14.95 $ 14.54 6/4/2004 2.82%
6/10/2004 $ 14.98 $ 14.62 6/10/2004 2.46%
6/18/2004 $ 14.95 $ 14.71 6/18/2004 1.63%
6/25/2004 $ 14.75 $ 14.69 6/25/2004 0.41%
6/30/2004 $ 14.85 $ 14.67 6/30/2004 1.23%
</Table>
[CHART]
TOP INDUSTRIES (% OF MANAGED ASSETS)
<Table>
Media Broadcasting & Publishing 14.5%
Telephone Systems 10.8%
Entertainment & Leisure 10.6%
Electric Utilities 11.6%
Forest Products & Paper 3.6%
Chemicals 5.1%
Health Care Providers 3.5%
Transportation 4.0%
Commercial Services 6.5%
Multiple Utilities 3.1%
Other 26.7%
</Table>
[CHART]
MATURITY BREAKDOWN
(% OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS AND CASH)
<Table>
10+ years 2.8%
LESS THAN 1 year 1.9%
1-3 years 2.6%
3-5 years 16.1%
5-7 years 35.4%
7-10 years 41.2%
</Table>
- ----------
(1) Unless noted, data at or for six months ended June 30, 2004. High yield
securities, also known as "junk bonds," are subject to additional risks
such as the increased risk of default. Portfolio holdings are subject to
change.
(2) Performance for NAV and Market Price assume reinvestment of all dividends
and capital gains. Shares of the Fund fluctuate in value. Fund performance
changes over time and currently may be different from that shown as of
06/30/04. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. More current
Fund performance information can be obtained by visiting the Fund's website
at www.lbftincomeopportunity.com
(3) Not annualized.
<Page>
LEHMAN BROTHERS FIRST TRUST INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
JUNE 30, 2004
(UNAUDITED)
<Table>
<Caption>
PRINCIPAL S&P MOODY'S FITCH
AMOUNT DESCRIPTION RATINGS RATINGS RATINGS VALUE (a)
CORPORATE DEBT -- 144.0% OF TOTAL NET ASSETS
AUTOMOTIVE -- 0.6%
$ 1,080,000 Navistar International Corp., Senior Note
7.500%, 6/15/2011 BB Ba NR $ 1,107,000
BEVERAGES, FOOD & TOBACCO -- 2.0%
1,000,000 Del Monte Corp., Senior Subordinated Note
8.625%, 12/15/2012 B B B 1,077,500
1,250,000 Dole Food, Inc., Senior Note
8.625%, 5/01/2009 B B NR 1,309,375
1,325,000 Nash Finch Co., Senior Subordinated Note
8.500%, 5/01/2008 B B B 1,320,031
3,706,906
CHEMICALS -- 7.6%
3,875,000 Equistar Chemicals, LP/Equistar Funding Corp., Senior Note
10.625%, 5/01/2011 B B B 4,301,250
2,325,000 Methanex Corp., Senior Note
8.750%, 8/15/2012 BBB Ba NR 2,615,625
2,000,000 Millennium Chemicals, Inc., Senior Note
9.250%, 6/15/2008 BB B NR 2,150,000
2,675,000 Nova Chemicals Corp., Senior Note
6.500%, 1/15/2012 BB Ba NR 2,634,875
120,000 Resolution Performance Product LLC/RPP Capital Corp.,
Senior Secured Note 8.000%, 12/15/2009 B B NR 124,500
1,775,000 Resolution Performance Products LLC/Resolution
Performance Products Capital Corp., Senior Secured Note
9.500%, 4/15/2010 B B NR 1,828,250
13,654,500
COAL -- 1.1%
1,285,000 Massey Energy Co., Senior Note
6.625%, 11/15/2010 BB Ba NR 1,278,575
810,000 Peabody Energy Corp., Senior Note
5.875%, 4/15/2016 BB Ba BB 737,100
2,015,675
COMMERCIAL SERVICES -- 9.7%
1,000,000 Allied Waste North America, Inc., Senior Note
7.875%, 4/15/2013 BB Ba BB 1,045,000
2,100,000 Allied Waste North America, Inc., Senior Secured Note
8.875%, 4/01/2008 BB Ba BB 2,299,500
</Table>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
5
<Page>
<Table>
<Caption>
PRINCIPAL S&P MOODY'S FITCH
AMOUNT DESCRIPTION RATINGS RATINGS RATINGS VALUE (a)
CORPORATE DEBT -- CONTINUED
COMMERCIAL SERVICES -- CONTINUED
$ 1,600,000 Allied Waste North America, Senior Note, 144A
6.375%, 4/15/2011 BB Ba BB $ 1,568,000
2,270,000 Language Line, Inc., Senior Subordinated Note, 144A
11.125%, 6/15/2012 CCC Caa NR 2,304,050
2,975,000 Monitronics International, Inc., Senior Subordinated Note,
144A 11.750%, 9/01/2010 B B NR 3,213,000
2,825,000 Muzak LLC/Muzak Finance Corp., Senior Note
10.000%, 2/15/2009 CCC Caa NR 2,486,000
2,000,000 Muzak LLC/Muzak Finance Corp., Senior Subordinated Note
9.875%, 3/15/2009 CCC Caa NR 1,540,000
1,070,000 UGS Corp., Senior Subordinated Note, 144A
10.000%, 6/01/2012 B B NR 1,139,550
1,985,000 United Rentals North America, Inc., Senior Note
6.500%, 2/15/2012 BB B NR 1,875,825
17,470,925
COMMUNICATIONS -- 1.5%
1,000,000 L-3 Communications Corp., Senior Subordinated Note
7.625%, 6/15/2012 CCC Ba NR 1,055,000
1,390,000 PanAmSat Corp., Senior Note
8.500%, 2/01/2012 B Ba NR 1,577,650
2,632,650
CONTAINERS & PACKAGING -- 4.1%
510,000 Crown European Holdings SA, Senior Secured Note
9.500%, 3/01/2011 B B NR 555,900
3,160,000 Crown European Holdings SA, Senior Secured Note
10.875%, 3/01/2013 B B NR 3,602,400
3,000,000 Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Senior Secured Note
8.750%, 11/15/2012 BB B NR 3,255,000
7,413,300
COSMETICS & PERSONAL CARE -- 0.9%
1,500,000 Playtex Products, Inc., Senior Secured Note, 144A
8.000%, 3/01/2011 B B NR 1,561,875
ELECTRIC UTILITIES -- 17.4%
4,305,000 AES Corp. (The), Senior Secured Note, 144A
8.750%, 5/15/2013 B B BB 4,611,731
</Table>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<Page>
<Table>
<Caption>
PRINCIPAL S&P MOODY'S FITCH
AMOUNT DESCRIPTION RATINGS RATINGS RATINGS VALUE (a)
CORPORATE DEBT -- CONTINUED
ELECTRIC UTILITIES -- CONTINUED
$ 1,635,000 Calpine Corp., Senior Secured Note, 144A
8.750%, 7/15/2013 B NR BB $ 1,340,700
6,680,000 Calpine Corp., Senior Secured Note, 144A
9.875%, 12/01/2011 B NR BB 5,678,000
1,060,000 CMS Energy Corp., Senior Note
9.875%, 10/15/2007 B B B 1,142,150
2,250,000 CMS Energy Corp., Senior Secured Note, 144A
