MUNIYIELD
NEW YORK
INSURED
FUND II, INC.
FUND LOGO
Semi-Annual Report
April 30, 1995
This report, including the financial information herein, is
transmitted to the shareholders of MuniYield New York Insured Fund
II, 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.
<PAGE>
MuniYield New York
Insured Fund II, Inc.
Box 9011
Princeton, NJ
08543-9011
MuniYield New York Insured Fund II, Inc.
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS
For the six months ended April 30, 1995, the Common Stock of
MuniYield New York Insured Fund II, Inc. earned $0.422 per share
income dividends, which included earned and unpaid dividends of
$0.067. This represents a net annualized yield of 6.09%, based on a
month-end net asset value of $13.97 per share. Over the same period,
the total investment return on the Fund's Common Stock was +10.08%,
based on a change in per share net asset value from $13.13 to
$13.97, and assuming reinvestment of $0.427 per share income
dividends.
For the six-month period ended April 30, 1995, the Fund's Auction
Market Preferred Stock had an average yield of 3.48%.
The Environment
During the six months ended April 30, 1995, the perception that the
US economy was overheating and inflationary pressures were
increasing gave way to a more benign economic outlook. With more
signs of slowing growth, investors now appear to be forecasting a
"soft landing" for the US economy. Although gross domestic product
was reported to have increased at a revised 5.1% rate during the
final quarter of 1994, declines in other indicators such as new home
sales and durable goods orders registered thus far in 1995 have led
investors to anticipate that the economy is losing enough momentum
to keep inflation under control and preclude further significant
monetary policy tightening by the Federal Reserve Board. A further
indication of a slowing economy was the reported decline in the
Index of Leading Economic Indicators for March.
As US stock and bond markets have risen on more positive economic
news, the value of the US dollar has reached new lows relative to
the yen and the Deutschemark. Persistent trade deficits and exports
of capital from the United States have kept the US currency in a
decade-long decline relative to the Japanese and German currencies.
Over the longer term, since the United States has the highest
productivity among industrialized nations and among the lowest labor
costs, demand for US dollar-denominated assets may improve. However,
a reduction of the still-widening US trade deficit may be necessary
before the US dollar appreciates substantially relative to the yen
and the Deutschemark.
<PAGE>
The first months of 1995 have been very positive for the stock and
bond markets. Continued signs of a moderating expansion and well-
contained inflationary pressures would provide further assurance
that the peak in interest rates is behind us. On the other hand,
indications of reaccelerating growth and further significant
monetary policy tightening by the Federal Reserve Board would be a
decided negative for the US financial markets.
The Municipal Market
During the six-month period ended April 30, 1995, the tax-exempt
bond market gradually recouped much of the losses sustained during
1994. Signs of a weakening domestic economy and ongoing moderate
inflationary pressures have fostered an environment of declining
interest rates. Since October 31, 1994, A-rated, uninsured municipal
revenue bond yields, as measured by the Bond Buyer Revenue Bond
Index, have declined over 65 basis points (0.65%) to close the six-
month period ended April 30, 1995 at 6.29%. Tax-exempt bond yields
initially continued to climb in late 1994, reaching a high of 7.37%
in late November 1994. Municipal bond yields have since declined
over 100 basis points from their recent highs and are presently
lower than they were a year ago. US Treasury bond yields have
experienced similar declines over the last six months to end the
April period at 7.34%.
Much of the recent improvement in the tax-exempt bond market,
however, has occurred over the last three months. During this most
recent quarter, municipal bond yields have fallen approximately 50
basis points, while US Treasury bond yields declined only 35 basis
points. Tax-exempt bond yields declined more than their taxable
counterparts in recent months, largely in response to the
significant decline in new bond issuance in recent quarters. Over
the last six months, less than $60 billion in new long-term
municipal securities were underwritten, a decline of nearly 45%
versus the comparable period a year earlier. Issuance was
particularly low this past January and February, with monthly volume
of less than $8 billion. These levels are the lowest monthly totals
since the mid-1980s.
