PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND INC
N-30B-2, 1996-01-26
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<PAGE>
 
PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND
INCORPORATED
 
Dear Shareholder:
 
     The Fund's portfolio performed extremely well in the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1995, but the market for our shares was a tough audience. I will
hit the highlights here and expand upon performance, market discounts and income
in the question and answer section that follows.
 
     The Fund earned 27.3% on the net asset value ("NAV") of its shares in
fiscal 1995. Our preferred stock holdings did very well across the board.
Furthermore, we gave very little back through hedging losses, which we consider
a major accomplishment in this environment.
 
     The primary forces driving portfolio returns were the sharp decline in long
term interest rates and a creeping scarcity of traditional preferreds. There was
little difference between fixed rate preferreds and adjustable rate preferreds
("ARPs"). The dividends of most ARPs are fixed at their minimum rates now, which
makes them look and act more like fixed rate preferreds than ARPs.
 
     Even though the portfolio had a great year, the discount of the market
price from NAV widened. That caused the return on market value of 25.0% for the
fiscal year to fall short of what we earned on the actual dollars we are
managing (the NAV). Beyond that, the discount increased in early December due to
some tax proposals discussed below. The market's failure to give better
recognition to the Fund's success must be as frustrating to you as it is to us.
 
     The Fund's income strategy has worked well. That may be tough to see when
the dividend has just been reduced, but it really does make sense as explained
in the Q & A section. For the record, the new regular monthly dividend rate
effective on December 29, 1995 is 6.95 cents per share, which represents a
reduction of approximately 6.1%. This reduction may also have contributed to the
widening of the discount of market price from NAV, although we do not think it
should have.
 
     The Fund did not make a special year-end distribution this year. Obviously,
we made plenty of money, but most of it was unrealized appreciation on preferred
stocks that the Fund still holds.
 
     In early December, following the end of our fiscal year, the Clinton
Administration confused the outlook for the Fund by proposing a laundry list of
corporate tax increases. Several of these would clearly have an adverse effect
on the Fund while a few could possibly benefit it indirectly over time. The
proposals are a product of the bizarre political situation that has developed
over balancing the federal budget, and we cannot predict the outcome yet.
 
     The electric utility industry, which is the largest position in the Fund's
portfolio, is continuing to move toward deregulation and competition. We sense
that the pace of this evolution may accelerate as the stronger utilities press
their advantage. So far, we have been very successful in separating the
potential winners from the casualties that are bound to occur.
 
     Please read the following Q & A section. We hope it will clear up important
questions that we hear frequently.
 
                                         Sincerely,
 
                                         /s/Robert T. Flaherty
 
                                         Robert T. Flaherty
                                         Chairman of the Board
December 26, 1995

<PAGE>
 
                   QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS CONCERNING THE FUND
 
HOW HAS THE FUND'S PORTFOLIO PERFORMED?
 
     The last year was not just a flash in the pan. Over the life of the Fund,
the returns on the portfolio have been very good. The chart below shows the
cumulative return on NAV assuming that all monthly dividends and year-end
distributions were reinvested at NAV. From the start of the Fund on February 13,
1992 through November 30, 1995, $1,000 would have grown to $1,584. That works
out to a return of 13.0% per year on NAV over a span of good and bad years (such
as 1994!).
 
 
Description of the plot points for the graphs in the report.


<TABLE>
Preferred Income Opportunity Fund
Increase in $1,000 of PFO Fund Assets Through November 30, 1995

<CAPTION>
                     Not Adjusted
Month Ended          for MMP Fees
- -----------          ------------
<S>                     <C>
Feb-92                  $1,000
Feb-92                  $1,015
Mar-92                  $1,033
Apr-92                  $1,040
May-92                  $1,071
Jun-92                  $1,076
Jul-92                  $1,112
Aug-92                  $1,131
Sep-92                  $1,139
Oct-92                  $1,142
Nov-92                  $1,142
Dec-92                  $1,152
Jan-93                  $1,175
Feb-93                  $1,213
Mar-93                  $1,230
Apr-93                  $1,246
May-93                  $1,255
Jun-93                  $1,285
Jul-93                  $1,299
Aug-93                  $1,313
Sep-93                  $1,327
Oct-93                  $1,339
Nov-93                  $1,326
Dec-93                  $1,326
Jan-94                  $1,336
Feb-94                  $1,345
Mar-94                  $1,335
Apr-94                  $1,325
May-94                  $1,308
Jun-94                  $1,312
Jul-94                  $1,309
Aug-94                  $1,318
Sep-94                  $1,293
Oct-94                  $1,280
Nov-94                  $1,250
Dec-94                  $1,255
Jan-95                  $1,295
Feb-95                  $1,326
Mar-95                  $1,333
Apr-95                  $1,367
May-95                  $1,461
Jun-95                  $1,469
Jul-95                  $1,470
Aug-95                  $1,499
Sep-95                  $1,523
Oct-95                  $1,550
Nov-95                  $1,584
</TABLE>


     The Fund's returns on NAV also compare well to the results of its peers as
tracked by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. ("Lipper"). For the last fiscal
year, the Fund ranked #8 out of 15 specialty income oriented funds, just behind
one of its "sister funds." For the three full fiscal years completed so far,
however, the Fund ranked #1 out of 7 such funds then in existence. Lipper's peer
group includes some funds that are different from ours, but it is still a lot
more fun being at the top of the class than the bottom.
 
     The Preferred Income Opportunity Fund's strong performance throughout both
good and bad markets has been recognized by Morningstar, Inc. with a rating of
4-Stars (out of a possible 5) for the
 
                                        2

<PAGE>
 
three year period ended November 30, 1995. Morningstar evaluates closed-end
funds based upon the historical risk adjusted performance of a fund versus the
returns on U.S. Treasury Bills. Each fund is then ranked against a combined
universe of 212 equity, fixed-income and hybrid funds. Ten percent of the funds
receive five stars, while 22.5% receive four stars. The ratings are subject to
change every month.
 
IF THE PORTFOLIO HAS DONE SO WELL, WHY ISN'T THE MARKET PRICE OF THE SHARES
HIGHER?
 
     Unlike open-end mutual funds, closed-end funds have two prices, market and
NAV. The market price at which the shares are traded each day on the New York
Stock Exchange is by far the most visible of the two prices. NAV is the actual
value per share of the assets that the Fund holds for its shareholders. It is
published once per week in such places as The Wall Street Journal each Monday
and Barron's. The NAV can also be obtained by calling the Fund's shareholder
servicing agent, First Data Investor Services Group, Inc., at 1-800-331-1710.
 
     When you cut through it all, the market price of the Fund's shares simply
hasn't kept up with their NAV. The following chart shows how the market price
has moved over time from a premium above the NAV to a discount now. As a result,
the strong performance of the Fund's portfolio is not fully reflected in the
market price of the shares. It is a disappointment after a banner year for the
portfolio like 1995.
 
 

<TABLE>
Preferred Income Opportunity Fund
Premium/Discount of Market Price to NAV through December 1995

