n-csrs.htm
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 7, 2011
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
 
FORM N-CSR
 
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF
REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
 
Investment Company Act file number: 811-21342
 
NEUBERGER BERMAN HIGH YIELD STRATEGIES FUND INC.
(Exact Name of the Registrant as Specified in Charter)
c/o Neuberger Berman Management LLC
605 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, New York 10158-0180
(Address of Principal Executive Offices – Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 476-8800
 
Robert Conti, Chief Executive Officer
c/o Neuberger Berman Management LLC
Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund Inc.
605 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, New York 10158-0180
 
Arthur C. Delibert, Esq.
K&L Gates LLP
1601 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006-1600
(Names and Addresses of agents for service)
 
Date of fiscal year end: October 31, 2011
 
Date of reporting period: April 30, 2011
 
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.
 
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to the Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Item 1. Report to Stockholders
 


 
 
 
  Neuberger Berman
High Yield Strategies
Fund Inc.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Semi-Annual Report
April 30, 2011
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Contents
 
   
PRESIDENT'S LETTER
1
   
PORTFOLIO COMMENTARY
2
   
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
6
   
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
17
   
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS/PER SHARE DATA
30
   
Distribution Reinvestment Plan
32
   
Directory
34
   
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
35
   
Quarterly Portfolio Schedule
35





 

 

 




The "Neuberger Berman" name and logo are registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. "Neuberger Berman Management LLC" and the individual Fund name in this piece are either service marks or registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Management LLC. ©2011 Neuberger Berman Management LLC. All rights reserved.


 
 
 
 


President's Letter
 
Dear Shareholder,
 
I am pleased to present the semi-annual report for Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund Inc. for the six months ended April 30, 2011. The report includes a portfolio commentary, a listing of the Fund's investments and its unaudited financial statements for the reporting period. The Fund seeks high total return (income plus capital appreciation). To pursue both, we have assembled a portfolio that consists primarily of high yield debt securities.
 
In addition, I would like to provide an update on the Fund's tender offer activity. The Fund has adopted a tender offer program under which if its common shares trade at an average daily discount to net asset value per share (NAV) of greater than 10% during a 12-week measurement period, the Fund would conduct a tender offer for between 5% and 20% of its outstanding common shares at a price equal to 98% of its NAV determined on the day the tender offer expires. During the reporting period, the Fund conducted a 12-week measurement period. For the 12 weeks ended November 10, 2010, the Fund traded at an average daily discount to NAV of less than 10% and, accordingly, was not required to conduct a tender offer.
 
Thank you for your confidence in the Fund. We will do our best to continue earning your trust in the years to come.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
 
Robert Conti
President and CEO
Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund Inc.

1

 
 
 
 


High Yield Strategies Fund Inc. Portfolio Commentary
 
Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund Inc. generated a 7.87% return on a net asset value (NAV) basis for the six months ended April 30, 2011 and outperformed its benchmark, the BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Master II Constrained Index, which provided a 6.13% return for the period. The Fund also outperformed its previous benchmark, the Barclays Capital U.S. High-Yield 2% Issuer Capped Bond Index, which returned 6.18% for the period. During the reporting period, the Fund's high yield securities generated strong results. The use of leverage (typically a performance enhancer in up markets and a detractor during market retreats) was beneficial for performance as well.
 
Many of the same themes that had been evident for much of calendar year 2010 remained in place during the reporting period, as the economy continued to expand, investor risk appetite was generally strong and corporate earnings often were more positive than expected. All told, the Fund's index posted positive returns during five of the six months covered by this report. The high yield market's gains were broad-based, as bonds rated CCC and lower (a relatively low rating) and BB (rated higher) in the index returned 9.73% and 4.45%, respectively.
 
For the Fund, security selection in energy, support services and packaging provided the largest positive impact on performance relative to the index. In contrast, security selection in technology, diversified financial services and gaming detracted the most from relative results.
 
We made several adjustments to the portfolio during the reporting period. For the first half of the period, the Fund's overall credit quality was similar to that of the index. Following the December 2010 extension of the Bush-era tax cuts, we became more optimistic about the overall economy. We also felt that the increase in corporate depreciation rates for qualified investments would spur capital expenditures and, in turn, help to lower unemployment. Against this backdrop, we increased the Fund's exposure to CCC and CC rated securities. We also increased our allocation to more cyclical sectors of the market, such as media and gaming, as we felt they would be beneficiaries of the ongoing economic expansion. Conversely, we pared the Fund's exposure to areas of the market that we felt had become less attractively valued. These areas included sectors such as diversified financial services, oil and gas pipelines and health care, as well as security structures, including low-coupon, long-dated bonds. The latter move modestly shortened the Fund's duration.
 
The high yield market's strong performance since the credit crisis continued over the reporting period. This has led to some speculation as to when the market may take a pause. While a setback would not be completely surprising given the amount high yield spreads (the difference in yield between Treasuries and high yield securities) have narrowed since 2008, we see signs of further long-term upside potential for the market. It appears to us that the economy has enough momentum to continue expanding, as the recovery has withstood continued elevated unemployment and an anemic housing market. Even though recent economic growth has been less robust than in recoveries from previous severe downturns, it has allowed core inflation to remain relatively benign. What's more, corporate fundamentals are largely improving and high yield default rates have recently been low and we believe they could remain low during the near- to intermediate term. Default rates fell from approximately 2.4% at the beginning of the reporting period to 0.8% at the end of April 2011. Finally, in our view, it's likely that demand could remain robust as investors search for incremental yield.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
 
 
Ann Benjamin, Tom O'Reilly and Russ Covode,
Portfolio Co-Managers

2

 
 
 
 


TICKER SYMBOL
High Yield Strategies Fund Inc.
NHS


PORTFOLIO BY MATURITY
DISTRIBUTION
(as a % of Total Investments excluding cash equivalents)
One to Five Years
22.7
%
Five to Ten Years
70.3
 
Ten Years of Greater
7.0
 
Total
100.0
%


PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
 
Inception
Six Month
Period Ended
Average Annual Total Return
Ended 04/30/2011**
NAV1,3,4
Date
4/30/2011
1 Year
5 Years
Life of Fund
High Yield
Strategies Fund Inc.
07/28/2003
7.87
%
18.72
%
12.10
%
11.90
%
           
           
 
Inception
Six Month
Period Ended
Average Annual Total Return
Ended 04/30/2011
Market Price2,3,4 
Date
4/30/2011
1 Year
5 Years
Life of Fund
High Yield
Strategies Fund Inc.
07/28/2003
8.20
%
18.47
%
13.79
%
11.51
%

Closed-end funds, unlike open-end funds, are not continuously offered. There is an initial public offering and, once issued, common shares of closed-end funds are sold in the open market through a stock exchange.

The composition, industries and holdings of the Fund are subject to change. Investment return will fluctuate. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

**  
On August 6, 2010 Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity Fund Inc. and Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund merged with and into the Fund. Performance prior to August 6, 2010 is that of Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund, and uses that fund's NAV and Market Price as the opening prices.

3
 
 
 
 
 


Endnotes
 
1
Returns based on Net Asset Value ("NAV") of the Fund. Performance prior to August 6, 2010 is that of Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund, a predecessor to the Fund.
 
2
Returns based on market price of Fund common shares on the NYSE Amex. Performance prior to August 6, 2010 is that of Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund, a predecessor to the Fund.
 
3
Performance data current to the most recent month-end are available at www.nb.com.
 
4
Neuberger Berman Management LLC ("Management") has voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of the management fees that it is entitled to receive from the Fund. Please see the notes to the financial statements for specific information regarding the rate of the management fees waived by Management. Absent such a waiver, the performance of the Fund would be lower.

4


 
 
 
 


Glossary of Indices

BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield
Master II Constrained Index:
An unmanaged market value-weighted index of all domestic and Yankee high-yield bonds, including deferred interest bonds and payment-in-kind securities. Qualifying bonds must have at least one year remaining to maturity, a fixed coupon schedule and a minimum amount outstanding of $100 million. Qualifying bonds are capitalization weighted provided the total allocation to an individual issuer does not exceed 2%.
   
Barclays Capital U.S. Corporate High
Yield 2% Issuer Cap Index:
An unmanaged sub-index of Barclays Capital U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index, (which includes all U.S. dollar-denominated, taxable, fixed rate, noninvestment grade debt), capped such that no single issuer accounts for more than 2% of the index weight.
 
Effective in February 2011, the Fund's benchmark changed from the Barclays Capital U.S Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Cap Index to the BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Master II Constrained Index.

Please note that indices do not take into account any fees and expenses or any tax consequences of investing in individual securities that it tracks and that individuals cannot invest directly in any index. Data about the performance of these indices are prepared or obtained by Management and include reinvestment of all income dividends and distributions. The Fund may invest in securities not included in the above-described indices.
 

5


 
 
 
 

Schedule of Investments Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund Inc.
(Unaudited)

PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
VALUE
   
Bank Loan Obligationsµ (2.9%)
 
Financial Intermediaries (0.6%)
$
1,844,336
First Data Corp., Term Loan B3, 2.96%, due 9/24/14  
$           1,750,809
 
 
Lodging & Casinos (0.8%)
 
2,059,785
Caesars Entertainment Operating Co., Term Loan B4, 9.50%, due 10/31/16
2,182,096
 
 
Radio & Television (0.8%)
 
1,150,000
Clear Channel Communications, Inc., Term Loan A, 3.61%, due 7/30/14
1,082,852
¢^^
 
1,264,815
Clear Channel Communications, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.86%, due 1/29/16
1,124,901
¢^^
   
2,207,753
 
       
Utilities (0.7%)
 
 
2,304,031
Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Co. LLC, Term Loan B, due 10/10/14
1,841,796
¢^^ 
       
   
Total Bank Loan Obligations (Cost $8,117,403)
7,982,454
 
       
Corporate Debt Securities (133.9%)
       
Aerospace/Defense (0.3%)
 
860,000
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 7.13%, due 3/15/21
905,150
ñ 
       
Airlines (1.9%)
 
3,550,000
Continental Airlines, Inc., Senior Secured Notes, 6.75%, due 9/15/15
3,576,625
ñ 
 
696,000
Delta Air Lines, Inc., Senior Secured Notes, 9.50%, due 9/15/14
746,460
ñ 
 
885,938
United Airlines, Inc., Pass-Through Certificates, Ser. 2009-2, Class A, 9.75%, due 1/15/17
1,007,754
 
   
5,330,839
 
       
Apparel/Textiles (0.8%)
 
2,335,000
Hanesbrands, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 6.38%, due 12/15/20
2,311,650
 
       
Auto Loans (3.8%)
 
950,000
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, Senior Unsecured Notes, 8.00%, due 12/15/16
1,104,277
 
 
2,855,000
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, Senior Unsecured Notes, 6.63%, due 8/15/17
3,143,786
 
 
5,205,000
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, Senior Unsecured Notes, 8.13%, due 1/15/20
6,182,442
 
   
10,430,505
 
       
Automakers (2.1%)
 
945,000
Ford Holdings, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 9.30%, due 3/1/30
1,179,654
 
 
845,000
Ford Motor Co., Senior Unsecured Notes, 9.98%, due 2/15/47
1,051,058
 
 
3,145,000
Navistar Int'l Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 8.25%, due 11/1/21
3,506,675
 
   
5,737,387
 
       
Banking (3.4%)
 
1,450,000
Ally Financial, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 6.25%, due 12/1/17
1,511,625
ñ
 
2,140,000
Ally Financial, Inc., Subordinated Notes, 8.00%, due 12/31/18
2,364,700
 
 
4,020,000
Ally Financial, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 8.00%, due 3/15/20
4,517,475
 
 
820,000
Ally Financial, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 7.50%, due 9/15/20
893,800
ñ
   
9,287,600
 
 
See Notes to Schedule of Investments

 
 
 
 


PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
VALUE
 
Building & Construction (1.3%)
$
1,082,000
Beazer Homes USA, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 9.13%, due 6/15/18
 
$           1,079,295
 
 
1,115,000
Beazer Homes USA, Inc., Senior Unsecured Notes, 9.13%, due 5/15/19
 
1,112,213
ñ
 
795,000
Standard Pacific Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 8.38%, due 5/15/18
 
822,825
ñ
 
685,000
Standard Pacific Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 8.38%, due 1/15/21
 
705,550
ñ
       
3,719,883
 
 
Building Materials (3.9%)
 
1,770,000
Masco Corp., Senior Unsecured Notes, 6.13%, due 10/3/16
1,829,539
 
 
3,495,000
Ply Gem Industries, Inc., Senior Secured Notes, 8.25%, due 2/15/18
3,591,112
ñ
 
1,780,000
USG Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 9.75%, due 8/1/14
1,940,200
ñ
 
495,000
USG Corp., Senior Unsecured Notes, 6.30%, due 11/15/16
472,725
 
 
325,000
USG Corp., Senior Unsecured Notes, 9.75%, due 1/15/18
342,063
 
 
2,450,000
USG Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 8.38%, due 10/15/18
2,572,500
ñ
     
10,748,139
 
 
Chemicals (3.4%)
 
1,335,000
CF Industries, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 6.88%, due 5/1/18
1,506,881
 
 
930,000
Hexion US Finance Corp., Senior Secured Notes, 8.88%, due 2/1/18
1,009,050
 
 
485,000
Huntsman Int'l LLC, Guaranteed Notes, 8.63%, due 3/15/20
545,625
 
 
895,000
Huntsman Int'l LLC, Guaranteed Notes, 8.63%, due 3/15/21
1,004,638
ñ
 
1,221,000
Lyondell Chemical Co., Senior Secured Notes, 8.00%, due 11/1/17
1,361,415
ñ
 
