N-CSR 1 nbiof-ncsr.htm




As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 7, 2008

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

(Address of Principal Executive Offices – Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 476-8800

Peter E. Sundman, Chief Executive Officer

c/o Neuberger Berman Management Inc.

Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity Fund Inc.

605 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor

New York, New York  10158-0180

Arthur C. Delibert, Esq.

Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP

1601 K Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20006-1600

(Names and Addresses of agents for service)

Date of fiscal year end: October 31, 2007

Date of reporting period: October 31, 2007

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, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.


Item 1. Reports to Shareholders

Neuberger Berman

Income Opportunity

Fund Inc.


(Ticker Symbol: NOX)

Annual Report

October 31, 2007



Contents

THE FUND

Chairman's Letter     1    

 

PORTFOLIO COMMENTARY

Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity Fund     2    
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS/TOP TEN EQUITY HOLDINGS     7    
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     17    
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS/PER SHARE DATA     27    
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm     29    
Distribution Reinvestment Plan     30    
Directory     32    
Directors and Officers     33    
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures     42    
Quarterly Portfolio Schedule     42    
Notice to Shareholders     42    
Board Consideration of the Management and
Sub-Advisory Agreements
    42    

 

"Neuberger Berman" and the Neuberger Berman logo are service marks of Neuberger Berman, LLC. "Neuberger Management Inc." and the individual Fund name in this shareholder report are either service marks or registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Management Inc. ©2007 Neuberger Berman Management Inc. All rights reserved.



Chairman's Letter

Dear Shareholder,

I am pleased to present to you this annual report for Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity Fund Inc. for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007. 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 with capital appreciation as a secondary objective 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,

Peter Sundman
Chairman of the Board
Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity Fund Inc.


1



Income Opportunity Fund Inc. Portfolio Commentary

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, on a net asset value (NAV) basis, Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity Fund Inc. had a negative return, due largely to weakness in the real estate segment of the portfolio.

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 10 years or less at the time of initial investment and another portion in real estate company securities, including real estate investment trust (REIT) common stock and REIT preferred shares.

At the end of the reporting period, the Fund held 43.6% of its investments in REIT common stocks, 11.3% in REIT preferred shares, 42.2% in bonds and 2.9% in cash and cash equivalents.

Real Estate Investment Trust Holdings

During the 12-month reporting period, the Fund's real estate holdings declined overall, trailing the FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index, which provided a modest advance.

The FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index enjoyed strong performance early in the fiscal year, but declined substantially in June and July, when subprime mortgage defaults sparked investor concern that the economy could slide into recession and in the process undermine commercial real estate fundamentals. Momentum investors, meanwhile, began rotating out of domestic yield-oriented sectors such as REITs and Utilities and into industry groups such as Information Technology and U.S. based multinationals believed to be prime beneficiaries of stronger international economic growth. Significant selling pressure also resulted from hedge funds unwinding large positions in REITs. Finally, the flurry of merger and acquisition activity that had provided a strong tailwind for REITs over the previous year diminished. In the first half of fiscal 2007, there were more than a dozen REIT deals with a total value north of $50 billion. That attracted inv estors who later lost interest and moved elsewhere when deal activity slowed. A fall rally helped trim the losses, leaving the index with a modest gain for the reporting period.

For the fiscal year, the shortfall in performance for the real estate segment of the portfolio was due to the weakness of Office and Commercial Finance sector holdings. Our Commercial Finance companies do not make subprime residential loans or hold mortgage backed securities. Nevertheless, subprime mortgage concerns and the resulting credit crunch caused a decline in the value of these holdings. Meanwhile, our Office sector stocks, an overweight, trailed benchmark sector components.

In contrast, our allocation to the Health Care sector, which was the fourth-best performing sector in the REIT universe, had a modestly positive impact on performance, as did our exposure to the Shopping Center sector.

Looking forward, we believe that REITs can deliver favorable returns in the coming fiscal year, supported by our expectations for above-average earnings growth and favorable yields. Although REITs are valued at the higher end of historical norms, they still trade at a roughly 10% discount to net asset value. We believe that a tight supply of credit will limit commercial real estate development, helping to preserve favorable supply/demand dynamics in many REIT sectors.

High Yield Securities Holdings

The high yield bond market outperformed Treasuries during the first seven months of the reporting period, but investors' aversion to risk later dragged down performance. For the full fiscal year, the high yield segment of the Fund earned positive returns and slightly trailed the performance of the Lehman Brothers U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Cap Index.

RATING DIVERSIFICATION

High Yield Bond Holdings, as % of Portfolio  
AAA/Government/Government Agency     0.0 %  
AA     0.0    
A     0.0    
BBB     1.5    
BB     24.8    
B     26.0    
CCC     9.2    
CC     0.0    
C     0.0    
D     0.0    
Short Term     1.5    

 


2



Security selection in the Food and Beverage and Technology sectors detracted from returns. Portfolio performance was enhanced, however, by our security selection and overweighting in the Health Care, Services, Energy, Media and Utilities sectors. We also had no exposure to Real Estate firms or Homebuilders, which further benefited performance.

The portfolio segment's weighted average maturity and duration (a standard measure of interest rate risk) fluctuated only modestly over the 12-month reporting period. This was a function of security selection rather than an attempt to anticipate interest rate trends. Our bias toward intermediate maturity securities, which we believe generally have more attractive risk/reward characteristics than longer maturity bonds, has usually resulted in weighted average maturity and duration that are slightly lower than benchmark levels. On the credit front, we increased our exposure to BB rated securities (the highest rated securities in our universe) at attractive prices during the market volatility in September and the portfolio's present quality distribution stands in line with the benchmark.

We believe that economic growth will moderate and we have been gravitating to less economically sensitive industry groups, such as Health Care, Broadcasting, Cable Television, Packaging, Metals and Publishing. At the same time, the portfolio is underweight in more cyclical industries, including Energy, Paper, Homebuilders and Capital Goods.

Sincerely,

  

Steven R. Brown, Ann H. Benjamin
and Thomas P. O'Reilly
Portfolio Co-Managers

INDUSTRY DIVERSIFICATION

Equity Holdings, as % of Portfolio  
Apartments            5.0%    
Commercial Financing     12.0    
Commercial Services     2.0    
Community Centers     2.0    
Diversified     10.8    
Health Care     9.2    
Industrial     9.3    
Lodging     4.8    
Office     14.0    
Office-Industrial     2.7    
Real Estate/REIT     0.4    
Regional Malls     5.8    
Self Storage     2.2    
Short-Term Investments     29.9    
Liabilities, less cash,
receivables and other assets,
and Liquidation Value of
Auction Market Preferred Shares
     (73.1)  

 


3



Income Opportunity Fund Inc.

1 YEAR TOTAL RETURN

    Income Opportunity Fund4
AMEX Ticker Symbol NOX
 
NAV1,3      (7.32 %)  
Market Price2,3      (10.46 %)  

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (LIFE OF FUND AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2007)

    Income Opportunity Fund4
AMEX Ticker Symbol NOX
 
NAV1,3      12.38 %  
Market Price2,3      8.10 %  
Inception Date   06/24/2003  

 

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. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.


4



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.

4  Unaudited performance data current to the most recent month-end are available at www.nb.com.


5



Glossary of Indices

FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index:   The FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index tracks the performance of all Equity REITs currently listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ National Market System and the American Stock Exchange. REITs are classified as Equity if 75% or more of their gross invested book assets are invested directly or indirectly in equity of commercial properties.  
Lehman Brothers U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Cap Index:   The Lehman Brothers U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Cap Index is an unmanaged sub-index of the Lehman Brothers U.S. Corporate High Yield Index (which includes all U.S. dollar-denominated, taxable, fixed rate, non-investment grade debt), capped such that no single issuer accounts for more than 2% of the index weight.  

 

Please note that the indices do not take into account any fees and expenses or any tax consequences of investing in the individual securities that they track and that investors cannot invest directly in any index. Data about the performance of each index are prepared or obtained by Neuberger Berman Management Inc. and include reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. The Fund may invest in securities not included in the indices.


6



Schedule of Investments Income Opportunity Fund Inc.

TOP TEN EQUITY HOLDINGS

  Holding   %  
  1     iStar Financial     5.9    
  2     DCT Industrial Trust     4.6    
  3     NorthStar Realty Finance     4.3    
  4     Mid-America Apartment Communities     3.7    
  5     First Industrial Realty Trust     3.6    
  Holding   %  
  6     Capital Trust     3.6    
  7     Glimcher Realty Trust     3.2    
  8     Gramercy Capital     3.2    
  9     American Financial Realty Trust     2.6    
  10     Mack-Cali Realty     2.4    

 

NUMBER OF SHARES       MARKET VALUE
(000's omitted)
 
Common Stocks (63.6%)      
Apartments (2.4%)      
  21,000     Apartment Investment & Management   $ 981    
  69,500     Education Realty Trust     899    
  66,500     Mid-America Apartment Communities     3,458    
  26,400     Post Properties     1,083    
            6,421    
Commercial Financing (12.0%)      
  288,500     Capital Trust     9,728 È   
  126,100     CBRE Realty Finance     616    
  390,600     Crystal River Capital     5,683 È   
  325,600     Gramercy Capital     8,586    
  838,400     NorthStar Realty Finance     7,839 È   
            32,452    
Community Centers (1.4%)      
  92,000     Tanger Factory Outlet Centers     3,875 È   
Diversified (7.8%)      
  152,100     Colonial Properties Trust     4,765 È   
  256,100     iStar Financial     7,814    
  300,760     Lexington Realty Trust     5,952 È   
  64,400     Macquarie Infrastructure     2,689    
            21,220    
Health Care (8.3%)      
  33,000     Health Care Property Investors     1,123    
  116,802     Health Care REIT     5,173 È   
  40,600     Healthcare Realty Trust     1,074    
  134,300     Nationwide Health Properties     4,193 È   
  338,300     OMEGA Healthcare Investors     5,660    
  119,700     Ventas, Inc.     5,134    
            22,357    
Industrial (9.3%)      
  1,164,100     DCT Industrial Trust     12,491 È   
  61,400     EastGroup Properties     2,928    
  240,800     First Industrial Realty Trust     9,813 È   
            25,232    