To compound the municipal market's already strong technical posture,
both institutional and individual investors have seen significant
cash inflows in recent months. These assets were derived from
regular coupon payments, bond maturities and the proceeds from early
bond calls and redemptions. It has been estimated that investors
received over $20 billion in principal redemptions and coupon income
in January 1995 alone. With monthly issuance in the $10 billion
range thus far this year, the current supply/demand imbalance has
dominated the municipal market and bond prices have risen
accordingly. The tax-exempt bond market's technical position is
likely to remain very strong throughout most of 1995. Investors are
expected to receive almost $40 billion in principal and coupon
payments on July 1, 1995. Investor proceeds from all sources have
been estimated to exceed $200 billion for all of 1995. Estimates of
total new bond issuance for 1995 have continued to be lowered with
most estimates now in the $125 billion range. Investors should find
it increasingly difficult to replace existing holdings as they
mature and to reinvest coupon income in such an environment.
<PAGE>
The municipal bond market's outperformance thus far this year caused
the tax-exempt market to become temporarily expensive relative to
its taxable counterpart in late April. Investor concerns regarding
the international currency situation and the future impact of
proposed revisions to US taxation policies upon the tax advantage
inherent to municipal bonds have combined to cause tax-exempt bond
yields to increase marginally in recent weeks. Municipal bond yields
have risen approximately 15 basis points from their lows in mid-
April 1995. Long-term US Treasury bond yields have remained
essentially stable.
Such an underperformance by the tax-exempt bond market is likely to
be limited in duration. The recent increase in tax-exempt bond
yields has already begun to attract institutional investors since
some municipal bonds yielding in excess of 85% of US Treasury bond
yields are again available. Also, concerns regarding the implication
for municipal bonds' tax advantage resulting from various proposed
tax law changes (for example, flat-tax, value-added tax or national
sales tax) are all likely to quickly recede as investors realize
that such, if any, changes are unlikely to be enacted before late
1996 at the earliest. Long-term investors will also recall 1986 when
similar tax proposals were made and tax-exempt bond yields initially
rose and then quickly fell. Investors are likely to view the current
situation as an opportunity to purchase very attractively priced tax-
advantaged products. This should cause municipal bond yields to
quickly return to their more historic relationship.
Portfolio Strategy
We continued to take advantage of the declining interest rate
environment by adding lower coupon, longer maturity issues to the
Fund's portfolio. As interest rates continued to decline throughout
the April quarter, these holdings appreciated accordingly. Evidence
of a slowing economy caused a general decline in interest rates.
Many of the Government's recent data releases indicate that the
Federal Reserve Board's monetary policy has slowed economic growth.
Along with the apparent slowing of growth, there was no significant
increase in inflationary pressures at the retail level, indicating
that the Federal Reserve Board may have mastered a soft landing for
the domestic economy. Other world economies also kept prices under
control in an effort to maintain their own growth. With that as a
backdrop, investors believe additional interest rate increases may
not be needed. Economic data for the second quarter of 1995 will
give us a better indication as to whether the Federal Reserve Board
was successful.
<PAGE>
The New York municipal market performed as well as the national
market in spite of the absence of a new state budget. Negotiations
continue between Governor Pataki and the legislature, and passage of
a new budget is expected soon. Once the budget is ratified, we
expect a surge of issuance. Since issuance in New York is more than
50% below 1994, this supply should present no problem for the
municipal market as demand has far exceeded supply.
In Conclusion
We appreciate your ongoing interest in MuniYield New York Insured
Fund II, 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
Vice President and Portfolio Manager
May 31, 1995
<PAGE>
THE BENEFITS AND RISKS OF LEVERAGING
MuniYield New York Insured Fund II, 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 pick-up 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.
