MUNIYIELD
NEW YORK
INSURED
FUND, INC.
FUND LOGO
Semi-Annual Report
April 30, 1998
Officers and Directors
Arthur Zeikel, President and Director
James H. Bodurtha, Director
Herbert I. London, Director
Robert R. Martin, Director
Joseph L. May, Director
Andre F. Perold, Director
Terry K. Glenn, Executive Vice President
Vincent R. Giordano, Senior Vice President
Donald C. Burke, Vice President
Kenneth A. Jacob, Vice President
Walter C. O'Connor, Vice President
Gerald M. Richard, Treasurer
Philip M. Mandel, Secretary
Custodian
The Bank of New York
90 Washington Street
New York, NY 10286
Transfer Agents
Common Stock:
The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street
New York, NY 10286
Preferred Stock:
IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company
One State Street
New York, NY 10004
NYSE Symbol
MYN
This report, including the financial information herein, is
transmitted to the shareholders of MuniYield New York Insured Fund,
Inc. for their information. It is not a prospectus, circular or
representation intended for use in the purchase of shares of the
Fund or any securities mentioned in the report. Past performance
results shown in this report should not be considered a
representation of future performance. The Fund has leveraged its
Common Stock by issuing Preferred Stock to provide the Common Stock
shareholders with a potentially higher rate of return. Leverage
creates risks for Common Stock shareholders, including the
likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price
of shares of the Common Stock, and the risk that fluctuations in the
short-term dividend rates of the Preferred Stock may affect the
yield to Common Stock shareholders. Statements and other information
herein are as dated and are subject to change.
MuniYield New York
Insured Fund, Inc.
Box 9011
Princeton, NJ
08543-9011
Printed on post-consumer recycled paper
MuniYield New York Insured Fund, Inc.
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS
For the six months ended April 30, 1998, the Common Stock of
MuniYield New York Insured Fund, Inc. earned $0.499 per share income
dividends, which included earned and unpaid dividends of $0.074.
This represents a net annualized yield of 6.44%, based on a month-
end per share net asset value of $15.62. Over the same period, the
total investment return on the Fund's Common Stock was +2.36%, based
on a change in per share net asset value from $15.89 to $15.62, and
assuming reinvestment of $0.504 per share income dividends and
$0.141 per share capital gains distributions.
For the six-month period ended April 30, 1998, the Fund's Auction
Market Preferred Stock had an average yield of 3.56% for Series A
and 3.61% for Series B.
The Municipal Market Environment
During the six months ended April 30, 1998, bond yields generally
moved lower, and by mid-January 1998 had declined to recent historic
lows. Long-term US Treasury bond yields declined 20 basis points
(0.20%) during the same period and stood at 5.95% by April 30, 1998.
Similarly, long-term uninsured tax-exempt bond yields, as measured
by the Bond Buyer Revenue Bond Index, fell approximately 35 basis
points to 5.25%, a level not seen since the mid-1970s. While low
inflation has supported lower interest rates, much of the decline in
bond yields in late 1997 and early 1998 was driven more by the
turmoil in Asian financial markets than by domestic economic
fundamentals. Weak economic conditions in Asia were expected to
negatively impact US growth through reduced export demand.
Additionally, inflation in the United States was also expected to
decline in response to lower prices on goods imported from Asian
manufacturers.
However, in recent months, many investors have become increasingly
concerned that most of the downturn in Asia, especially in Japan,
has already occurred and any future deterioration will not be severe
enough to constrain US economic growth and inflationary pressures.
These concerns served to push interest rates higher in the latter
part of the period, causing fixed-income yields to retrace much of
their earlier gains.
Thus far in 1998, the municipal bond market has experienced
unexpectedly strong supply pressures. These supply pressures have
prevented tax-exempt bond yields from declining as much as US
Treasury bond yields. Over the last six months, more than $135
billion in new tax-exempt bonds were underwritten, an increase of
over 40% compared to the same period a year ago. During the last
three months, municipalities issued over $72 billion in new
securities, an increase of more than 60% compared to the same three-
month period in 1997. Additionally, corporate issuers have also
viewed current interest rate levels as an opportunity to issue
significant amounts of taxable securities. Thus far in 1998, over
$100 billion in investment-grade corporate bonds have been
underwritten, an increase of more than 60% relative to the
comparable period a year ago. This sizeable corporate bond issuance
has tended to support generally higher fixed-income yields and
reduce the demand for tax-exempt bonds.