 

NUMBER OF SHARES       MARKET VALUE
(000's omitted)
 
Lodging (1.3%)      
  74,500     Ashford Hospitality Trust   $ 733    
  62,000     Hospitality Properties Trust     2,455    
  11,100     Sunstone Hotel Investors     309    
            3,497    
Office (12.9%)      
  1,047,800     American Financial Realty Trust     7,062    
  17,000     BioMed Realty Trust     406    
  241,336     Brandywine Realty Trust     6,243    
  163,900     Highwoods Properties     5,894 È   
  330,000     HRPT Properties Trust     3,099    
  160,800     Mack-Cali Realty     6,366 È   
  214,500     Maguire Properties     5,845 È   
            34,915    
Office—Industrial (1.4%)      
  13,800     Duke Realty     444    
  90,600     Liberty Property Trust     3,408    
            3,852    
Regional Malls (4.6%)      
  72,666     CBL & Associates Properties     2,406    
  257,000     Glimcher Realty Trust     5,705 È   
  113,700     Pennsylvania REIT     4,338    
            12,449    
Self Storage (2.2%)      
  4,700     Public Storage     381    
  2,700     Public Storage, Depositary Shares     69    
  115,900     Sovran Self Storage     5,483 È   
            5,933    
      Total Common Stocks (Cost $162,871)     172,203    
Preferred Stocks (16.6%)      
Apartments (2.6%)      
  12,400     Apartment Investment & Management, Ser. T     307    
  10,000     Apartment Investment & Management, Ser. U     246    

 


See Notes to Schedule of Investments 7



NUMBER OF SHARES       MARKET VALUE
(000's omitted)
 
  252,200     Mid-America Apartment Communities, Ser. H   $ 6,486    
            7,039    
Commercial Services (2.0%)      
  20,000     Anthracite Capital, Ser. C     388 È   
  20,000     Newcastle Investment, Ser. B     423 È   
  39,500     Newcastle Investment, Ser. D     766    
  200,000     NorthStar Realty Finance, Ser. A     3,775    
            5,352    
Community Centers (0.6%)      
  20,000     Cedar Shopping Centers, Ser. A     515    
  12,000     Developers Diversified Realty, Ser. I     287    
  34,000     Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Ser. C     850 È   
            1,652    
Diversified (3.0%)      
  200,000     iStar Financial, Ser. E     4,570    
  160,000     iStar Financial, Ser. F     3,611    
            8,181    
Health Care (0.9%)      
  25,000     Health Care REIT, Ser. D     616    
  18,200     LTC Properties, Ser. E     940    
  34,000     LTC Properties, Ser. F     813    
            2,369    
Lodging (3.5%)      
  36,000     AP AIMCAP, Ser. A     717  
  154,600     Equity Inns, Ser. B     2,705 È   
  22,600     Hersha Hospitality Trust, Ser. A     530    
  16,000     Host Hotels & Resorts, Ser. E     418 È   
  77,500     LaSalle Hotel Properties, Ser. B     1,949    
  28,000     LaSalle Hotel Properties, Ser. D     629    
  33,000     LaSalle Hotel Properties, Ser. E     800    
  31,000     Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Ser. B     723    
  51,300     Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Ser. C     1,180 È   
            9,651    
Office (1.1%)      
  60,000     DRA CRT Acquisition, Ser. A     1,277    
  60,000     Kilroy Realty, Ser. E     1,500    
  6,800     SL Green Realty, Ser. D     172    
            2,949    
Office—Industrial (1.3%)      
  25,000     Digital Realty Trust, Ser. A     630    
  16,900     Digital Realty Trust, Ser. B     406    
  50,000     LBA Realty Fund LP     2,192    
  8,000     PS Business Parks, Ser. K     201 È   
            3,429    

 

NUMBER OF SHARES       MARKET VALUE
(000's omitted)
 
Real Estate/REIT (0.4%)      
  50,000     Ashford Hospitality Trust, Ser. D   $ 1,149    
Regional Malls (1.2%)      
  60,000     Glimcher Realty Trust, Ser. F     1,470    
  61,800     Glimcher Realty Trust, Ser. G     1,434    
  11,300     Taubman Centers, Ser. G     284    
            3,188    
      Total Preferred Stocks (Cost $48,760)     44,959    

 


See Notes to Schedule of Investments 8



PRINCIPAL AMOUNT       RATING§    VALUE   
(000's omitted)       Moody's   S&P   (000's omitted)  
Corporate Debt Securities (61.5%)      
Aerospace/Defense (1.0%)      
  $  1,225     L-3 Communications Corp., Guaranteed Senior Unsecured Subordinated Notes, 7.63%, due 6/15/12   Ba3   BB+   $ 1,260    
  105     L-3 Communications Corp., Guaranteed Senior Unsecured Subordinated Notes,
6.13%, due 7/15/13
  Ba3   BB+     104    
  1,440     L-3 Communications Corp., Guaranteed Notes, Ser. B, 6.38%, due 10/15/15   Ba3   BB+     1,440    
                    2,804  
Airlines (0.8%)      
  1,953   Continental Airlines, Inc., Pass-Through Certificates, 9.80%, due 4/1/21   Ba1   BB+     2,080  
Apparel/Textiles (0.4%)      
  1,035   Levi Strauss & Co., Senior Unsubordinated Notes, 9.75%, due 1/15/15   B2   B+     1,080  
Auto Loans (7.3%)      
  3,605   Ford Motor Credit Co., Senior Unsecured Notes, 9.75%, due 9/15/10   B1   B     3,590  
  3,805     Ford Motor Credit Co., Bonds, 7.38%, due 2/1/11   B1   B     3,589    
  2,540   Ford Motor Credit Co., Notes, 7.80%, due 6/1/12   B1   B     2,387  
  9,040     General Motors Acceptance Corp., Notes, 6.88%, due 9/15/11   Ba1   BB+     8,331 ØØ   
  1,950   General Motors Acceptance Corp., Unsecured Notes, 7.00%, due 2/1/12   Ba1   BB+     1,781  
                      19,678    
Auto Parts & Equipment (0.7%)      
  653     Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Senior Notes, 8.63%, due 12/1/11   Ba3   B     695    
  980   Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Senior Notes, 9.00%, due 7/1/15   Ba3   B     1,072  
                      1,767    
Beverage (0.2%)      
  465     Constellation Brands, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 7.25%, due 9/1/16   Ba3   BB-     469    
Building & Construction (0.1%)      
  270     K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Senior Notes, 8.63%, due 1/15/17   Ba3   BB-     225 È   
Chemicals (1.0%)      
  520     Chemtura Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 6.88%, due 6/1/16   Ba2   BB+     497    
  845   Hexion US Finance Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 9.75%, due 11/15/14   B3   B     927  
  1,310     MacDermid, Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.50%, due 4/15/17   Caa1   CCC+     1,251 ñ   
                    2,675  
Consumer/Commercial/Lease Financing (0.4%)      
  1,360   Residential Capital LLC, Guaranteed Notes, 6.00%, due 2/22/11   Ba1   BBB-     993  
Electric—Generation (3.7%)      
  730   AES Corp., Senior Notes, 7.75%, due 10/15/15   B1   B     732 ñ 
  1,125     AES Corp., Senior Notes, 8.00%, due 10/15/17   B1   B     1,135 ñ   

 


See Notes to Schedule of Investments 9



PRINCIPAL AMOUNT       RATING§    VALUE   
(000's omitted)       Moody's   S&P   (000's omitted)  
  $  1,855     Dynegy-Roseton Danskamme, Pass-Through Certificates, Ser. B, 7.67%, due 11/8/16   Ba3   B   $ 1,860    
  330     Edison Mission Energy, Senior Unsecured Notes, 7.50%, due 6/15/13   B1   BB-     334    
  3,000     Edison Mission Energy, Senior Notes, 7.63%, due 5/15/27   B1   BB-     2,857 ñ   
  1,725     Mirant Americas Generation, Inc., Senior Unsecured Notes, 8.30%, due 5/1/11   Caa1   B-     1,744    
  1,365     NRG Energy, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 7.38%, due 2/1/16   B1   B     1,362    
                      10,024    
Electric—Integrated (1.1%)      
  3,070     Energy Future Holdings, Guaranteed Notes, 10.88%, due 11/1/17   B3   CCC+     3,105 ñ   
Electronics (2.0%)      
  2,635     Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 9.13%, due 12/15/14   B1   B     2,385    
  925     NXP BV Funding LLC, Secured Floating Rate Notes, 7.99%, due 1/15/08   Ba3   BB     876 µ   
  900     NXP BV Funding LLC, Secured Notes, 7.88%, due 10/15/14   Ba3   BB     879    
  1,250     NXP BV Funding LLC, Guaranteed Notes, 9.50%, due 10/15/15   B3   B     1,181    
                      5,321    
Energy—Exploration & Production (0.8%)      
  1,795     Chesapeake Energy Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 7.50%, due 9/15/13   Ba2   BB     1,845    
  380     Chesapeake Energy Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 6.88%, due 1/15/16   Ba2   BB     378    
                      2,223    
Environmental (0.3%)      
  895     Allied Waste North America, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, Ser. B, 7.25%, due 3/15/15   B1   BB+     902    
Food & Drug Retailers (0.8%)      
  970     Rite Aid Corp., Senior Unsecured Notes, 8.63%, due 3/1/15   Caa1   CCC+     861    
  1,550     Rite Aid Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 9.50%, due 6/15/17   Caa1   CCC+     1,434 ñ   
                      2,295    
Forestry/Paper (0.5%)      
  660     Bowater, Inc., Debentures, 9.00%, due 8/1/09   B3   B     647    
  560     Graphic Packaging Int'l, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 8.50%, due 8/15/11   B2   B-     568    
                      1,215    
Gaming (2.8%)      
  1,145     Chukchansi Economic Development Authority, Senior Notes, 8.00%, due 11/15/13   B2   BB-     1,154 ñ   
  1,390     Fontainebleau Las Vegas Holdings LLC, Second Mortgage, 10.25%, due 6/15/15   Caa1   CCC+     1,300 ñ   
  770     Majestic Star LLC, Senior Unsecured Notes, 9.75%, due 1/15/11   Caa1   CCC     654    
  1,250     Pokagon Gaming Authority, Senior Notes, 10.38%, due 6/15/14   B3   B     1,381 ñ   
  1,095     San Pasqual Casino, Notes, 8.00%, due 9/15/13   B2   B+     1,106 ñ   
  1,155     Shingle Springs Tribal Gaming Authority, Senior Notes, 9.38%, due 6/15/15   B3   B     1,161 ñ   
  215     Station Casinos, Inc., Senior Unsecured Subordinated Notes, 6.88%, due 3/1/16   Ba3   B     178    
  700     Station Casinos, Inc., Senior Unsecured Notes, 7.75%, due 8/15/16   Ba2   B+     685    
                      7,619    