<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO ABBREVIATIONS
To simplify the listing of MuniYield New York Insured Fund II,
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
HFA Housing Finance Agency
IDA Industrial Development Agency
IDR Industrial Development Revenue Bonds
M/F Multi-Family
PCR Pollution Control Revenue Bonds
UT Unlimited Tax
VRDN Variable Rate Demand Noted
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (in Thousands)
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
New York--93.2%
<S> <S> <C> <S> <C>
Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York, Commuter Facilities Revenue
Refunding Bonds, Series B (c):
AAA Aaa $10,000 6.25% due 7/01/2017 $10,075
AAA Aaa 8,650 6.25% due 7/01/2022 8,691
BBB Baa1 2,200 Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York, Service Contract Transit Facilities
Revenue Bonds, Series P, 5.75% due 7/01/2015 2,032
Monroe County, New York, Public Improvement, UT (d):
AAA Aaa 2,000 6.15% due 6/01/2016 2,022
AAA Aaa 1,000 6.15% due 6/01/2017 1,009
AAA Aaa 3,250 Nassau County, New York, GO, UT, Series P, 6.50% due 11/01/2010 (b) 3,511
AAA Aaa 1,100 New Rochelle, New York, GO, UT, Series B, 6.15% due 8/15/2018 (c) 1,109
AAA Aaa 6,200 New York City, New York, IDA, Civic Facilities Revenue Bonds
(USTA National Tennis Center Project), 6.375% due 11/15/2007 (f) 6,556
A1+ NR* 500 New York City, New York, IDA, IDR (Japan Airlines Company Ltd. Project),
VRDN, AMT, 5.25% due 11/01/2015 (a) 500
New York City, New York, Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water and
Sewer System Revenue Bonds:
AAA Aaa 5,000 Series A, 7% due 6/15/2015 (b) 5,418
AAA Aaa 3,500 Series A, 6.25% due 6/15/2021 (b) 3,503
AAA Aaa 2,730 Series B, 5.50% due 6/15/2019 (c) 2,527
AAA Aaa 7,955 Series C, 6.50% due 6/15/2021 (d) 8,172
AAA Aaa 5,000 Series F, 5.50% due 6/15/2012 (d) 4,714
<PAGE>
New York City, New York, Refunding, UT:
A-1 VMIG1++ 100 GO, VRDN, Series D, 5.10% due 8/01/1995 (a) 100
AAA Aaa 2,715 Series A, 5.75% due 8/01/2009 (b) 2,671
New York State Dormitory Authority Revenue Bonds:
AAA Aaa 1,000 (City University), Third Generation Reserves, Series 2, 6.875% due 7/01/2014 (c) 1,081
AAA Aaa 2,825 (Consolidated City University System), Second Generation, Series A, 5.75% due
7/01/2013 (b) 2,753
A1+ VMIG1++ 2,500 (Cornell University), VRDN, Series B, 4.85% due 7/01/2025 (a) 2,500
AAA Aaa 1,750 Refunding (Mount Sinai School of Medicine), 6.75% due 7/01/2009 (c) 1,866
AAA Aaa 2,500 Refunding (State University Educational Facilities), Series A, 5.25% due
5/15/2015 (d) 2,272
BBB+ Baa1 2,000 Refunding (State University Educational Facilities), Series B, 7% due 5/15/2016 2,089
NR* VMIG1++ 2,100 (Saint Francis Center at The Knolls), VRDN, 5.05% due 7/01/2023 (a) 2,100
AAA Aaa 1,050 (Saint John's University), 6.875% due 7/01/2011 (d) 1,127
AA- Aa 2,400 (Vassar College), 7.25% due 7/01/2015 2,605
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) (in Thousands)
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
New York (continued)
<S> <S> <C> <S> <C>
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Facilities Revenue
Bonds (Con Edison Company Inc.), AMT:
AAA Aaa $ 4,450 Series A, 6.75% due 1/15/2027 (c) $ 4,559
AAA Aaa 3,250 Series A, 6.75% due 1/15/2027 (d) 3,330
AAA Aaa 3,000 Series B, 6.375% due 12/01/2027 (c) 2,969
AAA Aaa 10,000 New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Gas Facilities
Revenue Bonds (Brooklyn Union Gas Co.), AMT, Series A, 6.75% due 2/01/2024 (c) 10,410