3,770,000
Momentive Performance Materials, Inc., Secured Notes, 9.00%, due 1/15/21
4,062,175
ñ
     
9,489,784
 
   
Consumer/Commercial/Lease Financing (7.1%)
 
 
780,437
CIT Group, Inc., Secured Notes, 7.00%, due 5/1/16
786,290
 
 
5,121,615
CIT Group, Inc., Secured Notes, 7.00%, due 5/1/17
5,163,228
 
 
1,975,000
CIT Group, Inc., Secured Notes, 6.63%, due 4/1/18
2,121,474
ñ
 
1,900,000
Int'l Lease Finance Corp., Senior Unsecured Notes, 8.63%, due 9/15/15
2,090,000
ñ
 
1,865,000
Int'l Lease Finance Corp., Senior Unsecured Notes, 8.75%, due 3/15/17
2,098,125
ñ
 
755,000
Int'l Lease Finance Corp., Senior Unsecured Notes, 8.88%, due 9/1/17
860,700
 
 
3,530,000
Int'l Lease Finance Corp., Senior Secured Notes, 7.13%, due 9/1/18
3,794,750
ñ
 
1,910,000
SLM Corp., Senior Medium-Term Notes, 6.25%, due 1/25/16
2,025,257
 
 
580,000
SLM Corp., Senior Unsecured Medium-Term Notes, Ser. A, 8.45%, due 6/15/18
658,300
 
     
19,598,124
 
         
Department Stores (1.6%)
 
1,210,000
J.C. Penney Co., Inc., Senior Unsecured Notes, 5.65%, due 6/1/20
1,206,975
 
 
1,885,000
Macy's Retail Holdings, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 6.38%, due 3/15/37
1,885,000
 
 
1,470,000
Sears Holdings Corp., Senior Secured Notes, 6.63%, due 10/15/18
1,438,763
ñ
     
4,530,738
 
         
Diversified Capital Goods (0.5%)
 
1,355,000
Mueller Water Products, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 7.38%, due 6/1/17
1,344,838
 
         
Electric—Generation (8.8%)
 
3,490,000
Calpine Corp., Senior Secured Notes, 7.25%, due 10/15/17
3,664,500
ñ
 
1,115,000
Calpine Corp., Senior Secured Notes, 7.50%, due 2/15/21
1,179,112
ñ
 
1,365,000
Dynegy Holdings, Inc., Senior Unsecured Notes, 7.50%, due 6/1/15
1,201,200
 
 
1,880,000
Dynegy Holdings, Inc., Senior Unsecured Notes, 7.75%, due 6/1/19
1,466,400
 
 
2,215,000
Dynegy-Roseton Danskammer, Pass-Through Certificates, Ser. B, 7.67%, due 11/8/16
2,059,950
 
 
4,000,000
Edison Mission Energy, Senior Unsecured Notes, 7.20%, due 5/15/19
3,130,000
 
 
3,330,000
Edison Mission Energy, Senior Unsecured Notes, 7.63%, due 5/15/27
2,472,525
 
 
5,165,000
NRG Energy, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 7.63%, due 1/15/18
5,423,250
ñ
 
1,020,000
NRG Energy, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 8.25%, due 9/1/20
1,073,550
 
 
See Notes to Schedule of Investments

 
 
 
 

 
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
VALUE
 
$
570,000
RRI Energy, Inc., Senior Unsecured Notes, 7.63%, due 6/15/14
$           597,075
 
 
1,910,000
Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Co. LLC, Senior Secured Notes, 11.50%, due 10/1/20
1,962,525
ñ
     
24,230,087
 
 
Electric—Integrated (0.4%)
 
1,000,000
IPALCO Enterprises, Inc., Senior Secured Notes, 7.25%, due 4/1/16 
1,090,000
ñ
         
Electronics (1.9%)
 
1,910,000
Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Senior Secured Notes, 9.25%, due 4/15/18 
2,120,100
ñ
 
1,510,000
Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 10.75%, due 8/1/20 
1,736,500
ñ
 
1,205,000
NXP BV Funding LLC, Senior Secured Notes, 9.75%, due 8/1/18 
1,394,788
ñ
     
5,251,388
 
 
Energy—Exploration & Production (10.4%)
 
6,010,000
ATP Oil & Gas Corp., Secured Notes, 11.88%, due 5/1/15
6,250,400
 
 
425,000
Chesapeake Energy Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 9.50%, due 2/15/15
511,594
 
 
510,000
Chesapeake Energy Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 6.88%, due 8/15/18
557,175
 
 
625,000
Chesapeake Energy Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 6.63%, due 8/15/20
673,438
 
 
2,045,000
Chesapeake Energy Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 6.13%, due 2/15/21
2,111,462
 
 
1,630,000
Cimarex Energy Co., Guaranteed Notes, 7.13%, due 5/1/17
1,723,725
 
 
3,245,000
EXCO Resources, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 7.50%, due 9/15/18
3,289,619
 
 
1,345,000
Linn Energy LLC, Senior Unsecured Notes, 8.63%, due 4/15/20
1,486,225
 
 
2,150,000
Linn Energy LLC, Guaranteed Notes, 7.75%, due 2/1/21
2,303,187
ñ
 
730,000
Petrohawk Energy Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 7.25%, due 8/15/18
775,625
 
 
685,000
Petrohawk Energy Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 7.25%, due 8/15/18
727,813
ñ
 
750,000
Pioneer Natural Resources Co., Guaranteed Notes, 5.88%, due 7/15/16
796,012
 
 
845,000
Plains Exploration & Production Co., Guaranteed Notes, 7.63%, due 6/1/18
906,262
 
 
520,000
Plains Exploration & Production Co., Guaranteed Notes, 8.63%, due 10/15/19
579,150
 
 
330,000
Plains Exploration & Production Co., Guaranteed Notes, 6.63%, due 5/1/21
332,063
 
 
1,595,000
Quicksilver Resources, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 11.75%, due 1/1/16
1,866,150
 
 
2,870,000
SandRidge Energy, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 8.00%, due 6/1/18
3,035,025
ñ
 
755,000
SandRidge Energy, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 7.50%, due 3/15/21
794,637
ñ
     
28,719,562
 
         
Food & Drug Retailers (0.8%)
 
2,320,000
Rite Aid Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 9.50%, due 6/15/17
2,146,000
 
         
Food—Wholesale (0.4%)
 
1,095,000
Blue Merger Sub, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 7.63%, due 2/15/19
1,121,006
ñ
         
Forestry/Paper (0.6%)
 
1,310,000
PE Paper Escrow GmbH, Senior Secured Notes, 12.00%, due 8/1/14
1,513,050
ñ
         
Gaming (8.5%)
 
2,875,000
CityCenter Holdings LLC, Senior Secured Notes, 7.63%, due 1/15/16
2,997,188
ñ
 
2,330,000
CityCenter Holdings LLC, Secured Notes, 10.75%, due 1/15/17
2,377,894
ñ¢¢
 
2,915,000
FireKeepers Development Authority, Senior Secured Notes, 13.88%, due 5/1/15
3,432,412
ñ
 
2,280,000
Harrah's Operating Co., Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 5.63%, due 6/1/15
1,915,200
 
 
1,435,000
Harrah's Operating Co., Inc., Secured Notes, 12.75%, due 4/15/18
1,463,700
ñ
 
2,225,000
MGM Mirage, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 6.63%, due 7/15/15
2,144,344
 
 
1,465,000
MGM Mirage, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 7.50%, due 6/1/16
1,421,050
 
 
730,000
MGM Mirage, Inc., Senior Secured Notes, 9.00%, due 3/15/20
813,950
 
 
2,849,000
Pokagon Gaming Authority, Senior Notes, 10.38%, due 6/15/14
2,938,031
ñ
 
1,280,000
San Pasqual Casino Development Group, Inc., Notes, 8.00%, due 9/15/13
1,278,400
ñ
 
2,580,000
Seminole Indian Tribe of Florida, Notes, 7.75%, due 10/1/17
2,760,600
ñ
     
23,542,769
 
 
See Notes to Schedule of Investments
 
 
 
 
 


 
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
VALUE
 
Gas Distribution (5.1%)
$
970,000
El Paso Corp., Senior Unsecured Notes, 7.00%, due 6/15/17
 
$           1,076,591
 
 
625,000
El Paso Corp., Global Medium-Term Notes, 7.75%, due 1/15/32
 
715,534
 
 
1,030,000
El Paso Energy Corp., Global Medium-Term Notes, 7.80%, due 8/1/31
 
1,176,994
 
 
2,760,000
Energy Transfer Equity L.P., Senior Secured Notes, 7.50%, due 10/15/20
 
3,022,200
 
 
1,670,000
Ferrellgas Partners L.P., Senior Unsecured Notes, 9.13%, due 10/1/17
 
1,870,400
 
 
1,100,000
Inergy L.P., Guaranteed Notes, 7.00%, due 10/1/18
 
1,160,500
ñ
 
730,000
Kinder Morgan Finance Co., Guaranteed Notes, 5.70%, due 1/5/16
 
768,325
 
 
2,505,000
MarkWest Energy Partners L.P., Guaranteed Notes, Ser. B, 8.75%, due 4/15/18
 
2,761,763
 
 
1,480,000
Regency Energy Partners L.P., Guaranteed Notes, 6.88%, due 12/1/18
 
1,579,900
 
       
14,132,207
 
 
Health Facilities (3.8%)
 
410,000
Biomet, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 10.00%, due 10/15/17
453,050
 
 
1,490,000
Biomet, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 10.38%, due 10/15/17
1,655,762
¢¢
 
1,715,000
Biomet, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 11.63%, due 10/15/17
1,946,525
 
 
695,000
Columbia Healthcare Corp., Senior Unsecured Notes, 7.50%, due 12/15/23
651,563
 
 
800,000
Columbia/HCA Corp., Senior Unsecured Notes, 7.69%, due 6/15/25
757,000
 
 
545,000
Columbia/HCA Corp., Senior Unsecured Notes, 7.05%, due 12/1/27
482,325
 
 
2,230,000
HCA, Inc., Senior Secured Notes, 8.50%, due 4/15/19
2,475,300
 
 
670,000
OMEGA Healthcare Investors, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 6.75%, due 10/15/22
680,888
ñ
 
660,000
Tenet Healthcare Corp., Senior Unsecured Notes, 9.25%, due 2/1/15
722,700
 
 
630,000
Tenet Healthcare Corp., Senior Secured Notes, 8.88%, due 7/1/19
711,900
 
     
10,537,013
 
         
Investments & Misc. Financial Services (2.3%)
 
5,170,000
Icahn Enterprises L.P., Guaranteed Notes, 7.75%, due 1/15/16
5,325,100
 
 
925,000
Icahn Enterprises L.P., Guaranteed Notes, 8.00%, due 1/15/18
955,063
 
     
6,280,163
 
         
Leisure (0.6%)
 
1,615,000
Cedar Fair L.P., Guaranteed Notes, 9.13%, due 8/1/18
1,760,350
ñ
         
Machinery (2.9%)
 
4,085,000
Case New Holland, Inc., Senior Notes, 7.88%, due 12/1/17
4,564,987
ñ
 
935,000
Terex Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.00%, due 11/15/17
988,763
 
 
2,145,000
The Manitowoc Co., Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 8.50%, due 11/1/20
2,348,775
 
     
7,902,525
 
         
Media—Broadcast (5.3%)
 
1,380,000
Citadel Broadcasting Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 7.75%, due 12/15/18
1,493,850
ñ
 
5,475,000
Clear Channel Communications, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 10.75%, due 8/1/16
5,324,437
 
 
1,000,000
Cumulus Media, Inc., Senior Notes, 7.75%, due 5/1/19
1,000,000
ñØ
 
1,330,000
Sirius XM Radio, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 8.75%, due 4/1/15
1,489,600
ñ
 
1,440,000
Univision Communications, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 8.50%, due 5/15/21
1,494,000
ñ
 
285,000
XM Satellite Radio, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 13.00%, due 8/1/13
338,438
ñ
 
3,395,000
XM Satellite Radio, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 7.63%, due 11/1/18
3,615,675
ñ
     
14,756,000
 
         
Media—Cable (7.1%)
 
1,035,000
CCH II LLC, Guaranteed Notes, 13.50%, due 11/30/16
1,248,469
 
 
2,255,000
CCO Holdings LLC, Guaranteed Notes, 7.25%, due 10/30/17
2,401,575
 
 
185,000
CCO Holdings LLC, Guaranteed Notes, 7.88%, due 4/30/18
200,494
 
 
730,000
CCO Holdings LLC, Guaranteed Notes, 7.00%, due 1/15/19
764,675
 
 
390,000
CCO Holdings LLC, Senior Notes, 7.00%, due 1/15/19
407,550
ñ
 
1,665,000
CCO Holdings LLC, Guaranteed Notes, 8.13%, due 4/30/20
1,852,312
 
 
See Notes to Schedule of Investments

 
 
 
 


 
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
VALUE
 
$
3,080,000
Cequel Communications Holdings I LLC, Senior Unsecured Notes, 8.63%, due 11/15/17
 
$           3,303,300
ñ
 
2,775,000
DISH DBS Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 7.75%, due 5/31/15
3,024,750
 
 
525,000
Mediacom LLC, Senior Unsecured Notes, 9.13%, due 8/15/19
569,625
 
 
480,000
UPC Holding BV, Senior Secured Notes, 9.88%, due 4/15/18
534,000
ñ
 
1,935,000
Videotron Ltee, Guaranteed Notes, 9.13%, due 4/15/18
2,167,200
 
 
2,600,000
Virgin Media Finance PLC, Guaranteed Notes, Ser.1, 9.50%, due 8/15/16
2,980,250
 