 


See Notes to Schedule of Investments 10



PRINCIPAL AMOUNT       RATING§    VALUE   
(000's omitted)       Moody's   S&P   (000's omitted)  
Gas Distribution (4.0%)      
  $  585     AmeriGas Partners L.P., Senior Unsecured Notes, 7.25%, due 5/20/15   B1     $ 579    
  1,070     Ferrellgas Partners L.P., Senior Unsecured Notes, 8.75%, due 6/15/12   B2   B-     1,102    
  2,460   Kinder Morgan, Inc., Senior Unsecured Notes, 6.50%, due 9/1/12   Ba2   BB-     2,438  
  890     Kinder Morgan, Inc., Senior Debentures, 7.25%, due 3/1/28   Ba2   BB-     840    
  1,488   Regency Energy Partners L.P., Guaranteed Notes, 8.38%, due 12/15/13   B1   B     1,566  
  465     Sabine Pass L.P., Secured Notes, 7.25%, due 11/30/13   Ba3   BB     456    
  2,520   Sabine Pass L.P., Secured Notes, 7.50%, due 11/30/16   Ba3   BB     2,470  
  1,335     Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line, Unsecured Debentures, 7.25%, due 12/1/26   Ba1   BB+     1,418    
                    10,869  
Health Services (6.5%)      
  385   Bausch & Lomb, Inc., Senior Unsecured Notes, 9.88%, due 11/1/15   Caa1   B-     397 ñ 
  435     Community Health Systems, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 8.88%, due 7/15/15   B3   B-     440 ñ   
  2,115   HCA, Inc., Secured Notes, 9.25%, due 11/15/16   B2   BB-     2,226  
  3,345     HCA, Inc., Secured Notes, 9.63%, due 11/15/16   B2   BB-     3,537    
  1,700   LVB Acquisition Merger, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 10.38%, due 10/15/17   B3   B-     1,721 ñ 
  915     LVB Acquisition Merger, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 11.63%, due 10/15/17   Caa1   B-     932 ñ   
  1,399   NMH Holdings, Inc., Senior Unsecured Floating Rate Notes, 12.82%, due 12/15/07   Caa2   CCC+     1,392 ñµ 
  910     Service Corp. Int'l, Senior Unsecured Notes, 7.38%, due 10/1/14   B1   BB-     931    
  2,110   Service Corp. Int'l, Senior Unsecured Notes, 7.50%, due 4/1/27   B1   BB-     1,973  
  835     Tenet Healthcare Corp., Senior Notes, 9.88%, due 7/1/14   Caa1   CCC+     760    
  1,310   US Oncology, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 9.00%, due 8/15/12   B2   CCC+     1,313  
  300     Ventas Realty L.P., Guaranteed Notes, 6.75%, due 6/1/10   Ba1   BB+     302    
  210     Ventas Realty L.P., Senior Notes, 6.63%, due 10/15/14   Ba1   BB+     209    
  90     Ventas Realty L.P., Guaranteed Notes, 7.13%, due 6/1/15   Ba1   BB+     92    
  1,020     Ventas Realty L.P., Guaranteed Notes, 6.50%, due 6/1/16   Ba1   BB+     1,007    
  455     Ventas Realty L.P., Guaranteed Notes, 6.75%, due 4/1/17   Ba1   BB+     455    
                      17,687    
Hotels (0.3%)      
  925     Host Hotels & Resorts L.P., Secured Notes, 6.88%, due 11/1/14     BB     932    
Investments & Misc. Financial Services (0.9%)      
  720     Cardtronics, Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, Ser. B, 9.25%, due 8/15/13   Caa1   B-     695 ñ   
  1,770     Cardtronics, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 9.25%, due 8/15/13   Caa1   B-     1,708    
                      2,403    
Leisure (0.5%)      
  1,290     Royal Caribbean Cruises, Senior Unsubordinated Notes, 7.50%, due 10/15/27   Ba1   BBB-     1,219    
Media—Broadcast (2.9%)      
  2,815   CMP Susquehanna Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 9.88%, due 5/15/14   Caa1   CCC     2,586  

 


See Notes to Schedule of Investments 11



PRINCIPAL AMOUNT       RATING§    VALUE   
(000's omitted)       Moody's   S&P   (000's omitted)  
  $  745     Entercom Radio/Capital, Guaranteed Senior Unsecured Notes, 7.63%, due 3/1/14   B1   B   $ 741    
  1,225     LIN Television Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 6.50%, due 5/15/13   B1   B-     1,188    
  485     LIN Television Corp., Guaranteed Notes, Ser. B, 6.50%, due 5/15/13   B1   B-     471    
  1,880     Univision Communications, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 9.75%, due 3/15/15   B3   CCC+     1,842 ñ   
  1,040     Young Broadcasting, Inc., Guaranteed Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.00%, due 3/1/11   Caa1   CCC-     978    
                      7,806    
Media—Cable (4.0%)      
  1,695     CCH I Holdings LLC, Secured Notes, 11.00%, due 10/1/15   Caa2   CCC     1,644    
  3,170     Charter Communications Operating LLC, Senior Notes, 8.38%, due 4/30/14   B2   B+     3,170 ñ   
  2,380     DirecTV Holdings LLC, Senior Notes, 8.38%, due 3/15/13   Ba3   BB-     2,487    
  115     DirecTV Holdings LLC, Guaranteed Notes, 6.38%, due 6/15/15   Ba3   BB-     111    
  1,230     EchoStar DBS Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 6.38%, due 10/1/11   Ba3   BB-     1,246    
  925     EchoStar DBS Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 7.00%, due 10/1/13   Ba3   BB-     963    
  1,085     EchoStar DBS Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 7.13%, due 2/1/16   Ba3   BB-     1,134    
                      10,755    
Media—Diversified (0.3%)      
  965     Quebecor Media, Inc., Notes, 7.75%, due 3/15/16   B2   B     931 ñ   
Media—Services (0.9%)      
  2,770     WMG Acquisition Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.38%, due 4/15/14   B2   B     2,458    
Metals/Mining Excluding Steel (2.7%)      
  1,100     Aleris Int'l, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 9.00%, due 12/15/14   B3   B-     993    
  1,325     Aleris Int'l, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 10.00%, due 12/15/16   Caa1   B-     1,166    
  1,250     Arch Western Finance Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 6.75%, due 7/1/13   B1   BB-     1,218    
  275     Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Senior Unsecured Notes, 8.25%, due 4/1/15   Ba3   BB     297    
  980     Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Senior Unsecured Notes, 8.38%, due 4/1/17   Ba3   BB     1,073    
  2,640     Massey Energy Co., Guaranteed Notes, 6.88%, due 12/15/13   B2   B+     2,495    
                      7,242    
Non-Food & Drug Retailers (0.9%)      
  715     Claire's Stores, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 9.63%, due 6/1/15   Caa1   CCC+     585 ñÈ   
  550     GSC Holdings Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 8.00%, due 10/1/12   Ba3   BB     574    
  980     Michaels Stores, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, Step-Up, 0.00%/13.00%, due 11/1/16   Caa1   CCC     600 È^^  
  635     Michaels Stores, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 11.38%, due 11/1/16   Caa1   CCC     633 È   
                      2,392    
Packaging (2.5%)      
  3,295     Ball Corp., Guaranteed Unsecured Notes, 6.88%, due 12/15/12   Ba1   BB     3,344    
  820     Crown Americas LLC, Guaranteed Notes, 7.75%, due 11/15/15   B1   B     845    
  1,530     Graham Packaging Co., Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 9.88%, due 10/15/14   Caa1   CCC+     1,515 È   
  1,130     Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 8.75%, due 11/15/12   Ba2   BB     1,179    
                      6,883    

 