7.750%, 8/01/2010 B B B 2,238,750
3,150,000 Illinois Power Co., Note
11.500%, 12/15/2010 B B B 3,724,875
350,000 Midwest Generation LLC, Senior Note, 144A
8.750%, 5/01/2034 B B NR 353,500
1,295,000 Mission Energy Holding Co., Senior Secured Note
13.500%, 7/15/2008 CCC Caa NR 1,448,781
5,300,000 Reliant Resources, Inc., Senior Secured Note
9.500%, 7/15/2013 B B B 5,710,750
1,000,000 TECO Energy, Inc., Note
7.000%, 5/01/2012 BB Ba BBB 960,000
4,000,000 TECO Energy, Inc., Note
7.500%, 6/15/2010 BB Ba BB 4,040,000
31,249,237
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT -- 1.2%
2,000,000 Hexcel Corp., Senior Subordinated Note
9.750%, 1/15/2009 CCC Caa NR 2,097,500
ELECTRONICS -- 3.5%
1,630,000 Amkor Technology, Inc., Senior Note
7.750%, 5/15/2013 B B NR 1,544,425
1,580,000 Amkor Technology, Inc., Senior Note
9.250%, 2/15/2008 B B NR 1,651,100
2,970,000 Xerox Corp., Note
7.625%, 6/15/2013 B B BB 3,036,825
6,232,350
ENTERTAINMENT & LEISURE -- 15.9%
2,000,000 AMF Bowling Worldwide, Inc., Senior Subordinated Note,
144A 10.000%, 3/01/2010 CCC B B 2,050,000
1,850,000 Bally Total Fitness Holding Corp., Senior Note,
10.500%, 7/15/2011 B B NR 1,739,000
</Table>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
7
<Page>
<Table>
<Caption>
PRINCIPAL S&P MOODY'S FITCH
AMOUNT DESCRIPTION RATINGS RATINGS RATINGS VALUE (a)
CORPORATE DEBT -- CONTINUED
ENTERTAINMENT & LEISURE -- CONTINUED
$ 2,100,000 Choctaw Resort Development Enterprise Corp., Senior Note
9.250%, 4/01/2009 BB B NR $ 2,257,500
3,165,000 Chukchansi Economic Development Authority, Senior Note,
144A 14.500%, 6/15/2009 NR NR NR 3,924,600
2,000,000 Chumash Casino & Resort Enterprise, Senior Note, 144A
9.000%, 7/15/2010 BB Ba NR 2,170,000
1,760,000 Hollywood Entertainment Corp., Senior Subordinated Note
9.625%, 3/15/2011 B B NR 2,024,000
4,125,000 Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, Senior Subordinated Note
8.000%, 4/01/2012 BB Ba NR 4,393,125
2,000,000 Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, Senior Subordinated Note
8.375%, 7/01/2011 BB Ba NR 2,160,000
1,510,000 Seneca Gaming Corp., Senior Note, 144A
7.250%, 5/01/2012 BB B NR 1,508,112
3,510,000 Station Casinos, Inc., Senior Subordinated Note
6.875%, 3/01/2016 B B NR 3,378,375
1,785,000 Turning Stone Casino Resort Enterprise, Senior Note,
144A 9.125%, 12/15/2010 B B NR 1,865,325
859,000 Wynn Las Vegas Capital Corp., Note
12.000%, 11/01/2010 CCC B NR 1,028,652
28,498,689
FOOD RETAILERS -- 1.5%
2,705,000 Stater Brothers Holdings, Senior Note, 144A
8.125%, 6/15/2012 BB B NR 2,715,144
FOREST PRODUCTS & PAPER -- 5.4%
2,500,000 Abitibi-Consolidated, Inc., Guaranteed Note
6.000%, 6/20/2013 BB Ba NR 2,212,677
550,000 Boise Cascade Corp., Senior Note
6.500%, 11/01/2010 BB Ba NR 559,625
1,675,000 Boise Cascade Corp., Senior Note
7.000%, 11/01/2013 BB Ba NR 1,712,687
2,000,000 Georgia-Pacific Corp., Senior Note
8.875%, 2/01/2010 BB Ba BB 2,265,000
2,200,000 Louisiana-Pacific Corp., Senior Note
8.875%, 8/15/2010 BBB Ba NR 2,552,000
415,000 Mail Well I Corp., Note, 144A
7.875%, 12/01/2013 B B NR 377,650
9,679,639
</Table>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<Page>
<Table>
<Caption>
PRINCIPAL S&P MOODY'S FITCH
AMOUNT DESCRIPTION RATINGS RATINGS RATINGS VALUE (a)
CORPORATE DEBT -- CONTINUED
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS -- 5.3%
$ 2,000,000 HCA, Inc., Note
6.750%, 7/15/2013 BBB Ba BBB $ 2,048,756
1,270,000 IASIS Healthcare LLC / IASIS Capital Corp., Note,
144A 8.750%, 6/15/2014 B B NR 1,298,575
1,305,000 Tenet Healthcare Corp., Note
7.375%, 2/01/2013 B B B 1,181,025
1,000,000 Tenet Healthcare Corp., Senior Note
6.375%, 12/01/2011 B B B 875,000
125,000 Tenet Healthcare Corp., Senior Note
6.500%, 6/01/2012 B B B 108,750
1,025,000 Tenet Healthcare Corp., Senior Note, 144A
9.875%, 7/01/2014 B B B 1,042,937
2,495,000 US Oncology, Inc., Senior Subordinated Note
9.625%, 2/01/2012 B B NR 2,944,100
9,499,143
HEAVY MACHINERY -- 1.9%
3,310,000 Mueller Group, Inc., Note, 144A
10.000%, 5/01/2012 B Caa NR 3,442,400
HOME CONSTRUCTION, FURNISHINGS & APPLIANCES -- 3.8%
1,525,000 Beazer Homes USA, Inc., Senior Note
8.375%, 4/15/2012 BB Ba BB 1,608,875
1,000,000 Beazer Homes USA, Inc., Senior Note
8.625%, 5/15/2011 BB Ba BB 1,055,000
560,000 K Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Senior Note
8.000%, 4/01/2012 BB Ba BB 581,000
1,330,000 K Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Senior Note, 144A
6.375%, 12/15/2014 BB Ba BB 1,216,950
1,180,000 Standard-Pacific Corp., Senior Note
6.250%, 4/01/2014 BB Ba NR 1,064,950
1,255,000 Standard-Pacific Corp., Senior Note
7.750%, 3/15/2013 BB Ba NR 1,264,413
6,791,188
MEDIA - BROADCASTING & PUBLISHING -- 21.0%
8,400,000 Charter Communications Holdings, Inc., Senior Note
10.000%, 5/15/2011 CCC Ca NR 6,657,000
2,375,000 Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter
Communications Capital Corp., Senior Note, 144A
8.000%, 4/30/2012 B B NR 2,297,813
</Table>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
9
<Page>
<Table>
<Caption>
PRINCIPAL S&P MOODY'S FITCH
AMOUNT DESCRIPTION RATINGS RATINGS RATINGS VALUE (a)
CORPORATE DEBT -- CONTINUED
MEDIA - BROADCASTING & PUBLISHING -- CONTINUED
$ 150,000 Dex Media East LLC/Dex Media East Finance Co.,
Guaranteed Note 12.125%, 11/15/2012 B Caa B $ 175,125
3,000,000 Dex Media East LLC/Dex Media East Finance Co.,