 
225,000
Virgin Media Finance PLC, Guaranteed Notes, 8.38%, due 10/15/19
254,250
 
     
19,708,450
 
         
Media—Services (1.8%)
 
660,000
Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, Ser. B, 9.25%, due 12/15/17
 
734,250
 
 
4,060,000
WMG Acquisition Corp., Senior Secured Notes, 9.50%, due 6/15/16
 
4,323,900
 
       
5,058,150
 
           
Metals/Mining Excluding Steel (2.9%)
 
2,700,000
Arch Coal, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 8.75%, due 8/1/16
 
3,024,000
 
 
662,000
Arch Western Finance LLC, Guaranteed Notes, 6.75%, due 7/1/13
 
666,137
 
 
4,190,000
FMG Resources (August 2006) Pty Ltd., Guaranteed Notes, 7.00%, due 11/1/15
 
4,420,450
ñ
       
8,110,587
 
           
Packaging (4.5%)
 
315,000
Ball Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 7.38%, due 9/1/19
 
341,381
 
 
3,565,000
Berry Plastics Corp., Secured Notes, 9.50%, due 5/15/18
 
3,587,281
 
 
2,930,000
Berry Plastics Corp., Secured Notes, 9.75%, due 1/15/21
 
2,940,987
ñ
 
985,000
Crown Americas LLC, Guaranteed Notes, 7.63%, due 5/15/17
 
1,076,113
 
 
1,320,000
Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 7.38%, due 5/15/16
 
1,455,300
 
 
1,450,000
Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 9.00%, due 4/15/19
 
1,527,938
ñ
 
1,420,000
Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc., Senior Secured Notes, 6.88%, due 2/15/21
 
1,464,375
ñ
       
12,393,375
 
           
Pharmaceuticals (2.9%)
 
405,000
Mylan, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 7.63%, due 7/15/17
 
443,475
ñ
 
2,225,000
Mylan, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 7.88%, due 7/15/20
 
2,458,625
ñ
 
2,670,000
Valeant Pharmaceuticals Int'l, Guaranteed Notes, 6.50%, due 7/15/16
 
2,664,994
ñ
 
1,695,000
Valeant Pharmaceuticals Int'l, Guaranteed Notes, 6.75%, due 10/1/17
 
1,686,525
ñ
 
640,000
Valeant Pharmaceuticals Int'l, Guaranteed Notes, 6.88%, due 12/1/18
 
639,200
ñ
       
7,892,819
 
           
Printing & Publishing (2.4%)
 
2,220,000
Gannett Co., Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 9.38%, due 11/15/17
 
2,497,500
 
 
2,000,000
Gannett Co., Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 7.13%, due 9/1/18
 
2,005,000
ñ
 
2,150,000
TL Acquisitions, Senior Notes, 10.50%, due 1/15/15
 
2,209,125
ñ
       
6,711,625
 
           
Real Estate Dev. & Mgt. (0.7%)
 
1,750,000
Realogy Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 11.50%, due 4/15/17
 
1,824,375
ñ
           
Software/Services (7.2%)
 
1,395,000
Buccaneer Merger Sub., Inc., Senior Notes, 9.13%, due 1/15/19
 
1,496,137
ñ
 
1,995,000
Ceridian Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 11.25%, due 11/15/15
 
2,074,800
 
 
3,823,125
Ceridian Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 12.25%, due 11/15/15
 
4,014,281
¢¢
 
1,115,000
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 7.63%, due 7/15/17
 
1,220,925
 
 
2,105,000
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 7.88%, due 7/15/20
 
2,326,025
 
 
2,900,000
First Data Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 11.25%, due 3/31/16
 
2,929,000
 
 
2,165,000
Lender Processing Services, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 8.13%, due 7/1/16
 
2,229,950
 
 
See Notes to Schedule of Investments 10 

 
 
 
 


 
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
VALUE
 
$
690,000
SunGard Data Systems, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 10.63%, due 5/15/15
 
$           759,000
 
 
585,000
SunGard Data Systems, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 10.25%, due 8/15/15
614,250
 
 
675,000
SunGard Data Systems, Inc., Senior Unsecured Notes, 7.38%, due 11/15/18
696,938
ñ
 
1,350,000
SunGard Data Systems, Inc., Senior Unsecured Notes, 7.63%, due 11/15/20
1,407,375
ñ
     
19,768,681
 
           
Specialty Retail (1.2%)
 
2,845,000
Toys "R" Us Property Co. I LLC, Guaranteed Notes, 10.75%, due 7/15/17
 
3,225,519
 
           
Steel Producers/Products (1.1%)
 
2,225,000
Tube City IMS Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 9.75%, due 2/1/15
 
2,316,781
 
 
855,000
United States Steel Corp., Senior Unsecured Notes, 6.65%, due 6/1/37
 
767,363
 
       
3,084,144
 
           
Support—Services (3.3%)
 
1,900,000
ARAMARK Holdings Corp., Senior Notes, 8.63%, due 5/1/16
 
1,952,250
ñ¢¢
 
770,000
Hertz Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 6.75%, due 4/15/19
 
785,400
ñ
 
1,240,000
Knowledge Learning Corp., Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 7.75%, due 2/1/15
 
1,240,000
ñ
 
539,000
RSC Equipment Rental, Inc., Senior Unsecured Notes, 9.50%, due 12/1/14
 
564,602
 
 
700,000
RSC Equipment Rental, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 10.25%, due 11/15/19
 
803,250
 
 
965,000
RSC Equipment Rental, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 8.25%, due 2/1/21
 
1,018,075
 
 
1,490,000
United Rentals N.A., Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 8.38%, due 9/15/20
 
1,586,850
 
 
590,000
West Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 8.63%, due 10/1/18
 
625,400
ñ
 
610,000
West Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 7.88%, due 1/15/19
 
628,300
ñ
       
9,204,127
 
           
Telecom—Equipment (0.4%)
 
1,110,000
CommScope, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 8.25%, due 1/15/19
 
1,168,275
ñ
           
Telecom—Integrated/Services (9.4%)
 
2,965,000
Citizens Communications Co., Senior Unsecured Notes, 9.00%, due 8/15/31
 
3,053,950
ØØ
 
2,560,000
GCI, Inc., Senior Unsecured Notes, 8.63%, due 11/15/19
 
2,822,400
 
 
3,570,000
Integra Telecom Holdings, Inc., Senior Secured Notes, 10.75%, due 4/15/16
 
3,864,525
ñ
 
5,438,290
Intelsat Bermuda Ltd., Guaranteed Notes, 11.50%, due 2/4/17
 
5,954,928
ØØ¢¢
 
1,215,000
Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A., Guaranteed Notes, 8.50%, due 11/1/19
 
1,309,162
 
 
1,280,000
PAETEC Holding Corp., Senior Secured Notes, 8.88%, due 6/30/17
 
1,396,800
 
 
675,000
PAETEC Holding Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 9.88%, due 12/1/18
 
730,688
ñ
 
1,475,000
Qwest Communications Int'l, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 7.13%, due 4/1/18
 
1,607,750
 
 
695,000
Windstream Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 7.88%, due 11/1/17
 
750,600
 
 
4,305,000
Windstream Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 7.75%, due 10/1/21
 
4,552,537
ñ
       
26,043,340
 
           
Telecom—Wireless (7.1%)
 
4,435,000
Clearwire Communications LLC, Senior Secured Notes, 12.00%, due 12/1/15
 
4,823,062
ñØØ
 
1,130,000
Clearwire Communications LLC, Secured Notes, 12.00%, due 12/1/17
 
1,223,225
ñ
 
2,985,000
Cricket Communications, Inc., Senior Secured Notes, 7.75%, due 5/15/16
 
3,186,488
 
 
1,775,000
Cricket Communications, Inc., Guaranteed Notes, 7.75%, due 10/15/20
 
1,812,719
 
 
1,475,000
Sprint Capital Corp., Guaranteed Notes, 6.88%, due 11/15/28
 
1,414,156
 
 
2,375,000
Sprint Nextel Corp., Senior Unsecured Notes, 6.00%, due 12/1/16
 
2,407,656
 
 
895,000
Wind Acquisition Finance SA, Guaranteed Notes, 11.75%, due 7/15/17
 
1,040,438
ñ
 
3,415,000
Wind Acquisition Finance SA, Senior Secured Notes, 7.25%, due 2/15/18
 
3,611,362
ñ
       
19,519,106
 
           
   
Total Corporate Debt Securities (Cost $348,181,997)
 
370,129,330
 
 
See Notes to Schedule of Investments 11 

 
 
 
 


 
NUMBER OF SHARES
VALUE
 
Short-Term Investments (2.3%)
 
6,242,193
State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund Institutional Class (Cost $6,242,193)
 
$    6,242,193
 
           
   
Total Investments (139.1%) (Cost $362,541,593)
 
384,353,977
##
           
   
Liabilities, less cash, receivables and other assets [(29.3%)]
 
(80,848,996
)
           
   
Liquidation Value of Perpetual Preferred Shares [(9.8%)]
 
(27,175,000
)
           
   
Total Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders (100.0%)
 
$  276,329,981
 
 
See Notes to Schedule of Investments 12 

 
 
 
 


Notes to Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820 "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures" ("ASC 820"), all investments held by Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund Inc. (the "Fund") are carried at the value that Neuberger Berman Management LLC ("Management") believes the Fund would receive upon selling an investment in an orderly transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market for the investment under current market conditions. Various inputs, including the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability in the market, are considered in valuing the Fund's investments, some of which are discussed below. Significant management judgment may be necessary to value investments in accordance with ASC 820.
 
 
ASC 820 established a three-tier hierarchy of inputs to create a classification of value measurements for disclosure purposes. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized in the three broad Levels listed below.

   
Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical investments
       
   
Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, amortized cost, etc.)
       
   
Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

 
The inputs or methodology used for valuing an investment are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
 
 
The value of the Fund's investments in debt securities is determined by Management primarily by obtaining valuations from independent pricing services based on readily available bid quotations, or if quotations are not available, by methods which include various considerations based on security type (generally Level 2 inputs). In addition to the consideration of yields or prices of securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type; indications as to values from dealers; and general market conditions, the following is a description of other Level 2 inputs and related valuation techniques used by an independent pricing service to value certain types of debt securities of the Fund:

   
Corporate Debt Securities. Inputs used to value corporate debt securities generally include relative credit information, observed market movements, sector news, spread to the U.S. Treasury market, and other market information which may include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data, such as market research publications, when available ("Other Market Information").
     
   
High Yield Securities. Inputs used to value high yield securities generally include a number of observations of equity and credit default swap curves related to the issuer and Other Market Information.
     
   
Bank Loans and Swaps. Inputs used by independent pricing services to value bank loan securities and interest rate swap contracts include multiple broker quotes (generally Level 2 inputs).
 

 
Management has developed a process to periodically review information provided by independent pricing services for all types of securities.
   
 
Investments in State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund Institutional Class are valued using the fund's daily calculated net asset value per share.
   
 
If a valuation is not available from an independent pricing service, or if Management has reason to believe that the valuation received does not represent the amount the Fund might reasonably expect to receive on a current sale in an orderly transaction, the Fund seeks to obtain quotations from principal market makers (generally considered Level 3 inputs). If such quotations are not readily available, the security is valued using methods the Fund's Board of Directors (the "Board") has approved on the belief that they reflect fair value. Numerous factors may be
 
See Notes to Financial Statements 13 
 

 
 
 
 


Notes to Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) (cont'd)

 
considered when determining the fair value of a security based on Level 2 or 3 inputs, including available analyst, media or other reports, trading in futures or ADRs and whether the issuer of the security being fair valued has other securities outstanding. These fair value prices are necessarily estimates, and there is no assurance that such a price will be at or close to the price at which the security is next quoted or next trades.
 
 
The following is a summary, categorized by Level, of inputs used to value the Fund's investments as of April 30, 2011:
 
Asset Valuation Inputs
 
Investments:
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3§ 
 
Total
 
                                   
Bank Loan Obligations^
 
$
   
$
7,982,454
   
$
   
$
7,982,454
   
Corporate Debt Securities
 
Aerospace/Defense
   
     
905,150
     
     
905,150
   
Airlines
   
     
4,323,085
     
1,007,754
     
5,330,839
   
Apparel/Textiles
   
     
2,311,650
     
     
2,311,650
   
Auto Loans
   
     
10,430,505
     
     
10,430,505
   
Automakers
   
     
5,737,387
     
     
5,737,387
   
Banking
   
     
9,287,600
     
     
9,287,600
   
Building & Construction
   
     
3,719,883
     
     
3,719,883
   
Building Materials
   
     
10,748,139
     
     
10,748,139
   
Chemicals
   
     
9,489,784
     
     
9,489,784
   
Consumer/Commercial/Lease Financing
   
     
19,598,124
     
     
19,598,124
   
Department Stores
   
     
4,530,738
     
     
4,530,738
   
Diversified Capital Goods
   
     
1,344,838
     
     
1,344,838
   
Electric—Generation
   
     
22,170,137
     
2,059,950
     
24,230,087
   
Electric—Integrated
   
     
1,090,000
     
     
1,090,000
   
Electronics
   
     
5,251,388
     
     
5,251,388
   
Energy—Exploration & Production
   
     
28,719,562
     
     
28,719,562
   
Food & Drug Retailers
   
     
2,146,000
     
     
2,146,000
   
Food—Wholesale
   
     
1,121,006
     
     
1,121,006
   
Forestry/Paper
   
     
1,513,050
     
     
1,513,050
   
Gaming
   
     
23,542,769
     
     
23,542,769
   
Gas Distribution
   
     
14,132,207
     
     
14,132,207
   
Health Facilities
   
     
10,537,013
     
     
10,537,013
   
Investments & Misc. Financial Services
   
     
6,280,163
     
     
6,280,163
   
Leisure
   
     
1,760,350
     
     
1,760,350
   
Machinery
   
     
7,902,525
     
     
7,902,525
   
Media—Broadcast
   
     
14,756,000
     
     
14,756,000
   
Media—Cable
   
     
19,708,450
     
     
19,708,450
   
Media—Services
   
     
5,058,150
     
     
5,058,150
   
Metals/Mining Excluding Steel
   
     
8,110,587
     
     
8,110,587
   
Packaging
   
     
12,393,375
     
     
12,393,375
   
Pharmaceuticals
   
     
7,892,819
     
     
7,892,819
   
 
See Notes to Financial Statements 14 

 
 
 
 


 
Notes to Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) (cont'd)
Investments:
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3§ 
 
Total
 
                                   
Printing & Publishing
 
$
   
$
6,711,625
   
$
   
$
6,711,625
   
Real Estate Dev. & Mgt.
   