See Notes to Schedule of Investments 12



PRINCIPAL AMOUNT       RATING§    VALUE   
(000's omitted)       Moody's   S&P   (000's omitted)  
Printing & Publishing (2.8%)      
  $ 350     Dex Media West LLC, Senior Unsecured Notes, Ser. B, 8.50%, due 8/15/10   Ba3   B   $ 359    
  1,125     Dex Media West LLC, Guaranteed Notes, Ser. B, 9.88%, due 8/15/13   B1   B     1,200    
  750     Dex Media, Inc., Senior Disc. Notes, Step-Up, 0.00%/9.00%, due 11/15/13   B2   B     711 ^^  
  2,560     Idearc, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 8.00%, due 11/15/16   B2   B+     2,566    
  1,030     R.H. Donnelley Corp., Senior Unsecured Notes, 6.88%, due 1/15/13   B3   B     968    
  430     R.H. Donnelley Corp., Senior Notes, 8.88%, due 10/15/17   B3   B     430 ñ   
  1,545     Reader's Digest Association, Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.00%, due 2/15/17   Caa1   CCC+     1,377 ñ   
                      7,611    
Railroads (0.8%)      
  430     Kansas City Southern Mexico, Senior Notes, 7.38%, due 6/1/14   B2   B+     430 ñ   
  1,715     TFM SA de C.V., Senior Notes, 9.38%, due 5/1/12   B2       1,818    
                      2,248    
Real Estate Dev. & Mgt. (1.1%)      
  1,000     American Real Estate Partners L.P., Guaranteed Notes, 7.13%, due 2/15/13   Ba3   BB+     975    
  1,355     American Real Estate Partners, L.P., Senior Notes, 8.13%, due 6/1/12   Ba3   BB+     1,365    
  885     Realogy Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 11.00%, due 4/15/14   Caa1   B-     721 ñ   
                      3,061    
Restaurants (0.3%)      
  945     NPC Int'l, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 9.50%, due 5/1/14   Caa1   B-     884    
Software/Services (1.0%)      
  2,690     First Data Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 9.88%, due 9/24/15   B3   B-     2,576 ñ   
Steel Producers/Products (1.2%)      
  1,130     Metals U.S.A. Holdings Corp., Senior Floating Rate Notes, 11.23%, due 1/2/08   Caa1   CCC     1,026 ñµ   
  905     Steel Dynamics, Inc., Senior Notes, 7.38%, due 11/1/12   Ba2   BB+     905 ñ   
  1,300     Tube City IMS Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 9.75%, due 2/1/15   B3   B-     1,277    
                      3,208    
Support—Services (1.0%)      
  375     Aramark Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 8.50%, due 2/1/15   B3   B-     380    
  2,300     Knowledge Learning Corp., Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 7.75%, due 2/1/15   B2   B-     2,248 ñ   
                      2,628    
Telecom—Integrated/Services (2.7%)      
  1,430     Intelsat Bermuda Ltd., Guaranteed Notes, 9.25%, due 6/15/16   B2   B     1,483    
  260     Intelsat Subsidiary Holdings Co. Ltd., Guaranteed Notes, 8.63%, due 1/15/15   B2   B     264    
  1,455     Nordic Telephone Co. Holdings, Secured Notes, 8.88%, due 5/1/16   B2   B     1,539 ñ   
  515     Qwest Corp., Notes, 8.88%, due 3/15/12   Ba1   BBB-     564    
  1,180     Qwest Corp., Senior Unsecured Notes, 7.50%, due 10/1/14   Ba1   BBB-     1,232    
  870     Windstream Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 8.13%, due 8/1/13   Ba3   BB-     920    

 


See Notes to Schedule of Investments 13



PRINCIPAL AMOUNT       RATING§    VALUE   
(000's omitted)       Moody's   S&P   (000's omitted)  
  $  1,240     Windstream Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 8.63%, due 8/1/16   Ba3   BB-   $ 1,327    
                      7,329    
Theaters & Entertainment (0.3%)      
  800     AMC Entertainment, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, Ser. B, 8.63%, due 8/15/12   Ba3   B-     830    
      Total Corporate Debt Securities (Cost $167,745)             166,427    
NUMBER OF SHARES              
Short-Term Investments (31.4%)      
  5,900,182     Neuberger Berman Prime Money Fund Trust Class         5,900 @   
  78,902,101     Neuberger Berman Securities Lending Quality Fund, LLC         78,902    
      Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $84,802)         84,802 #   
      Total Investments (173.1%) (Cost $464,178)         468,391 ##   
      Liabilities, less cash, receivables and other assets [(26.7%)]         (72,215 )  
      Liquidation Value of Auction Preferred Shares [(46.4%)]         (125,500 )  
      Total Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders (100.0%)       $ 270,676    

 


See Notes to Schedule of Investments 14



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 trade s, 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 price quotations 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. F oreign security prices are currently translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate as of 4:00 p.m., 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 securit ies 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 is next quoted or 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, 2007, the cost of investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes was $464,688,000. Gross unrealized appreciation of investments was $31,287,000 and gross unrealized depreciation of investments was $27,584,000, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $3,703,000 based on cost for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

‡  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).

@  Neuberger Berman Prime Money Fund ("Prime Money") is also managed by Neuberger Berman Management Inc. 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 (see Notes A & E of Notes to Financial Statements).


15



Notes to Schedule of Investments (cont'd)

ñ  Restricted security subject to restrictions on resale under federal securities laws. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and have been deemed by the investment manager to be liquid. At October 31, 2007, these securities amounted to approximately $39,973,000 or 14.8% of net assets applicable to common shareholders.

ØØ  All or a portion of this security is segregated as collateral for interest rate swap contracts.

*  Security did not produce income during the last twelve months.

È  All or a portion of this security is on loan (see Note A of Notes to Financial Statements).

µ  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, 2007.

^^  Denotes a step-up bond: a zero coupon bond that converts to a fixed rate of interest at a designated future date.

§  Credit ratings are unaudited.


16



Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Neuberger Berman
(000's omitted except per share amounts)

    Income
Opportunity Fund
 
    October 31, 2007  
Assets  
Investments in securities, at market value*† (Notes A & E)—see Schedule of Investments:  
Unaffiliated issuers   $ 383,589    
Affiliated issuers     84,802    
      468,391    
Cash     3,818    
Interest rate swaps, at market value (Note A)     707    
Dividends and interest receivable     3,944    
Receivable for securities sold     2,867    
Receivable for securities lending income (Note A)     338    
Total Assets     480,065    
Liabilities  
Payable for collateral on securities loaned (Note A)     78,902    
Distributions payable—preferred shares     59    
Distributions payable—common shares     176    
Payable for securities purchased     4,118    
Payable to investment manager—net (Notes A & B)     119    
Payable to administrator—net (Note B)     85    
Payable for securities lending fees (Note A)     315    
Accrued expenses and other payables     115    
Total Liabilities     83,889    
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   $ 270,676    
Net Assets applicable to Common Shareholders consist of:  
Paid-in capital—common shares   $ 250,240    
Distributions in excess of net investment income     (261 )  
Accumulated net realized gains (losses) on investments     15,759    
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in value of investments     4,938    
Net Assets applicable to Common Shareholders at value   $ 270,676    
Common Shares Outstanding ($.0001 par value, 999,994,000 shares authorized)     17,734    
Net Asset Value Per Common Share Outstanding   $ 15.26    
†Securities on loan, at market value   $ 76,281    
*Cost of Investments:  
Unaffiliated issuers   $ 379,376    
Affiliated issuers     84,802    
Total cost of investments   $ 464,178    

 


See Notes to Financial Statements 17



Statement of Operations

Neuberger Berman
(000's omitted)

    Income
Opportunity
Fund
 
    For the Year Ended
October 31, 2007
 
Investment Income:  
Income (Note A):  
Dividend income—unaffiliated issuers   $ 12,519    
Interest income—unaffiliated issuers     14,716    
Income from investments in affiliated issuers (Note E)     472    
Income from securities loaned—net (Note E)     129    
Foreign taxes withheld     (3 )  
Total income   $ 27,833    
Expenses:  
Investment management fees (Notes A & B)     2,599    
Administration fees (Note B)     1,083    
Stock transfer agent fees     41    
Auction agent fees (Note B)     319    
Audit fees     54    
Basic maintenance expense (Note B)     25    
Custodian fees (Note B)     150    
Insurance expense     16    
Legal fees     63    
Shareholder reports     101    
Stock exchange listing fees     6    
Directors' fees and expenses     24    
Miscellaneous     28    
Total expenses     4,509    
Investment management fees waived (Notes A & B)     (1,090 )  
Expenses reduced by custodian fee expense offset and commission recapture arrangements (Note B)     (35 )  
Total net expenses     3,384    
Net investment income (loss)   $ 24,449    
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments (Note A)  
Net realized gain (loss) on:  
Sales of investment securities of unaffiliated issuers     21,760    
Interest rate swap contracts     1,561    
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in value of:  
Unaffiliated investment securities     (62,190 )  
Interest rate swap contracts     (1,625 )  
Net gain (loss) on investments     (40,494 )  
Distributions to Preferred Shareholders     (6,538 )  
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to Common Shareholders resulting from operations   $ (22,583 )  

 


See Notes to Financial Statements 18



Statement of Changes in Net Assets

Neuberger Berman
(000's omitted)

    Income Opportunity Fund  
    Year Ended
October 31, 2007
  Year Ended
October 31, 2006
 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders:  
From Operations:  
Net investment income (loss)   $ 24,449     $ 21,943    
Net realized gain (loss) on investments     23,321       23,372    
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments     (63,815 )     27,260    
Distributions to Preferred Shareholders From (Note A):  
Net investment income     (3,719 )     (4,875 )  
Net realized gain on investments     (2,819 )     (905 )  
Total distributions to preferred shareholders     (6,538 )     (5,780 )  
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shareholders resulting from operations     (22,583 )     66,795    
Distributions to Common Shareholders From (Note A):  
Net investment income     (23,027 )     (19,661 )  
Net realized gain on investments     (17,453 )     (3,653 )  
Total distributions to common shareholders     (40,480 )     (23,314 )  
From Capital Share Transactions (Note D):  
Proceeds from reinvestment of dividends     195          
Total net proceeds from capital share transactions     195          
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders     (62,868 )     43,481    
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders:  
Beginning of year     333,544       290,063    
End of year   $ 270,676     $ 333,544    
Distributions in excess of net investment income at end of year   $ (261 )   $ (337 )  

 


See Notes to Financial Statements 19



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 trade date for financial reporting purposes. 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, 2007, permanent differences resulting primarily from different book and tax accounting for amortization of bond premium, income recognized on interest rate swaps and character of distributions paid were reclassified at fiscal year-end. These reclassifications had no effect on net income, net asset value 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, 2007 and October 31, 2006 was as follows:

    Distributions Paid From:      
Ordinary Income   Long-Term
Capital Gain
  Tax Return of
Capital
  Total  
2007   2006   2007   2006   2007   2006   2007   2006  
$ 29,428,713     $ 24,535,326     $ 17,588,999     $ 4,558,553     $     $     $ 47,017,712     $ 29,093,879    

 


20



  As of October 31, 2007, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a U.S. federal income tax basis were as follows:

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
  Undistributed
Long-Term
Gain
  Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
  Loss
Carryforwards
and Deferrals
  Total  
$     $ 16,268,687     $ 4,402,070     $     $ 20,670,757    

 

  The difference between book basis 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 invest ment income and realized capital gains. The composition of the Fund's distribution for the calendar year 2007 will be reported to Fund shareholders on IRS Form 1099DIV. 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. 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 the Fund receives from REITs are generally comprised of income, capital gains, and return of capital, but the REITs do not report this information to the Fund until the following calendar year. At October 31, 2007, the Fund estimated these amounts within the financial statements since the information is not available from the REITs until after the Fund's fiscal year-end. For the year ended October 31, 2007, 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 1099DIV received to date. Based on past experience it is possible that a portion of the Fund's distribut ions during the most recently completed 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-end. 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, estimates previously recorded are adjusted on the books of the Fund 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 1099DIV.