<CAPTION>
                                Market        Premium/
Date             NAV            Price         Discount
<S>             <C>             <C>           <C>
02/21/92        11.77           12.625          7.26%
02/28/92        11.80           12.750          8.05%
03/06/92        11.84           12.875          8.74%
03/13/92        11.84           13.000          9.80%
03/20/92        11.90           12.875          8.19%
03/27/92        11.96           12.625          5.56%
04/03/92        11.98           12.625          5.38%
04/10/92        11.91           12.750          7.05%
04/17/92        11.97           12.625          5.47%
04/24/92        12.04           12.750          5.90%
05/01/92        12.09           12.750          5.46%
05/08/92        12.22           12.875          5.36%
05/15/92        12.25           12.625          3.06%
05/22/92        12.32           12.625          2.48%
05/29/92        12.37           12.750          3.07%
06/05/92        12.40           12.750          2.82%
06/12/92        12.38           12.875          4.00%
06/19/92        12.31           12.750          3.57%
06/26/92        12.33           12.875          4.42%
07/03/92        12.41           13.000          4.75%
07/10/92        12.47           13.250          6.26%
07/17/92        12.50           13.500          8.00%
07/24/92        12.51           13.250          5.92%
07/31/92        12.68           13.500          6.47%
08/07/92        12.72           13.500          6.13%
08/14/92        12.82           13.625          6.28%
08/21/92        12.84           13.500          5.14%
08/28/92        12.81           13.500          5.39%
09/04/92        12.85           13.500          5.06%
09/11/92        12.87           13.750          6.84%
09/18/92        12.77           13.375          4.74%
09/25/92        12.81           13.375          4.41%
10/02/92        12.83           13.625          6.20%
10/09/92        12.88           13.750          6.75%
10/16/92        12.87           13.500          4.90%
10/23/92        12.76           13.000          1.88%
10/30/92        12.77           13.125          2.78%
11/06/92        12.77           13.000          1.80%
11/13/92        12.76           13.000          1.88%
11/20/92        12.73           13.250          4.08%
11/27/92        12.68           13.750          8.44%
12/04/92        12.70           13.500          6.30%
12/11/92        12.72           13.500          6.13%
12/18/92        12.16           13.000          6.91%
12/25/92        12.22           12.875          5.36%
01/01/93        12.24           13.000          6.21%
01/08/93        12.29           13.125          6.79%
01/15/93        12.27           13.000          5.95%
01/22/93        12.34           12.875          4.34%
01/29/93        12.41           13.125          5.76%
02/05/93        12.52           13.125          4.83%
02/12/93        12.52           12.875          2.84%
02/19/93        12.62           12.875          2.02%
02/26/93        12.73           13.125          3.10%
03/05/93        12.89           13.500          4.73%
03/12/93        12.91           13.750          6.51%
03/19/93        12.86           13.250          3.03%
03/26/93        12.79           13.375          4.57%
04/02/93        12.84           13.500          5.14%
04/09/93        12.88           13.625          5.78%
04/16/93        12.89           13.625          5.70%
04/23/93        12.90           13.750          6.59%
04/30/93        12.91           13.750          6.51%
05/07/93        12.96           13.625          5.13%
05/14/93        12.96           13.750          6.10%
05/21/93        12.89           13.625          5.70%
05/28/93        12.93           13.500          4.41%
06/04/93        12.98           13.625          4.97%
06/11/93        13.02           13.750          5.61%
06/18/93        12.98           13.625          4.97%
06/25/93        13.08           13.625          4.17%
07/02/93        13.13           13.750          4.72%
07/09/93        13.19           13.750          4.25%
07/16/93        13.27           13.750          3.62%
07/23/93        13.16           13.375          1.63%
07/30/93        13.22           13.625          3.06%
08/06/93        13.22           13.500          2.12%
08/13/93        13.26           13.500          1.81%
08/20/93        13.24           13.250          0.08%
08/27/93        13.26           13.750          3.70%
09/03/93        13.31           13.750          3.31%
09/10/93        13.34           13.875          4.01%
09/17/93        13.30           13.750          3.38%
09/24/93        13.30           13.625          2.44%
10/01/93        13.34           13.625          2.14%
10/08/93        13.40           13.750          2.61%
10/15/93        13.52           13.875          2.63%
10/22/93        13.42           13.750          2.46%
10/29/93        13.38           13.500          0.90%
11/05/93        13.25           13.250          0.00%
11/12/93        13.14           13.000         -1.07%
11/19/93        13.12           12.750         -2.82%
11/26/93        13.11           12.875         -1.79%
12/03/93        13.10           13.000         -0.76%
12/10/93        13.19           12.750         -3.34%
12/17/93        12.42           12.000         -3.38%
12/24/93        12.41           11.875         -4.31%
12/31/93        12.44           12.250         -1.53%
01/07/94        12.42           12.375         -0.36%
01/14/94        12.43           12.625          1.57%
01/21/94        12.41           12.250         -1.29%
01/28/94        12.47           12.000         -3.77%
02/04/94        12.53           12.130         -3.19%
02/11/94        12.45           11.875         -4.62%
02/18/94        12.45           11.375         -8.63%
02/25/94        12.50           11.875         -5.00%
03/04/94        12.49           12.000         -3.92%
03/11/94        12.52           12.125         -3.15%
03/18/94        12.48           11.750         -5.85%
03/25/94        12.45           11.750         -5.62%
04/01/94        12.31           11.630         -5.52%
04/08/94        12.25           11.625         -5.10%
04/15/94        12.19           11.000         -9.76%
04/22/94        12.10           10.875        -10.12%
04/29/94        12.14           10.875        -10.42%
05/06/94        12.06           11.125         -7.75%
05/13/94        12.01           11.125         -7.37%
05/20/94        11.88           11.125         -6.36%
05/27/94        11.87           11.500         -3.12%
06/03/94        11.94           11.125         -6.83%
06/10/94        11.97           11.625         -2.88%
06/17/94        11.92           11.375         -4.57%
06/24/94        11.84           11.375         -3.93%
07/01/94        11.86           11.375         -4.09%
07/08/94        11.78           11.375         -3.44%
07/15/94        11.83           11.250         -4.90%
07/22/94        11.72           11.375         -2.94%
07/29/94        11.76           11.375         -3.27%
08/05/94        11.76           11.500         -2.21%
08/12/94        11.73           11.380         -2.98%
08/19/94        11.69           11.250         -3.76%
08/26/94        11.72           11.375         -2.94%
09/02/94        11.74           11.500         -2.04%
09/09/94        11.62           11.250         -3.18%
09/16/94        11.60           11.125         -4.09%
09/23/94        11.47           10.750         -6.28%
09/30/94        11.46           10.875         -5.10%
10/07/94        11.38            9.875        -13.22%
10/14/94        11.44            9.875        -13.68%
10/21/94        11.35            9.750        -14.10%
10/28/94        11.30           10.125        -10.40%
11/04/94        11.26           10.375         -7.86%
11/11/94        11.22           10.000        -10.87%
11/18/94        10.96            9.875         -9.90%
11/23/94        10.97           10.125         -7.70%
12/02/94        10.94           10.500         -4.02%
12/09/94        10.95           10.000         -8.68%
12/16/94        10.52            9.750         -7.32%
12/23/94        10.51            9.875         -6.04%
12/30/94        10.52            9.625         -8.51%
01/06/95        10.51           10.500         -0.10%
01/13/95        10.65           10.500         -1.41%
01/20/95        10.57           10.125         -4.21%
01/27/95        10.66           10.000         -6.19%
02/03/95        10.88           10.625         -2.34%
02/10/95        10.84           10.500         -3.14%
02/17/95        10.89           10.250         -5.88%
02/24/95        10.91           10.500         -3.76%
03/03/95        10.95           10.625         -2.97%
03/10/95        11.02           10.375         -5.85%
03/17/95        11.08           10.500         -5.23%
03/24/95        10.96           10.375         -5.34%
03/31/95        10.93           10.500         -3.93%
04/07/95        11.00           10.625         -3.41%
04/14/95        11.06           10.625         -3.93%
04/21/95        11.01           10.250         -6.90%
04/28/95        11.13           10.750         -3.41%
05/05/95        11.54           10.875         -5.76%
05/12/95        11.58           11.125         -3.93%
05/19/95        11.58           10.500         -9.33%
05/26/95        11.76           10.875         -7.53%
06/02/95        11.95           11.375         -4.81%
06/09/95        11.73           10.875         -7.29%
06/16/95        11.83           10.875         -8.07%
06/23/95        11.89           11.000         -7.49%
06/30/95        11.81           11.000         -6.86%
07/07/95        11.95           11.125         -6.90%
07/14/95        11.91           11.000         -7.64%
07/21/95        11.64           10.375        -10.87%
07/28/95        11.69           10.625         -9.11%
08/04/95        11.77           10.625         -9.73%
08/11/95        11.69           10.500        -10.18%
08/18/95        11.82           10.625        -10.11%
08/25/95        11.93           11.000         -7.80%
09/01/95        11.97           11.125         -7.06%
09/08/95        12.00           11.000         -8.33%
09/15/95        12.11           11.125         -8.13%
09/22/95        11.89           11.000         -7.49%
09/29/95        12.02           11.250         -6.41%
10/06/95        12.12           11.250         -7.18%
10/13/95        12.23           11.000        -10.06%
10/20/95        12.10           11.000         -9.09%
10/27/95        12.10           10.875        -10.12%
11/03/95        12.26           10.750        -12.32%
11/10/95        12.24           10.875        -11.15%
11/17/95        12.32           11.000        -10.71%
11/24/95        12.21           11.000         -9.91%
12/01/95        12.38           11.125        -10.14%
12/08/95        12.18           10.750        -11.74%
12/15/95        12.12           10.625        -12.33%
12/22/95        12.02           10.500        -12.65%
</TABLE>

                                        3

<PAGE>
 
     Another part of the explanation is that much of the return earned has been
paid out to shareholders through monthly dividends and special distributions.
The special year-end distributions paid in each previous year frequently seem to
slip shareholders' minds. Since the Fund started, those special distributions
have totaled $1.51 per share above and beyond the regular dividends that would
otherwise have been paid each December.
 
WHY IS THE MARKET PRICE OF THE FUND'S SHARES AT A DISCOUNT TO NET ASSET VALUE?
 
     These things seem to run in cycles, and closed-end funds are clearly out of
style today. Most such funds, even those that have performed well, are selling
at discounts. Some pessimists say this is the natural fate of closed-end funds,
but we don't buy it. We have yet to see the stone tablet that says assets should
sell at a discount from their actual value because of their packaging.
 
     Most likely, the discounts are a sign that funds that are performing well
aren't getting that message to a large enough audience. Many of the players on
Wall Street have shifted most of their attention to products that are more
fashionable now. That leaves it up to us to spread the word about what we have
accomplished. We hope this is a step toward making that happen. Read on.
 