     
1,824,375
     
     
1,824,375
   
Software/Services
   
     
19,768,681
     
     
19,768,681
   
Specialty Retail
   
     
3,225,519
     
     
3,225,519
   
Steel Producers/Products
   
     
3,084,144
     
     
3,084,144
   
Support—Services
   
     
9,204,127
     
     
9,204,127
   
Telecom—Equipment
   
     
1,168,275
     
     
1,168,275
   
Telecom—Integrated/Services
   
     
26,043,340
     
     
26,043,340
   
Telecom—Wireless
   
     
19,519,106
     
     
19,519,106
   
Total Corporate Debt Securities
   
     
367,061,626
     
3,067,704
     
370,129,330
   
Short-Term Investments
   
     
6,242,193
     
     
6,242,193
   
Total Investments
 
$
   
$
381,286,273
   
$
3,067,704
   
$
384,353,977
   
 
 
The Schedule of Investments provides information on the industry categorization for the portfolio. 
   
§  The following is a reconciliation between the beginning and ending balances of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining value: 
  
   
Beginning
balance, as
of 11/1/10
 
Accrued
discounts/
(premiums)
 
Realized
gain/loss
and change
in unrealized
appreciation/
(depreciation)
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Transfers
in to
Level 3
 
Transfers
out of
Level 3
 
Balance
as of
4/30/11
 
Net change in
unrealized
appreciation/
(depreciation)
from
investments
still held
as of 4/30/11
 
Investments in
Securities:
 
Corporate Debt
Securities
 
Airlines
 
$
3,064,081
   
$
   
$
(75,815
)
 
$
   
$
(1,980,512
)
 
$
   
$
   
$
1,007,754
   
$
(250,196
)
 
ElectricGeneration
   
1,585,650
     
     
(5,988
)
   
480,288
     
     
     
     
2,059,950
     
(5,988
)
 
Total
 
$
4,649,731
   
$
   
$
(81,803
)
 
$
480,288
   
$
(1,980,512
)
 
$
   
$
   
$
3,067,704
   
$
(256,184
)
 
 
  The Fund had no significant transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the six months ended April 30, 2011.
 
Liability Valuation Inputs
 
The following is a summary, categorized by Level, of inputs used to value the Fund's derivatives as of April 30, 2011:
 
   
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
                                   
Interest rate swap contracts
 
$
   
$
(153,012
)
 
$
   
$
(153,012
)
 
 
See Notes to Financial Statements 15 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Notes to Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) (cont'd)
 
##
At April 30, 2011, the cost of investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes was $363,021,997. Gross unrealized appreciation of investments was $21,702,300 and gross unrealized depreciation of investments was $370,320, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $21,331,980 based on cost for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
 
Ñ
Restricted security subject to restrictions on resale under federal securities laws. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and have been deemed by the investment manager to be liquid. At April 30, 2011, these securities amounted to approximately $157,637,237 or 57.0% of net assets applicable to common shareholders.
 
µ
Floating rate securities are securities whose yields vary with a designated market index or market rate. These securities are shown at their current rates as of April 30, 2011 and their final maturity dates.
 
Ø
All or a portion of this security was purchased on a when-issued basis. At April 30, 2011, these securities amounted to $1,000,000 or 0.4% of net assets applicable to common shareholders.
 
ØØ
All or a portion of this security is segregated in connection with obligations for interest rate swap contracts and when-issued security purchase commitments.
 
¢
All or a portion of this security was purchased on a delayed delivery basis.
 
^^
All or a portion of this security has not settled as of April 30, 2011 and thus does not have an interest rate in effect. Interest rates do not take effect until settlement.
 
¢¢
Payment-in-kind security for which part of the income earned may be paid as additional principal.
 
See Notes to Financial Statements 16 
 
 
 
 


Statement of Assets and Liabilities (Unaudited)
 
Neuberger Berman
 
   
HIGH YIELD
STRATEGIES
FUND INC.
 
   
April 30, 2011
 
   
Assets
 
Investments in securities, at value* (Note A)—see Schedule of Investments:
 
Unaffiliated issuers
 
$
384,353,977
   
Interest receivable
   
8,448,813
   
Receivable for securities sold
   
902,210
   
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
581,652
   
Total Assets
   
394,286,652
   
           
Liabilities
 
Notes payable (Note A)
   
82,600,000
   
Interest rate swaps, at value (Note A)
   
153,012
   
Due to custodian
   
987,279
   
Distributions payable—preferred shares
   
75,047
   
Distributions payable—common shares
   
17
   
Payable for securities purchased
   
6,429,254
   
Payable to investment manager—net (Note B)
   
174,159
   
Payable to administrator (Note B)
   
15,833
   
Interest payable
   
121,415
   
Accrued expenses and other payables
   
225,655
   
Total Liabilities
   
90,781,671
   
           
Perpetual Preferred Shares Series A (1,087 shares issued and outstanding) at liquidation value
   
27,175,000
   
Net Assets applicable to Common Shareholders at value
 
$
276,329,981
   
           
Net Assets applicable to Common Shareholders consist of:
 
Paid-in capital—common shares
 
$
294,424,009
   
Undistributed net investment income (loss)
   
322,340
   
Accumulated net realized gains (losses) on investments
   
(40,075,740
)
 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in value of investments
   
21,659,372
   
Net Assets applicable to Common Shareholders at value
 
$
276,329,981
   
           
Common Shares Outstanding (no par value; unlimited number of shares authorized)
   
19,429,272
   
           
Net Asset Value Per Common Share Outstanding
 
$
14.22
   
           
*Cost of Investments:
 
$
362,541,593
   
 
See Notes to Financial Statements 17 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Statement of Operations (Unaudited)
 
Neuberger Berman
 
   
HIGH YIELD
STRATEGIES
FUND INC.
 
   
For the Six Months
Ended
April 30, 2011
 
Investment Income:
 
Income (Note A):
 
Interest income—unaffiliated issuers
 
$
15,633,723
   
Foreign taxes withheld
   
(17,220
)
 
Total income
 
$
15,616,503
   
           
Expenses:
 
Investment management fees (Note B)
   
1,130,401
   
Administration fees (Note B)
   
94,200
   
Audit fees
   
22,755
   
Basic maintenance expense (Note B)
   
12,295
   
Custodian fees (Note B)
   
57,764
   
Insurance expense
   
5,492
   
Legal fees
   
124,119
   
Shareholder reports
   
16,692
   
Stock exchange listing fees
   
12,397
   
Stock transfer agent fees
   
11,635
   
Interest expense (Note A)
   
782,589
   
Directors' fees and expenses
   
27,803
   
Miscellaneous
   
5,614
   
Total expenses
   
2,303,756
   
Investment management fees waived (Note B)
   
(94,200
)
 
Expenses reduced by custodian fee expense offset arrangement (Note B)
   
(259
)
 
Total net expenses
   
2,209,297
   
Net investment income (loss)
 
$
13,407,206
   
           
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments (Note A)
 
Net realized gain (loss) on:
 
   
Sales of investment securities of unaffiliated issuers
   
15,101,510
   
Interest rate swap contracts
   
(268,321
)
 
           
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in value of:
 
Unaffiliated investment securities
   
(7,429,423
)
 
Interest rate swap contracts
   
161,542
   
Net gain (loss) on investments
   
7,565,308
   
Distributions to Preferred Shareholders
   
(437,098
)
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to Common Shareholders resulting from operations
 
$
20,535,416
   
 
See Notes to Financial Statements 18 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Statements of Changes in Net Assets
 
Neuberger Berman
 
   
HIGH YIELD STRATEGIES FUND INC.
 
   
Six Months
Ended
April 30,
2011
 
Period From
January 1,
2010 to
October 31,
2010
 
 
Year Ended
December 31,
2009
 
   
(Unaudited)
         
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Applicable to
Common Shareholders:
 
   
From Operations (Note A):
 
Net investment income (loss)
 
$
13,407,206
   
$
15,809,710
   
$
16,554,280
   
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
   
14,833,189
     
12,263,866
     
(1,145,334
)
 
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of
investments
   
(7,267,881
)
   
7,054,010
     
58,655,831
   
                           
Distributions to Preferred Shareholders From (Note A):
 
Net investment income
   
(437,098
)
   
(453,730
)
   
(472,605
)
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to
common shareholders resulting from operations
   
20,535,416
     
34,673,856
     
73,592,172
   
                           
Distributions to Common Shareholders From (Note A):
 
Net investment income
   
(12,804,920
)
   
(14,607,247
)
   
(14,441,783
)
 
                           
From Capital Share Transactions (Note D):
 
Proceeds from reinvestment of dividends and distributions
   
780,985
     
367,125
     
   
Proceeds from shares issued in connection with the acquisition of
Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity Fund Inc. (Note F)
   
     
109,091,570
     
   
Payments for shares redeemed in connection with tender
offer (Note E)
   
     
     
(11,764,397
)
 
Total net proceeds from capital share transactions
   
780,985
     
109,458,695
     
(11,764,397
)
 
                           
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Applicable to
Common Shareholders
   
8,511,481
     
129,525,304
     
47,385,992
   
                           
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders:
 
Beginning of period
   
267,818,500
     
138,293,196
     
90,907,204
   
End of period
 
$
276,329,981
   
$
267,818,500
   
$
138,293,196
   
Undistributed net investment income (loss) at end of period
 
$
322,340
   
$
157,152
   
$
608,118
   
 
See Notes to Financial Statements 19 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
 
Neuberger Berman
   
HIGH YIELD
STRATEGIES
FUND INC.
 
   
For the
Six Months Ended
April 30, 2011
 
Increase (decrease) in cash:
 
   
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
Net increase in net assets applicable to Common Shareholders
    resulting from operations
 
$
20,535,416
   
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets applicable to
    Common Shareholders resulting from operations to net
    cash provided by operating activities:
 
    Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
    Purchase of investment securities
   
(390,344,280
)
 
    Proceeds from disposition of investment securities
   
387,611,511
   
    Purchase/sale of short-term investment securities, net
   
(4,318,554
)
 
    Decrease in receivable for collateral on securities loaned
   
657,350
   
    Decrease in net interest payable/receivable on interest rate swap contracts
   
380,510
   
    Increase in interest receivable
   
(60,980
)
 
    Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets
   
85,304
   
    Decrease in receivable for securities sold
   
2,492,612
   
    Decrease in deposits with brokers for open interest rate swap contracts
   
1,505,196
   
    Decrease in accumulated unpaid dividends on Preferred Shares
   
(1,996
)
 
    Decrease in payable for investment securities purchased
   
(11,680
)
 
    Decrease in interest payable
   
(2,623
)
 
    Net accretion of discount on investments
   
(355,634
)
 
    Decrease in accrued expenses and other payables
   
(33,841
)
 
    Unrealized depreciation on securities
   
7,429,423
   
    Unrealized appreciation on interest rate swap contracts
   
(161,542
)
 
    Net realized gain from investments
   
(15,101,510
)
 
    Net realized loss from interest rate swap contracts
   
268,321
   
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
10,573,003
   
           
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
    Cash distributions paid on Common Shares
   
(12,168,164
)
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(12,168,164
)
 
    Net decrease in cash
   
(1,595,161
)
 
           
Cash:
 
    Beginning balance
   
607,882
   
    Ending balance
 
$
(987,279
)
 
           
Supplemental disclosure
 
    Cash paid for interest
 
$
785,212
   
 
See Notes to Financial Statements 20 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Notes to Financial Statements High Yield Strategies Fund Inc. (Unaudited)
 
Note A—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
 
1
General: Except where otherwise indicated, information included herein is as of April 30, 2011. The Fund was organized as a Maryland corporation on March 18, 2010, and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. Management is the investment manager to the Fund. Neuberger Berman Fixed Income LLC ("NBFI") is the sub-adviser to the Fund. The Fund's common shares are listed on the NYSE Amex under the symbol NHS. After the close of business on August 6, 2010, Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund ("Old NHS") merged with and into the Fund. After Old NHS merged with and into the Fund, Neuberger Berman Income Opportunity Fund Inc. ("NOX") merged with and into the Fund (see Note F for more information regarding both transactions). The historical performance and financial statement history prior to August 6, 2010 are those of Old NHS. For periods prior to August 6, 2010, the term the "Fund" will refer to Old NHS.
 
 
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires Management to make estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
2
Portfolio valuation: Investment securities are valued as indicated in the notes following the Schedule of Investments.
 
3
Securities transactions and investment income: Security transactions are recorded on trade date for financial reporting purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income, including amortization of premium, where applicable, and accretion of discount on securities (adjusted for original issue discount, where applicable) is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses from security transactions are recorded on the basis of identified cost and stated separately in the Statement of Operations. Included in net realized gain (loss) on investments are proceeds from the settlements of class action litigation in which the Fund participated as a class member. The amount of such proceeds for the six months ended April 30, 2011 was $98,183.
 