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, PCR
(Niagara Mohawk Corporation Project):
AAA Aaa 2,500 Refunding, Series A, 6.625% due 10/01/2013 (b) 2,619
NR* NR* 400 VRDN, Series A, 4.90% due 3/01/2027 (a) 400
New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, Water Facilities Revenue
Bonds, AMT (d):
AAA Aaa 1,325 (New Rochelle Water Company Inc. Project), 6.40% due 12/01/2024 1,318
AAA Aaa 2,665 (Spring Valley Water Company Inc. Project), Series A, 5.65% due 11/01/2023 2,421
AAA Aa 1,000 New York State HFA, M/F Mortgage Housing Insured Revenue Refunding Bonds,
Series C, 6.45% due 8/15/2014 (e) 1,012
<PAGE>
New York State Local Government Assistance Corporation Revenue Refunding Bonds:
A A 3,000 Series B, 5.50% due 4/01/2021 2,706
A A 5,000 Series E, 5% due 4/01/2021 4,214
New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency Revenue Bonds:
AAA Aaa 2,330 (Mental Health), Series F, 6.50% due 8/15/2012 (g) 2,405
AAA Aaa 1,000 (Mental Health Services Facilities), Series A, 5.70% due 8/15/2014 (d) 958
AAA Aaa 6,250 (New York Hospital Mortgage), Series A, 6.80% due 8/15/2024 (d)(e) 6,662
AAA Aaa 5,200 Refunding (Hospital and Nursing Home), Series C, 6.375% due 8/15/2029 (c) 5,241
AAA Aaa 1,290 Refunding (Mental Health Services), Series F, 5.375% due 2/15/2014 (c) 1,196
AAA Aaa 5,000 Refunding (Mental Health Services), Series F, 5.25% due 2/15/2019 (c) 4,390
AAA Aaa 4,715 New York State Power Authority, General Purpose and Revenue Bonds,
Series Y, 6% due 1/01/2020 (d) 4,608
AAA Aaa 8,000 New York State Thruway Authority Revenue Bonds (Highway and Bridge Trust Fund),
UT, Series B, 6.25% due 4/01/2012 (b) 8,164
AAA Aaa 6,250 New York State Thruway Authority, Service Contract Revenue Bonds
(Local Highway and Bridge), 5.75% due 4/01/2013 (c) 6,046
New York State Urban Development Corporation Revenue Bonds
(Correctional Facilities):
AAA Aaa 9,975 Refunding, 5.375% due 1/01/2012 (c) 9,313
AAA Aaa 4,000 Refunding, Series A, 6.50% due 1/01/2011 (f) 4,285
BBB Baa1 5,000 Series 4, 5.375% due 1/01/2023 4,242
NR* Baa 3,500 North Country, New York, Development Authority Revenue Bonds
(Solid Waste Management System), Series A, 6.75% due 7/01/2012 3,501
</TABLE>
<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>
North Hempstead, New York, Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series B, UT (b):
AAA Aaa $ 1,745 6.40% due 4/01/2013 $ 1,853
AAA Aaa 555 6.40% due 4/01/2017 586
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Consolidated Revenue Bonds:
AA- A1 5,000 69th Series, 7.125% due 6/01/2025 5,365
AA- A1 5,000 72nd Series, 7.35% due 10/01/2027 5,523
A1+ VMIG1++ 900 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Special Obligation Revenue Bonds
(Versatile Structure Obligations), VRDN, Series 2, 4.80% due 5/01/2019 (a) 900
<PAGE>
AAA Aaa 2,050 Suffolk County, New York, Water Authority, Waterworks Revenue Bonds,
5% due 6/01/2012 (c) 1,829
Syracuse, New York, COP, Revenue Bonds (Syracuse Hancock International
Airport), AMT (b):
AAA Aaa 3,650 6.625% due 1/01/2012 3,792
AAA Aaa 3,120 6.50% due 1/01/2017 3,182
Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, New York, Special Obligation Revenue
Refunding Bonds:
AAA Aaa 6,575 6.25% due 1/01/2012 (d) 6,684
AAA Aaa 2,000 Series B, 6.875% due 1/01/2015 (c) 2,136
Total Investments (Cost--$204,100)--93.2% 209,822
Other Assets Less Liabilities--6.8% 15,420
--------
Net Assets--100.0% $225,242
========
<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, 1995.