Senior Note 9.875%, 11/15/2009 B B B 3,367,500
1,545,000 Dex Media, Inc., Note, 144A
8.000%, 11/15/2013 B Caa CCC 1,483,200
1,175,000 Mediacom LLC/Mediacom Capital Corp., Senior Note
9.500%, 1/15/2013 B B B 1,133,875
7,300,000 Ono Finance PLC, Note
14.000%, 2/15/2011 CCC Caa B 8,449,750
1,265,000 Paxson Communications Corp., Senior Subordinated Note
10.750%, 7/15/2008 CCC Caa NR 1,283,975
5,750,000 Paxson Communications Corp., Senior Subordinated Note
12.250%, 1/15/2009 CCC Caa NR 5,002,500
1,175,000 Primedia, Inc., Senior Note
8.875%, 5/15/2011 B B NR 1,163,250
2,840,000 RH Donnelley Finance Corp. I, Senior Subordinated Note
10.875%, 12/15/2012 B B NR 3,294,400
1,325,000 Rogers Cable, Inc., Senior Secured Note
6.250%, 6/15/2013 BBB Ba NR 1,247,383
1,990,000 Rogers Cable, Inc., Senior Secured Note
7.875%, 5/01/2012 BBB Ba NR 2,097,593
37,653,364
METALS -- 3.3%
3,005,000 AK Steel Corp., Guaranteed Senior Note
7.750%, 6/15/2012 B B NR 2,712,013
1,000,000 International Steel Group, Inc., Note, 144A
6.500%, 4/15/2014 BB Ba NR 937,500
2,000,000 IPSCO, Inc., Senior Note
8.750%, 6/01/2013 BB Ba NR 2,230,000
5,879,513
MULTIPLE UTILITIES -- 4.7%
4,000,000 Coastal Corp., Note
7.750%, 6/15/2010 CCC Caa NR 3,610,000
1,250,000 Coastal Corp., Senior Note
9.625%, 5/15/2012 CCC Caa NR 1,187,500
3,500,000 El Paso Natural Gas Co., Senior Note
7.625%, 8/01/2010 B B NR 3,587,500
8,385,000
</Table>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<Page>
<Table>
<Caption>
PRINCIPAL S&P MOODY'S FITCH
AMOUNT DESCRIPTION RATINGS RATINGS RATINGS VALUE (a)
CORPORATE DEBT -- CONTINUED
OIL & GAS -- 3.8%
$ 890,000 Chesapeake Energy Corp., Senior Note
6.875%, 1/15/2016 BB Ba BB $ 867,750
1,000,000 Chesapeake Energy Corp., Senior Note, 144A
7.500%, 6/15/2014 BB Ba BB 1,030,000
500,000 Newfield Exploration Co., Senior Note
7.625%, 3/01/2011 BB Ba NR 542,500
2,650,000 Newfield Exploration Co., Senior Subordinated Note
8.375%, 8/15/2012 BB Ba NR 2,875,250
1,370,000 Vintage Petroleum, Inc., Senior Note
8.250%, 5/01/2012 BB Ba NR 1,452,200
6,767,700
PHARMACEUTICALS -- 3.7%
6,685,000 Biovail Corp., Senior Subordinated Note
7.875%, 4/01/2010 BB B NR 6,601,438
RETAILERS -- 1.9%
1,730,000 Amscan Holdings, Inc., Senior Subordinated Note,
144A 8.750%, 5/01/2014 B B NR 1,699,725
1,745,000 Samsonite Corp., Senior Subordinated Note, 144A
8.875%, 6/01/2011 B B NR 1,806,075
3,505,800
TELEPHONE SYSTEMS -- 14.5%
2,750,000 Centennial Cellular Operating Co./Centennial
Communications Corp., Guaranteed Senior Note
10.125%, 6/15/2013 CCC Caa NR 2,839,375
3,325,000 Cincinnati Bell, Inc., Subordinated Note
8.375%, 1/15/2014 B B B 2,959,250
3,000,000 Dobson Communications Corp., Senior Note
10.875%, 7/01/2010 CCC Caa NR 2,580,000
2,000,000 LCI International, Inc., Senior Note
7.250%, 6/15/2007 NR Caa B 1,810,000
2,600,000 Nextel Communications, Inc., Senior Note
9.375%, 11/15/2009 BB Ba BB 2,778,750
500,000 Nextel Communications, Inc., Senior Note
9.500%, 2/01/2011 BB Ba BB 560,000
750,000 Qwest Capital Funding, Inc., Note
7.900%, 8/15/2010 B Caa B 663,750
</Table>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
11
<Page>
<Table>
<Caption>
PRINCIPAL S&P MOODY'S FITCH
AMOUNT DESCRIPTION RATINGS RATINGS RATINGS VALUE (a)
CORPORATE DEBT -- CONTINUED
TELEPHONE SYSTEMS -- CONTINUED
$ 1,500,000 Qwest Corp., Note, 144A
9.125%, 3/15/2012 BB Ba BB $ 1,620,000
2,000,000 Qwest Services Corp., Senior Subordinated Note,
144A 13.500%, 12/15/2010 B Caa NR 2,325,000
4,168,770 Receivables Structured Trust Corp., Note, 144A
7.440%, 12/10/2006 NR Caa CCC 4,179,192
1,370,000 Rural Cellular Corp., Senior Subordinated Note
9.750%, 1/15/2010 CCC Caa NR 1,243,275
2,613,000 Rural Cellular Corp., Subordinated Note
9.625%, 5/15/2008 CCC Caa NR 2,469,285
26,027,877
TEXTILES, CLOTHING & FABRICS -- 1.6%
3,065,000 Broder Brothers, Senior Note
11.250%, 10/15/2010 B B NR 2,904,088
TRANSPORTATION -- 6.1%
5,965,000 Grupo Transportacion Ferroviaria Mexicana SA de CV,
Senior Note 11.750%, 6/15/2009 B B B 5,815,875
700,000 Kansas City Southern Railway Co., Senior Note
9.500%, 10/01/2008 B B NR 760,375
3,995,000 Laidlaw International, Inc., Senior Note
10.750%, 6/15/2011 B B NR 4,359,544
10,935,794
TOTAL CORPORATE DEBT (IDENTIFIED COST $255,794,632) 258,428,695
</Table>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<Page>
<Table>
<Caption>
PRINCIPAL S&P MOODY'S FITCH
AMOUNT DESCRIPTION RATINGS RATINGS RATINGS VALUE (a)
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
PREFERRED STOCKS -- 2.5%
MEDIA - BROADCASTING & PUBLISHING -- 0.8%
$ 10,700 Paxson Communications Corp. CCC Caa NR $ 937,588
6,250 Primedia, Inc., Series H, 8.625%, 4/01/2010 CCC Caa NR 537,500
1,475,088
TELEPHONE SYSTEMS -- 1.7%
42,687 Dobson Communications Corp., 13.000%, 5/01/2009 NR Caa NR 3,030,777
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS (IDENTIFIED COST $5,851,823) 4,505,865
TOTAL INVESTMENTS -- 146.5%
(IDENTIFIED COST $261,646,455) (b) 262,934,560
Other Assets, Less Liabilities -- 3.7% 6,624,464
Auction Market Preferred Shares plus cumulative
unpaid dividends (50.2%) (90,093,255)
TOTAL NET ASSETS 100% $ 179,465,769
</Table>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
13
<Page>
LEHMAN BROTHERS FIRST TRUST INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND
NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
(a) See Note 2a of Notes to Financial Statements.