4
Income tax information: It is the policy of the Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company by complying with the requirements of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its earnings to its shareholders. To the extent the Fund distributes substantially all of its earnings to shareholders, no federal income or excise tax provision is required.
 
 
The Fund has adopted the provisions of ASC 740 "Income Taxes" ("ASC 740"). ASC 740 sets forth a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of a tax position taken, or expected to be taken, in a tax return. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax positions as an income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. The Fund is subject to examination by U.S. federal and state tax authorities for returns filed for the prior three fiscal years 2007 - 2009. As of April 30, 2011, the Fund did not have any unrecognized tax positions.
 
 
Income distributions and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains on various investment securities held by the Fund, timing differences and differing characterization of distributions made by the Fund as a whole.
 
 
As determined on October 31, 2010, permanent differences resulting primarily from different book and tax accounting for income recognized on interest rate swaps, non-deductible excise tax paid, non-deductible restructuring costs and merger adjustments were reclassified at fiscal year-end. These reclassifications had no effect on net income, net asset value ("NAV") applicable to common shareholders or NAV per common share of the Fund.
 
 
 
21
 
 


  The tax character of distributions paid during the period ended October 31, 2010 and the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 was as follows:
 
   
Distributions Paid From:
 
   
Ordinary Income
 
Long-Term
Capital Gains
 
Tax Return of
Capital
 
Total
 
   
2010(1) 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2010(1) 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2010(1) 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2010(1) 
 
2009
 
2008
 
   
$
15,060,977
   
$
14,914,388
   
$
18,316,981
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
     
$
   
$
1,198,186
   
$
15,060,977
   
$
14,914,388
   
$
19,515,167
   
 
(1)
During the period January 1, 2010 to October 31, 2010.
 
 
As of October 31, 2010, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a U.S. federal income tax basis were as follows:

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
 
Undistributed
Long-Term
Gain
 
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Loss
Carryforwards
and Deferrals
 
Total
 
$
365,117
   
$
   
$
28,115,072
   
$
(54,083,425
)
 
$
(25,603,236
)
 
 
 
The difference between book basis and tax basis distributable earnings is attributable primarily to timing differences of wash sales, distribution payments, income recognized on interest rate swaps and capital loss carryforwards.
 
 
To the extent the Fund's net realized capital gains, if any, can be offset by capital loss carryforwards, it is the policy of the Fund not to distribute such gains. As determined at October 31, 2010, the Fund had unused capital loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes to offset net realized capital gains, if any, as follows:

Expiring In:
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
$
24,855,295
(1) 
 
$
23,791,197
(1) 
 
$
5,436,933
   
 
(1)
The capital loss carryforwards shown above include $24,855,295 and $4,971,059 expiring in 2015 and 2016, respectively, which were acquired on August 6, 2010 in the merger with NOX. The use of these losses to offset future gains may be limited.
 
 
During the period ended October 31, 2010, the Fund utilized capital loss carryforwards of $12,848,717.
 
5
Foreign taxes: Foreign taxes withheld represent amounts withheld by foreign tax authorities net of refunds recoverable.
 
6
Distributions to common shareholders: The Fund earns income, net of expenses, daily on its investments. It is the policy of the Fund to declare and pay monthly distributions to common shareholders. The Fund has adopted a policy to pay common shareholders a stable monthly distribution. The Fund's ability to satisfy its policy will depend on a number of factors, including the stability of income received from its investments, the availability of capital gains, distributions paid on preferred shares, interest paid on notes and the level of Fund expenses. In an effort to maintain a stable monthly distribution amount, the Fund may pay distributions consisting of net investment income, realized gains and paid-in capital. There is no assurance that the Fund will always be able to pay distributions of a particular size, or that distributions will consist solely of net investment income and realized capital gains. The composition of the Fund's distributions for the calendar year 2011 will be reported to Fund shareholders on IRS Form 1099DIV. The Fund may pay distributions in excess of those required by its stable distribution policy to avoid excise tax or to satisfy the requirements of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Distributions to common shareholders are recorded on the ex-date. Net realized capital gains, if any, will be offset to the extent of any available capital loss carryforwards. Any such offset will not reduce the level of the stable distribution paid by the Fund. Distributions to preferred shareholders are accrued and determined as described in Note A-8.

 
22
 
 
 


 
On April 29, 2011, the Fund declared a monthly distribution to common shareholders in the amount of $0.11 per share, payable after the close of the reporting period, on May 31, 2011, to shareholders of record on May 16, 2011, with an ex-date of May 12, 2011. Subsequent to April 30, 2011, the Fund declared a monthly distribution to common shareholders in the amount of $0.11 per share, payable on June 30, 2011 to shareholders of record on June 15, 2011, with an ex-date of June 13, 2011.
 
7
Expense allocation: Certain expenses are applicable to multiple funds. Expenses directly attributable to the Fund are charged to the Fund. Expenses borne by the complex of related investment companies, which includes open-end and closed-end investment companies for which Management serves as investment manager, that are not directly attributable to a particular investment company (e.g., the Fund) are allocated among the Fund and the other investment companies in the complex or series thereof on the basis of relative net assets, except where a more appropriate allocation of expenses to each of the investment companies in the complex or series thereof can otherwise be made fairly.
 
8
Financial leverage: On October 22, 2003, Old NHS issued 3,600 Money Market Cumulative Preferred Shares ("MMP"), each without par value, with proceeds of $90,000,000 in a public offering. On November 13, 2008, Old NHS redeemed all 3,600 MMP at the liquidation price of $25,000 per share plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends.
 
 
In September 2008, Old NHS entered into a Master Securities Purchase Agreement and a Master Note Purchase Agreement pursuant to which it could issue privately placed notes ("Old NHS PNs") and privately placed perpetual preferred shares ("Old NHS PPS"). In November 2008, Old NHS issued Old NHS PNs with an aggregate principal value of $45,900,000 and issued 492 Old NHS PPS with an aggregate liquidation preference of $12,300,000 and used those proceeds to redeem outstanding MMP.
 
 
On August 6, 2010, each of Old NHS and NOX merged with and into the Fund (see Note F - Reorganization for additional disclosure). In connection with the mergers, the Fund issued 1,087 Perpetual Preferred Shares, Series A ("PPS") with an aggregate liquidation preference of $27,175,000 to preferred shareholders of Old NHS and NOX in exchange for their Old NHS PPS and NOX preferred shares. In connection with the mergers, the Fund also assumed the Old NHS PNs and the notes that NOX had previously issued ("NOX Notes"). On September 30, 2010, the Fund issued privately placed notes ("PNs" and, together with PPS, "Private Securities") with an aggregate principal value of $82,600,000 to holders of Old NHS PNs and NOX Notes in exchange for their Old NHS PNs and NOX Notes.
 
 
The PNs have a maturity date of November 2013 and the interest on the PNs is accrued daily and paid quarterly. The PPS have a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share plus any accumulated unpaid distributions, whether or not earned or declared by the Fund, but excluding interest thereon ("PPS Liquidation Value"). Distributions on the PPS are accrued daily and paid quarterly. The Old NHS PNs and the Old NHS PPS had these same terms.
 
 
For the six months ended April 30, 2011, the distribution rate on the PPS ranged from 3.19% to 3.21% and the interest rate on the PNs ranged from 1.69% to 1.71%.
 
 
The Fund has paid up front offering and organizational expenses which are being amortized over the life of the PNs. The expenses are included in the interest expense that is reflected in the Statement of Operations.
 
 
The Fund may redeem PPS or prepay the PNs, in whole or in part, at its option after giving a minimum amount of notice to the relevant holders of the Private Securities but will incur additional expenses if it chooses to so redeem or prepay. The Fund is also subject to certain restrictions relating to the Private Securities. Failure to comply with these restrictions could preclude the Fund from declaring any distributions to common shareholders or repurchasing common shares and/or could trigger the mandatory redemption of PPS at PPS Liquidation Value and certain expenses and/or mandatory prepayment of PNs at par plus accrued but unpaid interest and certain expenses. The holders of PPS are entitled to one vote per share and will vote with holders of common shares as a single class, except that the holders of PPS will vote separately as a class on certain matters, as required by law or the Fund's organizational documents. The holders of PPS, voting as a separate class, are entitled at all times to elect two

 
23
 
 



 
Directors of the Fund, and to elect a majority of the Directors of the Fund if the Fund fails to pay distributions on PPS for two consecutive years.
 
9
Concentration of credit risk: The Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its total assets in high yield debt securities of U.S. and foreign issuers, which include securities that are rated below investment grade by a rating agency or are unrated debt securities determined to be of comparable quality by the Fund's investment manager.
 
 
Due to the inherent volatility and illiquidity of the high yield securities in which the Fund invests and the real or perceived difficulty of issuers of those high yield securities to meet their payment obligations during economic downturns or because of negative business developments relating to the issuer or its industry in general, the value and/or price of the Fund's common shares may fluctuate more than would be the case if the Fund did not concentrate in high yield securities.
 
10
Derivative instruments: During the six months ended April 30, 2011, the Fund's use of derivatives was limited to interest rate swap contracts. The Fund has adopted the provisions of ASC 815 "Derivatives and Hedging" ("ASC 815"). The disclosure requirements of ASC 815 distinguish between derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting and those that do not. Because investment companies value their derivatives at fair value and recognize changes in fair value through the Statement of Operations, they do not qualify for hedge accounting. Accordingly, even though the Fund's investments in derivatives may represent economic hedges, they are considered non-hedge transactions for purposes of this disclosure.
 
 
Interest Rate Swaps: The Fund entered into interest rate swap transactions, with institutions that Management has determined are creditworthy, to reduce the risk that an increase in short-term interest rates could reduce common share net earnings as a result of leverage. Under the terms of the interest rate swap contracts, the Fund agrees to pay the swap counterparty a fixed-rate payment in exchange for the counterparty's paying the Fund a variable-rate payment that is intended to approximate all or a portion of the Fund's variable-rate payment obligations on the Fund's Private Securities. The fixed-rate and variable-rate payment flows are netted against each other, with the difference being paid by one party to the other on a monthly basis. The Fund segregates cash or liquid securities having a value at least equal to the Fund's net payment obligations under any swap transaction, marked to market daily. There is no guarantee that these swap transactions will be successful in reducing or limiting risk.
 
 
Risks may arise if the counterparty to a swap contract fails to comply with the terms of its contract. The loss incurred by the failure of a counterparty is generally limited to the net interest payment to be received by the Fund and/or the termination value at the end of the contract. Additionally, risks may arise if there is no liquid market for these agreements or from movements in interest rates unanticipated by Management.
 
 
Periodic expected interim net interest payments or receipts on the swaps are recorded as an adjustment to unrealized gains/losses, along with the fair value of the future periodic payment streams on the swaps. The unrealized gains/losses associated with the periodic interim net interest payments are reclassified to realized gains/losses in conjunction with the actual net receipt or payment of such amounts. The reclassifications do not impact the Fund's total net assets applicable to common shareholders or its total net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shareholders resulting from operations. At April 30, 2011, the Fund had outstanding interest rate swap contracts as follows:

           
Rate Type
             
Swap
Counterparty
 
Notional
Amount(1) 
 
Termination
Date
 
Fixed-rate
Payments
Made by
the Fund
 
Variable-rate
Payments
Received by
the Fund
 
Accrued Net
Interest
Receivable
(Payable)
 
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Total Fair
Value
 
Citibank, N.A.
 
$
25,000,000
   
March 18, 2015
   
1.680
%
   
.309
%(2) 
 
$
(40,725
)
 
$
(941
)
 
$
(41,666
)
 
Citibank, N.A.
   
50,000,000
   
December 7, 2015
   
1.884
%
   
.309
%(3) 
   
(353,108
)
   
241,762
     
(111,346
)
 
                   
$
(393,833
)
 
$
240,821
   
$
(153,012
)
 
 
(1)  The notional amount at period end is indicative of the volume throughout the period.
 
 
 
24
 
 


(2)
90 day LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) at March 16, 2011.
 
(3)
90 day LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) at March 3, 2011.
 
 
At April 30, 2011, the Fund held the following derivatives (which did not qualify for hedge accounting under ASC 815), grouped by primary risk exposure:

Liability Derivatives
 
   
Interest Rate Risk
 
Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location
 
Interest Rate Swap Contract
 
$
(153,012
)
 
Interest rate swaps,
 
Total Value
 
$
(153,012
)
 
at value(1) 
 
 
(1)
"Interest Rate Swap Contract" reflects the appreciation (depreciation) of the interest rate swap contract plus accrued interest as of April 30, 2011 which is reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities under the caption "Interest rate swaps, at value."
 
 
The impact of the use of these derivative instruments as reflected in the Statement of Operations during the six months ended April 30, 2011, was as follows:

Realized Gain (Loss)
 
   
Interest Rate Risk
 
Statement of Operations Location
 
Interest Rate Swap Contract
 
$
(268,321
)
 
Net realized gain (loss)
 
Total Realized Gain (Loss)
 
$
(268,321
)
 
on interest rate swap contracts
 
               
Change in Appreciation (Depreciation)
 
   
Interest Rate Risk
 
Statement of Operations Location
 
Interest Rate Swap Contract
 
$
161,542
   
Change in net unrealized appreciation
 
Total Change in Appreciation (Depreciation)
 
$
161,542
   
(depreciation) in value of interest rate swap contracts
 
 
11
Indemnifications: Like many other companies, the Fund's organizational documents provide that its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund. In addition, both in some of its principal service contracts and in the normal course of its business, the Fund enters into contracts that provide indemnifications to other parties for certain types of losses or liabilities. The Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this could involve future claims against the Fund.
 
