LABORATORY CORP OF AMERICA HOLDINGS
10-Q, 1998-11-13
MEDICAL LABORATORIES
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              UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, DC 20549
                                  FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
[X]  QUARTERLY  REPORT  PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)  OF  THE  SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended             SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
                               ---------------------------------------------
                               OR

[ ]  TRANSITION  REPORT  PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF  THE  SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to
                               --------------------     --------------------

Commission file number                 1-11353
                       -----------------------------------------------------

                  LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

           DELAWARE                          13-3757370
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 (State or other jurisdiction of        (IRS Employer
 incorporation or organization)         Identification No.)

 358 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BURLINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 27215
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)          (Zip code)

                     (336) 229-1127
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate  by  check  mark whether the registrant (1) has filed  all  reports
required  to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange  Act
of  1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant  was required to file such reports) and (2) has been  subject  to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  X No ___

The number of shares outstanding of the issuer's common stock is 125,269,420
shares  as  of  October 31, 1998, of which 61,329,256  shares  are  held  by
indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Roche Holding Ltd.

The number of warrants outstanding to purchase shares of the issuer's common
stock  is 22,151,308 as of October 31, 1998, of which 8,325,000 are held  by
an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Roche Holding Ltd.
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
         LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                   (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<CAPTION>
                                         SEPTEMBER 30,     DECEMBER 31,
                                             1998              1997
                                         -------------     ------------
<S>                                       <C>               <C>
 ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                $   11.6          $   23.3
  Accounts receivable, net                    372.2             330.6
  Inventories                                  28.8              36.0
  Prepaid expenses and other                   17.9              16.9
  Deferred income taxes                        36.2             112.0
  Income taxes receivable                       3.7               8.8
                                           --------          -------- 
 Total current assets                         470.4             527.6
                                     
Property, plant and equipment, net            253.0             254.9
Intangible assets, net                        843.7             851.3
Other assets, net                              28.0              24.7
                                           --------          --------
                                           $1,595.1          $1,658.5
                                           ========          ========

 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable                         $   48.8         $    55.9
  Accrued expenses and other                  131.6             140.7
  Current portion of long-term debt            34.8                --
                                           --------          --------
 Total current liabilities                    215.2             196.6

Revolving credit facility                        --              40.0
Long-term debt, less current portion          608.9             643.8
Capital lease obligation                        3.9               5.8
Other liabilities                             116.4             142.3

Commitments and contingent liabilities           --                --

Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock
  (30,000,000 shares authorized):
  Series A 8 1/2% Convertible
  Exchangeable Preferred Stock,
  $0.10 par value, 4,363,178 and
  4,363,202 shares issued and
  outstanding at September 30, 1998
  and December 31, 1997, respectively
  (aggregate preference value of $218.2)      212.9             212.6

  Series B 8 1/2% Convertible Pay-in-Kind
  Preferred Stock, $0.10 par value,
  6,276,182 and 5,892,495 shares issued
  and outstanding at September 30, 1998
  and December 31, 1997, respectively
  (aggregate preference value of $313.8)      308.1             288.3

Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock, $0.01 par value; 
  520,000,000 shares authorized;
  125,265,136 and 123,542,614 shares
  issued and outstanding at September 30,
  1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively      1.2               1.2
  Additional paid-in capital                  415.7             412.8
  Accumulated deficit                        (285.4)           (284.9)
  Accumulated other comprehensive income       (1.8)               --
                                           --------          --------  
  Total shareholders' equity                  129.7             129.1
                                           --------          --------
                                           $1,595.1          $1,658.5
                                           ========          ========



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<PAGE>                                      
<TABLE>
        LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
               CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<CAPTION>                                      
                              THREE MONTHS ENDED      NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                 SEPTEMBER 30,           SEPTEMBER 30,
                             --------------------    -------------------
                                1998       1997        1998       1997
                             ---------   --------    --------   --------
<S)                          <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>   
Net sales                     $  398.3   $  376.5    $1,157.4   $1,157.6

Cost of sales                    270.3      262.7       783.9      811.6
                              --------   --------    --------   --------