(b) Federal Tax Information:
At June 30, 2004, the net unrealized appreciation on investments based on
cost of $261,646,466 for federal income tax purposes was as follows:
<Table>
Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments
in which there is an excess of value over tax cost $ 8,127,971
Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments
in which there is an excess of tax cost over value (6,839,877)
Net unrealized appreciation $ 1,288,094
</Table>
144A Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act
of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from
registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At the period
end, the value of 144A Securities amounted to $62,999,354 or 35.1% of net
assets.
Quality Profile (unaudited)
The quality ratings of securities in the Fund as of June 30, 2004 were as
follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
PERCENT OF
TOTAL
S&P RATING/MOODY'S RATING/FITCH RATING INVESTMENTS AND CASH**
BBB/Baa/BBB 4.3%
BB/Ba/BB 33.4
B/B/B 42.2
CCC/Caa/CCC 16.8
NR (Not Rated) 1.4
Cash 1.9
100.0%
</Table>
** Percentages compiled using the highest rating for each security.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<Page>
LEHMAN BROTHERS FIRST TRUST INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
JUNE 30, 2004
(UNAUDITED)
<Table>
ASSETS
Investments at cost $ 261,646,455
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized appreciation 1,288,105
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENTS AT VALUE 262,934,560
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash 5,090,185
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Receivable for securities sold 1,189,904
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends and interest receivable 5,084,641
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Receivable for open swap contracts 1,068,561
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prepaid expenses 25,070
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS 275,392,921
LIABILITIES
Payable for securities purchased 5,489,112
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fees payable 133,018
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other accrued expenses 211,767
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITES 5,833,897
MONEY MARKET CUMULATIVE PREFERRED SHARES (3,600 SHARES ISSUED
AND OUTSTANDING) AT LIQUIDATION VALUE PLUS CUMULATIVE UNPAID DIVIDENDS 90,093,255
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES $ 179,465,769
=======================================================================================================
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:
Common Shares, no par value; unlimited number of shares authorized, 12,236,933
shares issued and outstanding $ 173,714,972
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Undistributed net investment income 334,036
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated net realized gain on investments 3,045,526
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized appreciation of investments 2,371,235
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES $ 179,465,769
COMPUTATION OF NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE:
NET ASSETS $ 179,465,769
COMMON SHARES ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING 12,236,933
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE $ 14.67
MARKET VALUE (CLOSING PRICE PER SHARE ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE) $ 14.85
</Table>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
15
<Page>
LEHMAN BROTHERS FIRST TRUST INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2004 (UNAUDITED)
<Table>
INVESTMENT INCOME
Interest $ 11,742,840
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends 193,203
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11,936,043
Expenses
Management fee 820,523
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investor service fee 68,378
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trustees' fees and expenses 48,755
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Custodian fee 158,829
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Audit and tax services 20,046
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Legal fee 29,848
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Reports 1,225
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred shares auction 115,674
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insurance expense 48,375
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miscellaneous 22,117
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL EXPENSES 1,333,770
NET INVESTMENT INCOME 10,602,273
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
Realized gain on:
Investments -- net 2,434,370
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:
Investments -- net (13,798,012)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest rate swap contracts -- net 1,083,130
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments (10,280,512)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS 321,761
=======================================================================================================
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS TO PREFERRED SHAREHOLDERS FROM NET INVESTMENT INCOME (518,469)
=======================================================================================================
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
OPERATIONS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES $ (196,708)
=======================================================================================================
</Table>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<Page>
LEHMAN BROTHERS FIRST TRUST INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<Table>
<Caption>
SIX MONTHS
ENDED FOR THE PERIOD
JUNE 30, JULY 28, 2003*
2004 TO
(UNAUDITED) DECEMBER 31, 2003
FROM OPERATIONS:
==================================================================================================================
Net investment income $ 10,602,273 $ 7,542,906
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain on investments 2,434,370 1,163,262
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments (12,714,882) 15,086,117
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends to preferred shareholders from net investment income (518,469) (202,338)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS (196,708) 23,589,947
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
Net investment income (10,093,456) (7,356,716)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized loss on investments -- (192,270)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(10,093,456) (7,548,986)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS DERIVED FROM
COMMON SHARE TRANSACTIONS: 91,299 174,859,218
==================================================================================================================
Offering costs and underwriting discounts on preferred shares 1,000 (1,236,545)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS (10,197,865) 189,663,634
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
Beginning of period 189,663,634 --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of period $ 179,465,769 $ 189,663,634
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNDISTRIBUTED NET INVESTMENT INCOME $ 334,036 $ 343,688
</Table>
* Commencement of operations.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
17
<Page>
LEHMAN BROTHERS FIRST TRUST INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
<Table>
<Caption>
SIX MONTHS FOR THE PERIOD
ENDED JULY 28, 2003*
JUNE 30, THROUGH
2004 DECEMBER 31,
(UNAUDITED) 2003
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD (COMMON SHARES) (a) $ 15.51 $ 14.33
==================================================================================================================
Net Investment Income (b) 0.87 0.64
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments (0.84) 1.31
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends to Preferred Shareholders from Net Investment Income (0.04) (0.02)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS (0.01) 1.93
Less Distributions to Common Shareholders
From Net Investment Income (0.83) (0.60)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Net Realized Gains -- (0.02)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS (0.83) (0.62)
Common Shares Offering Costs Charged to Paid-in Capital -- (0.03)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred Shares Underwriting Commissions and Offering Costs Charged to
Paid in Capital -- (0.10)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF THE PERIOD (COMMON SHARES) $ 14.67 $ 15.51
==================================================================================================================
MARKET VALUE - END OF PERIOD (COMMON SHARES) $ 14.85 $ 15.91
==================================================================================================================
Total Return on Net Asset Value (%) (d) (0.10) 12.73(c)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Return on Market Value (%) (d) (1.42) 10.47(c)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of Expenses (excluding interest expense) to Average Net Assets
Applicable to Common Shares (%) (e) (f) 1.45 1.42
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of Interest Expense to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common
Shares (%) (e) (f) -- 0.19
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common
Shares (%) (e) (f) 11.54 10.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) 48.09 32.08
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares, End of the Period (000) $ 179,466 $ 189,644
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONEY MARKET CUMULATIVE PREFERRED SHARES
==================================================================================================================
Preferred Shares Outstanding, End of Period (000) 90,000 90,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset Coverage Per $1,000 $ 2,994 $ 3,107
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Involuntary Liquidation Preference Per Share (g) $ 25,000 $ 25,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Approximate Market Value Per Share $ 25,000 $ 25,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>
* Commencement of operations.