Note B—Management Fees, Administration Fees, Distribution Arrangements, and Other Transactions with Affiliates:
 
 
The Fund retains Management as its investment manager under a Management Agreement. For such investment management services, the Fund pays Management a monthly fee computed at an annual rate of 0.60% of the Fund's average daily Managed Assets. Managed Assets equal the total assets of the Fund less liabilities other than the aggregate indebtedness entered into for purposes of leverage. Management is responsible for developing, implementing and supervising the Fund's investment program and providing certain administrative services to the Fund. Management has retained NBFI to serve as the sub-adviser of the Fund and to manage the Fund's investment portfolio. Management compensates NBFI for its services as sub-adviser. Management pays NBFI a monthly sub-advisory fee calculated at an annual percentage rate of 0.15% of the Fund's average daily Managed Assets.
 
 
In connection with Old NHS's May 2009 tender offer and the tender offer program, effective June 9, 2009, Management agreed to voluntarily waive a portion of the management fee it was entitled to receive from Old NHS at an annual rate of 0.05% of Old NHS's average daily Managed Assets. This waiver terminated at the time Old NHS merged with and into the Fund. In connection with the mergers, Management has agreed to voluntarily waive a portion of the management fees it is entitled to receive from the Fund at an annual rate of 0.05% of the Fund's
 
 
 
25
 
 


 
average daily Managed Assets. This voluntary waiver is expected to remain in effect until July 1, 2012, but may be changed or terminated by Management at any time. For the six months ended April 30, 2011, such waived fees amounted to $94,200.
 
 
Several individuals who are officers and/or Directors of the Fund are also employees of NBFI, Neuberger Berman LLC ("Neuberger") and/or Management.
 
 
The Fund retains Management as its administrator under an Administration Agreement. The Fund pays Management an administration fee at the annual rate of 0.05% of its average daily Managed Assets under this agreement. Additionally, Management retains State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street") as its sub-administrator under a Sub-Administration Agreement. Management pays State Street a fee for all services received under the agreement.
 
 
Management and NBFI are indirect subsidiaries of Neuberger Berman Group LLC ("NBG," and together with its consolidated subsidiaries "NB Group"). The voting equity of NBG is owned by NBSH Acquisition, LLC ("NBSH") and Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. ("LBHI"). NBSH, which is owned by portfolio managers, members of the NB Group management team and certain of NB Group's key employees and senior professionals, owns approximately 52% of the voting equity of NBG and LBHI, which is a debtor in possession under chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, owns the remaining 48% of the voting equity. LBHI's bankruptcy proceedings have had no material impact on the operations of the Fund. Management and NBFI continue to operate in the ordinary course of business as the investment manager and sub-adviser, respectively, of the Fund.
 
 
Other non-affiliated service providers: In order to satisfy rating agency requirements and the terms of the Private Securities, the Fund is required to provide the rating agency and holders of Private Securities a report on a monthly basis verifying that the Fund is maintaining eligible assets having a discounted value equal to or greater than the basic maintenance amount, which is the minimum level set by the rating agency as one of the conditions to maintain the AAA rating on the Private Securities. "Discounted value" refers to the fact that the rating agency requires the Fund, in performing this calculation, to discount portfolio securities below their face value, at rates determined by the rating agency. The Fund pays State Street for the preparation of this report, which is reflected in the Statement of Operations under the caption "Basic maintenance expense."
 
 
State Street serves as the Fund's custodian and The Bank of New York Mellon serves as the Fund's transfer agent, registrar, and dividend paying agent.
 
 
The Fund has an expense offset arrangement in connection with its custodian contract. For the six months ended April 30, 2011, the impact of this arrangement was a reduction of expenses of $259.
 
Note C—Securities Transactions:
 
 
During the six months ended April 30, 2011, there were purchases and sales of investments (excluding short-term securities and interest rate swap contracts) of $237,370,047 and $224,992,379, respectively.
 
Note D—Capital:
 
 
At April 30, 2011 the common shares outstanding and the common shares of the Fund owned by Neuberger Berman Alternative Fund Management LLC ("NBAFM") and Neuberger, affiliates of Management, were as follows:

Common Shares
Outstanding
 
Common Shares
Owned by NBAFM
 
Common Shares
Owned by Neuberger
 
 
19,429,272
     
16,080
     
5,116
   
 
 
 
26
 
 


 
Transactions in common shares for the six months ended April 30, 2011, for the period ended October 31, 2010 and for the year ended December 31, 2009 were as follows:

   
For the Six
Months Ended
April 30,
2011
 
For the Period
Ended October 31,
2010(1) 
 
For the Year Ended
December 31,
2009
 
Shares Issued on Reinvestment of Dividends and Distributions
   
56,076
     
28,058
     
   
Shares Issued in Connection with the Acquisition of
NOX (See Note F)
   
     
8,316,011
     
   
Redemption of Common Shares (See Note E)
   
     
     
(1,225,458
)
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Common Shares Outstanding
   
56,076
     
8,344,069
     
(1,225,458
)
 
 
(1)           For the period January 1, 2010 to October 31, 2010.
 
Note E—Tender Offer Program:
 
 
Old NHS, a predecessor to the Fund, conducted a tender offer in May 2009 for up to 10% of its outstanding common shares at a price equal to 98% of its NAV determined on the day the tender offer expired. Under the terms of the tender offer, on June 5, 2009, the Fund accepted 1,225,458 common shares, representing approximately 10% of its then outstanding common shares. Final payment was made at $9.60 per share, representing 98% of the NAV per share on May 29, 2009.
 
 
In 2009, Old NHS's Board authorized a semi-annual tender offer program consisting of up to four tender offers over a two-year period ("Old NHS Tender Offer Program"). Under the Old NHS Tender Offer Program, if the Fund's common shares traded at an average daily discount to NAV per share of greater than 10% during a 12-week measurement period, the Fund would conduct a tender offer for between 5% and 20% of its outstanding common shares at a price equal to 98% of its NAV per share determined on the day the tender offer expires.
 
 
Old NHS's initial measurement period under the Old NHS Tender Offer Program commenced June 5, 2009 and ended August 28, 2009 (the "Measurement Period"). During the Measurement Period, the Fund traded at an average daily discount to NAV per share of less than 10% and, therefore, in accordance with its Old NHS Tender Offer Program, did not conduct a tender offer.
 
 
After the reorganization, the Fund adopted a substantially similar tender offer program consisting of up to three tender offers over a two-year period ("Tender Offer Program"). During the Fund's initial measurement period under the Tender Offer Program, August 18, 2010 to November 10, 2010, the Fund traded at an average daily discount to NAV of less than 10% and, therefore, in accordance with its Tender Offer Program, did not conduct a tender offer.
 
 
In connection with the Old NHS Tender Offer Program, Management agreed to implement a voluntary waiver of 0.05% of its investment advisory fees to offset some of the expenses associated with, or possible increases in Old NHS's expense ratio resulting from, the tender offers (see Note B for additional disclosure). This waiver terminated at the time Old NHS merged with and into the Fund. In connection with the mergers, Management agreed to voluntarily waive a portion of its management fee at an annual rate of 0.05% of the Fund's average daily Managed Assets. The Board retains the ability, consistent with its fiduciary duty, to opt out of the Tender Offer Program should circumstances arise that the Board believes could cause a material negative effect on the Fund or the Fund's shareholders.
 
 
 
27
 
 


Note F—Reorganization:
 
In February 2010, the Boards of Old NHS and NOX approved a proposal to reorganize Old NHS and NOX into the Fund pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization ("Agreement"). At the July 2010 annual meetings of shareholders, shareholders of each of Old NHS and NOX approved the Agreement. In accordance with the Agreement, first Old NHS, and then NOX, transferred its assets to the Fund in exchange for Fund common shares and Fund preferred shares and the Fund assumed each of Old NHS's and NOX's liabilities. For financial reporting purposes, assets received and shares issued by the Fund were recorded at fair value; however, the cost basis of the investments received from NOX was carried forward to align ongoing reporting of the Fund's realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes.
 
 
After the close of business on August 6, 2010, Old NHS merged with and into the Fund pursuant to the Agreement. The merger was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of the net assets of Old NHS, which aggregated $157,022,940 (including investments with a cost of $148,637,738 and $11,723,763 of unrealized appreciation), for 11,033,556 Fund common shares (with a net asset value of $13.1166) and 492 Fund preferred shares (with a total liquidation preference of $12,300,000) and the assumption by the Fund of Old NHS's liabilities. Old NHS common shareholders and preferred shareholders received the same number of common shares and preferred shares of the Fund as they previously held of Old NHS.
 
 
After Old NHS merged with and into the Fund, NOX merged with and into the Fund, pursuant to the Agreement. The merger was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of the net assets of NOX, which aggregated $123,966,569 (including $8,135,275 of unrealized appreciation), for 8,316,011 Fund common shares and 595 Fund preferred shares (with a total liquidation preference of $14,875,000) and the assumption by the Fund of NOX's liabilities.
 
 
The merger of NOX and the Fund was based on the relative net asset values of NOX and the Fund (after its merger with Old NHS). On August 6, 2010, the net asset value per common share for NOX was $7.5731. The net asset value per common share for the Fund after its merger with Old NHS was $13.1173. As a result, former NOX common shareholders received 0.577 Fund common shares for each NOX common share previously held. NOX common shareholders subsequently received cash in lieu of fractional shares not held in NOX's Distribution Reinvestment Plan. In addition, NOX preferred shareholders each received the same number of preferred shares of the Fund as they previously held of NOX.
 
 
The combined net assets of the Fund immediately after both transactions were $280,989,509.
 
 
Assuming the reorganization had been completed on January 1, 2010, the beginning of the annual reporting period of the Fund, the Fund's pro forma results of operations for the period ended October 31, 2010, are as follows:

Net investment income (loss)
$
22,776,387
   
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
 
18,972,320
   
Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments
 
9,123,480
   
Distributions to Preferred Shareholders
 
(743,952
)
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to
Common Shareholders resulting from operations
$
50,128,235
   
 
 
Because the combined investment portfolios have been managed as a single integrated portfolio since the reorganization was completed, it is not practicable to separate the amounts of revenue and earnings of NOX that were included in the Fund's Statement of Operations as of October 31, 2010.
 
Note G—Recent Market Events:
 
 
Recent events in the financial sector have resulted in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets and the economy at large. Both domestic and international equity and fixed income markets have been
 
 
 
28
 
 



 
experiencing heightened volatility and turmoil, with issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets particularly affected. It is uncertain how long these conditions will continue.
 
 
In addition to the recent unprecedented turbulence in financial markets, the reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers worldwide. Illiquidity in these markets may mean there is less money available to purchase raw materials, goods and services, which may, in turn, bring down the prices of these economic staples. It may also result in issuers having more difficulty obtaining financing and ultimately a decline in their stock prices. These events and the potential for continuing market turbulence may have an adverse effect on the Fund.
 
 
The U.S. federal government and certain foreign central banks have acted to calm credit markets and increase confidence in the U.S. and world economies. Certain of these entities have injected liquidity into the markets and taken other steps in an effort to stabilize the markets and grow the economy. The ultimate effect of these efforts is, of course, not yet known. Changes in government policies may exacerbate the market's difficulties and withdrawal of this support, or other policy changes by governments or central banks, could negatively affect the value and liquidity of certain securities.
 
 
The situation in the financial markets has resulted in calls for increased regulation, and the need of many financial institutions for government help has given lawmakers and regulators new leverage. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") has initiated a dramatic revision of the U.S. financial regulatory framework that is now expected to unfold over several years. The Dodd-Frank Act covers a broad range of topics, including (among many others) a reorganization of federal financial regulators; a process intended to ensure financial systemic stability and the resolution of potentially insolvent financial firms; new rules for derivatives trading; the creation of a consumer financial protection watchdog; the registration and additional regulation of hedge and private equity fund managers; and new federal requirements for residential mortgage loans. Instruments in which the Fund may invest, or the issuers of such instruments, may be affected by the new legislation and regulation in ways that are unforeseeable. The ultimate impact of the Dodd-Frank Act, and any resulting regulations, is not yet certain.
 
 
The statutory provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act significantly change in several respects the ways in which investment products are marketed, sold, settled or terminated. In particular, the Dodd-Frank Act mandates the elimination of references to credit ratings in numerous securities laws, including the 1940 Act. Derivatives may be mandated for central clearing under the Dodd-Frank Act, which would likely require technological and other changes to Fund operations and the market in which it will trade. Central clearing would also entail the use of assets of the Fund to satisfy margin calls and this may have an effect on the performance of the Fund. The extent of margin requirements in the market after regulators impose clearing mandates is not yet known. The ultimate impact of the Dodd-Frank Act therefore is not yet certain.
 
 
The regulators that have been charged with the responsibility for implementing the Dodd-Frank Act (i.e., the Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission) are reviewing generally, and have proposed regulations or guidelines, on the use of futures by funds governed by the 1940 Act (in the case of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission) and on the use of derivatives by 1940 Act funds (in the case of the Securities and Exchange Commission). It is not clear whether final guidelines for such use will be published, or when these rules will become final. The impact of new guidance and regulations is also not certain.
 
 
Because the situation in the markets is widespread and largely unprecedented, it may be unusually difficult to identify both risks and opportunities using past models of the interplay of market forces, or to predict the duration of these market events.
 
Note H—Unaudited Financial Information:
 
 
The financial information included in this interim report is taken from the records of the Fund without audit by an independent registered public accounting firm. Annual reports contain audited financial statements.
 
 
29
 
 


Financial Highlights
 
High Yield Strategies Fund Inc.
 