However, the recent pace of new municipal bond issuance is unlikely
to be maintained. Continued increases in bond issuance will require
lower and lower tax-exempt bond yields to generate the economic
savings necessary for additional municipal bond refinancings.
Preliminary estimates for 1998 total municipal bond issuance are
presently in the $200 billion--$225 billion range. These estimates
suggest that recent supply pressures are likely to abate later in
the year. Municipal bond investors received approximately $30
billion earlier this year in coupon payments, bond maturities and
proceeds from early redemptions. The demand generated by these
assets has helped offset the increase in supply seen thus far this
year. Furthermore, looking ahead, June and July have also tended to
be periods of strong investor demand as seasonal factors are likely
to generate strong income flows similar to those seen earlier this
year.
MuniYield New York Insured Fund, Inc.
April 30, 1998
It is also possible that at least some of the recent economic
strength seen in the United States will be reversed in the coming
months. A particularly mild winter has been partially responsible
for a strong housing sector, as well as other construction
industries. This recent strong trend may not be sustained and may
lead to weaker construction growth later this year. Additionally,
strong economic growth in 1997 and the increased use of electronic
tax filing have resulted in larger and earlier Federal and state
income tax refunds to many individuals. These refunds appear to have
supported strong consumer spending in recent months, but may be
borrowing against weaker spending later this year. In addition, the
continued impact of the Asian financial crisis on the US domestic
economy's future growth remains unclear. Barring a dramatic and
unexpected resurgence of domestic inflation, we do not believe that
the Federal Reserve Board will be willing to raise interest rates
until the full impact of the Asian situation can be established.
All these factors suggest that over the near term, tax-exempt as
well as taxable bond yields are unlikely to rise by any appreciable
amount. Recent supply pressures have caused municipal bond yield
ratios to rise relative to US Treasury bond yields. At April 30,
1998, long-term tax-exempt bond yields were at attractive yield
ratios relative to comparable US Treasury securities (over 90%),
and well in excess of their expected range of 85%--88%. Any further
pressure upon the municipal market may well represent a very
attractive investment opportunity.
Portfolio Strategy
For the six-month period ended April 30, 1998, we maintained our
strategy to manage the Fund with an emphasis on enhancing current
income. For the period, the Fund had an above-average level of
income as compared to similar New York insured tax-exempt funds,
stemming from its advantage of being one of the more mature
leveraged portfolios. (For a complete explanation of the benefits
and risks of leverage, see page 4 of this report to shareholders.)
In recent months, our efforts were focused toward balancing this
high-coupon structure with more performance-based positions that are
particularly sensitive to interest rate moves. These additions would
provide greater total return should the general level of interest
rates resume their anticipated decline later this year. We are
confident that debt securities will be well supported going forward
given a growing Federal budget surplus, a corresponding scaling back
in Treasury bond issuance, and a historically low level of inflation
expectations. Furthermore, when the New York municipal calendar of
new issuance subsides, we expect the technical position of the
municipal market to improve, possibly leading to significant price
appreciation. Since New York municipal bonds are currently at
historically attractive percentages relative to their taxable
counterparts, we believe a more aggressive stance is warranted
within the Fund's portfolio mix. However, it should be noted that a
more aggressive investment strategy does not mean that we will lower
the credit quality of portfolio investments. Inordinately tight
credit quality spreads have led us to purposely utilize less than
the maximum percentage of investments that can be allocated to non-
insured debt, with over 95% of total assets rated AAA insured.
We appreciate your ongoing interest in MuniYield New York Insured
Fund, Inc., and we look forward to assisting you with your financial
needs in the months and years to come.
Sincerely,
(Arthur Zeikel)
Arthur Zeikel
President
(Vincent R. Giordano)
Vincent R. Giordano
Senior Vice President
(Walter C. O'Connor)
Walter C. O'Connor
Vice President and Portfolio Manager
May 29, 1998
MuniYield New York Insured Fund, Inc.