(a) Net asset value at beginning of period reflects the deduction from the
$15.00 offering price of the sales load of $0.675 per share paid by the
shareholder.
(b) Calculated using average shares outstanding during the period.
(c) Total return on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase at the
offering price of $15.00 less the sales load of $0.675 paid by the
shareholder on the first day and the ending net asset value per share. Total
retun on market value is calculated assuming a purchase at the offering
price of $15.00 on the first day and a sale at the current market price on
the day of the period.
(d) Total return on net asset value and total return on market value are not
reflected on an annualized basis.
(e) Annualized.
(f) Ratios do not reflect the effect of dividend payments to preferred
shareholders. Ratios to average net assets applicable to common shares
reflect Fund's leveraged capital structure.
(g) Plus accumulated and unpaid dividends.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<Page>
LEHMAN BROTHERS FIRST TRUST INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS JUNE 30, 2004 (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1 -- ORGANIZATION
Lehman Brothers First Trust Income Opportunity Fund (the "Fund") was organized
as a statutory trust under the laws of the state of Delaware on April 8, 2003,
and is registered under the Investment Company act of 1940, as amended (the
"1940 Act"), as a diversified, closed-end management investment company. Lehman
Brothers Asset Management Inc. (the "Adviser") is investment adviser to the
Fund. Lincoln Capital Fixed Income Management Company, LLC (a wholly owned
subsidiary of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc.) is the subadviser to the Fund. The
Fund's common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
LBC.
The Fund's investment objective is to seek high total return (income plus
capital appreciation). The Fund will pursue its investment objective by
investing its assets primarily in high yield debt securities.
NOTE 2 -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting
policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial
statements.
A) VALUATION: Debt securities are valued using an independent pricing service
approved by the Board of Trustees, which utilizes closing market prices, market
quotations and transactions, quotations from dealers and various relationships
among securities in determining value. Securities for which closing market
prices or market quotations are not available or are not considered by the
Adviser to be reflective of a security's market value, are valued at their fair
value as determined in good faith under consistently applied procedures
established by and under the supervision of the Board of Trustees. Criteria
considered in making this determination may include, but is not limited to, a
review of other securities by the same issuer for which market quotations are
available, recent bid and ask prices for the security, the issuer's position in
and economic outlook of the industry and, if necessary, a review of similar
securities in similar industries. Securities with remaining maturities of 60
days or less are valued at amortized cost. This method involves valuing a
portfolio security initially at its cost and thereafter assumes a constant
amortization to maturity of any discount or premium.
B) SECURITY TRANSACTIONS AND RELATED INVESTMENT INCOME: Security transactions
are recorded on a trade date basis. Dividend income is recorded on the
ex-dividend date. Interest income, including amortization of premium and
accretion of discount on securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized
gains and losses on investments are recorded on the basis of identified cost.
C) ORGANIZATION AND OFFERING COSTS: The Adviser has agreed to pay all
organizational expenses and the amount by which the Fund's offering costs for
common stock (other than sales load) exceeded $0.03 per share. Offering costs
for common stock paid for the Fund were charged as a reduction of common stock
paid-in-capital at the completion of the Fund's offering and amounted to
$366,000.
Additionally, offering costs of approximately $337,000 incurred with respect to
the issuance of Preferred Shares and paid by the Fund were charged as a
reduction of common stock paid-in-capital at the completion of the Fund's
preferred shares offering.
D) FEDERAL INCOME TAXES: It is the policy of the Fund to comply with the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment
companies and distribute all of its net taxable income, including any net
realized gains on investments, to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income
tax provision is required.
E) REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS: The Fund is permitted to enter into reverse
repurchase agreements with banks or securities firms deemed creditworthy by the
Adviser. A reverse repurchase agreement involves the sale of a security by the
Fund, with an agreement to repurchase the same or substantially similar security
at an agreed upon price and date. Securities purchased subject to repurchase
agreements must have an aggregate market value greater than or equal to the
repurchase price plus accrued interest at all times. Reverse repurchase
agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities purchased
with the proceeds from the sale of securities received by the Fund may decline
below the price of the securities that the Fund is obligated to repurchase.
There were no reverse repurchase agreements outstanding at June 30, 2004.
19
<Page>
F) SWAP AGREEMENTS: The Fund may invest in swap agreements. A swap is an
agreement to exchange the return generated by one instrument for the return
generated by another instrument. The Fund may enter into interest rate swap
agreements to manage its exposure to interest rates and credit risk. Interest
rate swap agreements involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of
their respective commitments to pay or receive interest. Swaps are marked to
market daily based upon quotations from market makers and the change in value,
if any, is recorded as unrealized gain or loss in the Statement of Operations.