Gross profit                     128.0      113.8       373.5      346.0

Selling, general and
  administrative expenses         86.0       79.4       249.7      237.7
Amortization of intangibles
 and other assets                  7.7        7.7        22.8       23.0
                              --------   --------    --------   --------

Operating income                  34.3       26.7       101.0       85.3

Other income (expenses):
  Gain on sale of assets           0.1         --         2.0         --
  Investment income                0.2        0.5         0.8        1.9
  Interest expense               (12.3)     (13.8)      (37.2)     (57.7)
                              --------   --------    --------   --------
Earnings before income taxes      22.3       13.4        66.6       29.5

Provision for income taxes        10.9        8.0        33.1       17.7
                              --------   --------    --------   --------

Net earnings                      11.4        5.4        33.5       11.8
                              --------   --------    --------   -------- 
 
Less preferred stock dividends    11.1       12.0        33.4       13.2
Less accretion of mandatorily
  redeemable preferred stock       0.2        0.2         0.6        0.2
                              --------   --------    --------   --------  

Net earnings (loss)
  attributable to common
  shareholders                $    0.1   $   (6.8)   $   (0.5)  $   (1.6)
                              ========   ========    ========   ========

Basic and diluted earnings
  (loss)per common share      $   0.00   $  (0.05)   $  (0.00)  $  (0.01)
                              ========   ========    ========   ========        
                                      
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
         LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                 (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


<CAPTION>
                                                                            
                                                Additional                     
                                      Common     Paid-in     Accumulated   
                                      Stock      Capital       Deficit       
                                    --------   -----------   -----------   

<S>                                 <C>        <C>          <C>               
PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
Balance at beginning of year        $    1.2    $  411.0     $ (154.1)         
Comprehensive income:
 Net income                               --          --         11.8          
                                                                               
Comprehensive income                                                         
Issuance of common stock                  --         1.8           --         
Preferred stock dividends                 --          --        (13.2)         
Accretion of mandatorily
  redeemable preferred sock              --          --         (0.2)          
                                    --------    --------     --------     

BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1997       $    1.2    $  412.8     $ (155.7)   
                                    ========    ========     ========    



PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
Balance at beginning of year        $    1.2    $  412.8     $ (284.9)    
Comprehensive income:
 Net income                               --          --         33.5        
 Other comprehensive income:
    Unrealized loss on securities,
     net of tax                           --          --           --         
                                                                              
Comprehensive income                                                           
Issuance of common stock                  --         2.9           --          
Preferred stock dividends                 --          --        (33.4)         
Accretion of mandatorily
  redeemable preferred stock              --          --         (0.6)         
                                    --------    --------     --------    

BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30,1998        $    1.2    $  415.7     $ (285.4)    
                                    ========    ========     ========    
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Accumulated
                                      Other         Total    
                                  Comprehensive  Shareholders'
                                     Income         Equity
                                  -------------  ------------

<S>                               <C>            <C>
PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997        
Balance at beginning of year       $    --       $  258.1
Comprehensive income:
  Net income                            --           11.8
                                                  --------
Comprehensive income                                 11.8
Issuance of common stock                --            1.8
Preferred stock dividends               --          (13.2)
Accretion of mandatorily
  redeemable preferred stock            --           (0.2)
                                   --------      --------

BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1997      $    --       $  258.3 
                                   ========      ========

PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
Balance at beginning of year       $    --       $  129.1
Comprehensive income:
  Net income                            --           33.5
  Other comprehensive income:
     Unrealized loss on securities,
      net of tax                      (1.8)          (1.8)     
                                                 --------
Comprehensive income                                 31.7
Issuance of common stock                --            2.9
Preferred stock dividends               --          (33.4)
Accretion of mandatorily
  redeemable preferred stock            --           (0.6)
                                  --------       --------

BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1998     $   (1.8)      $  129.7
                                  ========       ========


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>

         LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
               CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

<CAPTION>
                                                  NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                 ------------------
                                                  1998       1997
                                                 -------    -------
<S>                                              <C>        <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net earnings                                      $ 33.5     $ 11.8