April 30, 1998
PORTFOLIO INSURANCE
MuniYield New York Insured Fund, Inc. seeks to provide its
shareholders with the benefits of an insured municipal bond
portfolio. Previously, the Fund generally achieved this objective by
limiting at least 80% of portfolio investments to municipal bonds
insured under policies obtained by the issuer or another party,
including the Fund itself, and issued by insurance carriers with
claims paying ability ratings of AAA or its equivalent from at least
two nationally recognized rating agencies, such as Standard & Poor's
Ratings Services, Moody's Investors Service, Inc., or Fitch IBCA,
Inc. In order to increase the Fund's flexibility to obtain
appropriate investments, the Fund has modified its practice with
respect to the ratings criteria it applies to the carriers that
provide insurance for the municipal bonds in its portfolio.
Currently, the Fund may also invest in municipal bonds insured by,
or may itself purchase an insurance policy for all or a portion of
its municipal bond portfolio from, an insurance carrier with a
claims paying ability rating of AAA or its equivalent from at least
one of such nationally recognized rating agencies. There can be no
assurance that insurance of the kind described above will continue
to be available to the Fund, and the Fund has reserved its right to
modify its criteria for portfolio insurance, or discontinue its
policy of maintaining an insured portfolio if such insurance is no
longer available or if the cost of such insurance outweighs its
benefits to the Fund. Although we periodically review the financial
condition of each insurer, there can be no assurance that the
insurers will be able to honor their obligations under the
circumstances of any claim thereunder.
QUALITY PROFILE
The quality ratings of securities in the Fund as of April 30, 1998
were as follows:
Percent of
S&P Rating/Moody's Rating Net Assets
AAA/Aaa 85.3%
AA/Aa 6.5
A/A 1.8
NR (Not Rated) 3.0
Other++ 0.1
[FN]
++Temporary investments in short-term municipal securities.
MuniYield New York Insured Fund, Inc.
April 30, 1998
THE BENEFITS AND RISKS OF LEVERAGING
MuniYield New York Insured Fund, Inc. utilizes leveraging to seek to
enhance the yield and net asset value of its Common Stock. However,
these objectives cannot be achieved in all interest rate
environments. To leverage, the Fund issues Preferred Stock, which
pays dividends at prevailing short-term interest rates and invests
the proceeds in long-term municipal bonds. The interest earned on
these investments is paid to Common Stock shareholders in the form
of dividends, and the value of these portfolio holdings is reflected
in the per share net asset value of the Fund's Common Stock.
However, in order to benefit Common Stock shareholders, the yield
curve must be positively sloped; that is, short-term interest rates
must be lower than long-term interest rates. At the same time, a
period of generally declining interest rates will benefit Common
Stock shareholders. If either of these conditions change, then the
risks of leveraging will begin to outweigh the benefits.
To illustrate these concepts, assume a fund's Common Stock
capitalization of $100 million and the issuance of Preferred Stock
for an additional $50 million, creating a total value of $150
million available for investment in long-term municipal bonds. If
prevailing short-term interest rates are approximately 3% and long-
term interest rates are approximately 6%, the yield curve has a
strongly positive slope. The fund pays dividends on the $50 million
of Preferred Stock based on the lower short-term interest rates. At
the same time, the fund's total portfolio of $150 million earns the
income based on long-term interest rates. Of course, increases in
short-term interest rates would reduce (and even eliminate) the
dividends on the Common Stock.
In this case, the dividends paid to Preferred Stock shareholders are
significantly lower than the income earned on the fund's long-term
investments, and therefore the Common Stock shareholders are the
beneficiaries of the incremental yield. However, if short-term
interest rates rise, narrowing the differential between short-term
and long-term interest rates, the incremental yield pickup on the
Common Stock will be reduced or eliminated completely. At the same
time, the market value of the fund's Common Stock (that is, its
price as listed on the New York Stock Exchange) may, as a result,
decline. Furthermore, if long-term interest rates rise, the Common
Stock's net asset value will reflect the full decline in the price
of the portfolio's investments, since the value of the fund's
Preferred Stock does not fluctuate. In addition to the decline in
net asset value, the market value of the fund's Common Stock may
also decline.