  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, 2007 and December 31, 2007, to shareholders of record on November 15, 2007 and December 17, 2007, respectively, with ex-dates of November 13, 2007 and December 13, 2007, 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


21



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 Preferred Shares and 2,510 Series B 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, 2007, distribution rates ranged from 4.90% to 6.25% for Series A and 4.90% to 6.20% for Series B Auction Preferred Shares. The Fund declared distributions to preferred shareholders for the period November 1, 2007 to November 30, 2007 of $259,563 and $257,695 for Series A Auction Preferred Shares and Series B Auction 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 t o pay distributions on Preferred Shares for two consecutive years.

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 or its total net increase (decrease) in net


22



assets applicable to common shareholders resulting from operations. At October 31, 2007, the Fund had outstanding interest rate swap contracts as follows:

            Rate Type              
Swap Counter
Party
  Notional
Amount
  Termination
Date
  Fixed-rate
Payments
Made by
the Fund
  Variable-rate
Payments
Received by
the Fund(1) 
  Accrued Net
Interest
Receivable
(Payable)
  Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
  Total Fair
Value
 
Citibank, N.A.   $ 24,000,000     April 24, 2008     3.70 %     4.89 %   $ 6,360     $ 113,153     $ 119,513    
Citibank, N.A.     70,000,000     October 24, 2008     3.63 %     4.89 %     19,639       567,655       587,294    
                    $ 25,999     $ 680,808     $ 706,807    

 

(1)  30 day LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) as of October 22, 2007.

9  Security lending: A third party, eSecLending, assists the Fund in conducting a bidding process to identify agents/principals that would pay a guaranteed amount to the Fund in consideration of the Fund entering into an exclusive securities lending arrangement.

  Through a bidding process in August 2006, and in accordance with an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund selected Neuberger Berman, LLC ("Neuberger"), an affiliate of the Fund, to be its exclusive lending agent for a specified period. Under the agreement entered into between the Fund and Neuberger, Neuberger pays a guaranteed amount to the Fund. This arrangement will change as a result of an auction held on October 31, 2007.

  Under the securities lending arrangement, 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). The Fund may invest all the cash collateral in Neuberger Berman Securities Lending Quality Fund, LLC ("Quality Fund"), a fund managed by Lehman Brothers Asset Management LLC, an affiliate of Management.

  Net income from the lending program represents the guaranteed amount plus income earned on the cash collateral invested in Quality Fund or in other investments, less cash collateral fees and other expenses associated with the loans. For the year ended October 31, 2007, the Fund received net income under the securities lending arrangement of approximately $128,828, which is reflected in the Statement of Operations under the caption "Income from securities loaned—net." For the year ended October 31, 2007, "Income from securities loaned—net" consisted of approximately $2,304,747 in income earned on cash collateral and guaranteed amounts (including approximately $2,194,343 of interest income earned from the Quality Fund and $110,404 in guaranteed amounts received from Neuberger), less fees and expenses paid of approximately $2,175,919 (including approximately $47,770 retained by Neuberger).

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 rule, the Fund may invest in a money market fund managed by Management or an affiliate. The Fund invests in Neuberger Berman Prime Money Fund ("Prime Money"), as approved by the Board. Prime Money seeks to provide the highest available current income consistent with safety and liquidity. For any cash that the Fund invests in Prime Money, Management waives a portion of its management fee equal to the management fee it receives from Prime Money on those assets (the "Arrangement"). For the year ended October 31, 2007, management fees waived under this Arrangement amounted to $7,387 and are reflected in the Statement of Operations under the caption "Investment management fees waived." For the year ended October 31, 2007, income earned under this


23



Arrangement amounted to $471,599, 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 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, 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 directors 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:

Year Ended
October 31,
  % of Average
Daily Managed Assets
 
  2007 – 2008       0.25    
  2009       0.19    
  2010       0.13    
  2011       0.07    

 

  Management has not contractually agreed to waive any portion of its fees beyond October 31, 2011.

  For the year ended October 31, 2007, such waived fees amounted to $1,082,806.

  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 Bank and Trust Company ("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 holding company.


24



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. Pursuant to the agreement, brokers pay recaptured commissions to the Fund's custodian and the custodian directs these amounts toward payment of expenses such as custodial, transfer agency or accounting services. For the year ended October 31, 2007, the impact of this arrangement was a reduction of expenses of $24,542.

  The Fund has an expense offset arrangement in connection with its custodian contract. For the year ended October 31, 2007, the impact of this arrangement was a reduction of expenses of $10,047.

  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, 2007, there were purchase and sale transactions (excluding short-term securities and interest rate swap contracts) of $322,210,347 and $319,084,312, respectively.

  During the year ended October 31, 2007, brokerage commissions on securities transactions amounted to $213,509, of which Neuberger received $0, Lehman Brothers Inc. received $34,878, and other brokers received $178,631.

Note D—Capital:

  At October 31, 2007, the common shares outstanding and the common shares of the Fund owned by Neuberger were as follows:

Common Shares
Outstanding
  Common Shares
Owned by Neuberger
 
  17,734,383       6,981    

 

  Transactions in common shares for the years ended October 31, 2007 and October 31, 2006 were as follows:

Reinvestment of
Dividends and
Distributions
  Net Increase in
Common Shares
Outstanding
 
2007   2006   2007   2006  
  10,735             10,735          

 


25



Note E—Investments In Affiliates:

Name of Issuer   Balance of
Shares Held
October 31,
2006
  Gross
Purchases
and Additions
  Gross
Sales and
Reductions
  Balance of
Shares Held
October 31,
2007
  Value
October 31,
2007
  Income from
Investments
in Affiliated
Issuers Included
in Total Income
 
Neuberger Berman Prime Money Fund Trust Class*     7,183,677       207,627,860       208,911,355       5,900,182     $ 5,900,182     $ 471,599    
Neuberger Berman Securities Lending Quality Fund, LLC**     16,668,150       303,995,271       241,761,320       78,902,101       78,902,101       2,194,343    
Total                   $ 84,802,283     $ 2,665,942    

 

*  Prime Money is also managed by Management 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.

**  Quality Fund, a fund managed by Lehman Brothers Asset Management LLC, an affiliate of Management, is used to invest cash the Fund receives as collateral for securities loans as approved by the Board. Because all shares of Quality Fund are held by funds in the related investment management complex, Quality Fund may be considered an affiliate of the Fund.

Note F—Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

  On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") released FASB Interpretation No. 48 "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes" ("FIN 48"). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes, by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires that a "more-likely-than-not" threshold be met before the benefit of a tax position may be recognized in the financial statements and prescribes how such benefit should be measured. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. The Securities and Exchange Commission has permitted investment companies to delay implementa tion of FIN 48. The Fund will have until April 30, 2008 to implement FIN 48. At this time, Management is evaluating the implications of FIN 48 and its impact in the financial statements has not yet been determined.

  In September 2006, FASB issued FASB Statement No. 157, "Fair Value Measurement" ("SFAS 157"), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management believes the adoption of SFAS 157 will not have a material impact on the Fund's financial positions or results of operations.


26



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.

    Year Ended October 31,   Period from
July 2, 2003^
to October 31,
 
    2007   2006   2005   2004   2003  
Common Share Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 18.82     $ 16.37     $ 16.69     $ 14.72     $ 14.33    
Income From Investment Operations Applicable to Common Shareholders:  
Net Investment Income (Loss) ¢      1.38       1.24       1.07       1.27 ß      .25    
Net Gains or Losses on Securities (both realized and unrealized)     (2.29 )     2.86       .57       2.08 ß      .59    
Common Share Equivalent of Distributions to Preferred Shareholders From:  
Net Investment Income¢      (.21 )     (.28 )     (.13 )     (.09 )     (.01 )  
Net Capital Gains¢      (.16 )     (.05 )     (.07 )     (.01 )     (.00 )  
Tax Return of Capital¢                  (.01 )           (.00 )  
Total Distributions to Preferred Shareholders     (.37 )     (.33 )     (.21 )     (.10 )     (.01 )  
Total From Investment Operations Applicable to Common Shareholders     (1.28 )     3.77       1.43       3.25       .83    
Less Distributions to Common Shareholders From:  
Net Investment Income     (1.30 )     (1.11 )     (1.03 )     (1.11 )     (.27 )  
Net Capital Gains     (.98 )     (.21 )     (.61 )     (.17 )     (.05 )  
Tax Return of Capital                 (.11 )           (.00 )  
Total Distributions to Common Shareholders     (2.28 )     (1.32 )     (1.75 )     (1.28 )     (.32 )  
Less Capital Charges From:  
Issuance of Common Shares                             (.03 )  
Issuance of Preferred Shares                       (.00 )     (.09 )  
Total Capital Charges                       (.00 )     (.12 )  
Common Share Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 15.26     $ 18.82     $ 16.37     $ 16.69     $ 14.72    
Common Share Market Value, End of Period   $ 13.49     $ 17.22     $ 14.23     $ 15.07     $ 13.98    
Total Return, Common Share Net Asset Value      -7.32 %     +25.13 %     +10.33 %     +23.67 %     +5.11 %**  
Total Return, Common Share Market Value      -10.46 %     +31.71 %     +6.22 %     +17.57 %     -4.67 %**  
Ratios/Supplemental Data††   
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders, End of Period (in millions)   $ 270.7     $ 333.5     $ 290.0     $ 295.8     $ 260.8    
Preferred Shares, at Liquidation Value ($25,000 per share liquidation preference) (in millions)   $ 125.5     $ 125.5     $ 125.5     $ 125.5     $ 125.5    
Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders#      1.11 %     1.11 %     1.13 %     1.16 % ß      .88 %*  
Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders      1.10 %     1.10 %     1.13 %     1.16 %ß      .87 %*  
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) Excluding Preferred Share Distributions to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders     7.94 %     7.18 %     6.49 %     8.08 %ß      5.24 %*  
Ratio of Preferred Share Distributions to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders     2.13 %     1.89 %     1.26 %     .62 %     .17 %*  
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) Including Preferred Share Distributions to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders     5.81 %     5.29 %     5.23 %     7.46 %ß      5.07 %*  
Portfolio Turnover Rate     76 %     61 %     49 %     74 %     21 %**  
Asset Coverage Per Preferred Share, End of Period@    $ 78,931     $ 91,462     $ 82,794     $ 83,933     $ 76,957    

 


See Notes to Financial Highlights 27



Notes to Financial Highlights

  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. Distributions, if any, are assumed to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund's distribution reinvestment plan. Results represent past performance and do not guarantee future results. Current returns may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Investment returns may fluctuate and shares when sold may be worth more or less than original cost. Total return would have been lower if Management had not waived a portion of the investment management fee.