 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings
   to net cash provided by operating
     activities:
      Net gain on disposals                         (1.8)        --
      Depreciation and amortization                 62.9       64.9
      Deferred income taxes, net                    55.3        9.8
      Change in assets and liabilities,
       net of effects of acquisitions:
         Net decrease in restructuring
           reserves                                (4.8)      (12.5)
         Increase in accounts receivable, net     (43.4)       (7.9)
         Decrease in inventories                    7.1         5.7
         Increase in prepaid expenses and other    (0.9)       (0.2)
         Change in income taxes
           receivable/payable, net                 (6.1)       54.3
         Decrease in accounts payable              (7.1)      (22.9)
         Decrease in accrued expenses and other    (2.6)       (2.0)
         Other, net                                (2.2)       (6.6)
                                                 ------      ------
 Net cash provided by operating activities         89.9        94.4
                                                 ------      ------


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Capital expenditures                            (40.1)      (14.8)
  Proceeds from sale of assets                     12.4          --
  Refund of lease guaranty                          8.0          -- 
  Acquisition of businesses                       (23.7)         --
                                                 ------      ------

 Net cash used for investing
  activities                                      (43.4)      (14.8)
                                                 ------      ------
        
                            (continued)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
         LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
               CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<CAPTION>
                                                NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                  SEPTEMBER 30,
                                              ---------------------
                                                1998         1997
                                              --------     --------
<S>                                          <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

  Proceeds from revolving credit
    facilities                                $  20.0      $  35.0
  Payments on revolving credit
    facilities                                  (60.0)      (346.0)
  Payment on loan from affiliate                   --       (187.0)
  Payments on long-term debt                       --        (68.7)
  Payments on long-term lease obligations        (0.8)          --
  Deferred payments on acquisitions              (6.5)        (4.5)
  Net proceeds from sale of redeemable
    preferred stock                                --        487.0
  Net proceeds from issuance of stock to
    employee stock plan                            --          1.6
  Payment of preferred stock dividends          (13.8)        (5.2)
  Cash received for issuance of common
    stock                                         2.9           --
                                              -------      -------
Net cash used for financing activities          (58.2)       (87.8)
                                              -------      -------

  Net decrease in cash and cash
    equivalents                                 (11.7)        (8.2)
  Cash and cash equivalents at
    beginning of period                          23.3         29.3
                                              -------      -------
  Cash and cash equivalents at
    end of period                             $  11.6      $  21.1
                                              =======      =======

Supplemental schedule of cash
  flow information:
  Cash (paid) received during the period
  for:
     Interest                                 $ (37.3)     $ (53.9)
     Income taxes                                14.3         55.5
 
Disclosure of non-cash financing
  and investing activities:
   Preferred stock dividends                     19.6          8.0
   Accretion of mandatorily redeemable
     preferred stock                              0.6          0.2 
   Unrealized loss on securities available-
     for-sale (net of tax)                        1.8           --



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
         LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
       NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

1.   BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION

     The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings and its wholly owned subsidiaries
(the "Company") after elimination of all material intercompany accounts  and
transactions.

      The  accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements  of  the
Company are unaudited.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which
include only normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of
such  financial  statements have been included.   Interim  results  are  not
necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

     The financial statements and notes are presented in accordance with the
rules  and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and do  not
contain  certain  information  included  in  the  Company's  annual  report.
Therefore,  the  interim statements should be read in conjunction  with  the
consolidated  financial  statements  and  notes  thereto  contained  in  the
Company's annual report.

2.   EARNINGS PER SHARE

     Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are based upon the weighted
average number of shares outstanding during the three and nine months  ended
September   30,   1998   of  125,199,880  shares  and  124,704,341   shares,
respectively,  and the weighted average number of shares outstanding  during
the  three  and  nine  months ended September 30, 1997  of  123,541,076  and
123,139,298 shares, respectively.

      The  effect of conversion of the Company's redeemable preferred stock,
or  exercise of certain of the Company's stock options or warrants  was  not
included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share as it would
have been anti-dilutive for all applicable periods presented.