MANAGED DIVIDEND POLICY
The Fund's dividend policy is to distribute substantially all of its
net investment income to its shareholders on a monthly basis.
However, in order to provide shareholders with a more consistent
yield to the current trading price of shares of Common Stock of the
Fund, the Fund may at times pay out less than the entire amount of
net investment income earned in any particular month and may at
times in any month pay out such accumulated but undistributed income
in addition to net investment income earned in that month. As a
result, the dividends paid by the Fund for any particular month may
be more or less than the amount of net investment income earned by
the Fund during such month. The Fund's current accumulated but
undistributed net investment income, if any, is disclosed in the
Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Capital, which comprises part
of the Financial Information included in this report.
MuniYield New York Insured Fund, Inc.
April 30, 1998
PORTFOLIO ABBREVIATIONS
To simplify the listings of MuniYield New York Insured Fund, Inc.'s
portfolio holdings in the Schedule of Investments, we have
abbreviated the names of many of the securities according to the
list at right.
AMT Alternative Minimum Tax (subject to)
COP Certificates of Participation
GO General Obligation Bonds
PCR Pollution Control Revenue Bonds
RITR Residual Interest Trust Receipts
UT Unlimited Tax
VRDN Variable Rate Demand Notes
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (in Thousands)
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
New York--96.7%
<S> <S> <C> <S> <C>
AAA Aaa $ 6,095 Albany County, New York, Airport Authority, Airport Revenue Bonds, RITR, AMT,
Series RI-97-7, 7.42% due 12/15/2023 (g)(h) $ 6,834
AAA Aaa 8,200 Buffalo, New York and Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, Public Bridge Authority,
Toll Bridge System Revenue Bonds, 5.75% due 1/01/2025 (d) 8,482
AAA Aaa 20,620 Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York, Transportation Facilities
Revenue Bonds, Series J, 6.50% due 7/01/2002 (c)(e) 22,670
New York City, New York, GO, UT:
AAA Aaa 10,000 RITR, Series 33, 6.24% due 8/01/2027 (d)(h) 9,938
BBB+ A3 4,255 Refunding, Series B, 6.375% due 8/01/2012 4,626
BBB+ A3 180 Series B, 6.375% due 8/15/2005 (e) 201
New York City, New York, Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water and Sewer System
Revenue Bonds:
AAA Aaa 1,000 Refunding, Fiscal 1997-Series A, 5.375% due 6/15/2026 (g) 1,001
AAA Aaa 22,500 Series B, 5.75% due 6/15/2026 (d) 23,322
AAA Aaa 5,000 Series B, 5.50% due 6/15/2027 (d) 5,058
AAA Aaa 9,625 Series D, 4.75% due 6/15/2025 (d) 8,764
AA Aa3 5,165 New York City, New York, Transitional Finance Authority Revenue Bonds,
Series B, 4.75% due 11/15/2016 4,803
New York State Dormitory Authority Revenue Bonds:
AAA Aaa 4,400 (City University System), Series C, 7.50% due 7/01/2010 (c) 5,448
AAA Aaa 7,070 (City University System), Series C, 7% due 7/01/2014 (c) 7,574
AAA Aaa 6,365 (City University System), Third Resolution-Series 1, 6.25% due 7/01/2004 (b)(e) 7,084
AAA Aaa 10,000 (Mental Health Services Facilities), Series B, 5% due 2/15/2023 (g) 9,535
AAA Aaa 2,000 (New School for Social Research), 5.75% due 7/01/2026 (d) 2,082
AAA Aaa 25,000 Refunding (New York and Presbyterian Hospital), 4.75% due 8/01/2027 (b)(f) 22,862
AAA Aaa 3,150 Refunding (Rochester Institute Technology), 5.25% due 7/01/2022 (d) 3,107
AAA Aaa 6,000 Refunding (Siena College), 5.75% due 7/01/2026 (d) 6,246
AAA Aaa 4,250 Refunding (United Hospital Health Services), 5.375% due 8/01/2027 (b) 4,240
AAA Aaa 7,935 (Southside Hospital), 5% due 2/15/2025 (d) 7,498
AAA Aaa 10,250 New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Gas Facilities Revenue
Bonds (Brooklyn Union Gas Company), AMT, Series B, 6.75% due 2/01/2024 (d) 11,109
A1+ NR* 200 New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, PCR (Niagara Power
Corporation Project), VRDN, AMT, Series B, 4.10% due 7/01/2027 (a) 200
AAA Aaa 2,975 New York State Enviromental Facilities Corporation, Special Obligation Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Riverbank State Park), 5.50% due 4/01/2016 (b) 3,044
</TABLE>
MuniYield New York Insured Fund, Inc.