#  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 by Management. Had Management not undertaken such action, the annualized ratios of net expenses to average daily net assets applicable to common shareholders would have been:

Year Ended October 31,   Period From
July 2, 2003 to
October 31,
 
2007   2006   2005   2004   2003  
  1.45 %     1.45 %     1.48 %     1.52 %     1.16 %  

 

^  The date investment operations commenced.

*  Annualized.

**  Not annualized.

@  Calculated by subtracting the Fund's total liabilities (excluding accumulated unpaid distributions 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 distribution payments to preferred shareholders. Income ratios include income earned on assets attributable to Preferred Shares outstanding.

ß  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:

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 Distributions to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders     .71 %  
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) Including Preferred Share Distributions to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders     .71 %  

 

¢  Calculated based on the average number of shares outstanding during each fiscal period.


28



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, 2007, 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 audits 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 si gnificant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2007, 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, 2007, 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.

  

Boston, Massachusetts
December 14, 2007


29



Distribution Reinvestment Plan

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 Distribution 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 pric e 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 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 acc ount. No such purchases may be made more than 30 days after the payment date for such dividend or distribution 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 le ss 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 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


30



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.

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.


31



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 Preston Gates Ellis LLP
1601 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young LLP
200 Clarendon Street
Boston, MA 02116


32



Directors and Officers

The following tables set forth information concerning the directors ("Directors") and officers ("Officers") of Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity Fund Inc. (the "Fund"). All persons named as directors and officers also serve in similar capacities for other funds administered or managed by Neuberger Berman Management Inc. ("Management") and Neuberger Berman, LLC ("Neuberger"). The Fund's Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about Directors as of the time of the Fund's most recent public offering and is available upon request, without charge, by calling (877) 461-1899.

Information About the Board of Directors

Name, Age, Address(1)
and Position(2) with Fund
  Length of
Time Served
  Principal Occupation(s)(3)    Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director(4) 
  Other Directorships Held
Outside Fund Complex by
Director
 
CLASS I  
Independent Directors  
Faith Colish (72)
Director
  Since 2003   Counsel, Carter Ledyard & Milburn LLP (law firm) since October 2002; formerly, Attorney-at-Law and President, Faith Colish, A Professional Corporation, 1980 to 2002.     59     Formerly, Director (1997 to 2003) and Advisory Director (2003 to 2006), ABA Retirement Funds (formerly, American Bar Retirement Association) (not-for-profit membership corporation).  
Michael M. Knetter (47)
Director
  Since 2007   Dean, School of Business, University of Wisconsin — Madison; formerly, Professor of International Economics and Associate Dean, Amos Tuck School of Business — Dartmouth College, 1998 to 2002.     59     Trustee, Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., since February 2007; Director, Wausau Paper, since 2005; Director, Great Wolf Resorts, since 2004.  
Cornelius T. Ryan (76)
Director
  Since 2003   Founding General Partner, Oxford Partners and Oxford Bioscience Partners (venture capital investing) and President, Oxford Venture Corporation since 1981.     59     None.  

 


33



Name, Age, Address(1)
and Position(2) with Fund
  Length of
Time Served
  Principal Occupation(s)(3)    Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director(4) 
  Other Directorships Held
Outside Fund Complex by
Director
 
Peter P. Trapp (63)
Director
  Since 2003   Retired; formerly, Regional Manager for Mid-Southern Region, Ford Motor Credit Company, September 1997 to 2007; formerly, President, Ford Life Insurance Company, April 1995 to August 1997.     59     None.  
Director who is an "Interested Person"  
Peter E. Sundman* (48)
Chief Executive Officer,
Director and Chairman of the Board
  Since 2003   Executive Vice President, Neuberger Berman Inc. (holding company) since 1999; Head of Neuberger Berman Inc.'s Mutual Funds Business (since 1999) and Institutional Business (1999 to October 2005); responsible for Managed Accounts Business and intermediary distribution since October 1999; President and Director, Management since 1999; Managing Director, Neuberger since 2005; formerly, Executive Vice President, Neuberger, 1999 to December 2005; formerly, Principal, Neuberger, 1997 to 1999; formerly, Senior Vice President, Management, 1996 to 1999.     59     Director and Vice President, Neuberger & Berman Agency, Inc. since 2000; formerly, Director, Neuberger Berman Inc. (holding company), October 1999 to March 2003; Trustee, Frost Valley YMCA; Trustee, College of Wooster.  

 


34



Name, Age, Address(1)
and Position(2) with Fund
  Length of
Time Served
  Principal Occupation(s)(3)    Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director(4) 
  Other Directorships Held
Outside Fund Complex by
Director
 
CLASS II  
Independent Directors*  
John Cannon (77)
Director
  Since 2003   Consultant; formerly, Chairman, CDC Investment Advisers (registered investment adviser), 1993 to January 1999; formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer, AMA Investment Advisors, an affiliate of the American Medical Association.     59     Independent Trustee or Director of three series of Oppenheimer Funds: Oppenheimer Limited Term New York Municipal Fund, Rochester Fund Municipals, and Oppenheimer Convertible Securities Fund since 1992.  
C. Anne Harvey (70)
Director
  Since 2003   President, C.A. Harvey Associates since October 2001; formerly, Director, AARP, 1978 to December 2001.     59     Formerly, President, Board of Associates to The National Rehabilitation Hospital's Board of Directors, 2001 to 2002; formerly, Member, Individual Investors Advisory Committee to the New York Stock Exchange Board of Directors, 1998 to June 2002.  
George W. Morriss (60)
Director
  Since 2007   Formerly, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, People's Bank (a financial services company), 1991 to 2001.     59     Manager, Old Mutual 2100 fund complex (consisting of six funds), since October 2006 for four funds and since February 2007 for two funds.  

 


35



Name, Age, Address(1)
and Position(2) with Fund
  Length of
Time Served
  Principal Occupation(s)(3)    Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director(4) 
  Other Directorships Held
Outside Fund Complex by
Director
 
Tom D. Seip (57)
Director
  Director Since 2003; Lead Independent Director Since 2006   General Partner, Seip Investments LP (a private investment partnership); formerly, President and CEO, Westaff, Inc. (temporary staffing), May 2001 to January 2002; formerly, Senior Executive at the Charles Schwab Corporation, 1983 to 1998, including Chief Executive Officer, Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc. and Trustee, Schwab Family of Funds and Schwab Investments, 1997 to 1998, and Executive Vice President-Retail Brokerage, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., 1994 to 1997.     59     Director, H&R Block, Inc. (financial services company) since May 2001; Chairman, Compensation Committee, H&R Block, Inc. since 2006; Director, America One Foundation since 1998; formerly, Chairman, Governance and Nominating Committee, H&R Block, Inc., 2004 to 2006; formerly, Director, Forward Management, Inc. (asset management company), 1999 to 2006; formerly, Director, E-Bay Zoological Society, 1999 to 2003; formerly, Director, General Magic (voice recognition software), 2001 to 2002; formerly, Director, E-Finance Corporation (credit decisioning services), 1999 to 2003; formerly, Director, Save-Daily.com (micro investing services), 1999 to 2003.  

 


36



Name, Age, Address(1)
and Position(2) with Fund
  Length of
Time Served
  Principal Occupation(s)(3)    Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director(4) 
  Other Directorships Held
Outside Fund Complex by
Director
 
Director who is an "Interested Person"  
Jack L. Rivkin* (67)
President and Director
  Since 2003   Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Neuberger Berman Inc. (holding company) since 2002 and 2003, respectively; Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, Neuberger, since December 2005 and 2003, respectively; formerly, Executive Vice President, Neuberger, December 2002 to 2005; Director and Chairman, Management since December 2002; formerly, Executive Vice President, Citigroup Investments, Inc., September 1995 to February 2002; formerly, Executive Vice President, Citigroup Inc., September 1995 to February 2002.     59     Director, Dale Carnegie and Associates, Inc. (private company) since 1998; Director, Solbright, Inc. (private company) since 1998.  
CLASS III  
Independent Directors  
Martha C. Goss (58)   Since 2007   President, Woodhill Enterprises Inc./Chase Hollow Associates LLC (personal investment vehicle), since 2006; Chief Operating and Financial Officer, Hopewell Holdings LLC/ Amwell Holdings, LLC (a holding company for a healthcare reinsurance company start-up), since 2003; formerly, Consultant, Resources Connection (temporary staffing), 2002 to 2006.     59     Director, Ocwen Financial Corporation (mortgage servicing), since 2005; Director, American Water (water utility), since 2003; Director, Channel Reinsurance (financial guaranty reinsurance), since 2006; Advisory Board Member, Attensity (software developer), since 2005; Director, Allianz Life of New York (insurance), since 2005; Director, Financial Women's Association of New York (not for profit association), since 2003; Trustee Emerita, Brown University, since 1998.  