3.   RESTRUCTURING RESERVES

  The  following represents the Company's restructuring reserves  activities
for the period indicated: 
                                     Asset         Lease and
                      Severance   revaluations   other facility
                        costs    and write-offs   obligations     Total
 Balance at
  December 31, 1997    $  3.7      $  4.0           $ 30.9      $ 38.6
  Cash payments          (1.2)       (0.4)            (3.1)       (4.7)
                       ------      ------           ------      ------
 Balance at
 September 30, 1998    $  2.5      $  3.6           $ 27.8      $ 33.9
                       ======      ======           ======      ======
 Current                                                        $ 17.9
     Non-current                                                  16.0
                                                                ------
                                                                $ 33.9
                                                                ======
<PAGE>
<PAGE>

         LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
       NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

4.   INCOME TAXES

      The  Company  has  received a Revenue Agents  Report  (RAR)  from  the
Internal  Revenue  Service, concluding audits of the tax years  ended  1993,
1994  and  1995. Concurrent with the audits of these years, the Company  has
filed   amended  Federal  income  tax  returns  for  the  years   1993-1997,
recalculating  deductible  amounts relating to the  allowance  for  doubtful
accounts  under  Internal  Revenue Code Section 475.  The  amended  returns,
coupled with adjustments agreed-upon from the RAR, produced a net tax refund
receivable   of  approximately  $13.6  which  has  been  recorded   in   the
accompanying  Consolidated Balance Sheet as of  September  30,  1998.  As  a
result  of  these  amended returns and generation of taxable  income  during
1998,  the Company reduced the amount of its net deferred tax assets related
to   accounts   receivable  and  net  operating  loss  carry   forwards   by
approximately $51.0.

      The  RAR  also contained certain adjustments for additional  taxes  of
$14.6  plus  interest.  The  Company disagrees with  these  adjustments  and
believes  it has sound legal defenses to those items. It is the  opinion  of
management  that  the  ultimate outcome of the case will  not  result  in  a
material  impact  on  the Company's consolidated results  of  operations  or
financial position.

5.   BUSINESS ACQUISITION

      During  August,  the  Company completed its acquisition  of  Universal
Standard   Healthcare,  Inc.'s  (UHCI)  Michigan-based  clinical  laboratory
division  for $9.0 and purchased 1.4 shares of UHCI common stock  for  $4.3.
UHCI's laboratory had 1997 revenues of approximately $37.0.  Concurrent with
the  equity  investment  in  UHCI, the Company  has  become  UHCI's  primary
clinical laboratory testing provider under a two-year marketing agreement.

6.   ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

      At  September 30, 1998, the Company recorded an unrealized loss on the
UHCI shares of $1.8, net of related deferred tax benefit of $1.2.

7.   NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

      In  June  1997, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards  No.  130,
"Reporting  Comprehensive Income", was issued and establishes standards  for
reporting  and  displaying  comprehensive  income  and  its  components,  as
recognized  under the accounting standards, to be displayed in  a  financial
statement  with  the  same  prominence as other financial  statements.   The
disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 130 have been included in the  Company's
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity.

     Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information", also issued
      
<PAGE>
<PAGE>

         LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                            (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                      
in  June  1997,  establishes new standards for reporting  information  about
operating segments in annual and interim financial statements. The  standard
also  requires descriptive information about the way the operating  segments
are  determined, the products and services provided by the segments and  the
nature of differences between reportable segment measurements and those used
for  the  consolidated  enterprise. This standard  is  effective  for  years
beginning after December 15, 1997.  Adoption in interim financial statements
is  not  required until the year after initial adoption, however comparative
prior period information is required.  The disclosure requirements will have
no impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

      In February 1998, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 132,
"Employers'  Disclosures  About Pensions and Other Postretirement  Benefits"
was  issued.  This Statement is effective for fiscal years  beginning  after
December  15,  1997. The objective of SFAS No. 132 is to  provide  financial
statement users with more comparable, understandable and concise information
concerning  the employer's obligations to fund retirement plans and  provide
postretirement benefits. The Statement only applies to disclosures and  does
not  address  the measurement of the employer's obligation.  The  disclosure
requirements  will  have no impact on the Company's  financial  position  or
results of operations.

      In  March  1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee  of  the
American  Institute  of  Certified Public Accountants  issued  Statement  of
Position  98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed  or
Obtained for Internal Use" (SOP 98-1), which provides guidance as to when it
is  or  is  not appropriate to capitalize the cost of software developed  or
obtained for internal use.  Although SOP 98-1 is effective for fiscal  years
beginning  after December 15, 1998, the Company is currently accounting  for
software costs following the guidance provided by SOP 98-1.