April 30, 1998
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) (in Thousands)
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
New York (concluded)
<S> <S> <C> <S> <C>
AAA Aaa $ 3,965 New York State Local Government Assistance Corporation, Refunding,
Series B, 4.875% due 4/01/2020 (d) $ 3,724
New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency Revenue Bonds:
AAA Aaa 2,790 (Health Center Project-Secured Mortgage), Series A, 6.375% due 11/15/2019 (b) 3,115
AAA Aaa 1,865 (Long-Term Health Care), Series B, 6.45% due 11/01/2014 (g) 2,014
AAA Aaa 1,000 (Long-Term Health Care), Series D, 6.50% due 11/01/2015 (g) 1,086
AAA Aaa 8,335 (Mental Health Services Facilities), Series A, 6.375% due 8/15/2017 (c) 8,954
AAA Aaa 1,000 (New York Hospital Mortgage), Series A, 6.75% due 2/15/2005 (b)(e)(f) 1,144
AAA Aaa 7,250 (New York Hospital Mortgage), Series A, 6.80% due 2/15/2005 (b)(e)(f) 8,312
AAA Aaa 10,000 Refunding (Hospital and Nursing Home), Series C, 6.375% due 8/15/2029 (d) 10,807
NR* Aaa 7,900 New York State Mortgage Agency Revenue Bonds, RITR, AMT, Series 24, 6.97% due
10/01/2028 (h) 8,275
New York State Thruway Authority, Highway and Bridge Trust Fund, UT,
Series B (c)(e):
AAA Aaa 3,000 6% due 4/01/2004 3,291
AAA Aaa 8,000 6.25% due 4/01/2004 8,878
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Consolidated Revenue Bonds:
AA- A1 5,000 69th Series, 7.125% due 6/01/2025 5,304
AA- A1 5,000 72nd Series, 7.35% due 10/01/2002 (e) 5,633
AA- A1 2,465 92nd Series, 4.75% due 1/15/2029 2,226
AAA Aaa 2,180 Refunding, AMT, UT, 97th Series, 6.50% due 7/15/2019 (c) 2,349
A1+ VMIG1++ 200 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Special Obligation Revenue Bonds
(Versatile Structure Obligation), VRDN, Series 3, 4.05% due 6/01/2020 (a) 200
AAA Aaa 5,700 Syracuse, New York, COP (Syracuse Hancock International Airport), AMT, 6.50% due
1/01/2017 (c) 6,106
Total Investments (Cost--$256,090)--96.7% 267,146
Other Assets Less Liabilities--3.3% 9,243
--------
Net Assets--100.0% $276,389
========
<FN>
(a)The interest rate is subject to change periodically based upon
prevailing market rates. The interest rate shown is the rate in
effect at April 30, 1998.
(b)AMBAC Insured.
(c)FGIC Insured.
(d)MBIA Insured.
(e)Prerefunded.
(f)FHA Insured.
(g)FSA Insured.
(h)The interest rate is subject to change periodically and inversely
based upon prevailing market rates. The interest rate shown is the
rate in effect at April 30, 1998.
*Not Rated.
++Highest short-term rating by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
MuniYield New York Insured Fund, Inc.