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A CLOSED-END FUND?
 
     We believe we can manage the portfolio better because this is a closed-end
fund. The preferred stock market can be relatively illiquid at times, which
creates many opportunities. Our ability to take advantage of those opportunities
is greatly improved because the Fund is shielded from unpredictable cash flows
in and out of the portfolio that can occur in an open-end fund. Otherwise,
someone else might be able to take advantage of us, which is clearly not what we
want for our shareholders.
 
     Because the Preferred Income Opportunity Fund is a closed-end fund, it can
also use leverage. It does that by issuing its own Money Market Cumulative
Preferred(TM) Stock. There are risks in leverage, of course; but it has been a
very successful way of increasing income for the common stock of the Fund.
Leverage is a key ingredient in the Fund's unique income strategy.
 
WHAT MAKES THE FUND'S INCOME STRATEGY UNIQUE?
 
     In plain English, this is what it is all about. We expect the Fund's income
to rise and fall with interest rates. We just want it to go up more when rates
are on the upswing and fall less when rates go down. The Fund and its two sister
funds, the Preferred Income Fund and the Preferred Income Management Fund, are
the only funds that follow this approach.
 
                                        4

<PAGE>
 
HOW HAS THE INCOME STRATEGY WORKED?
 
     It has worked even better than we might have hoped. The following chart
shows the history of the Fund's monthly income (on the left hand scale) against
the backdrop of long term interest rates (on the right hand scale). Income has
increased when interest rates were rising, and it has given ground only
begrudgingly when rates were falling. Over the life of the Fund, income is down
only 4.6% while the yield on long term Treasury bonds has fallen from 7.8% to
6.1%, a decline of 21.8%.
 
 
<TABLE>
Preferred Income Opportunity Fund
Monthly Dividend Income Through December 31, 1995

<CAPTION>
                                       UST 30
Date            Income                   YTM
<S>             <C>                     <C>
Feb-92                                  7.79%
Feb-92                                  7.96%
Apr-92                                  7.84%
Jun-92          $82.50                  7.78%
Aug-92          $82.50                  7.41%
Oct-92          $82.50                  7.62%
Dec-92          $83.14                  7.39%
Feb-93          $83.14                  6.90%
Apr-93          $83.14                  6.93%
Jun-93          $83.14                  6.67%
Aug-93          $83.14                  6.09%
Oct-93          $83.14                  5.97%
Dec-93          $79.87                  6.35%
Feb-94          $79.87                  6.66%
Apr-94          $79.87                  7.26%
Jun-95          $90.23                  6.54%
Aug-95          $90.23                  6.61%
Oct-95          $90.23                  6.36%
Dec-95          $84.07                  6.08%
</TABLE>




     The chart is based on a hypothetical investment in 1,000 shares of the
Fund's common stock at the inception of the Fund. We have assumed that the
shareholder took the regular dividend in cash each month and used only the
amount by which the year-end distributions were above and beyond the regular
dividends to buy additional shares at net asset value.
 
WHY NOT JUST AIM FOR A HIGH AND STABLE LEVEL OF INCOME?
 
     The real problem with stable income comes when interest rates rise.
Remember the agony that fixed income investors have felt in the past when
inflation and interest rates soared, the market value of their investments fell
and income was left in the dust. With our strategy, we hope that income will
benefit to at least some extent from a rise in interest rates.
 
                                        5

<PAGE>
 
     High and stable income is also very hard to get in the real world. Most
issuers of bonds and preferred stocks have the right, sooner or later, to redeem
those securities and to refinance them at lower rates when interest rates fall.
The Preferred Income Opportunity Fund is not immune to this either. Hopefully,
some of the other things we do will make up for it.
 
ARE THE FUND'S HEDGES PART OF ITS INCOME STRATEGY?
 
     You bet they are! One good way to increase income when interest rates rise
is to have additional cash to invest at the higher rates. That can happen if the
Fund makes money on its hedges. Hedging has played an important role in the
success of the Fund so far.
 
     Our hedging strategies are actually rather cowardly. We hedge by purchasing
put options on Treasury bond futures contracts. The market value of these put
options should rise if interest rates go up significantly within a relatively
short period of time. On the other hand, the Fund's risk on the put options is
limited to what we pay for them. To keep the cost down, we often buy put options
that are "out-of-the-money." This is something like buying an insurance policy
with a big deductible to keep the premium down.
 
     Hedging also can help cushion a decline in the Fund's NAV. We expect the
market value of the Fund's preferred stock holdings to fall when interest rates
rise. A portion of that decline would be offset if the Fund's hedges also paid
off in that situation. If the Fund were not hedged, we would probably lose more
sleep over being leveraged.

<TABLE> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated
FINANCIAL DATA
PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK (UNAUDITED)
- ----------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   DIVIDEND
                                                      DIVIDEND     NET ASSET         NYSE        REINVESTMENT
                                                        PAID         VALUE       CLOSING PRICE     PRICE(1)
                                                      --------   -------------   -------------   -------------
<S>                                                    <C>           <C>            <C>              <C>
December 31, 1994...................................   $0.450        $10.52         $ 9.625          $10.51
January 31, 1995....................................    0.078         10.77          10.125           10.58
February 28, 1995...................................    0.078         10.95          10.625           10.89
March 31, 1995......................................    0.078         10.93          10.500           10.65
April 30, 1995......................................    0.078         11.13          10.750           10.96
May 31, 1995........................................    0.078         11.82          10.875           11.19
June 30, 1995.......................................    0.074         11.81          11.000           11.05
July 31, 1995.......................................    0.074         11.75          10.625           10.66
August 31, 1995.....................................    0.074         11.90          11.125           11.06
September 30, 1995..................................    0.074         12.02          11.250           11.23
October 31, 1995....................................    0.074         12.16          10.875           10.87
November 30, 1995...................................    0.074         12.35          11.250           11.22
<FN> 
- ---------------
 
(1) See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION; Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan on
    pages 24 and 25 of this report.
</TABLE>
 
                                        6

<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated
                                                        PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
                                                               NOVEMBER 30, 1995
                                  ----------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   VALUE
 SHARES                                           (NOTE 1)
- --------                                        ------------
<C>        <S>                                   <C>
PREFERRED STOCK -- 98.6%
  ADJUSTABLE RATE PREFERRED STOCK -- 25.4%
        UTILITIES -- 10.4%
   7,500   Arizona Public Service Company,
             Series Q, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........   $   645,000
           ENSERCH Corporation:
   6,700     Series E, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........       646,550
  55,700     Series F, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........     1,166,219
           Georgia Power Company:
  37,000     Series 1993 A, Adj. Rate Pfd. ...       892,625
  46,900     Series 1993-2 L, Adj. Rate Pfd. .     1,072,837
   5,100   Gulf States Utilities Company,
             Series A, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........       489,600
  81,415   Illinois Power Company,
             Series A, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........     3,704,383
           Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation:
  95,275     Series A, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........     1,631,584
 195,918     Series B, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........     3,795,911
  25,000     Series C, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........       478,125
   6,800   Northern Indiana Public Service 
             Company,
             Series A, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........       324,700
           Northern States Power Company:
   4,200     Series A, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........       405,300
   8,500     Series B, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........       820,250
  14,600   Puget Sound Power & Light Company,
             Series B, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........       324,850
           Texas Utilities Electric Company:
  53,101     Series A, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........     5,190,623
   1,250     Series B, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........       124,687
                                                 -----------
           TOTAL UTILITY ADJUSTABLE RATE
             PREFERRED STOCK..................    21,713,244
                                                 -----------
        BANKING -- 15.0%
           Bank of Boston Corporation:
  43,600     Series B, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........     1,994,700
  23,100     Series C, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........     1,917,300
  59,900   BankAmerica Corporation,
             Series B, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........     5,548,237
           Bankers Trust New York Corporation:
  25,000     Series Q, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........       542,188
  43,200     Series R, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........       926,100
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   VALUE
 SHARES                                           (NOTE 1)
- --------                                        ------------
<C>        <S>                                   <C>
PREFERRED STOCK (CONTINUED)
  ADJUSTABLE RATE PREFERRED STOCK (CONTINUED)
        BANKING (CONTINUED)
  20,000   Chase Manhattan Corporation, Series
             N, Adj. Rate Pfd. ...............   $   460,000
  82,248   Citicorp,
             Second Series, Adj. Rate Pfd. ...     7,628,502
  70,111   First Chicago Corporation,
             Series B, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........     6,415,157
  15,660   First Fidelity Bancorporation,
             Series D, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........     1,554,255
  32,500   Marine Midland Banks, Inc.,
             Series A, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........     1,531,563
  31,750   Morgan (J.P.) & Company Inc.,
             Series A, Adj. Rate Pfd. ........     2,563,812
                                                 -----------
           TOTAL BANKING ADJUSTABLE RATE
             PREFERRED STOCK..................    31,081,814
                                                 -----------
           TOTAL ADJUSTABLE RATE PREFERRED
             STOCK............................    52,795,058
                                                 -----------
  FIXED RATE PREFERRED STOCK -- 73.2%
        UTILITIES -- 53.6%
           Alabama Power Company:
 127,300     Class A, 6.40% Pfd. .............     3,192,048
  30,900     Series 1992 A, 7.60% Pfd. .......       803,400
 173,696   Arizona Public Service Company,
             Series W, $1.8125 Pfd. ..........     4,407,536
           Baltimore Gas & Electric Company: 
  47,300     6.99% Pfd. ......................     5,167,525
  35,900     Series 1993, 6.70% Pfd. .........     3,782,962
     312   Carolina Power & Light Company,
             $5.44 Pfd. ......................        27,378
     100   Central Hudson Gas & Electric
             Corporation,
             Series D, 4.35% Pfd. ............         6,637
   1,491   Columbus Southern Power Company,
             9.50% Sinking Fund Pfd. .........       150,964
   7,500   Commonwealth Edison Company,
             $8.40 Pfd. ......................       772,500
</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                        7