      In  June  1998, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards  No.  133,
"Accounting  for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" was  issued.
This  Statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999,
and standardizes the accounting for derivative instruments by requiring that
an entity recognize those items as assets or liabilities and measure them at
fair  value.   Adoption  is not expected to have a material  impact  on  the
Company's financial position or results of operations.

8.   INTEREST RATE SWAP

      The Company entered into a Rate Collar Transaction effective September
20, 1998 through September 20, 2002.  The notional amount of the rate collar
transaction is $150.0 through September 20, 2002.  The Company will pay  the
three  month  LIBOR with the exception that if LIBOR falls below  4.25%  the
Company  will  pay  5.02% and if LIBOR exceeds 5.90% the  Company  will  pay
5.90%.  At September 30, 1998, the interest rate

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
         LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                            (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                      
exposure  on  $500.0  of  floating rate debt has effectively  changed  to  a
weighted  average fixed interest rate of 6.70% as a result of existing  swap
activity.   The  notional  amounts of the agreements  are  used  to  measure
interest  to be paid or received and do not represent the amount of exposure
to credit loss.

OVERVIEW

      This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
and  Section  21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,  as  amended.   In
addition, from time to time, the Company or its representatives have made or
may  make  forward-looking statements, orally or in writing.  Such  forward-
looking  statements  may  be included in, but are not  limited  to,  various
filings  made  by  the Company with the Securities and Exchange  Commission,
press  releases  or  oral  statements made by or with  the  approval  of  an
authorized  executive officer of the Company.  Actual results  could  differ
materially   from  those  projected  or  suggested  in  any  forward-looking
statements  as  a result of a wide variety of factors and conditions,  which
have been described in the section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-
K  for the year ended December 31, 1997, entitled, "Cautionary Statement for
Purposes   of  the  `Safe  Harbor'  Provisions  of  the  Private  Securities
Litigation  Reform Act of 1995" and other documents the Company  files  from
time  to  time  with  the Securities and Exchange Commission  including  the
Company's  quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on  Form  8-K,
and shareholders are specifically referred to these documents with regard to
factors and conditions that may affect future results.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three  Months  ended  September 30, 1998 compared with  Three  Months  ended
September 30, 1997.

     Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 1998 were $398.3, an
increase  of  5.8% from $376.5 reported in the comparable 1997 period.   The
sales  increase was a result of a 4.4% increase in price and a 1.4% increase
in volume in comparison to the corresponding 1997 quarter.

      Cost  of  sales, which includes primarily laboratory and  distribution
costs, was $270.3 for the three months ended September 30, 1998 compared  to
$262.7 in the corresponding 1997 period, an increase of $7.6.  Cost of sales
increased approximately $3.6 due to the increase in volume and approximately
$4.0  due  to  an increase in personnel expenses.  Telephone,  royalty,  and
miscellaneous expenses increased which was directly offset by  decreases  in
depreciation,  testing supplies and freight expenses. Cost  of  sales  as  a
percentage  of net sales was 67.9% for the three months ended September  30,
1998 and 69.8% in the corresponding 1997 period.  The decrease in the

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
         LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                            (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                      
cost  of sales percentage of net sales primarily resulted from ongoing  cost
reduction efforts.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $86.0 for the
three months ended September 30, 1998 from $79.4 in the same period in 1997.
This  increase  is  primarily  due to higher personnel  expenses,  telephone
expenses  and  marketing related expenses.  Total bad debt expense  remained
consistent as a percentage of net sales from the comparable 1997 period.  As
a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses were
21.6%  and  21.1% for the three months ended September 30,  1998  and  1997,
respectively.

      The amortization of intangibles and other assets was $7.7 for both the
three months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997.