April 30, 1998
<TABLE>
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
<CAPTION>
Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Capital as of April 30, 1998
<S> <S> <C> <C>
Assets: Investments, at value (identified cost--$256,090,266) (Note 1a) $267,145,670
Cash 5,210,528
Receivables:
Securities sold $ 5,199,350
Interest 4,138,832 9,338,182
------------
Prepaid expenses and other assets 13,322
------------
Total assets 281,707,702
------------
Liabilities: Payables:
Securities purchased 5,139,815
Investment adviser (Note 2) 114,795 5,254,610
------------
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 63,837
------------
Total liabilities 5,318,447
------------
Net Assets: Net assets $276,389,255
============
Capital: Capital Stock (200,000,000 shares authorized) (Note 4):
Preferred Stock, par value $.05 per share (3,400 shares of
AMPS* issued and outstanding at $25,000 per share liquidation
preference) $ 85,000,000
Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (12,256,364 shares
issued and outstanding) $ 1,225,636
Paid-in capital in excess of par 171,310,306
Undistributed investment income--net 2,864,651
Undistributed realized capital gains on investments--net 4,933,258
Unrealized appreciation on investments--net 11,055,404
------------
Total--Equivalent to $15.62 net asset value per share of
Common Stock (market price--$15.6875) 191,389,255
------------
Total capital $276,389,255
============
<FN>
*Auction Market Preferred Stock.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
MuniYield New York Insured Fund, Inc.
April 30, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
<TABLE>
Statement of Operations
<CAPTION>
For the Six Months Ended
April 30, 1998
<S> <S> <C> <C>
Investment Income Interest and amortization of premium and discount earned $ 7,834,988
(Note 1d):
Expenses: Investment advisory fees (Note 2) $ 685,290
Commission fees (Note 4) 104,845
Professional fees 38,448
Accounting services (Note 2) 27,410
Transfer agent fees 22,509
Listing fees 12,381
Directors' fees and expenses 11,675
Custodian fees 10,960
Printing and shareholder reports 6,140
Pricing fees 4,852
Other 11,447
------------
Total expenses 935,957
------------
Investment income--net 6,899,031
------------
Realized & Realized gain on investments--net 6,795,843
Unrealized Gain Change in unrealized appreciation on investments--net (7,603,806)
(Loss)on ------------
Investments--Net Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $ 6,091,068
(Notes 1b, 1d & 3): ============
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
<CAPTION>
For the Six For the
Months Ended Year Ended
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: April 30, 1998 Oct. 31, 1997
<S> <S> <C> <C>
Operations: Investment income--net $ 6,899,031 $ 13,937,912
Realized gain on investments--net 6,795,843 4,164,812
Change in unrealized appreciation on investments--net (7,603,806) 1,553,036
------------ ------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations 6,091,068 19,655,760
------------ ------------
Dividends & Investment income--net:
Distributions to Common Stock (5,551,597) (10,993,544)
Shareholders Preferred Stock (1,059,491) (2,826,998)
(Note 1e): Realized gain on investments--net:
Common Stock (2,282,779) (799,349)
Preferred Stock (580,244) (198,679)
------------ ------------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from dividends and
distributions to shareholders (9,474,111) (14,818,570)
------------ ------------
Capital Stock Value of shares issued to Common Stock shareholders in
Transactions reinvestment of dividends and distributions 2,665,551 658,515
(Note 4): ------------ ------------
Net Assets: Total increase (decrease) in net assets (717,492) 5,495,705
Beginning of period 277,106,747 271,611,042
------------ ------------
End of period* $276,389,255 $277,106,747
============ ============
<FN>
*Undistributed investment income--net $ 2,864,651 $ 2,576,708
============ ============
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
MuniYield New York Insured Fund, Inc.