<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOVEMBER 30, 1995
- ----------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   VALUE
 SHARES                                           (NOTE 1)
- --------                                        ------------
<C>        <S>                                    <C>
PREFERRED STOCK (CONTINUED)
  FIXED RATE PREFERRED STOCK (CONTINUED)
        UTILITIES (CONTINUED)
           Consolidated Edison Company of New
             York, Inc.:                          
   8,015     Series A, $5.75 PVT Pfd. ........    $  692,296
   9,000     Series B, 5.25% Pfd. ............       711,000
  15,400     Series D, 4.65% Pfd. ............     1,162,700
  38,835     Series E, 5.75% Pfd. ............     3,572,820
   6,140     Series F, 6.20% Pfd. ............       605,558
 139,533   Consumers Power Company, Class A,
             8.32% Pfd. ......................     3,592,975
   5,400   Delmarva Power & Light Company,
             6.75% Pfd. ......................       569,025
           Detroit Edison Company:
  10,970     7.36% Pfd. ......................     1,129,910
   4,700     7.68% Pfd. ......................       484,100
 140,700     7.75% Pfd. ......................     3,623,025
           Duke Power Company:
  61,800     Series 1993 A, 6.375% Pfd. ......     1,552,725
  11,100     Series S, 7.85% Pfd. ............     1,234,875
  36,935     Series W, 7.00% Pfd. ............     4,002,831
  28,455     Series Y, 7.04% Pfd. ............     3,090,924
           Florida Power & Light Company:
   1,882     4.50% Pfd. ......................       135,033
   4,917     Series F, 7.28% Pfd. ............       510,753
  28,350     Series S, 6.98% Pfd. ............     3,036,994
  41,666     Series T, 7.05% Pfd. ............     4,479,095
  15,000     Series U, 6.75% Pfd. ............     1,571,250
           Georgia Power Company:
     566     $6.48 Pfd. ......................        56,529
   1,940     $6.60 Pfd. ......................       195,940
  15,020   GTE Florida Inc.,
             Series B, $1.30 Pfd. ............       308,286
   8,000   Gulf Power Company,
             Class A, 7.00% Pfd. .............       213,000
   7,500   Gulf States Utilities Company,
             $9.96 Pfd. ......................       774,375
           Illinois Power Company:
   5,540     7.56% Pfd. ......................       289,465
  19,900     8.24% Pfd. ......................     1,044,750
</TABLE> 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   VALUE
 SHARES                                           (NOTE 1)
- --------                                        ------------
<C>        <S>                                    <C>
PREFERRED STOCK (CONTINUED)
  FIXED RATE PREFERRED STOCK (CONTINUED)
        UTILITIES (CONTINUED)
           Louisiana Power & Light Company:
  58,681     8.00% Pfd. ......................    $1,496,366
  56,800     9.68% Pfd. ......................     1,476,800
  37,000   Mississippi Power Company,
             7.25% Pfd. ......................       962,000
   6,000   Mississippi Power & Light Company,
             8.36% Pfd. ......................       632,250
  23,500   Monongahela Power Company, Series
             L, $7.73 Pfd. ...................     2,617,312
   5,400   Montana Power Company,
             $6.875 Pfd. .....................       560,925
  17,700   Nevada Power Company,
             9.90% Sinking Fund Pfd. .........     1,968,019
           New York State Electric & Gas
             Corporation:
   5,000     6.30% Sinking Fund Pfd. .........       512,500
   1,000     6.48% Pfd. ......................        94,500
           Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation:
   6,250     4.10% Pfd. ......................       262,500
  44,605     7.85% Sinking Fund Pfd. .........     1,064,944
  62,000     9.50% Pfd. ......................     1,483,350
           Northern States Power Company:
   1,660     $4.10 Pfd. ......................       112,465
     350     $4.16 Pfd. ......................        24,063
   5,000     $7.00 Pfd. ......................       520,625
           PSI Energy, Inc.:
   4,850     6.875% Pfd. .....................       501,369
 184,600     7.44% Pfd. ......................     4,730,375
   2,150   Pacific Enterprises,
             $4.50 Pfd. ......................       149,425
  17,800   Pennsylvania Power Company,
             7.75% Pfd. ......................     1,759,975
  30,700   Pennsylvania Power & Light Company,
             $6.75 Pfd. ......................     3,150,587
           Public Service Electric & Gas
             Company:
   8,920     4.08% Pfd. ......................       547,465
  18,208     5.05% Pfd. ......................     1,381,532
  10,810     5.28% Pfd. ......................       856,693
 101,035   Puget Sound Power & Light Company,
             7.875% Pfd. .....................     2,576,392
</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                        8

<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated
                                            PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                                               NOVEMBER 30, 1995
                                  ----------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   VALUE
 SHARES                                           (NOTE 1)
- --------                                        ------------
<C>        <S>                                  <C>
PREFERRED STOCK (CONTINUED)
  FIXED RATE PREFERRED STOCK (CONTINUED)
        UTILITIES (CONTINUED)
           San Diego Gas & Electric Company:
   5,100     $7.20 Pfd. ......................  $    525,937
 180,000     6.80% Pfd. ......................     4,702,500
  26,000   Southern California Gas Company,
             7.75% Pfd. ......................       672,750
           Texas Utilities Electric Company:
   8,000     $2.05 Pfd. ......................       215,500
  15,100     $7.98 Pfd. ......................     1,672,325
  56,575     7.22% Pfd. ......................     1,552,277
  38,838     7.50% Pfd. ......................     1,075,327
   8,000   Union Electric Company,
             $6.40 Pfd........................       797,000
  15,000   United Water Resource Inc.,
             Series B, 7.625% Sinking Fund
             Pfd. ............................     1,552,500
           Virginia Electric & Power Company:
  39,800     $6.98 Pfd. ......................     4,253,625
  37,100     $7.05 Pfd. ......................     3,988,250
 111,000   Washington Natural Gas Company,
             Series II, 7.45% Pfd. ...........     2,899,875
  10,000   Wisconsin Power & Light Company,
             6.20% Pfd. ......................     1,011,250
                                                ------------
           TOTAL UTILITY FIXED RATE PREFERRED
             STOCK............................   111,312,732
                                                ------------
        BANKING -- 9.4%
  40,000   Ahmanson (H.F.) & Company, Series
             C, 8.40% Pfd.....................     1,040,000
  43,100   Bank of Boston Corporation,
             Series E, 8.60% Pfd. ............     1,109,825
  10,300   Bank of New York Company, Inc.,
             Series B, 8.60% Pfd. ............       268,444
           BankAmerica Corporation:
  22,300     Series J, 11.00% Pfd. ...........       611,856
  27,000     Series L, 8.16% Pfd. ............       693,563
  35,387     Series N, 8.50% Pfd. ............       924,485
</TABLE>
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>
                                                   VALUE
 SHARES                                           (NOTE 1)
- --------                                        ------------
<C>        <S>                                  <C>
PREFERRED STOCK (CONTINUED)
  FIXED RATE PREFERRED STOCK (CONTINUED)
        BANKING (CONTINUED)
           Chase Manhattan Corporation:
 101,050     Series I, 10.84% Pfd. ...........  $  3,119,919
  10,350     Series J, 9.08% Pfd. ............       274,275
           Chemical Banking Corporation:
  11,500     Series H, 8.375% Pfd. ...........       299,719
  48,800     Series I, 7.92% Pfd. ............     1,265,750
  60,500     Series J, 7.58% Pfd. ............     1,546,531
  24,400   Citicorp,
             Series 22, 7.75% Pfd. ...........       634,400
  13,911   First Chicago Corporation,
             Series E, 8.45% Pfd. ............       366,903
  15,000   First Fidelity Bancorporation,
             10.64% Pfd. .....................       386,250
  26,618   First Interstate Bancorp,
             Series G, 9.00% Pfd. ............       707,041
           Fleet Financial Group, Inc.:
  54,800     9.35% Pfd. ......................     1,537,825
  12,500     Series B, 10.12% Pfd. ...........       339,062
  28,600   Great Western Financial
             Corporation,
             8.30% Pfd. ......................       738,237
 143,000   MBNA Corporation,
             Series A, 7.50% Pfd. ............     3,566,063
                                                ------------
           TOTAL BANKING FIXED RATE PREFERRED
             STOCK............................    19,430,148
                                                ------------
        FINANCIAL SERVICES -- 6.0%
           Ford Holdings, Inc.:
  26,130     Series A, 8.00% Pfd. ............       658,149
  87,880     Series B, 8.00% Pfd. ............     2,213,478
  25,000     Series C, 7.12% Pfd. ............       626,562
 118,820     Series D, 8.10% Pfd. ............     2,992,779
</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                        9