The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and other performance information derived from the Financial Statements.

   
 
Six Months
Ended
April 30,
 
Period from
January 1,
2010 to
October 31,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
 
2010^^^ 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007^^ 
 
2006
 
2005
 
   
(Unaudited)
                         
Common Share Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
 
$
13.82
   
$
12.54
   
$
7.42
   
$
13.23
   
$
15.05
   
$
14.51
   
$
15.58
   
Net Investment Income¢ 
   
0.69
     
1.19
     
1.43
     
1.52
     
1.67
     
1.65
     
1.71
   
Net Gain or Losses on
Securities (both
realized and
unrealized)
   
0.39
     
1.20
     
4.97
     
(5.74
)
   
(1.34
)
   
0.61
     
(0.94
)
 
Common Share Equivalent of Distributions to
Preferred Shareholders From:
 
Net Investment Income¢ 
   
(0.02
)
   
(0.03
)
   
(0.04
)
   
(0.27
)
   
(0.40
)
   
(0.37
)
   
(0.24
)
 
Net Realized Gains¢ 
   
     
     
     
     
(0.01
)
   
     
   
Total Distributions to Preferred
Shareholders
   
(0.02
)
   
(0.03
)
   
(0.04
)
   
(0.27
)
   
(0.41
)
   
(0.37
)
   
(0.24
)
 
Total From Investment
Operations Applicable
to Common Shareholders
   
1.06
     
2.36
     
6.36
     
(4.49
)
   
(0.08
)
   
1.89
     
0.53
   
Less Distributions to Common
Shareholders From:
 
Net Investment Income
   
(0.66
)
   
(1.08
)
   
(1.26
)
   
(1.22
)
   
(1.69
)
   
(1.35
)
   
(1.58
)
 
Net Realized Gains
   
     
     
     
     
(0.05
)
   
     
(0.02
)
 
Tax Return of Capital
   
     
     
     
(0.10
)
   
     
     
(0.00
)***
 
Total Distributions to
Common Shareholders
   
(0.66
)
   
(1.08
)
   
(1.26
)
   
(1.32
)
   
(1.74
)
   
(1.35
)
   
(1.60
)
 
Accretive Effect of Tender Offer
   
     
     
0.02
     
     
     
     
   
Common Share Net Asset Value, End of Period
 
$
14.22
   
$
13.82
   
$
12.54
   
$
7.42
   
$
13.23
   
$
15.05
   
$
14.51
   
Common Share Market Value, End of Period
 
$
14.49
   
$
14.04
   
$
11.95
   
$
6.38
   
$
11.82
   
$
15.18
   
$
15.61
   
Total Return, Common Share Net Asset Value 
   
7.87
%**
   
19.78
%**
   
92.44
%
   
(35.32
)%
   
(0.13
)%
   
13.91
%
   
3.63
%
 
Total Return, Common Share Market Value 
   
8.20
%**
   
27.69
%**
   
113.27
%
   
(37.75
)%
   
(11.54
)%
   
6.79
%
   
5.40
%
 
Ratios/Supplemental Data†† 
 
Ratios are Calculated Using
Average Net Assets
 
Applicable to Common Shareholders
 
Ratio of Gross Expenses# 
   
1.65
%*Ø 
   
1.95
%*Ø 
   
2.60
%Ø 
   
1.80
%Ø 
   
1.44
%
   
1.49
%
   
1.53
%
 
Ratio of Net Expenses
   
1.65
%*§Ø 
   
1.95
%*§Ø‡‡ 
   
2.60
%§Ø 
   
1.80
%§Ø 
   
1.44
%§ 
   
1.49
%
   
1.53
%
 
Ratio of Net Investment Income
   
10.01
%*
   
11.02
%*
   
14.30
%
   
13.43
%
   
11.33
%
   
11.29
%
   
11.44
%
 
Portfolio Turnover Rate
   
61
%**
   
130
%**ØØ 
   
159
%
   
122
%
   
129
%
   
111
%
   
96
%
 
Net Assets Applicable to Common
 
Shares, End of Period (000's)
 
$
276,330
   
$
267,819
   
$
138,293
   
$
90,907
   
$
162,091
   
$
184,389
   
$
177,659
   
Perpetual Preferred Shares¢¢ 
 
Preferred Shares Outstanding,
End of Period (000's)
 
$
27,175
   
$
27,175
   
$
12,300
   
$
12,300
   
$
90,000
   
$
90,000
   
$
90,000
   
Asset Coverage Per Share@ 
 
$
279,282
   
$
271,454
   
$
306,086
   
$
209,943
   
$
70,107
   
$
76,284
   
$
74,400
   
Liquidation Value Per Share
 
$
25,000
   
$
25,000
   
$
25,000
   
$
25,000
   
$
25,000
   
$
25,000
   
$
25,000
   
Notes Payable
 
Notes Payable Outstanding,
End of Period (000's)
 
$
82,600
   
$
82,600
   
$
45,900
   
$
45,900
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
Asset Coverage Per $1,000 of Notes Payable@@ 
 
$
4,675
   
$
4,572
   
$
4,281
   
$
3,250
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
 
See Notes to Financial Highlights

30
 
 
 
 


Notes to Financial Highlights High Yield Strategies Fund Inc. (Unaudited)
 
Total return based on per share NAV reflects the effects of changes in NAV on the performance of the Fund during each fiscal period. Total return based on per share market value assumes the purchase of common shares at the market price on the first day and sales of common shares at the market price on the last day of the period indicated. Distributions, if any, are assumed to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund's distribution reinvestment plan. Results represent past performance and do not guarantee future results. Current returns may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Investment returns may fluctuate and shares when sold may be worth more or less than original cost. Total return would have been lower if Management had not waived certain expenses.
 
#
The Fund is required to calculate an expense ratio without taking into consideration any expense reductions related to expense offset arrangements.
 
§
After waiver of a portion of the investment management fee by Management. Had Management not undertaken such action, the annualized net expenses to average daily net assets would have been:

Six Months
Ended April 30,
 
Period from
January 1, 2010
to October 31,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
 
1.72
%
   
2.02
%
   
2.65
%
   
1.65
%
   
1.44
%
 
 
@
Calculated by subtracting the Fund's total liabilities (excluding accumulated unpaid distributions on PPS (Old NHS's PPS prior to August 6, 2010 and MMP prior to November 13, 2008)) from the Fund's total assets and dividing by the number of PPS/MMP outstanding.
 
@@
Calculated by subtracting the Fund's total liabilities (excluding accumulated unpaid distributions on PPS (Old NHS's PPS prior to August 6, 2010 and MMP prior to November 13, 2008) and Notes payable (the Old NHS Notes payable prior to September 29, 2010)) from the Fund's total assets and dividing by the outstanding Notes payable balance.
 
††
Expense ratios do not include the effect of distribution payments to preferred shareholders. Income ratios include income earned on assets attributable to PPS (MMP prior to November 13, 2008) outstanding. Income ratios also include the effect of interest expense from the PNs.
 
¢
Calculated based on the average number of shares outstanding during each fiscal period.
 
***
Rounds to less than $0.01.
 
^^
Effective February 28, 2007, Management became the investment adviser.
 
¢¢
From October 22, 2003 to November 13, 2008, the Fund had 3,600 MMP outstanding; from November 14, 2008 to August 6, 2010, the Fund had 492 Old NHS PPS outstanding. Since August 6, 2010, the Fund has 1,087 PPS outstanding (see Note A-8 to Financial Statements).
 
Ø
Interest expense is included in expense ratios. The annualized ratio of interest expense to average net assets applicable to common shareholders was:

Six Months
Ended April 30,
 
Period from
January 1, 2010
to October 31,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
 
.58
%
   
.63
%
   
1.05
%
   
.16
%
 
 
*
Annualized.
**
Not Annualized.
^^^
The Fund's fiscal year end changed from December 31 to October 31.
ØØ
Portfolio turnover excludes purchases and sales by NOX (which merged with and into the Fund on August 6, 2010) prior to the merger date.
‡‡
Includes merger related expenses. If such expenses were not included, the annualized ratio of net expenses to average net assets applicable to common shareholders for the period ended October 31, 2010 would have been 1.81%.

31
 
 
 
 


Distribution Reinvestment Plan
 
The Bank of New York Mellon ("Plan Agent") will act as Plan Agent for shareholders who have not elected in writing to receive dividends and distributions in cash (each a "Participant"), will open an account for each Participant under the Distribution Reinvestment Plan ("Plan") in the same name as their then current Shares are registered, and will put the Plan into effect for each Participant as of the first record date for a dividend or capital gains distribution.
 
Whenever the Fund declares a dividend or distribution with respect to the common stock of the Fund ("Shares"), each Participant will receive such dividends and distributions in additional Shares, including fractional Shares acquired by the Plan Agent and credited to each Participant's account. If on the payment date for a cash dividend or distribution, the net asset value is equal to or less than the market price per Share plus estimated brokerage commissions, the Plan Agent shall automatically receive such Shares, including fractions, for each Participant's account. Except in the circumstances described in the next paragraph, the number of additional Shares to be credited to each Participant's account shall be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the dividend or distribution payable on their Shares by the greater of the net asset value per Share determined as of the date of purchase or 95% of the then current market price per Share on the payment date.
 
Should the net asset value per Share exceed the market price per Share plus estimated brokerage commissions on the payment date for a cash dividend or distribution, the Plan Agent or a broker-dealer selected by the Plan Agent shall endeavor, for a purchase period lasting until the last business day before the next date on which the Shares trade on an "ex-dividend" basis, but in no event, except as provided below, more than 30 days after the payment date, to apply the amount of such dividend or distribution on each Participant's Shares (less their pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan Agent's open-market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of such dividend or distribution) to purchase Shares on the open market for each Participant's account. No such purchases may be made more than 30 days after the payment date for such dividend or distribution except where temporary curtailment or suspension of purchase is necessary to comply with applicable provisions of federal securities laws. If, at the close of business on any day during the purchase period the net asset value per Share equals or is less than the market price per Share plus estimated brokerage commissions, the Plan Agent will not make any further open-market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of such dividend or distribution. If the Plan Agent is unable to invest the full dividend or distribution amount through open-market purchases during the purchase period, the Plan Agent shall request that, with respect to the uninvested portion of such dividend or distribution amount, the Fund issue new Shares at the close of business on the earlier of the last day of the purchase period or the first day during the purchase period on which the net asset value per Share equals or is less than the market price per Share, plus estimated brokerage commissions, such Shares to be issued in accordance with the terms specified in the third paragraph hereof. These newly issued Shares will be valued at the then-current market price per Share at the time such Shares are to be issued.
 
For purposes of making the reinvestment purchase comparison under the Plan, (a) the market price of the Shares on a particular date shall be the last sales price on the New York Stock Exchange (or if the Shares are not listed on the New York Stock Exchange, such other exchange on which the Shares are principally traded) on that date, or, if there is no sale on such Exchange (or if not so listed, in the over-the-counter market) on that date, then the mean between the closing bid and asked quotations for such Shares on such Exchange on such date and (b) the net asset value per Share on a particular date shall be the net asset value per Share most recently calculated by or on behalf of the Fund. All dividends, distributions and other payments (whether made in cash or Shares) shall be made net of any applicable withholding tax.
 
Open-market purchases provided for above may be made on any securities exchange where the Fund's Shares are traded, in the over-the-counter market or in negotiated transactions and may be on such terms as to price, delivery and otherwise as the Plan Agent shall determine. Each Participant's uninvested funds held by the Plan Agent will not bear interest, and it is understood that, in any event, the Plan Agent shall have no liability in connection with any inability to purchase Shares within 30 days after the initial date of such purchase as herein provided, or with the timing of any purchases effected. The Plan Agent shall have no responsibility as to the value of the Shares acquired for each Participant's account. For the

32
 
 
 
 


purpose of cash investments, the Plan Agent may commingle each Participant's funds with those of other shareholders of the Fund for whom the Plan Agent similarly acts as agent, and the average price (including brokerage commissions) of all Shares purchased by the Plan Agent as Plan Agent shall be the price per Share allocable to each Participant in connection therewith.
 
The Plan Agent may hold each Participant's Shares acquired pursuant to the Plan together with the Shares of other shareholders of the Fund acquired pursuant to the Plan in noncertificated form in the Plan Agent's name or that of the Plan Agent's nominee. The Plan Agent will forward to each Participant any proxy solicitation material and will vote any Shares so held for each Participant only in accordance with the instructions set forth on proxies returned by the Participant to the Fund.
 
The Plan Agent will confirm to each Participant each acquisition made for their account as soon as practicable but not later than 60 days after the date thereof. Although each Participant may from time to time have an undivided fractional interest (computed to three decimal places) in a Share, no certificates for a fractional Share will be issued. However, dividends and distributions on fractional Shares will be credited to each Participant's account. In the event of termination of a Participant's account under the Plan, the Plan Agent will adjust for any such undivided fractional interest in cash at the market value of the Shares at the time of termination, less the pro rata expense of any sale required to make such an adjustment.
 
Any Share dividends or split Shares distributed by the Fund on Shares held by the Plan Agent for Participants will be credited to their accounts. In the event that the Fund makes available to its shareholders rights to purchase additional Shares or other securities, the Shares held for each Participant under the Plan will be added to other Shares held by the Participant in calculating the number of rights to be issued to each Participant.
 
The Plan Agent's service fee for handling capital gains distributions or income dividends will be paid by the Fund. Participants will be charged their pro rata share of brokerage commissions on all open-market purchases.
 