Net payments of interest on interest rate swap agreements are included as part
of interest income. Entering into these agreements involves, to varying degrees,
elements of credit, market and documentation risk in excess of the amounts
recognized on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Such risks involve the
possibility that there will be no liquid market for these agreements, that the
counterparty to these agreements may default on its obligation to perform and
that there may be unfavorable changes in interest rates. At June 30, 2004, the
Fund had the following open swap agreements:
<Table>
<Caption>
NET UNREALIZED APPRECIATION
NOTIONAL AMOUNT EXPIRATION DATE DESCRIPTION (DEPRECIATION)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22,500,000 USD 03/15/07 Agreement with Citibank N.A. dated 03/11/04 $ 672,800
to pay the notional amount multiplied by
2.27% and to receive the notional amount
multiplied by the 1 month U.S. Dollars -
London Interbank Offered Rate - British
Bankers Association (USD - LIBOR - BBA)
adjusted for compounding.
22,500,000 USD 03/15/06 Agreement with Citibank N.A. dated 03/11/04 $ 410,330
to pay the notional amount multiplied by
1.78% and to receive the notional amount
multiplied by the 1 month U.S. Dollars -
London Interbank Offered Rate - British
Bankers Association (USD - LIBOR - BBA)
adjusted for compounding
</Table>
NOTE 3 -- FEES AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
The Fund pays all expenses incurred in connection with the operations of the
Fund. These expenses, among others, include custodian and fund accounting and
administrative fees, legal and audit fees, fees and expenses of the
disinterested Trustees, registration fees, and printing expenses.
The Fund pays the Adviser a monthly fee computed at an annual rate of 0.60% of
the Fund's average daily "Managed Assets" (net assets, including assets
attributable to any outstanding preferred shares, plus the aggregate principal
amount of any borrowings). The Adviser is responsible for developing,
implementing and supervising the Fund's investment program and providing certain
administrative services to the Fund. The Adviser has retained Lincoln Capital
Fixed Income Management Company, LLC ("Lincoln Capital"), to serve as the
sub-adviser of the Fund and to manage the Fund's investment portfolio. The
Adviser compensates Lincoln Capital for its services as sub-adviser. The Adviser
pays Lincoln Capital a monthly sub-advisory fee calculated at the following
annual percentage rates of the Fund's average daily Managed Assets: 0.55% on the
Fund's first $25 million of Managed Assets, 0.45% on the next $25 million of
Managed Assets, 0.35% on the next $50 million of Managed Assets, and 0.30% on
Managed Assets that are in excess of $100 million. The Adviser and Lincoln
Capital are wholly owned subsidiaries of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., a
publicly traded corporation.
First Trust Portfolio L.P. ("First Trust") serves as the Fund's distribution and
marketing agent, and investor servicing agent. As the Fund's distribution and
marketing agent, First Trust provides certain distribution and marketing
services for the Fund's common shares including preparing marketing materials
and presentations, developing contacts with brokers whose clients may have an
interest in acquiring Fund shares and replying to
<Page>
information requests from prospective investors. In consideration for these
services, First Trust receives a fee paid by the Adviser.
First Trust, as the investor servicing agent, developed and maintains a website
for the Fund, assists in the review of shareholder materials, assists in the
dissemination of the Fund's net asset value and market price, provides ongoing
shareholder and account maintenance services, replies to information requests
from shareholders and aids in secondary market support. In consideration for
these services, the Fund pays First Trust a monthly fee computed at the annual
rate 0.05% of the Fund's average daily Managed Assets. For the period ended June
30, 2004, the Fund paid First Trust, as the investor servicing agent, a fee
equal to $68,378.
During the period July 28, 2003 (commencement of operations) through December
31, 2003, Lehman Brothers Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, received
underwriting commissions equal to $900,000 in connection with the offering of
the Fund's preferred stock.
The Fund pays no compensation to its officers or to its Trustees who are
interested Trustees of the Adviser or its affiliates.
NOTE 4 -- INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES
For the six months ended June 30, 2004, purchases and sales of investments,
other than short-term securities, aggregated $136,664,943 and $128,049,347,
respectively.
NOTE 5 -- MONEY MARKET CUMULATIVE PREFERRED SHARES
The Fund is authorized to issue 3,750 Money Market Cumulative Preferred Shares
("MMP"), each without par value. On October 22, 2003, the Fund issued 3,600 MMP
with proceeds of $90,000,000 in a public offering. The underwriting commissions
and offering costs of $1,236,545 were incurred in connection with the offering
and were charged directly to paid-in capital of the common shares. Dividends on
the MMP are cumulative at a rate which was established at the offering and have
been reset every twenty-eight days thereafter by an auction. The Fund pays
commissions to certain broker-dealers at the end of each auction at an annual
rate of 0.25%. For the six months ended June 30, 2004, Lehman Government
Securities, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, earned $112,192 in commissions.
The MMP are redeemable at the option of the Fund at a redemption price equal to
$25,000 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, on any dividend
payment date. The MMP are also subject to mandatory redemption at a redemption
price equal to $25,000 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if the
Fund defaults on its asset maintenance requirements with respect to the MMP and
fails to cure such a default within the time permitted. If the dividends on the
MMP shall remain unpaid in an amount equal to two full years' dividends, the
holders of the MMP, as a class, have the right to elect a majority of the Board
of Trustees. In general, the holders of the MMP and the common shares have equal
voting rights of one vote per share, except that the holders of the MMP, as a
separate class, have the right to elect at least two members of the Board of
Trustees and to vote under certain other circumstances specified in the Fund's
Amended By-Laws. The MMP have a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share,
plus accumulated and unpaid dividends. The Fund is required to maintain certain
asset coverage with respect to the MMP as defined in the Fund's Amended By-Laws
and the Investment Company Act of 1940.
NOTE 6 -- DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
The Fund intends to make monthly distributions of net investment income to
common shareholders, after payments of any dividends on outstanding MMP.
Distributions to common shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
Distributions to preferred shareholders are recorded daily and are payable at
the end of each dividend period. Each dividend payment period for the MMP is
generally twenty-eight days. For the six month period ended June 30, 2004, the
dividend rates for MMP ranged from 1.09% to 1.35%. The dividend rate for MMP on
June 30, 2004 was 1.35%. In addition, at least annually, the Fund intends to
distribute net capital gains, if any. The timing and characterization of certain
income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal
tax regulations which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America. Permanent differences between book and tax
accounting relating to distributions are reclassified to paid-in capital.
21
<Page>
NOTE 7 -- SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
The Fund's Declaration of Trust authorizes the Trustees to issue an unlimited
number of common shares for the Fund, each without par value. Transactions in
common shares were as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
FOR THE
PERIOD
SIX MONTHS JULY 28, 2003 (a)
ENDED TO
JUNE 30, 2004 DECEMBER 31, 2003
--------------------- -------------------------------
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
--------- --------- -------------- --------------
Shares purchased by investment adviser -- $ -- $ 6,667 $ 100,005
Initial Public Offering on July 28, 2003 (b) -- -- 11,000,000 157,245,000
Purchase of additional shares by underwritings on
August 22, 2003 and September 16, 2003 (c) -- -- 1,200,000 17,154,000
Shares issued pursuant to the Fund's
dividend reinvestment plan 5,991 91,299 24,275 360,213
--------- --------- -------------- --------------
Increase derived from capital share transactions 5,991 $ 91,299 12,230,942 $ 174,859,218
========= ========= ============== ==============
</Table>
(a) Commencement of operations.