<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOVEMBER 30, 1995
- ----------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   VALUE
 SHARES                                           (NOTE 1)
- --------                                        ------------
<C>        <S>                                  <C>
PREFERRED STOCK (CONTINUED)
  FIXED RATE PREFERRED STOCK (CONTINUED)
        FINANCIAL SERVICES (CONTINUED)
           Household International, Inc.:
  19,800     Series 1992 A, 8.25% Pfd. .......  $    545,737
 108,900     Series 1993 A, 7.35% Pfd. .......     2,790,563
  93,200   Merrill Lynch & Company, Inc.,
             Series A, 9.00% Pfd. ............     2,720,275
                                                ------------
           TOTAL FINANCIAL SERVICES FIXED RATE
             PREFERRED STOCK..................    12,547,543
                                                ------------
        INSURANCE -- 1.4%
  90,000   AON Corporation,
             8.00% Pfd. ......................     2,317,500
  27,400   Berkley (W.R.) Corporation,
             Series A, 7.375% Pfd. ...........       680,205
                                                ------------
           TOTAL INSURANCE FIXED RATE
             PREFERRED STOCK..................     2,997,705
                                                ------------
        OTHER -- 2.8%
   9,520   Dial Corporation,
             $4.75 Sinking Fund Pfd. .........       616,420
 191,195   Ford Motor Company,
             Series B, 8.25% Pfd. ............     5,257,862
                                                ------------
           TOTAL OTHER FIXED RATE PREFERRED
             STOCK............................     5,874,282
                                                ------------
           TOTAL FIXED RATE PREFERRED STOCK...   152,162,410
                                                ------------
           TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK
             (Cost $191,378,942)..............   204,957,468
                                                ------------
 
MISCELLANEOUS SECURITIES -- 0.2% (Cost $1,351,779)
           Put Options on U.S. Treasury Bond
             Futures..........................  $    369,144
                                                ------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 PRINCIPAL                                         VALUE
  AMOUNT                                          (NOTE 1)
- -----------                                     ------------
<C>           <S>                               <C>
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT -- 1.6% (Cost $3,301,000)
$3,301,000   Agreement with UBS Securities
                Inc., 5.84% dated 11/30/95, to
                be repurchased at $3,301,535
                on 12/1/95, collateralized by
                $3,175,000 U.S. Treasury Note,
                6.875% due 8/31/99 (value
                $3,326,797)...................     3,301,000
                                                ------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $196,031,721*). 100.4%   208,627,612
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Net).....  (0.4)      (907,517)
                                        -----   ------------
NET ASSETS..............................100.0%  $207,720,095
                                        =====   ============
<FN> 
- ---------------
* Aggregate cost for Federal tax purposes is $195,163,544.
</TABLE> 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                       10

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated
                                                               STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
                                                                                 NOVEMBER 30, 1995
                                                    ----------------------------------------------
 
<S>                                                                <C>                <C>
ASSETS:
     Investments, at value (Cost $196,031,721) (Note 1)
       See accompanying schedule................................                      $208,627,612
     Receivable for securities sold.............................                         1,090,498
     Dividends and interest receivable..........................                         1,946,779
     Prepaid expense............................................                            22,281
     Unamortized organization costs (Note 6)....................                            17,333
                                                                                      ------------
          Total Assets..........................................                       211,704,503
LIABILITIES:
     Payable for securities purchased...........................   $ 3,422,067
     Dividends payable..........................................       332,912
     Investment advisory fee payable (Note 2)...................        95,338
     Accrued expenses and other payables........................       134,091
                                                                   -----------
          Total Liabilities.....................................                         3,984,408
                                                                                      ------------
NET ASSETS......................................................                      $207,720,095
                                                                                      ============
NET ASSETS consist of:
     Undistributed net investment income (Note 1)...............                      $     44,550
     Accumulated net realized loss on investments sold 
       (Note 1).................................................                        (3,875,235)
     Unrealized appreciation of investments.....................                        12,595,891
     Par value of Common Stock..................................                           111,513
     Paid-in capital in excess of par value of Common Stock.....                       128,843,376
     Money Market Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock (Note 5).......                        70,000,000
                                                                                      ------------
          Total Net Assets......................................                      $207,720,095
                                                                                      ============
                                                                    PER SHARE
                                                                    ---------
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO:
     Money Market Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock (700 shares
       outstanding) redemption value............................   $100,000.00        $ 70,000,000
     Accumulated undeclared dividends on Money Market Cumulative
       Preferred(TM) Stock......................................         12.22               8,556
                                                                   -----------        ------------
                                                                   $100,012.22          70,008,556
                                                                   ===========
     Common Stock (11,151,287 shares outstanding)...............        $12.35         137,711,539
                                                                       =======        ------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS................................................                      $207,720,095
                                                                                      ============
</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                       11

<PAGE>
<TABLE> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1995
- ---------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                                                  <C>               <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
     Dividends....................................................                     $16,226,590
     Interest.....................................................                         190,110
                                                                                       -----------
          Total Investment Income.................................                      16,416,700
EXPENSES:
     Investment advisory fee (Note 2).............................   $1,115,560
     Administration fee (Note 2)..................................      376,413
     Money Market Cumulative Preferred(TM) broker commissions
       and Auction Agent fees.....................................      177,442
     Shareholder servicing agent fees (Note 2)....................      117,351
     Insurance expense............................................      105,640
     Legal and audit fees.........................................       78,711
     Economic consulting fee (Note 2).............................       75,000
     Custodian fees (Note 2)......................................       50,384
     Directors' fees and expenses (Note 2)........................       43,320
     Amortization of deferred organization costs (Note 6).........       14,000
     Other........................................................       83,297
                                                                     ----------
          Total Expenses..........................................                       2,237,118
                                                                                       -----------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME.............................................                      14,179,582
                                                                                       -----------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
  (Notes 1 and 3):
     Net realized loss on investments sold during the year........                      (5,097,206)
     Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of
       investments during the year................................                      24,429,567
                                                                                       -----------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS...................                      19,332,361
                                                                                       -----------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS..............                     $33,511,943
                                                                                       ===========
</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                       12

<PAGE>
<TABLE> 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated
                                                                         STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
                                                             ----------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                       YEAR ENDED            YEAR ENDED
                                                                    NOVEMBER 30, 1995     NOVEMBER 30, 1994
                                                                    -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                                                    <C>                   <C>
OPERATIONS:
     Net investment income.......................................      $ 14,179,582          $ 13,333,273
     Net realized gain/(loss) on investments sold during the
       year......................................................        (5,097,206)            4,081,005
     Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of
       investments during the year...............................        24,429,567           (22,520,867)
                                                                       ------------          ------------
     Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from
       operations................................................        33,511,943            (5,106,589)
DISTRIBUTIONS:
     Dividends paid from net investment income to Money Market
       Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock Shareholders (Note 5)......        (3,498,611)           (2,000,914)
     Distributions paid from net realized capital gains to Money
       Market Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock Shareholders (Note
       5)........................................................           (12,001)             (302,982)
     Dividends paid from net investment income to Common Stock
       Shareholders..............................................       (12,414,321)           (9,554,459)
     Distributions paid from net realized capital gains to Common
       Stock Shareholders........................................        (1,894,269)           (7,799,074)
FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
     Increase from Common Stock transactions (Note 4)............           230,242             2,895,503
     Offering costs and Money Market Cumulative Preferred(TM)
       Stock underwriting commissions credited to paid-in capital
       (Notes 4 and 5)...........................................                --                96,419
                                                                       ------------          ------------
          Net increase/(decrease) in net assets..................        15,922,983           (21,772,096)
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year................................................       191,797,112           213,569,208
                                                                       ------------          ------------
End of year (undistributed net investment income of $44,550 and
  $1,777,900, respectively)......................................      $207,720,095          $191,797,112
                                                                       ============          ============
</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                       13

<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH YEAR.
- ----------------------------------------------------
<TABLE> 
     Contained below is per share operating performance data, total investment
returns, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data. This
information has been derived from information provided in the financial
statements and market price data for the Fund's shares.
 