(b)FGIC Insured.
(c)MBIA Insured.
(d)AMBAC Insured.
(e)FHA Insured.
(f)FSA Insured.
(g)Capital Guaranty.
*Not Rated.
++Highest short-term rating by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
<TABLE>
Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Capital as of April 30, 1995
<S> <S> <C> <C>
Assets: Investments, at value (identified cost--$204,099,619) (Note 1a) $209,821,745
Cash 4,631,717
Receivables:
Securities sold $ 7,502,876
Interest 3,804,774 11,307,650
------------
Deferred organization expenses (Note 1e) 18,451
Prepaid expenses and other assets 77,995
------------
Total assets 225,857,558
------------
Liabilities: Payables:
Dividends to shareholders (Note 1f) 391,135
Investment adviser (Note 2) 87,659 478,794
------------
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 137,179
------------
Total liabilities 615,973
------------
Net Assets: Net assets $225,241,585
============
Capital: Capital Stock (200,000,000 shares authorized) (Note 4):
Preferred Stock, par value $.10 per share (2,800 shares
of AMPS* issued and outstanding at $25,000 per liquidation
preference) $ 70,000,000
Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (11,114,832 shares
issued and outstanding) $ 1,111,483
Paid-in capital in excess of par 154,792,338
Undistributed investment income--net 755,011
Accumulated realized capital losses on investments--net (Note 5) (7,139,373)
Unrealized appreciation on investments--net 5,722,126
------------
Total--Equivalent to $13.97 net asset value per share of
Common Stock (market price--$12.75) 155,241,585
------------
Total capital $225,241,585
============
<FN>
*Auction Market Preferred Stock.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
<TABLE>
Statement of Operations
<CAPTION>
For the Six
Months Ended
April 30, 1995
<S> <S> <C> <C>
Investment Income Interest and amortization of premium and discount earned $ 6,623,188
(Note 1d):
Expenses: Investment advisory fees (Note 2) $ 538,882
Commission fees (Note 4) 97,078
Professional fees 40,362
Accounting services (Note 2) 29,298
Printing and shareholder reports 27,203
Transfer agent fees 25,511
Directors' fees and expenses 12,568
Listing fees 12,165
Custodian fees 5,774
Pricing fees 4,914
Amortization of organization expenses (Note 1e) 3,384
Other 10,285
------------
Total expenses 807,424
------------
Investment income--net 5,815,764
------------
Realized & Realized loss on investments--net (5,298,403)
Unrealized Gain Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments--net 14,688,198
(Loss) on ------------
Investments Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $ 15,205,559
- --Net (Notes 1b, ============
1d & 3):
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
<TABLE>
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
<CAPTION>
For the Six For the
Months Ended Year Ended
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: April 30, 1995 Oct. 31, 1994
<S> <S> <C> <C>
Operations: Investment income--net $ 5,815,764 $ 11,939,369
Realized loss on investments--net (5,298,403) (1,840,959)
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on
investments--net 14,688,198 (28,784,232)
------------ ------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from
operations 15,205,559 (18,685,822)
------------ ------------
Dividends & Investment income--net:
Distributions to Common Stock (4,746,945) (9,707,305)
Shareholders Preferred Stock (1,194,228) (2,124,906)
(Note 1f): Realized gain on investments--net:
Common Stock -- (81,339)
Preferred Stock -- (18,298)
------------ ------------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from dividends and
distributions to shareholders (5,941,173) (11,931,848)
------------ ------------
Net Assets: Total increase (decrease) in net assets 9,264,386 (30,617,670)
Beginning of period 215,977,199 246,594,869
------------ ------------
End of period* $225,241,585 $215,977,199
============ ============
<FN>
*Undistributed investment income--net $ 755,011 $ 880,420
============ ============
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (concluded)
<TABLE>