Each Participant may terminate their account under the Plan by notifying the Plan Agent in writing. Such termination will be effective immediately if the Participant's notice is received by the Plan Agent not less than ten days prior to any dividend or distribution record date, otherwise such termination will be effective the first trading day after the payment date for such dividend or distribution with respect to any subsequent dividend or distribution. The Plan may be terminated by the Plan Agent or the Fund upon notice in writing mailed to each Participant at least 30 days prior to any record date for the payment of any dividend or distribution by the Fund.
 
These terms and conditions may be amended or supplemented by the Plan Agent or the Fund at any time or times but, except when necessary or appropriate to comply with applicable law or the rules or policies of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory authority, only by mailing to each Participant appropriate written notice at least 30 days prior to the effective date thereof. The amendment or supplement shall be deemed to be accepted by each Participant unless, prior to the effective date thereof, the Plan Agent receives written notice of the termination of their account under the Plan. Any such amendment may include an appointment by the Plan Agent in its place and stead of a successor Plan Agent under these terms and conditions, with full power and authority to perform all or any of the acts to be performed by the Plan Agent under these terms and conditions. Upon any such appointment of any Plan Agent for the purpose of receiving dividends and distributions, the Fund will be authorized to pay to such successor Plan Agent, for each Participant's account, all dividends and distributions payable on Shares held in their name or under the Plan for retention or application by such successor Plan Agent as provided in these terms and conditions.
 
The Plan Agent shall at all times act in good faith and agrees to use its best efforts within reasonable limits to ensure the accuracy of all services performed under this Agreement and to comply with applicable law, but assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable for loss or damage due to errors unless such error is caused by the Plan Agent's negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct or that of its employees.
 
These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of the State of Maryland.

33
 
 
 
 


Directory
 
 
 Investment Adviser and Administrator
Neuberger Berman Management LLC
605 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10158-0180
877.461.1899 or 212.476.9000
Stock Transfer Agent
The Bank of New York Mellon
480 Washington Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ 07317
   
Sub-Adviser
Neuberger Berman Fixed Income LLC
200 South Wacker Drive
Suite 2100
Chicago, IL 60601
Legal Counsel
K&L Gates LLP
1601 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
   
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
2 Avenue de Lafayette
Boston, MA 02111
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
200 Clarendon Street
Boston, MA 02116
 
 

34
 
 
 
 


Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
 
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available, without charge, by calling 1-800-877-9700 (toll-free) and on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is also available, without charge, by calling 1-800-877-9700 (toll-free), on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov, and on Management's website at www.nb.com.
 
Quarterly Portfolio Schedule
 
The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund's Forms N-Q are available on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the Securities and Exchange Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The information on Form N-Q is available upon request, without charge, by calling 1-800-877-9700 (toll-free).
 
New Portfolio Co-Manager
 
Mr. William "Russ" Covode has co-managed the Fund since May 11, 2011. Mr. Covode is a Managing Director of Management, Neuberger and NBFI. Mr. Covode also manages high yield and blended credit portfolios for NBFI. He joined the firm in 2004.

35
 
 
 
 
 
Rev. 12/2010
 
FACTS
 
WHAT DOES NEUBERGER BERMAN
DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
 
Why?
 
Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
 
What?
 
The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:
 Social Security number and account balances
 income and transaction history
 credit history and credit scores
When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.
 
How?
 
All financial companies need to share customers' personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers' personal information; the reasons Neuberger Berman chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.
 
Reasons we can share your personal information
Does Neuberger
Berman share?
Can you limit this sharing?
For our everyday business purposes —
such as to process your transactions, maintain
your account(s), respond to court orders and legal
investigations, or report to credit bureaus
Yes
No
For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you
Yes
No
For joint marketing with other financial
companies
No
We don't share
For our affiliates' everyday business purposes —
information about your transactions and
experiences
Yes
No
For our affiliates' everyday business purposes —
information about your creditworthiness
No
We don't share
For nonaffiliates to market to you
No
We don't share
 
Questions?
         Call 800.223.6448
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
Page 2
 
 
Who we are
Who is providing this notice?
 
Entities within the Neuberger Berman family of companies,
mutual funds, and private investment funds.
 
What we do
How does Neuberger Berman protect my personal information?
 
To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
 
We restrict access to customer information to those employees who need to know such information in order to perform their job responsibilities.
How does Neuberger Berman collect my personal information?
 
We collect your personal information, for example, when you
    ■  open an account or provide account information 
    seek advice about your investments or give us your income information 
   
 give us your contact information
 
   
We also collect your personal information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.
Why can't I limit all sharing?
 
Federal law gives you the right to limit only
 
    sharing for affiliates' everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness 
    affiliates from using your information to market to you 
   
sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you 
 
   
State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.
 
Definitions
Affiliates
 
Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.
 
    ■  Our affiliates include companies with a Neuberger Berman name; financial companies, such as investment advisers, broker dealers; mutual funds, and private investment funds.
Nonaffiliates
 
Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.
 
    ■  Nonaffiliates we share with can include companies that perform administrative services on our behalf (such as vendors that provide data processing, transaction processing, and printing services) or other companies such as brokers, dealers, or counterparties in connection with servicing your account.
Joint marketing
 
A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.
 
    ■  Neuberger Berman doesn't jointly market.
 
 
 

 
 
 
   
   
   
  Neuberger Berman Management LLC
605 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10158-0180
Internal Sales & Services
877.461.1899
www.nb.com
   
   
   
  Statistics and projections in this report are derived from sources deemed to be reliable
but cannot be regarded as a representation of future results of the Fund. This report is
prepared for the general information of shareholders and is not an offer of shares of the
Fund.
   
 
  H0547 06/11
 
 
 
 

 
 
Item 2. Code of Ethics
 
The Board of Directors (“Board”) of Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund Inc. (“Registrant”) adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions (“Code of Ethics”).  For the period covered by this Form N-CSR, there were no amendments to the Code of Ethics and there were no waivers from the Code of Ethics granted to the Registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions.
 
A copy of the Code of Ethics is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Form N-CSR, Investment Company Act file number 811-21342 (filed on January 7, 2011).  The Code of Ethics is also available, without charge, by calling 1-800-877-9700 (toll-free).
 
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert
 
The Board has determined that the Registrant has three audit committee financial experts serving on its audit committee. The Registrant’s audit committee financial experts are Martha Goss, George Morriss and Candace L. Straight.  Ms. Goss, Mr. Morriss and Ms. Straight are independent directors as defined by Form N-CSR.
 
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
Only required in the annual report.
 
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants
 
Only required in the annual report.

Item 6. Schedule of Investments
 
The complete schedule of investments for the Registrant is disclosed in the Registrant’s Semi-Annual Report, which is included as Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.
 
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies
 
Only required in the annual report.
 
 
 
 

 
 
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies
 
(a)(1) Effective May 11, 2011, William “Russ” Covode was appointed as a Portfolio Co-Manager and assumed joint day-to-day management responsibility of the Registrant:
 
William “Russ” Covode is a Managing Director of Neuberger Berman Management LLC ("NB Management"), Neuberger Berman LLC and Neuberger Berman Fixed Income LLC (“NBFI”). Mr. Covode also manages high yield and blended credit portfolios for NBFI. He joined the firm in 2004.
 
(a)(2)  The table below describes the other accounts for which the Registrant’s new Co-Portfolio Manager has joint day-to-day management responsibility as of May 31, 2011.
 
Type of Account
Number of
Accounts Managed
Total Assets
 Managed
($ millions)
Number of Accounts Managed for which Advisory Fee is Performance-Based
 
Assets Managed for which Advisory Fee is Performance-Based
($ millions)
 
William R. Covode
           
Registered Investment Companies*
  2  $1,468 0     0  
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
  2  $5,524 0     0  
Other Accounts**
  28  $7,266 1     1,029  
*Registered Investment Companies include: Mutual Funds.
**Other Accounts include: Institutional Separate Accounts, Sub-Advised Funds, and Managed Accounts (WRAP Accounts).
 
 
Conflicts of Interest
 
 
Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a Portfolio Manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one fund or other account. The management of multiple funds and accounts (including proprietary accounts) may give rise to actual or potential conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different or similar objectives, benchmarks, time horizons, and fees, as the Portfolio Manager must allocate his time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts.  A Portfolio Manager may execute transactions for another fund or account that may adversely impact the value of securities held by the Registrant, and which may include transactions that are directly contrary to the positions taken by the Registrant.  For example, a Portfolio Manager may engage in short sales of securities for another account that are the same type of securities in which the Registrant also invests.  In such a case, a Portfolio Manager could be seen as harming the performance of the Registrant for the benefit of the account engaging in short sales if the short sales cause the market value of the securities to fall.  Additionally, if a Portfolio Manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than one fund or other account, the Registrant may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity.  If one account were to buy or sell portfolio securities shortly before another account bought or sold the same securities, it could affect the price paid or received by the second account.  Securities selected for funds or accounts other than the Registrant may outperform the securities selected for the Registrant.  Finally, a conflict of interest may arise if NB Management and a Portfolio Manager have a financial incentive to favor one account over another, such as a performance-based management
 
 
 
 

 
 
fee that applies to one account but not the Registrant or other accounts for which the Registrant’s Portfolio Manager is responsible.
 
 
NB Management, NBFI and the Registrant have adopted certain compliance procedures which are designed to address these types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.
 
(a)(3) Compensation of Portfolio Managers by NB Management and NBFI (as of June 30, 2011)
 
Our compensation philosophy is one that focuses on rewarding performance and incentivizing our employees.  We are also focused on creating a compensation process that we believe is fair, transparent, and competitive with the market.
 
Compensation for Portfolio Managers consists of fixed and variable compensation but is more heavily weighted on the variable portion of total compensation and reflects individual performance, overall contribution to the team, collaboration with colleagues across Neuberger Berman and, most importantly, overall investment performance.  In particular, the bonus for a Portfolio Manager is determined by using a formula and may or may not contain a discretionary component.  If applicable, the discretionary component is determined on the basis of a variety of criteria, including investment performance (including the pre-tax three-year track record in order to emphasize long-term performance), utilization of central resources (including research, sales and operations/support), business building to further the longer term sustainable success of the investment team, effective team/people management, and overall contribution to the success of Neuberger Berman.  In addition, compensation of portfolio managers at other comparable firms is considered, with an eye toward remaining competitive with the market.
 
The terms of our long-term retention incentives are as follows:
 
Employee-Owned Equity.  An integral part of the Acquisition (the management buyout of Neuberger Berman in 2009) was implementing an equity ownership structure which embodies the importance of incentivizing and retaining key investment professionals.
 
The senior Portfolio Managers on the mutual fund teams are key shareholders in the equity ownership structure.  On a yearly basis over the next five years, the equity ownership allocations will be re-evaluated and re-allocated based on performance and other key metrics. A set percentage of employee equity and preferred stock is subject to vesting.
 
Contingent Compensation Plan.  We have also established the Neuberger Berman Group Contingent Compensation Plan pursuant to which a certain percentage of a Portfolio Manager’s compensation is deemed contingent and vests over a three-year period.  Under the plan, participating Portfolio Managers and other participating employees who are members of mutual fund investment teams will receive a cash return on their contingent compensation with a portion of such return being determined based on the team’s investment performance, as well as the performance of a portfolio of other investment funds managed by Neuberger Berman Group investment professionals.
 
Restrictive Covenants.  Portfolio Managers who have received equity interests have agreed to certain restrictive covenants, which impose obligations and restrictions on the use of confidential
 
 
 

 
 
information and the solicitation of Neuberger Berman employees and clients over a specified period of time if the Portfolio Manager leaves the firm.
 
Other Accounts. Certain Portfolio Managers may manage products other than mutual funds, such as high net worth separate accounts.  For the management of these accounts, a Portfolio Manager may generally receive a percentage of pre-tax revenue determined on a monthly basis less certain deductions (e.g., a “finder’s fee” or “referral fee” paid to a third party).  The percentage of revenue a Portfolio Manager receives will vary based on certain revenue thresholds.
 
 (a)(4) Ownership of Securities
 
Set forth below is the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Registrant’s new Portfolio Manager in the Registrant as of May 11, 2011.
 
 
Portfolio Manager
 
 
Dollar Range of Equity Securities Owned in the Registrant
 
 
William R. Covode
 
 
A
 
A = None                                                E = $100,001-$500,000
B = $1-$10,000                                        F = $500,001-$1,000,000
C = $10,001 - $50,000                            G = $1,000,001 or More
D =$50,001-$100,000
 
(b) Not applicable.
 
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers
 
No reportable purchases for the period covered by this report.
 
Item 10.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
There were no changes to the procedures by which stockholders may recommend nominees to the Board.
 
Item 11. Controls and Procedures
 
(a)
Based on an evaluation of the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”)) as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this document, the Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of the Registrant have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are effectively designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
(b)
There were no significant changes in the Registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) that occurred during the Registrant’s second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Item 12. Exhibits
 
(a)(1)
A copy of the Code of Ethics is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Form N-CSR, Investment Company Act file number 811-21342 (filed on January 7, 2011).  The Code of Ethics is also available, without charge, by calling 1-800-877-9700 (toll-free).
 
(a)(2)
The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(a) of the Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) are filed herewith.
 
(a)(3)
Not applicable to the Registrant.
 
(b)
The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) of the Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act are filed herewith.
 
The certifications provided pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) of the Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act are not deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certifications will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Registrant specifically incorporates them by reference.
 
 
 
 

 
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund Inc.
 
By:   /s/ Robert Conti
Robert Conti
Chief Executive Officer
 
Date:  July 7, 2011


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.



By:   /s/ Robert Conti
Robert Conti
Chief Executive Officer
 
Date:  July 7, 2011



By:   /s/ John M. McGovern
John M. McGovern
Treasurer and Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer
 
Date:  July 7, 2011