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED     PERIOD ENDED
                                                              NOVEMBER 30,    NOVEMBER 30,    NOVEMBER 30,    NOVEMBER 30,
                                                                  1995            1994            1993           1992*
                                                              ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
<S>                                                             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year.........................     $  10.92        $  13.17        $  12.69        $  11.63
                                                                --------        --------        --------        --------
Net investment income......................................         1.27            1.19            1.19            0.88
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
  on investments...........................................         1.73           (1.64)           0.92            1.09
                                                                --------        --------        --------        --------
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value resulting from
  investment operations....................................         3.00           (0.45)           2.11            1.97
Offering costs and Money Market Cumulative Preferred(TM)
  Stock underwriting commissions charged to paid-in
  capital..................................................           --              --              --           (0.19)
DISTRIBUTIONS:
Dividends paid from net investment income to Money Market
  Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock Shareholders..............        (0.31)          (0.18)          (0.15)          (0.10)
Distributions paid from net realized capital gains to Money
  Market Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock Shareholders.......        (0.00)#         (0.03)          (0.05)          (0.02)
Dividends paid from net investment income to Common Stock
  Shareholders.............................................        (1.11)          (0.86)          (1.18)          (0.58)
Distributions paid from net realized capital gains to
  Common Stock Shareholders................................        (0.17)          (0.72)          (0.26)             --
Change in accumulated undeclared dividends on Money Market
  Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock...........................         0.02           (0.01)           0.01           (0.02)
                                                                --------        --------        --------        --------
Total distributions........................................        (1.57)          (1.80)          (1.63)          (0.72)
                                                                --------        --------        --------        --------
Net asset value, end of year...............................     $  12.35        $  10.92        $  13.17        $  12.69
                                                                ========        ========        ========        ========
Market value, end of year..................................     $ 11.250        $ 10.125        $ 13.250        $ 13.625
                                                                ========        ========        ========        ========
Total investment return based on net asset value***........        27.25%          (5.44)%         16.04%          14.18%
                                                                ========        ========        ========        ========
Total investment return based on market value***...........        25.02%         (12.83)%          8.70%          14.10%
                                                                ========        ========        ========        ========
Net assets, end of year (in 000's).........................     $207,720        $191,797        $213,569        $200,469
                                                                ========        ========        ========        ========
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK
  SHAREHOLDERS/
  SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
    Net investment income..................................         8.47%           8.31%           7.65%           7.46%**
    Operating expenses.....................................         1.78%           1.69%           1.72%           1.73%**
    Portfolio turnover rate................................           94%            116%            129%             77%

<FN> 
- ---------------
 
   * The Fund commenced operations on February 13, 1992.
  ** Annualized.
 *** Assumes reinvestment of distributions.
   # Amount represents less than $0.01 per common share.
</TABLE> 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                       14

<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated
                                                FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
                                  ----------------------------------------------
<TABLE> 
     The table below sets out information with respect to Money Market
Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock currently outstanding.
 
<CAPTION>
                                             INVOLUNTARY          AVERAGE
  FISCAL                         ASSET       LIQUIDATING           MARKET
   YEAR       TOTAL SHARES     COVERAGE       PREFERENCE           VALUE
  ENDED       OUTSTANDING      PER SHARE     PER SHARE(1)     PER SHARE(1 & 2)
- ----------    ------------     ---------     ------------     ----------------
<S>                <C>          <C>            <C>                <C>
11/30/95           700          $296,743       $100,000           $100,000
11/30/94           700           273,996        100,000            100,000
11/30/93           700           305,099        100,000            100,000
11/30/92           700           286,384        100,000            100,000

<FN> 
- ---------------
 
(1) Excludes accumulated undeclared dividends.
(2) See Note 5.
</TABLE> 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                       15

<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- ----------------------------------------------
 
1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated (the "Fund") is a
diversified, closed-end management investment company organized as a Maryland
corporation on December 10, 1991 and is registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended. The Fund commenced operations on February 13, 1992. The policies
described below are followed consistently by the Fund in the preparation of its
financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
     Portfolio valuation:  The net asset value of the Fund's Common Stock is
determined by the Fund's administrator no less frequently than on the last
business day of each week and month. It is determined by dividing the value of
the Fund's net assets attributable to common shares by the number of shares of
Common Stock outstanding. The value of the Fund's net assets attributable to
common shares is deemed to equal the value of the Fund's total assets less (i)
the Fund's liabilities, (ii) the aggregate liquidation value of the outstanding
Money Market Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock and (iii) accumulated and unpaid
dividends on the outstanding Money Market Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock.
Securities listed on a national securities exchange are valued on the basis of
the last sale on such exchange on the day of valuation. In the absence of sales
of listed securities and with respect to securities for which the most recent
sale prices are not deemed to represent fair market value and unlisted
securities (other than money market instruments), securities are valued at the
mean between the closing bid and asked prices when quoted prices for investments
are readily available. Investments for which market quotations are not readily
available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the
direction of the Board of Directors of the Fund, including reference to
valuations of other securities which are considered comparable in quality,
maturity and type. Investments in money market instruments, which mature in 60
days or less, are valued at amortized cost.
 
     Securities transactions and investment income:  Securities transactions are
recorded as of the trade date. Realized gains and losses from securities sold
are recorded on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on
ex-dividend dates. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis.
 
     Option accounting principles:  Upon the purchase of a put option by the
Fund, the total purchase price paid is recorded as an investment. The market
valuation is determined as set forth in the second preceding paragraph. When the
Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, the Fund will record a gain or loss
depending on the difference between the purchase and sale price. The risks
associated with purchasing options and the maximum loss the Fund would incur are
limited to the purchase price originally paid.
 
     Repurchase Agreements:  The Fund may engage in repurchase agreement
transactions. The Fund's Board of Directors reviews and approves periodically
the eligibility of the banks and dealers with which the Fund enters into
repurchase agreement transactions. The value of the collateral underlying such
transactions is at least equal at all times to the total amount of the
repurchase obligations, including interest. The Fund maintains possession of the
collateral and, in the event of counterparty default, the
 
                                       16

<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated
                                       NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                  ----------------------------------------------
 
Fund has the right to use the collateral to offset losses incurred. There is the
possibility of loss to the Fund in the event the Fund is delayed or prevented
from exercising its rights to dispose of the collateral securities.
 
     Dividends and distributions to shareholders:  The Fund expects to declare
dividends on a monthly basis to shareholders of Common Stock. The shareholders
of Money Market Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock are entitled to receive
cumulative cash dividends as declared by the Fund's Board of Directors.
Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Any net
realized short-term capital gains will be distributed to shareholders at least
annually. Any net realized long-term capital gains may be distributed to
shareholders at least annually or may be retained by the Fund as determined by
the Fund's Board of Directors. Capital gains retained by the Fund are subject to
tax at the corporate tax rate. Any taxes paid by the Fund on such net realized
long-term gains may be used by the Fund's Common Stock Shareholders as a credit
against their own tax liabilities subject to the Fund qualifying as a regulated
investment company as described in the following paragraph.
 
     Federal income taxes:  The Fund intends to qualify as a regulated
investment company by complying with the requirements under subchapter M of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment
companies and intends to distribute substantially all of its taxable net
investment income to its shareholders. Therefore, no Federal income tax
provision is required.
 
     Income distributions and capital gain distributions are determined in
accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from generally accepted
accounting principals. These differences are primarily due to differing
treatments of income and gains on various investment securities held by the
Fund, timing differences and the differing characterization of distributions
made by the Fund.
 
2.  INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE, DIRECTORS' FEES, ECONOMIC CONSULTING FEE,
    ADMINISTRATION FEE AND TRANSFER AGENT FEE
 
     Flaherty & Crumrine Incorporated (the "Adviser") serves as the Fund's
Investment Adviser. The Fund pays the Adviser a monthly fee at an annual rate of
0.625% of the value of the Fund's average monthly net assets up to $100 million
and 0.50% of the value of the Fund's average monthly net assets in excess of
$100 million.
 
     The Fund currently pays each Director who is not a director, officer or
employee of the Adviser a fee of $9,000 per annum, plus $500 for each in-person
meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee and $100 for each telephone
meeting. In addition, the Fund will reimburse all Directors for travel and out-
of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with such meetings.
 
     Economic Advisors, Inc. ("Economic Advisors"), an indirect, wholly owned
subsidiary of Lehman Brothers Inc., serves as the Fund's Economic Consultant.
The Fund pays Economic Advisors an annual fee equal to $75,000 for services
provided.
 