(b) After deduction of underwriting commissions and offering costs of
$7,755,000.
(c) After deduction of underwriting commissions and offering costs of $846,000.
NOTE 8 -- CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
The Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in investments
offering high current income, which generally will be in the lower rating
categories of recognized rating agencies. These investments are regarded as
predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay
principal in accordance with the terms of the obligations and will generally
involve more credit risk than securities in the higher rating categories. In
addition, the trading market for high yield investments may be relatively less
liquid than the market for higher-rated investments.
NOTE 9 -- UNAUDITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The financial information included in this interim report is taken from the
records of the Fund without audit by independent auditors. Annual reports
contain audited financial statements.
<Page>
OTHER INFORMATION
SHAREHOLDER VOTING RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
The annual meeting of the Trust's shareholders was held on June 03, 2004 at
which shareholders considered and approved one proposal. The voting results were
as follows:
PROPOSAL The election of two Class I Trustees of the Fund: (1)
Ms. Margaret Eisen was elected by holders of the Common
Shares and the MMP Shares of the Fund, voting together
as a single class; (2) Mr. Eugene Matthews was elected
by holders of the MMP Shares of the Fund, voting
separately.
<Table>
<Caption>
SHARES SHARES
FOR WITHHELD TOTAL
---------- -------- ----------
MARGARET M. EISEN: Number of Votes Cast: 11,993,978 32,639 12,026,617
Percentage of Votes Cast: 99.729% .271% 100.00%
EUGENE A. MATTHEWS: Number of Votes Cast: 3,240 0 3,240
Percentage of Votes Cast: 100.00% 0% 100.00%
</Table>
23
<Page>
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN (UNAUDITED)
The Fund has a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the "Plan") commonly referred to as
an "opt-out" plan. Each common shareholder will have all distributions of
dividends and capital gains automatically reinvested in additional common shares
by Investors Bank & Trust Company, as agent for shareholders pursuant to the
Plan (the "Plan Agent"), unless the shareholder elects to receive cash or unless
the shares are registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other nominee (that
is, in "street name") and the respective nominee does not participate in the
Plan. For Plan participants, the Plan Agent will either (i) effect purchases of
common shares under the Plan in the open market or (ii) distribute newly issued
common shares of the Fund. Shareholders who elect not to participate in the Plan
will receive all distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to the
shareholder of record (or if the shares are held in street or other nominee
name, then to the nominee) by the Plan Agent, as dividend disbursing agent.
Certain broker-dealers and nominees do not permit their clients to participate
in dividend reinvestment plans. Shareholders whose common shares are held in the
name of a broker or nominee should contact the broker or nominee to determine
whether and how they may participate in the Plan.
The Plan Agent serves as agent for the shareholders in administering the Plan.
After the Fund declares a dividend or makes a capital gain distribution, the
Plan Agent will, as agent for the participants, either (i) receive the cash
payment and use it to buy common shares in the open market, on the New York
Stock Exchange or elsewhere, for the participants' accounts or (ii) distribute
newly issued common shares of the Fund on behalf of the participants. The Plan
Agent will receive cash from the Fund with which to buy common shares in the
open market if, on the determination date, the net asset value per share exceeds
the market price per share plus estimated brokerage commissions on that date.
The Plan Agent will receive the dividend or distribution in newly issued common
shares of the Fund if, on the determination date, the market price per share
plus estimated brokerage commissions equals or exceeds the net asset value per
share of the Fund on that date. The number of shares to be issued will be
computed at a per share rate equal to the greater of (i) the net asset value or
(ii) 95% of the closing market price per share on the payment date.
Participants in the Plan may withdraw from the Plan upon written notice to the
Plan Agent. Such withdrawal will be effective immediately if received not less
than ten days prior to a distribution record date; otherwise, it will be
effective for all subsequent dividend record dates. When a participant withdraws
from the Plan or upon termination of the Plan as provided below, certificates
for whole common shares credited to his or her account under the Plan will be
issued and a cash payment will be made for any fraction of a common share
credited to such account. In the alternative, upon receipt of the participant's
instructions, common shares will be sold and the proceeds sent to the
participant less brokerage commissions and any applicable taxes.
The Plan Agent maintains each shareholder's account in the Plan and furnishes
confirmations of all acquisitions made for the participant. Common shares in the
account of each Plan participant will be held by the Plan Agent on behalf of the
participant. Proxy material relating to shareholders' meetings of the Fund will
include those shares purchased as well as shares held pursuant to the Plan.
In the case of shareholders, such as banks, brokers or nominees, which hold
common shares for others who are the beneficial owners, the Plan Agent will
administer the Plan on the basis of the number of common shares certified from
time to time by the record shareholders as representing the total amount
registered in the record shareholder's name and held for the account of
beneficial owners who are participants in the Plan.
The Plan Agent's fees for the handling of reinvestment of dividends and other
distributions will be paid by the Fund. Each participant will pay a pro rata
share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan Agent's open
market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of distributions. There are
no other charges to participants for reinvesting dividends or capital gain
distributions; however, the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include
a service charge payable by the participants.
The automatic reinvestment of dividends and other distributions will not relieve
participants of any income tax that may be payable or required to be withheld on
such dividends or distributions.
The Fund and the Plan Agent reserve the right to amend or terminate the Plan.
All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to: Investors Bank &
Trust Company, 200 Clarendon Street, Mail Stop OPS22, Boston, MA 02116
(Telephone) 617-937-6226.
<Page>
TRUSTEE AND OFFICER TABLE (UNAUDITED)
Set forth below is information about the Trustees. The address for each Trustee
is Lehman Brothers Asset Management Inc., 399 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022.
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES:
<Table>
<Caption>
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS
OVERSEEN IN OTHER
LEHMAN TRUSTEESHIPS
TERM OF BROTHERS HELD OUTSIDE OF
OFFICE AND ASSET LEHMAN
LENGTH OF MANAGEMENT BROTHERS ASSET
NAME AND POSITION TIME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS FOR LAST FIVE FUNDS MANAGEMENT
DATE OF BIRTH WITH FUND SERVED YEARS COMPLEX FUNDS COMPLEX
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General James E. Dalton, Trustee Trustee Board of Directors, Chair of the Audit 1 None
USAF (Retired) since 2003 Committee at William Lyon Homes, a home
10/17/1930 building business (since 1991); Director
of Defense Group Inc., a defense business
(since 1999); Director of Finance America,
a mortgage business (since 2002);
formerly, Vice President of Logicon Inc.,
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northrop
Grumman (1985-1998); General Manager of
Logicon's Defense Technology Group
(1995-1998).