Financial Highlights
<CAPTION>
For the
For the Period
The following per share data and ratios have been derived Six Months For the June 26,
from information provided in the financial statements. Ended Year Ended 1992++ to
April 30, October 31, October 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1995 1994 1993 1992
<S> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period $ 13.13 $ 15.89 $ 13.43 $ 14.18
Operating -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income--net .53 1.07 1.11 .27
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on invest-
ments--net .85 (2.76) 2.46 (.66)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations 1.38 (1.69) 3.57 (.39)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions to Common Stock
shareholders:
Investment income--net . (.43) (.87) (.91) (.18)
Realized gain on investments--net -- (.01) -- --
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions to Common Stock
shareholders (.43) (.88) (.91) (.18)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Capital charge resulting from issuance of Common
Stock -- -- -- (.03)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Effect of Preferred Stock activity:++++
Dividends to Preferred Stock shareholders:
Investment income--net (.11) (.19) (.20) (.02)
Capital charge resulting from issuance of
Preferred Stock -- -- -- (.13)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total effect of Preferred Stock activity (.11) (.19) (.20) (.15)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period $ 13.97 $ 13.13 $ 15.89 $ 13.43
======== ======== ======== ========
Market price per share, end of period $ 12.75 $ 11.00 $ 15.25 $ 13.75
======== ======== ======== ========
<PAGE>
Total Based on market price per share 19.92%+++ (22.96%) 17.90% (7.17%)+++
Investment ======== ======== ======== ========
Return:** Based on net asset value per share 10.08%+++ (11.75%) 25.77% (4.09%)+++
======== ======== ======== ========
Ratios to Expenses, net of reimbursement .75%* .74% .62% .13%*
Average ======== ======== ======== ========
Net Assets:*** Expenses .75%* .74% .70% .68%*
======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income--net 5.41%* 5.09% 5.25% 5.05%*
======== ======== ======== ========
Supplemental Net assets, net of Preferred Stock, end of
Data: period (in thousands) $155,242 $145,977 $176,595 $146,633
======== ======== ======== ========
Preferred Stock outstanding, end of period
(in thousands) $ 70,000 $ 70,000 $ 70,000 $ 70,000
======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover 56.80% 36.79% 3.33% 19.40%
======== ======== ======== ========
Dividends Per Investment income--net $ 427 $ 759 $ 809 $ 92
Share On
Preferred
Stock Out-
standing:++++++
<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.
++Commencement of Operations.
++++The Fund's Preferred Stock was issued on September 16, 1992.
++++++Dividends per share have been adjusted to reflect a two-for-
one stock split.
+++Aggregate total investment return.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant Accounting Policies:
MuniYield New York Insured Fund II, 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 MYT. 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.
(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 interest
rate 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.
<PAGE>
* 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) Deferred organization expenses--Deferred organization expenses
are amortized on a straight-line basis over a five-year period.
(f) Dividends and distributions--Dividends from net investment
income are declared and paid monthly. Distributions of capital gains
are recorded on the ex-dividend dates.
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.
<PAGE>
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, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.
("MLPF&S"), and/or ML & Co.
3. Investments:
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities,
for the six months ended April 30, 1995 were $126,591,825 and
$113,688,268, respectively.