                                       17

<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
- ----------------------------------------------
 
     First Data Investor Services Group, Inc. ("FDISG") (formerly The
Shareholder Services Group, Inc.), a wholly owned subsidiary of First Data
Corporation, serves as the Fund's Administrator and Transfer Agent. As
Administrator, FDISG calculates the net asset value of the Fund's shares and
generally assists in all aspects of the Fund's administration and operation. As
compensation for FDISG's services as Administrator, the Fund currently pays
FDISG a monthly fee at an annual rate of 0.19% of the value of the Fund's
average monthly net assets. Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Company ("Boston
Safe"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank Corporation, serves as the
Fund's Custodian. As compensation for Boston Safe's services as Custodian, the
Fund currently pays Boston Safe a monthly fee at an annual rate of 0.02% of the
value of the Fund's average monthly net assets. FDISG also serves as the Fund's
common stock servicing agent (transfer agent), dividend-paying agent and
registrar, and as compensation for FDISG's services as transfer agent, the Fund
currently pays FDISG a fee at an annual rate of 0.04% of the value of the Fund's
average monthly net assets plus certain out-of-pocket expenses. If, however, the
net assets of the Fund fall below $166,000,000, the fee will increase to an
annual rate of 0.05% of the value of the Fund's average monthly net assets.
 
     Chemical Bank ("Auction Agent") serves as the Fund's Money Market
Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing
agent and redemption agent.
 
3.  PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
 
     Cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of securities for the year ended
November 30, 1995, excluding short-term investments, aggregated $182,470,719 and
$181,249,645, respectively.
 
     At November 30, 1995, aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all
securities in which there is an excess of value over tax cost was $15,547,945
and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities in which there is
an excess of tax cost over value was $2,083,877.
 
4.  COMMON STOCK
 
     At November 30, 1995, 240,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value Common Stock
were authorized.

<TABLE>
     Common Stock transactions were as follows:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                         YEAR ENDED                 YEAR ENDED
                                                          11/30/95                   11/30/94
                                                    --------------------      -----------------------
                                                    SHARES       AMOUNT       SHARES         AMOUNT
                                                    ------      --------      -------      ----------
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>
Issued as reinvestment of dividends under the
  Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan...   21,619      $230,242      233,133      $2,895,503
                                                    ======      ========      =======      ==========
</TABLE>
 
     During the year ended November 30, 1994, it was determined that actual
offering costs were less than the estimated 1992 offering costs by $96,419.
Therefore paid-in capital in excess of par value of Common Stock has been
increased by this amount.
 
                                       18

<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated
                                       NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                  ----------------------------------------------
 
5.  MONEY MARKET CUMULATIVE PREFERRED(TM) STOCK
 
     The Fund's Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of up to
10,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value preferred stock. On April 9, 1992, the Fund
received proceeds from the public offering of 700 shares of Money Market
Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock of $70,000,000 before offering costs of $144,375
and underwriting discounts and commissions paid directly to Lehman Brothers Inc.
of $1,225,000. The Money Market Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock is senior to the
Common Stock and results in the financial leveraging of the Common Stock. Such
leveraging tends to magnify both the risks and opportunities to Common Stock
Shareholders. Dividends on shares of Money Market Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock
are cumulative.
 
     The Fund is required to meet certain asset coverage tests with respect to
the Money Market Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock. If the Fund fails to meet these
requirements and does not correct such failure, the Fund may be required to
redeem, in part or in full, Money Market Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock at a
redemption price of $100,000 per share plus an amount equal to the accumulated
and unpaid dividends on such shares in order to meet these requirements.
Additionally, failure to meet the foregoing asset requirements could restrict
the Fund's ability to pay dividends to Common Stock Shareholders and could lead
to sales of portfolio securities at inopportune times.
 
     If the Fund allocates any net gains or income ineligible for the Dividends
Received Deduction to shares of the Money Market Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock,
the Fund may be required to make additional distributions to Money Market
Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock Shareholders or to pay a higher dividend rate in
amounts needed to provide a return, net of tax, equal to the return had such
originally paid dividends been eligible for the Dividends Received Deduction. On
December 27, 1994, the Fund declared an additional distribution payable December
28, 1994 to Money Market Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock Shareholders of $86,324
attributable to fiscal year 1994 as required by the Fund's Articles
Supplementary. This additional distribution is required to reflect the fact that
the original distributions paid between December 1, 1993 and November 30, 1994
did not qualify 100% for the corporate Dividends Received Deduction.
 
     An auction of the Money Market Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock is generally
held every 49 days. Existing shareholders may submit an order to hold, bid or
sell such shares at par value on each auction date. Money Market Cumulative
Preferred(TM) Stock Shareholders may also trade shares in the secondary market
between auction dates.
 
     At November 30, 1995, 700 shares of Money Market Cumulative Preferred(TM)
Stock were outstanding at the annual rate of 4.400%. The dividend rate, as set
by the auction process, is generally expected to vary with short-term interest
rates. These rates may vary in a manner unrelated to the income received on the
Fund's assets, which could have either a beneficial or detrimental impact on net
investment income and gains available to Common Stock Shareholders. While the
Fund expects to structure the portfolio holdings and hedging transactions to
lessen such risks to Common Stock Shareholders, there can be no assurance that
such results will be attained.
 
                                       19

<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
- ----------------------------------------------
 
6.  ORGANIZATION COSTS
 
     Costs incurred by the Fund in connection with its organization and initial
public offering of Common Stock and Money Market Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock
were $40,000 and $30,000, respectively, and are being amortized on a
straight-line basis over a five year period beginning February 13, 1992 (the
date of the Fund's commencement of investment operations) and April 9, 1992 (the
date of the issuance of the Fund's Money Market Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock),
respectively.
 
7.  PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS, CONCENTRATION AND INVESTMENT QUALITY
 
     The Fund invests primarily in adjustable and fixed rate preferred stocks.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 25% of its assets in
securities issued by utilities and may invest a significant portion of its
assets, but less than 25% of its assets, in companies in the banking industry.
The Fund's portfolio may therefore be subject to greater risk and market
fluctuation than a portfolio of securities representing a broader range of
investment alternatives. Because of the Fund's concentration of investments in
the utility industry and significant holdings in the banking industry, the
ability of the Fund to maintain its dividend and the value of the Fund's
investments could be adversely affected by the possible inability of companies
in these industries to pay dividends and interest on their securities and the
inability of holders of securities of such companies to realize any value from
the assets of the issuer upon liquidation or bankruptcy. The Fund may invest up
to 15% of its assets at the time of purchase in securities rated below
investment grade provided that no such investment may be rated below both "Ba"
by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and "BB" by Standard & Poor's Corporation or
judged to be comparable in quality at the time of purchase; however, any such
securities must be issued by an issuer having an outstanding class of senior
debt rated investment grade. The Fund may also invest up to 15% of its assets in
common stock. The Fund's investment policy regarding debt securities was amended
on July 21, 1995. The amended policy allows the Fund to invest up to 35% of its
assets in Monthly Income Preferred Shares ("MIPS") and Quarterly Income Debt
Securities ("QUIDS"), and similarly-structured instruments, subject to the
quality standards set forth above.
 
8.  SPECIAL INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
 
     The Fund may employ certain investment techniques in accordance with its
fundamental investment policies. These may include the use of when-issued and
delayed delivery transactions. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued or
delayed delivery basis may be settled within 45 days after the date of the
transaction. Such transactions may expose the Fund to credit and market
valuation risk greater than that associated with regular trade settlement
procedures. The Fund may also enter into transactions, in accordance with its
fundamental investment policies, involving any or all of the following: lending
of portfolio securities, short sales of securities, futures contracts, options
on futures contracts, and options on securities. With the exception of
purchasing securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis or lending
portfolio securities, these transactions are used for hedging or other
appropriate risk-management purposes or, under certain other circumstances, to
increase income. As of Novem-
 
                                       20

<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated
                                       NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                  ----------------------------------------------
 
ber 30, 1995, the Fund owned put options on U.S. Treasury bond futures
contracts. No assurance can be given that such transactions will achieve their
desired purposes or will result in an overall reduction of risk to the Fund.
 
9.  CAPITAL LOSS CARRYFORWARD
 
     At November 30, 1995, the Fund had available capital loss carryforwards of
$4,657,870 to offset future realized net gains through the fiscal year ending
November 30, 2003.
 
10.  SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
     On December 11, 1995, the Fund declared a dividend of $.0695 per share (all
of which represents a dividend from net investment income to Common Stock
Shareholders of record December 21, 1995), payable December 29, 1995.
 
                                       21

<PAGE>
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
  of Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated:
 
     We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of the
Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated, including the schedule of
portfolio investments, as of November 30, 1995 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 three years in the period then ended and for the period from
February 13, 1992 (commencement of operations) to November 30, 1992. 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 generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of
November 30, 1995 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the financial statements and the financial highlights
referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of the Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated as of November
30, 1995, 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 the
financial highlights for each of the three years in the period then ended and
for the period from February 13, 1992 (commencement of operations) to November
30, 1992, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                                    Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 
Boston, Massachusetts
January 4, 1996
 
                                       22

<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated
                                                     TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
                                  ----------------------------------------------
 
     For tax purposes, all of the dividends paid to both Common Stock
Shareholders and Money Market Cumulative Preferred(TM) Stock Shareholders
attributable to fiscal year ended November 30, 1995 are expected to be taxable
as ordinary income. For the fiscal year ended November 30, 1995, 100% of total
distributions qualify for the Dividends Received Deduction for eligible
corporate investors.
 