April 30, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (concluded)
<TABLE>
Financial Highlights
<CAPTION>
For the
Six
The following per share data and ratios have been derived Months
from information provided in the financial statements. Ended
April 30, For the Year Ended October 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period $ 15.89 $ 15.49 $ 15.64 $ 14.17 $ 16.85
Operating -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income--net .57 1.15 1.15 1.19 1.20
Realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments--net (.05) .48 (.03) 1.58 (2.67)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations .52 1.63 1.12 2.77 (1.47)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions to
Common Stock shareholders:
Investment income--net (.46) (.91) (.91) (.92) (.97)
Realized gain on investments--net (.19) (.07) -- (.10) (.05)
In excess of realized gain on
investments--net -- -- (.10) -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions to
Common Stock shareholders (.65) (.98) (1.01) (1.02) (1.02)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Effect of Preferred Stock activity:
Dividends and distributions to
Preferred Stock shareholders:
Investment income--net (.09) (.23) (.23) (.26) (.18)
Realized gain on investments--net (.05) (.02) -- (.02) (.01)
In excess of realized gain on
investments--net -- -- (.03) -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total effect of Preferred Stock
activity (.14) (.25) (.26) (.28) (.19)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period $ 15.62 $ 15.89 $ 15.49 $ 15.64 $ 14.17
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Market price per share, end of period $15.6875 $ 15.875 $ 14.875 $ 14.375 $ 12.25
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total Investment Based on market price per share 2.90%+++ 13.79% 10.79% 26.40% (20.49%)
Return:** ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Based on net asset value per share 2.36%+++ 9.37% 6.04% 18.89% (9.94%)
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Ratios to Average Expenses .68%* .70% .70% .71% .70%
Net Assets:*** ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income--net 5.03%* 5.09% 5.11% 5.42% 5.28%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Supplemental Net assets, net of Preferred Stock,
Data: end of period (in thousands) $191,389 $192,107 $186,611 $188,354 $170,670
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Preferred Stock outstanding,
end of period (in thousands) $ 85,000 $ 85,000 $ 85,000 $ 85,000 $ 85,000
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover 36.23% 81.73% 80.59% 88.17% 41.26%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Leverage: Asset coverage per $1,000 $ 3,252 $ 3,260 $ 3,195 $ 3,216 $ 3,008
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Dividends Per Share Series A--Investment income--net $ 310 $ 826 $ 819 $ 935 $ 673
On Preferred Stock ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Outstanding:++ Series B--Investment income--net $ 313 $ 837 $ 807 $ 904 $ 593
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
<FN>
*Annualized.
**Total investment returns based on market value, which can be
significantly greater or lesser than the net asset value, may result
in substantially different returns. Total investment returns exclude
the effects of sales loads.
***Do not reflect the effect of dividends to Preferred Stock
shareholders.
++Dividends per share have been adjusted to a two-for-one stock
split that occurred on December 1, 1994.
+++Aggregate total investment return.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
MuniYield New York Insured Fund, Inc.
April 30, 1998
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant Accounting Policies:
MuniYield New York Insured Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is registered
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a non-diversified,
closed-end management investment company. These unaudited financial
statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of
management, necessary to a fair statement of the results for the
interim period presented. All such adjustments are of a normal
recurring nature. The Fund determines and makes available for
publication the net asset value of its Common Stock on a weekly
basis. The Fund's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol MYN. The following is a summary of
significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.
(a) Valuation of investments--Municipal bonds are traded primarily
in the over-the-counter markets and are valued at the most recent
bid price or yield equivalent as obtained by the Fund's pricing
service from dealers that make markets in such securities. Financial
futures contracts and options thereon, which are traded on
exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of
such exchanges. Options, which are traded on exchanges, are valued
at their last sale price as of the close of such exchanges or,
lacking any sales, at the last available bid price. Securities with
remaining maturities of sixty days or less are valued at amortized
cost, which approximates market value. Securities for which market
quotations are not readily available are valued at their fair value
as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board
of Directors of the Fund, including valuations furnished by a
pricing service retained by the Fund, which may utilize a matrix
system for valuations. The procedures of the pricing service and its
valuations are reviewed by the officers of the Fund under the
general supervision of the Board of Directors.
(b) Derivative financial instruments--The Fund may engage in various
portfolio strategies to seek to increase its return by hedging its
portfolio against adverse movements in the debt markets. Losses may
arise due to changes in the value of the contract or if the
counterparty does not perform under the contract.
* Financial futures contracts--The Fund may purchase or sell
financial futures contracts and options on such futures contracts
for the purpose of hedging the market risk on existing securities or
the intended purchase of securities. Futures contracts are contracts
for delayed delivery of securities at a specific future date and at
a specific price or yield. Upon entering into a contract, the Fund
deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required
by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Pursuant to
the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker
an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the
contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin
and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. When the
contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal
to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it
was opened and the value at the time it was closed.