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) as of April 30, 1995 were
as follows:
Realized Unrealized
Losses Gains
Long-term investments $(3,532,465) $5,722,126
Financial futures contracts (1,765,938) --
----------- ----------
Total $(5,298,403) $5,722,126
=========== ==========
As of April 30, 1995, net unrealized appreciation for Federal income
tax purposes aggregated $5,722,126, of which $6,233,397 related to
appreciated securities and $511,271 related to depreciated
securities. The aggregate cost of investments at April 30, 1995 for
Federal income tax purposes was $204,099,619.
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
For the six months ended April 30, 1995, shares issued and
outstanding remained constant at 11,114,832. At April 30, 1995,
total paid-in capital amounted to $155,903,821.
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 divi-
dend periods. The yield in effect at April 30, 1995 was 4.10%.
<PAGE>
A two-for-one stock split occurred on December 1, 1994. As a result,
at April 30, 1995, there were 2,800 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, 1995, MLPF&S, an affiliate of FAM, earned $43,762 as
commissions.
5. Capital Loss Carryforward:
At October 31, 1994, the Fund had a capital loss carryforward of
approximately $1,841,000, all of which expires in 2002. This amount
will be available to offset like amounts of any future taxable
gains.
6. Subsequent Event:
On May 9, 1995, the Fund's Board of Directors declared an ordinary
income dividend to Common Stock shareholders in the amount of
$0.067283 per share, payable on May 30, 1995 to shareholders of
record as of May 19, 1995.
PER SHARE INFORMATION
<TABLE>
Per Share Selected Quarterly Financial Data*
<CAPTION>
Dividends/Distributions
Net Realized Unrealized
Investment Gains Gains Net Investment Income Capital Gains
For the Quarter Income (Losses) (Losses) Common Preferred Common Preferred
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
May 1, 1993 to July 31, 1993 $.27 $ .04 $ .25 $.22 $.05 -- --
August 1, 1993 to October 31, 1993 .27 .02 .55 .22 .05 -- --
November 1, 1993 to January 31, 1994 .28 (.20) (.05) .22 .05 $.01 --
February 1, 1994 to April 30, 1994 .25 (.07) (2.04) .22 .05 -- --
May 1, 1994 to July 31, 1994 .27 -- 2.00 .21 .04 -- --
August 1, 1994 to October 31, 1994 .27 .10 (2.50) .22 .05 -- --
November 1, 1994 to January 31, 1995 .27 (.50) .93 .22 .05 -- --
February 1, 1995 to April 30, 1995 .26 .03 .39 .21 .06 -- --
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
Net Asset Value Market Price**
For the Quarter High Low High Low Volume***
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
May 1, 1993 to July 31, 1993 $15.49 $15.00 $15.375 $14.50 664
August 1, 1993 to October 31, 1993 16.16 15.33 15.75 15.00 799
November 1, 1993 to January 31, 1994 16.03 15.42 15.375 14.125 901
February 1, 1994 to April 30, 1994 16.00 13.47 15.625 12.625 851
May 1, 1994 to July 31, 1994 14.67 13.74 13.75 12.625 787
August 1, 1994 to October 31, 1994 14.30 13.13 13.25 11.00 1,128
November 1, 1994 to January 31, 1995 13.57 12.21 12.375 10.125 2,271
February 1, 1995 to April 30, 1995 14.34 13.58 13.00 12.375 774
<FN>
*Calculations are based upon shares of Common Stock outstanding at
the end of each quarter.
**As reported in the consolidated transaction reporting system.
***In thousands.
</TABLE>
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Arthur Zeikel, President and Director
Herbert I. London, Director
Robert R. Martin, Director
Joseph L. May, Director
Andre F. Perold, Director
Terry K. Glenn, Executive Vice President
Donald C. Burke, Vice President
Vincent R. Giordano, Vice President
Kenneth A. Jacob, Vice President
Gerald M. Richard, Treasurer
Mark B. Goldfus, Secretary
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
225 Franklin Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Transfer Agents
Common Stock:
State Street Bank and Trust Company
225 Franklin Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
<PAGE>
Preferred Stock:
IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company
One State Street
New York, New York 10004
NYSE Symbol
MYT