     For the calendar year ended December 31, 1995, 100% of all dividends paid
to Common Stock Shareholders qualifies for the Dividends Received Deduction for
eligible corporate investors. Shareholders should refer to Form 1099 when
preparing their tax returns to determine the appropriate tax treatment of the
distributions they received from the Fund in calendar year 1995.

<TABLE>                                                                        
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated
                                                QUARTERLY RESULTS OF INVESTMENT OPERATION (UNAUDITED)
                                                -----------------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                  AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS
                                     ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              NET REALIZED          NET INCREASE/
                                                             AND UNREALIZED         (DECREASE) IN
                                       NET INVESTMENT          GAIN/(LOSS)         NET ASSETS FROM
                 INVESTMENT INCOME         INCOME            ON INVESTMENTS           OPERATIONS
                -------------------  -------------------  ---------------------  --------------------
  QUARTER                     PER                  PER                    PER                   PER
   ENDED          TOTAL     SHARE*     TOTAL     SHARE*      TOTAL      SHARE*      TOTAL     SHARE*
- -----------     ----------  -------  ----------  -------  -----------   -------  -----------  -------
 <S>            <C>          <C>     <C>          <C>     <C>           <C>      <C>          <C>
 02/28/94       $3,806,852   $0.34   $2,569,100   $0.23   $  (719,889)  $(0.06) $ 1,849,211  $ 0.17
 05/31/94        3,649,039    0.33    2,527,098    0.22    (6,277,612)   (0.55)  (3,750,514)  (0.33)
 08/31/94        4,188,158    0.38    3,023,002    0.27    (2,040,048)   (0.18)     982,954    0.09
 11/30/94        3,941,571    0.35    2,746,688    0.25    (9,402,313)   (0.85)  (6,655,625)  (0.60)
 02/28/95        3,861,014    0.35    2,420,831    0.22     4,639,812     0.41    7,060,643    0.63
 05/31/95        4,149,620    0.37    2,769,492    0.25     9,552,841     0.86   12,322,333    1.11
 08/31/95        4,225,009    0.38    2,843,183    0.25       518,935     0.05    3,362,118    0.30
 11/30/95        4,181,057    0.37    2,849,065    0.26     4,620,773     0.41    7,469,838    0.67
<FN> 
- ---------------
 * Per share of common stock.

</TABLE> 
                                       23

<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
- ----------------------------------------------
 
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND CASH PURCHASE PLAN
 
     Under the Fund's Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (the "Plan"),
a shareholder whose Common Stock is registered in his own name will have all
distributions reinvested automatically by FDISG as agent under the Plan, unless
the shareholder elects to receive cash. Distributions with respect to shares
registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other nominee (that is, in "street
name") may be reinvested by the broker or nominee in additional shares under the
Plan, but only if the service is provided by the broker or nominee, unless the
shareholder elects to receive distributions in cash. A shareholder who holds
Common Stock registered in the name of a broker or other nominee may not be able
to transfer the Common Stock to another broker or nominee and continue to
participate in the Plan. Investors who own Common Stock registered in street
name should consult their broker or nominee for details regarding reinvestment.
 
     The number of shares of Common Stock distributed to participants in the
Plan in lieu of a cash dividend is determined in the following manner. Whenever
the market price per share of the Fund's Common Stock is equal to or exceeds the
net asset value per share on the valuation date, participants in the Plan will
be issued new shares valued at the higher of net asset value or 95% of the then
current market value. Otherwise, FDISG will buy shares of the Fund's Common
Stock in the open market, on the New York Stock Exchange or elsewhere, on or
shortly after the payment date of the dividend or distribution and continuing
until the ex-dividend date of the Fund's next distribution to holders of the
Common Stock or until it has expended for such purchases all of the cash that
would otherwise be payable to the participants. The number of purchased shares
that will then be credited to the participants' accounts will be based on the
average per share purchase price of the shares so purchased, including brokerage
commissions. If FDISG commences purchases in the open market and the then
current market price of the shares (plus any estimated brokerage commissions)
subsequently exceeds their net asset value most recently determined before the
completion of the purchases, FDISG will attempt to terminate purchases in the
open market and cause the Fund to issue the remaining dividend or distribution
in shares. In this case, the number of shares received by the participant will
be based on the weighted average of prices paid for shares purchased in the open
market and the price at which the Fund issues the remaining shares. These
remaining shares will be issued by the Fund at the higher of net asset value or
95% of the then current market value.
 
     Plan participants are not subject to any charge for reinvesting dividends
or capital gains distributions. Each Plan participant will, however, bear a
proportionate share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to FDISG's
open market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of dividends or
capital gains distributions. For the year ended November 30, 1995, $17,109 in
brokerage commissions were incurred.
 
     The automatic reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions
will not relieve Plan participants of any income tax that may be payable on the
dividends or capital gains distributions. A participant in the Plan will be
treated for Federal income tax purposes as having received, on the dividend
 
                                       24

<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Incorporated
                                  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
                                  ----------------------------------------------
 
payment date, a dividend or distribution in an amount equal to the cash that the
participant could have received instead of shares.
 
     In addition to acquiring shares of Common Stock through the reinvestment of
cash dividends and distributions, a shareholder may invest any further amounts
from $100 to $3,000 semi-annually at the then current market price in shares
purchased through the Plan. Such semi-annual investments are subject to any
brokerage commission charges incurred.
 
     A shareholder whose Common Stock is registered in his or her own name may
terminate participation in the Plan at any time by notifying FDISG in writing,
by completing the form on the back of the Plan account statement and forwarding
it to FDISG or by calling FDISG directly. A termination will be effective
immediately if notice is received by FDISG not less than 10 days before any
dividend or distribution record date. Otherwise, the termination will be
effective, and only with respect to any subsequent dividends or distributions,
on the first day after the dividend or distribution has been credited to the
participant's account in additional shares of the Fund. Upon termination and
according to a participant's instructions, FDISG will either (a) issue
certificates for the whole shares credited to the shareholder's Plan account and
a check representing any fractional shares or (b) sell the shares in the market.
Shareholders who hold common stock registered in the name of a broker or other
nominee should consult their broker or nominee to terminate participation.
 
     The Plan is described in more detail in the Fund's Plan brochure.
Information concerning the Plan may be obtained from FDISG at 1-800-331-1710.
 
MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
 
     On July 21, 1995, the Fund held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to (1)
elect two Directors of the Fund, and (2) ratify the selection of Coopers &
Lybrand L.L.P. as independent accountants for the Fund for the fiscal year
ending November 30, 1995. The results of each proposal are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
PROPOSAL 1:  ELECTION OF TWO DIRECTORS.
 
<CAPTION>
NAME                                                                   FOR         AGAINST
- ----                                                                ----------     -------
<S>                                                                 <C>            <C>
Common Stock
  Robert F. Wulf.................................................   10,083,229     179,267
Preferred Stock
  Donald F. Crumrine.............................................          390           0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> 
PROPOSAL 2:  RATIFY THE SELECTION OF COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P. AS INDEPENDENT
             ACCOUNTANTS.
    <S>                                                                           <C>
    Voted:
      For...................................................................      10,081,793
      Against...............................................................          65,294
      Abstained.............................................................         115,798
</TABLE>
 
                                       25

<PAGE>
DIRECTORS
   Martin Brody
   Donald F. Crumrine                                           [LOGO]
   Robert T. Flaherty
   Morgan Gust
   Robert F. Wulf

OFFICERS
   Robert T. Flaherty
      Chairman of the Board
      and President
   Donald F. Crumrine
      Vice President
      and Secretary
   Robert M. Ettinger
      Vice President
   Peter C. Stimes
      Vice President 
      and Treasurer

INVESTMENT ADVISER
   Flaherty & Crumrine Incorporated

QUESTIONS CONCERNING YOUR SHARES OF PREFERRED                   Annual
   INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND?                                     Report
   - If your shares are held in a Brokerage
     Account, contact your Broker.
   - If you have physical possession of your
     shares in certificate form, contact the Fund's
     Transfer Agent & Shareholder Servicing
     Agent --
            First Data Investor Services Group, Inc.
              P.O. Box 1376
              Boston, MA 02104
              1-800-331-1710

THIS REPORT IS SENT TO SHAREHOLDERS OF PREFERRED 
INCOME OPPORTUNITY FUND INCORPORATED FOR THEIR 
INFORMATION. IT IS NOT A PROSPECTUS, CIRCULAR OR 
REPRESENTATION INTENDED FOR USE IN THE PURCHASE 
OR SALE OF SHARES OF THE FUND OR OF ANY SECURITIES 
MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT.                                     November 30, 1995





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