Margaret M. (Peggy) Eisen Trustee Trustee Managing Director and Chief Investment 1 Director, Chair of
6/19/1953 since 2003 Officer of EAM International, LLC, an Compensation
investment banking and asset management Committee, and
firm (since 2003); formerly, Managing Member of the Audit
Director of DeGuardiola Advisors, an Committee of
investment bank specializing in mergers Antigenics
and acquisitions of investment management Corporation, a
firms (2001-2002); Managing Director of bio-pharmaceutical
North American Equities of General Motors company (since
Investment Management Corporation 2003); Director of
(1995-2001). Instinet Group,
Inc., a global
electronics
securities broker
(since 2004);
Trustee of Columbia
Acorn family of
Wanger Asset
Management (six
portfolios under
management) (since
2002).
Michael M. Knetter Trustee Trustee Dean of the University of 1 None
4/8/1960 since 2003 Wisconsin-Madison School of Business
(since 2002); formerly, Professor of
International Economics and Associate Dean
at the Amos Tuck School of Business --
Dartmouth College (1997-2002).
</Table>
25
<Page>
<Table>
<Caption>
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS
OVERSEEN IN OTHER
LEHMAN TRUSTEESHIPS
TERM OF BROTHERS HELD OUTSIDE OF
OFFICE AND ASSET LEHMAN
LENGTH OF MANAGEMENT BROTHERS ASSET
NAME AND POSITION TIME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS FOR LAST FIVE FUNDS MANAGEMENT
DATE OF BIRTH WITH FUND SERVED YEARS COMPLEX FUNDS COMPLEX
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eugene A. Matthews Trustee Trustee President of Nintai, Incorporated, an 1 None
11/9/1958 since 2003 investment advisory firm (since 1997);
formerly, Senior Fellow of Asia Studies
for the Council of Foreign Relations
(2001-2003); founding and general Partner
of Apax-Globis Japan, Inc., a private
equity investment firm (1998-present);
Founder/President of Ashta International,
a Vietnamese investment firm (1989).
George W. Morriss Trustee Trustee Executive Vice President and Chief 1 None
9/24/1947 since 2003 Financial Officer of People's Bank, a
financial services company (1991-2001).
</Table>
INTERESTED TRUSTEES:
<Table>
Stephanie E. Dolan Trustee Trustee Senior Vice President of Lehman Brothers 1 None
4/4/1963 since 2003 Inc.; Controller of Lehman Brothers Asset
Management.
Scott Hall Trustee Trustee Managing Director of First Trust Advisors 1 None
1/12/1957 since 2003 L.P. and First Trust Portfolios L.P.
(since 1992).
Kurt A. Locher Trustee Trustee Managing Director of Lehman Brothers Inc. 1 None
5/9/1966 since 2003 (since 1998); Managing Director of Lehman
Brothers Asset Management (since 2003);
Vice President of Lincoln Capital (since
2003); Director of BNC Mortgage Inc.
(since 2000), Finance America LLC (since
1999), and TrueLink Inc. (since 1999);
formerly, President of Lehman Brothers
Bank, F.S.B. (1999); and Senior Vice
President of Lehman Brothers Inc.
(1995-1998).
</Table>
<Page>
Set forth below is information about the officers of the Fund. Each officer
serves for a one-year term. The address for each officer is Lehman Brothers
Asset Management Inc., 399 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022.
<Table>
<Caption>
NAME AND POSITION
DATE OF BIRTH WITH FUND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION FOR LAST FIVE YEARS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bradley Tank President Chief Executive Officer of Lehman Brothers Asset Management; Managing
9/29/1957 Director and Global Head of Fixed Income Asset Management for Lehman
Brothers (since 2002); formerly, Director of Fixed Income for Strong
Capital Management in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin (1990-2002).
Edward Grieb Treasurer Chief Financial Officer of Lehman Brothers Asset Management; Managing
9/22/1961 Director (since 2003) and Assistant Controller for Lehman Brothers
(since 1997).
Jonathan Morris Secretary Senior Vice President of Lehman Brothers Asset Management; Senior Vice
3/1/1956 President and General Counsel for Lehman Brother's Wealth and Asset
Management business, including Lehman Brothers Private Client Services
Division and asset management and investment advisory business (since
1997).
</Table>
The Fund's Statement of Additional Information includes additional information
about the Trustees of the Fund and is available without charge, upon request, by
calling 1-800-988-5196 or visiting the Fund's website at
www.lbftincomeopportunity.com.
A description of the Fund's proxy voting policies and procedures is available
(1) on the Fund's website at www.lbftincomeopportunity.com and (2) on the
Commission's website 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, 2004 is
available on the Fund's website www.lbftincomeopportunity.com.
27
<Page>
This page intentionally left blank
<Page>
[LEHMAN BROTHERS LOGO]
(C)2004 Lehman Brothers Inc.All Rights Reserved. LB10183
<Page>
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Not applicable.
ITEMS 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable.
ITEMS 8. PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT
COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
Not applicable.
ITEMS 9. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) The Registrant's Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial
Officer have concluded that the Registrant's disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company
Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) were effective as of a date within
90 days prior to the filing date of this report, based upon their
evaluation of the effectiveness of the Registrant's disclosure controls
and procedures as of the Evaluation Date.
(b) There were no changes in the Registrant's internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17
CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the Registrant's last fiscal
half-year (the Registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of an
annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial
reporting.
ITEM 11. EXHIBITS.
(a)(1) Not applicable.
(a)(2) Separate certifications for the Registrant's Principal Executive
Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) are attached hereto
as Exhibit 99CERT.
<Page>
(a)(3) Not Applicable
(b) Certifications for the Registrant's Principal Executive Officer and
Principal Financial Officer, as required by Rule 30a-2(b), under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 are attached here to as Exhibit 99.906CERT.
These certifications are being furnished to the Securities and Exchange
Commission solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350 and are not being filed
as part of the Form N-CSR with the Commission.
<Page>
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.
Lehman Brothers First Trust Income Opportunity Fund
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
By: /S/ Bradley Tank
---------------------------------------------------------
Bradley Tank, President/Chief Executive Officer
Date August 30, 2004
-----------------------------
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/ Bradley Tank
---------------------------------------------------------
Bradley Tank, President/Chief Executive Officer
Date August 30, 2004
-----------------------------
By: /S/ Edward Grieb
---------------------------------------------------------
Edward Grieb, Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer
Date August 30, 2004
-----------------------------