 


37



Name, Age, Address(1)
and Position(2) with Fund
  Length of
Time Served
  Principal Occupation(s)(3)    Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director(4) 
  Other Directorships Held
Outside Fund Complex by
Director
 
Robert A. Kavesh (80)
Director
  Since 2003   Marcus Nadler Professor Emeritus of Finance and Economics, New York University Stern School of Business; formerly, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, American Finance Association, 1961 to 1979.     59     Formerly, Director, The Caring Community (not-for-profit), 1997 to 2006; formerly, Director, DEL Laboratories, Inc. (cosmetics and pharmaceuticals), 1978 to 2004; formerly, Director, Apple Bank for Savings, 1979 to 1990; formerly, Director, Western Pacific Industries, Inc., 1972 to 1986 (public company).  
Howard A. Mileaf (70)
Director
  Since 2003   Retired; formerly, Vice President and General Counsel, WHX Corporation (holding company), 1993 to 2001.     59     Director, Webfinancial Corporation (holding company) since December 2002; formerly, Director WHX Corporation (holding company), January 2002 to June 2005; formerly, Director, State Theatre of New Jersey (not-for-profit theater), 2000 to 2005.  
Edward I. O'Brien (79)
Director
  Since 2003   Formerly, Member, Investment Policy Committee, Edward Jones, 1993 to 2001; President, Securities Industry Association ("SIA") (securities industry's representative in government relations and regulatory matters at the federal and state levels), 1974 to 1992; Adviser to SIA, November 1992 to November 1993.     59     Director, Legg Mason, Inc. (financial services holding company) since 1993; formerly, Director, Boston Financial Group (real estate and tax shelters), 1993 to 1999.  

 


38



Name, Age, Address(1)
and Position(2) with Fund
  Length of
Time Served
  Principal Occupation(s)(3)    Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director(4) 
  Other Directorships Held
Outside Fund Complex by
Director
 
William E. Rulon (75)
Director
  Since 2003   Retired; formerly, Senior Vice President, Foodmaker, Inc. (operator and franchiser of restaurants) until January 1997.     59     Formerly, Director, Pro-Kids Golf and Learning Academy (teach golf and computer usage to "at risk" children), 1998 to 2006; formerly, Director, Prandium, Inc. (restaurants), March 2001 to July 2002.  
Candace L. Straight (60)
Director
  Since 2003   Private investor and consultant specializing in the insurance industry; formerly, Advisory Director, Securitas Capital LLC (a global private equity investment firm dedicated to making investments in the insurance sector), 1998 to December 2003.     59     Director, Montpelier Re (reinsurance company) since 2006; Director, National Atlantic Holdings Corporation (property and casualty insurance company) since 2004; Director, The Proformance Insurance Company (property and casualty insurance company) since March 2004; formerly, Director, Providence Washington Insurance Company (property and casualty insurance company), December 1998 to March 2006; formerly, Director, Summit Global Partners (insurance brokerage firm), 2000 to 2005.  

 

(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 2009, 2010, and 2008, respectively, and at each third annual meeting of stockholders thereafter.

(3)  Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the positions shown for at least the last five years.

(4)  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 Neuberger.


39



Information about the Officers of the Fund

Name, Age, and Address(1)    Position and
Length of Time
Served
  Principal Occupation(s)(2)   
Andrew B. Allard (46)   Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer since 2003   Senior Vice President, Neuberger since 2006; Deputy General Counsel, Neuberger since 2004; formerly, Vice President, Neuberger, 2000 to 2005; formerly, Associate General Counsel, Neuberger, 1999 to 2004; Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, sixteen registered investment companies for which Management acts as investment manager and administrator (six since 2002, three since 2003, four since 2004, one since 2005 and two since 2006).  
Michael J. Bradler (37)   Assistant Treasurer since 2005   Vice President, Neuberger since 2006; Employee, Management since 1997; Assistant Treasurer, sixteen registered investment companies for which Management acts as investment manager and administrator (fourteen since 2005 and two since 2006).  
Claudia A. Brandon (51)   Secretary since 2003   Senior Vice President, Neuberger since 2007; Vice President-Mutual Fund Board Relations, Management since 2000 and Assistant Secretary since 2004; formerly, Vice President, Neuberger, 2002 to 2006 and Employee since 1999; Secretary, sixteen registered investment companies for which Management acts as investment manager and administrator (three since 1985, three since 2002, three since 2003, four since 2004, one since 2005 and two since 2006).  
Robert Conti (51)   Vice President since 2003   Managing Director, Neuberger since 2007; formerly, Senior Vice President, Neuberger, 2003 to 2006; formerly, Vice President, Neuberger, 1999 to 2003; Senior Vice President, Management since 2000; Vice President, sixteen registered investment companies for which Management acts as investment manager and administrator (three since 2000, three since 2002, three since 2003, four since 2004, one since 2005 and two since 2006).  
Brian J. Gaffney (54)   Vice President since 2003   Managing Director, Neuberger since 1999; Senior Vice President, Management since 2000; Vice President, sixteen registered investment companies for which Management acts as investment manager and administrator (three since 2000, three since 2002, three since 2003, four since 2004, one since 2005 and two since 2006).  
Maxine L. Gerson (56)   Chief Legal Officer since 2005 (only for purposes of sections 307 and 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)   Senior Vice President, Neuberger since 2002; Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Neuberger since 2001; Senior Vice President, Management since 2006; Secretary and General Counsel, Management since 2004; Chief Legal Officer (only for purposes of sections 307 and 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), sixteen registered investment companies for which Management acts as investment manager and administrator (fourteen since 2005 and two since 2006).  

 


40



Name, Age, and Address(1)    Position and
Length of Time
Served
  Principal Occupation(s)(2)   
Sheila R. James (42)   Assistant Secretary since 2003   Assistant Vice President, Neuberger since 2007 and Employee since 1999; Assistant Secretary, sixteen registered investment companies for which Management acts as investment manager and administrator (six since 2002, three since 2003, four since 2004, one since 2005 and two since 2006).  
Kevin Lyons (52)   Assistant Secretary since 2003   Employee, Neuberger since 1999; Assistant Secretary, sixteen registered investment companies for which Management acts as investment manager and administrator (nine since 2003, four since 2004, one since 2005 and two since 2006).  
John M. McGovern (37)   Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer since 2005; prior thereto, Assistant Treasurer since 2003   Senior Vice President, Neuberger since 2007; formerly, Vice President, Neuberger, 2004 to 2006; Employee, Management since 1993; Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, sixteen registered investment companies for which Management acts as investment manager and administrator (fourteen since 2005 and two since 2006); formerly, Assistant Treasurer, fourteen registered investment companies for which Management acts as investment manager and administrator, 2002 to 2005.  
Frank Rosato (36)   Assistant Treasurer since 2005   Vice President, Neuberger since 2006; Employee, Management since 1995; Assistant Treasurer, sixteen registered investment companies for which Management acts as investment manager and administrator (fourteen since 2005 and two since 2006).  
Frederic B. Soule (61)   Vice President since 2003   Senior Vice President, Neuberger since 2003; formerly, Vice President, Neuberger, 1999 to 2002; Vice President, sixteen registered investment companies for which Management acts as investment manager and administrator (three since 2000, three since 2002, three since 2003, four since 2004, one since 2005 and two since 2006).  
Chamaine Williams (36)   Chief Compliance Officer since 2005   Senior Vice President, Neuberger since 2007; Chief Compliance Officer, Management since 2006; Senior Vice President, Lehman Brothers Inc. since 2007; formerly, Vice President, Lehman Brothers Inc., 2003 to 2006; Chief Compliance Officer, sixteen registered investment companies for which Management acts as investment manager and administrator (fifteen since 2005 and one since 2006); 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.), 1997 to 2003.  

 

(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.


41



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 Management'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).

Notice to Shareholders (Unaudited)

The Fund hereby designates $17,588,999 as a capital gain distribution.

Board Consideration of the Management and Sub-Advisory Agreements

At a meeting held on September 27, 2007, the Board of Directors ("Board") of Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity Fund Inc. ("Fund"), including the Directors who are not "interested persons" of Neuberger Berman Management Inc. ("Management") or the Fund ("Independent Fund Directors"), approved the continuance of the Fund's Management and Sub-Advisory Agreements ("Agreements").

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 provided by Management and Neuberger; (2) the performance of the Fund compared to relevant market indices and a peer group of investment companies; (3) the costs of the services provided and profits or losses historically realized by Management and its affiliates from their 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 any such 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, the overall fairness of the Agreements to the Fund and whether the Agreements were in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.


42



With respect to the nature, extent and quality of the services provided, the Board considered the performance of the Fund and the experience and staffing of the portfolio management and investment research personnel who perform 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 the quality of brokerage execution obtained by Management. The Board's Portfolio Transactions and Pricing Committee from time to time reviews the quality of the brokerage services that Neuberger and Lehman Brothers Inc. provide, and periodically reviews studies by an independent firm engaged to review and evaluate the quality of brokerage execution received by the Fund. 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 Management, Neuberger, the Fund and by other clients of Management and Neuberger from such services. 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 its benchmark and a peer group of investment companies pursuing broadly similar strategies. The Board also considered performance in relation to the degree of risk undertaken by the portfolio managers.

With respect to the overall fairness of the Agreements, the Board considered the fee structure for the Fund under the Agreements as compared to a peer group of comparable funds and fall-out benefits likely to accrue to Management or Neuberger or their affiliates from their relationship with the Fund. The Board also considered the profitability of Management and its affiliates from their association with the Fund.

The Board reviewed a comparison of the Fund's management fee and overall expense ratio to a peer group of broadly comparable funds. With regard to the sub-advisory fee paid to Neuberger, the Board noted that this fee is "at cost." 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 advised or sub-advised by Management or its affiliates or separate accounts managed by Management or its affiliates with similar investment objectives, policies and strategies as the Fund. The Board noted that there were no such comparable funds or separate accounts.