* Options--The Fund is authorized to write covered call options and
purchase put options. When the Fund writes an option, an amount
equal to the premium received by the Fund is reflected as an asset
and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is
subsequently marked to market to reflect the current market value of
the option written.
When a security is purchased or sold through an exercise of an
option, the related premium paid (or received) is added to (or
deducted from) the basis of the security acquired or deducted from
(or added to) the proceeds of the security sold. When an option
expires (or the Fund enters into a closing transaction), the Fund
realizes a gain or loss on the option to the extent of the premiums
received or paid (or gain or loss to the extent the cost of the
closing transaction exceeds the premium paid or received).
Written and purchased options are non-income producing investments.
(c) Income taxes--It is the Fund's policy to comply with the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated
investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its
taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no Federal income tax
provision is required.
(d) Security transactions and investment income--Security
transactions are recorded on the dates the transactions are entered
into (the trade dates). Interest income is recognized on the accrual
basis. Discounts and market premiums are amortized into interest
income. Realized gains and losses on security transactions are
determined on the identified cost basis.
(e) Dividends and distributions--Dividends from net investment
income are declared and paid monthly. Distributions of capital gains
are recorded on the ex-dividend dates. Distributions in excess of
realized capital gains are due primarily to differing tax treatments
for futures transactions.
2. Investment Advisory Agreement and
Transactions with Affiliates:
The Fund has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Fund
Asset Management, L.P. ("FAM"). The general partner of FAM is
Princeton Services, Inc. ("PSI"), an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co."), which is the
limited partner.
FAM is responsible for the management of the Fund's portfolio and
provides the necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and certain
other services necessary to the operations of the Fund. For such
services, the Fund pays a monthly fee at an annual rate of 0.50% of
the Fund's average weekly net assets, including proceeds from the
issuance of Preferred Stock.
Accounting services are provided to the Fund by FAM at cost.
Certain officers and/or directors of the Fund are officers and/or
directors of FAM, PSI, and/or ML & Co.
3. Investments:
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities,
for the six months ended April 30, 1998 were $108,165,515 and
$97,728,621, respectively.
Net realized gains for the six months ended April 30, 1998 and net
unrealized gains as of April 30, 1998 were as follows:
Realized Unrealized
Gains Gains
Long-term investments $ 6,521,743 $11,055,404
Financial futures contracts 274,100 --
----------- -----------
Total $ 6,795,843 $11,055,404
=========== ===========
As of April 30, 1998, net unrealized appreciation for Federal income
tax purposes aggregated $11,055,404, of which $12,919,620 related to
appreciated securities and $1,864,216 related to depreciated
securities. The aggregate cost of investments at April 30, 1998 for
Federal income tax purposes was $256,090,266.
4. Capital Stock Transactions:
The Fund is authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of capital stock,
including Preferred Stock, par value $.10 per share, all of which
were initially classified as Common Stock. The Board of Directors is
authorized, however, to reclassify any unissued shares of capital
stock without approval of the holders of Common Stock.
Common Stock
Shares issued and outstanding during the six months ended April 30,
1998 and during the year ended October 31, 1997 increased by 167,929
and 41,692, respectively, as a result of dividend reinvestment.
Preferred Stock
Auction Market Preferred Stock ("AMPS") are shares of Preferred
Stock of the Fund that entitle their holders to receive cash
dividends at an annual rate that may vary for the successive
dividend periods. The yields in effect at April 30, 1998 were:
Series A, 3.49% and Series B, 4.30%.
As of April 30, 1998, there were 3,400 AMPS shares authorized,
issued and outstanding with a liquidation preference of $25,000 per
share.
The Fund pays commissions to certain broker-dealers at the end of
each auction at an annual rate ranging from 0.25% to 0.375%,
calculated on the proceeds of each auction. For the six months ended
April 30, 1998, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc., an
affiliate of FAM, earned $40,080 as commissions.
5. Subsequent Event:
On May 7, 1998, the Fund's Board of Directors declared an ordinary
income dividend to Common Stock shareholders in the amount of
$.074171 per share, payable on May 28, 1998 to shareholders of
record as of May 21, 1998.