The Board also evaluated any apparent or anticipated economies of scale in relation to the services Management provides to the Fund. The Board considered that the Fund is a closed-end fund that is not continuously offering shares and that, without daily inflows and outflows of capital, there are limited opportunities for 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 benefits accruing to the Fund, the Board reviewed specific data as to Management's profit on the Fund for a recent period and the trend in profit or loss over time. The Board also carefully examined Management's cost allocation methodology and in recent years had an independent consultant review the methodology. It also reviewed an analysis from an independent data service on profitability margins in the investment management industry. 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 that Management's level of profitability 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 interests 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 the performance of the Fund was satisfactory over time; that the Fund's fee structure appeared to the Board to be reasonable given the nature and quality of services 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 benefits accruing to the Fund.


43



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.

H0653 12/07









Item 2. Code of Ethics

The Board of Directors (“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”).  For the period covered by this Form N-CSR, there were no amendments to the Code of Ethics and there were no waivers from the Code of Ethics granted to the Registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions.

A copy of the Code of Ethics is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Form N-CSR, Investment Company Act file number 811-21334 (filed on July 10, 2006).  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 three audit committee financial experts serving on its audit committee. The Registrant’s audit committee financial experts are Martha Goss, Howard Mileaf and George Morriss. Ms. Goss, Mr. Mileaf and Mr. Morriss 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 $33,500 and $38,100 for the fiscal years ended 2006 and 2007, 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 $6,250 and $6,250 for the fiscal years ended 2006 and 2007, 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 years ended 2006 and 2007, 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 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 2006 and 2007, 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 $9,500 and $9,700 for the fiscal years ended 2006 and 2007, respectively.  The nature of the services provided comprised 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 2006 and 2007, 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 professional services rendered by E&Y 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 2006 and 2007, 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 2006 and 2007, 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 2006 and 2007, 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 each member 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 $15,750 and $15,950 for the fiscal years ended 2006 and 2007, 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 $475,000 and $425,000 for the fiscal years ended 2006 and 2007, 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 a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act").  Its members are Martha C. Goss, Howard A. Mileaf, George W. Morriss, Cornelius T. Ryan (Chairman), Tom D. Seip, and Peter P. Trapp.

Item 6. Schedule of Investments

The complete schedule of investments for the Fund 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 Management Inc. (“NB Management”) the responsibility to vote proxies related to the securities held in the Registrant’s portfolio. Under this authority, NB Management is required by the Board to vote proxies related to portfolio securities in the best interests of the Registrant and its stockholders. The Board permits NB Management to contract with a third party to obtain proxy voting and related services, including research of current issues.

NB Management has implemented written Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (“Proxy Voting Policy”) that are designed to reasonably ensure that NB Management votes proxies prudently and in the best interest of its advisory clients for whom NB Management has voting authority, including the Registrant. The Proxy Voting Policy also describes how NB Management addresses any conflicts that may arise between its interests and those of its clients with respect to proxy voting.

NB Management’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, NB Management utilizes Glass, Lewis & Co. (“Glass Lewis”) to vote proxies in accordance with NB Management’s voting guidelines.

NB Management's guidelines adopt the voting recommendations of Glass Lewis. NB Management retains final authority and fiduciary responsibility for proxy voting. NB Management believes that this process is reasonably designed to address material conflicts of interest that may arise between NB Management and a client as to how proxies are voted.

In the event that an investment professional at NB Management believes that it is in the best interests of a client or clients to vote proxies in a manner inconsistent with NB Management’s proxy voting guidelines or in a manner inconsistent with Glass Lewis recommendations, the Proxy Committee will review information submitted by the investment professional to determine that there is no material conflict of interest between NB Management 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 NB Management 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 Glass Lewis shall vote such proxy in accordance with the proxy voting guidelines or as Glass Lewis 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

(a)(1) The following Portfolio Managers have day-to-day management responsibility of the Registrant’s portfolio as of the date of the filing of this Form N-CSR.

Ann H. Benjamin is a Vice President of Neuberger Berman Management Inc. (“NB Management”) and Managing Director of Neuberger Berman. She has been part of the Registrant’s management team since 2005. Ms. Benjamin also manages high yield portfolios for Lehman Brothers Asset Management LLC and its predecessor, an affiliate of Neuberger Berman. She has managed money for Lehman Brothers Asset Management LLC since 1977.


Steven R. Brown is a Vice President of NB Management and a Managing Director of Neuberger Berman. He has been a Portfolio Manager with the firm since 2002 and has been part of the Registrant’s management team since its inception. From 1997 to 2002, Mr. Brown was a co-portfolio manager at an investment firm specializing in securities of REITs.


Thomas P. O’Reilly is a Vice President of NB Management and Managing Director of Neuberger Berman. He has been part of the Registrant’s management team since 2005. Mr. O’Reilly also manages high yield portfolios for Lehman Brothers Asset Management LLC and its predecessor, an affiliate of Neuberger Berman. He has managed money for Lehman Brothers Asset Management LLC since 1977.


(a)(2) The table below describes the other accounts for which each Portfolio Manager has day-to-day management responsibility as of October 31, 2007.

Type of Account

Number of Accounts Managed

Total Assets Managed

($ millions)

Number of Accounts Managed for which Advisory Fee is Performance-Based

Assets Managed for which Advisory Fee is Performance-Based

($ millions)

 

 

 

 

 

Ann H. Benjamin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Registered Investment Companies*

4

662

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

3

204

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

Other Accounts**

28

4,474

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

Steven R. Brown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Registered Investment Companies*

7

3,337

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

-

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

Other Accounts**

175

47

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas P. O’Reilly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Registered Investment Companies*

4

662

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

3

204

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

Other Accounts**

28

4,474

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

*Registered Investment Companies include: Mutual Funds.

**Other Accounts include: Institutional Separate Accounts, Sub-Advised, and Managed Accounts (WRAP).


Conflicts of Interest

Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a Portfolio Manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one fund or other account. The management of multiple funds and accounts (including proprietary accounts) may give rise to actual or potential conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different or similar objectives, benchmarks, time horizons, and fees, as the Portfolio Manager must allocate his time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts.  The Portfolio Manager may execute transactions for another fund or account that may adversely impact the value of securities held by the Registrant, and which may include transactions that are directly contrary to the positions taken by the Registrant.  For example, a Portfolio Manager may engage in short sales of securities for another account that are the same type of securities in which the Registrant also invests.  In such a case, the Portfolio Manager could be seen as harming the performance of the Registrant for the benefit of the account engaging in short sales if the short sales cause the market value of the securities to fall.  Additionally, if a Portfolio Manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than one fund or other account, Registrant may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity.  If one account were to buy or sell portfolio securities shortly before another account bought or sold the same securities, it could affect the price paid or received by the second account.  Securities selected for funds or accounts other than the Registrant may outperform the securities selected for the Registrant.  Finally, a conflict of interest may arise if NB Management and a Portfolio Manager have a financial incentive to favor one account over another, such as a performance-based management fee that applies to one account but not the Registrant or other accounts for which the Portfolio Manager is responsible.

NB Management, Neuberger Berman, LLC and the Registrant have adopted certain compliance procedures which are designed to address these types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.

 (a)(3) Compensation (as of October 31, 2007)

A portion of the compensation paid to each Portfolio Manager for management of the mutual funds in the fund family is determined by comparisons to pre-determined peer groups and benchmarks, as opposed to a system dependent on a percent of management fees. The Portfolio Managers are paid a base salary that is not dependent on performance.  Each Portfolio Manager also has a “target bonus,” which is set each year and can be increased or decreased prior to payment based in part on performance measured against the relevant peer group and benchmark.  Performance is measured on a three-year rolling average in order to emphasize longer-term performance.  There is also a subjective component to determining the bonus, which consists of the following factors: (i) the individual’s willingness to work with the marketing and sales groups; (ii) his or her effectiveness in building a franchise; and (iii) client servicing.  Senior management determines this component in appropriate cases.  There are additional components that comprise the Portfolio Managers’ compensation packages, including:  (i) whether the Portfolio Manager was a partner/principal of Neuberger Berman prior to Neuberger Berman Inc.’s initial public offering; (ii) for more recent hires, incentives that may have been negotiated at the time the Portfolio Manager joined the Neuberger Berman complex; and  (iii) the total amount of assets for which the Portfolio Manager is responsible.

Certain Portfolio Managers may manage products other than mutual funds, such as high net worth separate accounts.  For the management of these accounts, a Portfolio Manager will generally receive a percentage of pre-tax revenue determined on a monthly basis less third party payouts (e.g., a “finder’s fee” or “referral fee” paid to a third party).  To determine the percentage of revenue a Portfolio Manager receives, the aggregate fees collected on the accounts for which the Portfolio Manager are responsible are compared to a predetermined benchmark of fees that is grown 4% per annum.

NB Management’s Portfolio Managers have always had a degree of independence that they would not get at other firms that have, for example, investment committees.  NB Management believes that its Portfolio Managers are retained not only through compensation and opportunities for advancement, but also by a collegial and stable money management environment.  

In addition, there are additional stock and option award programs available.

NB Management believes the measurement versus the peer groups on a three-year rolling average basis creates a meaningful disincentive to try and beat the peer group and benchmark in any given year by taking undue risks in portfolio management.  The incentive is to be a solid performer over the longer-term, not necessarily to be a short-term winner in any given year.

 (a)(4) Ownership of Securities

Set forth below is the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Portfolio Manager in the Registrant as of October 31, 2007.  

Portfolio Manager

Dollar Range of Equity Securities Owned in the Registrant

Ann H. Benjamin

A

Steven R. Brown

A

Thomas P. O’Reilly

A

A = None

E = $100,001-$500,000

B = $1-$10,000

F = $500,001-$1,000,000

C = $10,001 - $50,000

G = $1,000,001 or More

D =$50,001-$100,000

(b) Not applicable.

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 on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q 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 second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report 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 incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Form N-CSR, Investment Company Act file number 811-21334 (filed July 10, 2006).

(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 filed herewith.

(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 filed herewith.

The certifications provided pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) of the Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act are not deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the 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 3, 2008

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 3, 2008

By: /s/ John M. McGovern

John M. McGovern

Treasurer and Principal Financial

and Accounting Officer


Date:  January 3, 2008