     Net interest expense was $12.1 for the three months ended September 30,
1998  compared  with $13.3 for the same period in 1997. The change  resulted
primarily  from decreased borrowings resulting from payments made to  reduce
the  Company's revolving credit facility.  It should be noted that since the
interest  rate that the Company pays on its debt is linked to the  Company's
quarterly financial performance, the third quarter results will entitle  the
Company to a reduction in its interest rate on the term debt from LIBOR plus
1.0% to LIBOR plus 0.5% (and from LIBOR plus 0.75% to LIBOR plus 0.3125%  on
the revolving credit facility).

     The provision for income taxes as a percentage of earnings before taxes
was  48.9% for the three months ended September 30, 1998 compared  to  59.7%
for  the three months ended September 30, 1997.  The Company's effective tax
rate  is significantly impacted by non-deductible amortization of intangible
assets.  As  earnings  before  income taxes increases,  this  non-deductible
amortization  decreases  in  proportion to  such  earnings  resulting  in  a
decrease in the effective tax rate.

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 COMPARED WITH NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1997.

  Net  sales for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 were $1,157.4,  as
compared to $1,157.6 reported in the comparable 1997 period.  Sales declined
2.6% as a result of lower testing volume, which is a result of industry-wide
trends.   The decline in sales resulting from volume declines was offset  by
an increase in price per accession of approximately 2.6% from the comparable
1997 period.  The increase in the price per accession was a direct result of
the  Company's effort to negotiate better pricing on new contracts,  raising
prices  on existing contracts that do not meet Company profitability targets
and other price increases.

<PAGE>
<PAGE>                                      
         LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                            (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                      
      Cost  of  sales, which includes primarily laboratory and  distribution
costs,  was $783.9 for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 compared  to
$811.6 in the corresponding 1997 period, a decrease of $27.7.  Cost of sales
decreased   approximately  $21.2  due  to  the  decrease  in   volume,   and
approximately $12.7 due to a decrease in testing supplies, consulting  fees,
maintenance and rental expense categories as a result  of the Company's cost
reduction  programs.  These decreases  are partially offset by increases  in 
telephone,  postage  and royalty expenses.  Cost of sales as a percentage of
net sales was 67.7%  for the nine months ended  September 30, 1998 and 70.1% 
in  the  corresponding  1997  period.   The  decrease  in  the cost of sales 
percentage  of net  sales  primarily  resulted from  ongoing  cost reduction 
efforts.

      Selling,  general and administrative expenses increased to $249.7  for
the  nine months ended September 30, 1998 from $237.7 in the same period  in
1997.   This  increase  is  primarily  due  to  higher  personnel  expenses,
commissions, consulting fees and marketing related expenses.  Total bad debt
expense remained consistent as a percentage of net sales from the comparable
1997   period.   As  a  percentage  of  net  sales,  selling,  general   and
administrative  expenses  were 21.6% and 20.5% for  the  nine  months  ended
September  30,  1998 and 1997, respectively. The increase  in  the  selling,
general  and  administrative percentage primarily resulted from the  factors
noted above.

      The  amortization of intangibles and other assets was $22.8 and  $23.0
for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

      Net interest expense was $36.4 for the nine months ended September 30,
1998  compared  with $55.8 for the same period in 1997. The change  resulted
primarily   from   decreased  borrowings  resulting   from   the   Company's
recapitalization  in  June, 1997 and payments made to reduce  the  Company's
revolving credit facility.

     The provision for income taxes as a percentage of earnings before taxes
was 49.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 compared to 60.0% for
the  nine months ended September 30, 1997.  The Company's effective tax rate
is  significantly  impacted  by non-deductible  amortization  of  intangible
assets.  As  earnings  before  income taxes increases,  this  non-deductible
amortization  decreases  in  proportion to  such  earnings  resulting  in  a
decrease in the effective tax rate.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

      Net cash provided by operating activities was $89.9 and $94.4 for  the
nine  months  ended September 30, 1998 and September 30, 1997, respectively.
The decrease in cash flow from operations primarily

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                      
         LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                            (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                      
resulted from an increase in accounts receivable offset by improved earnings
and  an  increase in accounts payable.  Capital expenditures were $40.1  and
$14.8   for  1998  and  1997,  respectively.  The  Company  expects  capital
expenditures to be approximately $60.0 in 1998 in order to further  automate
laboratory  and  billing processes to improve efficiency. Such  expenditures
are expected to be funded by cash flow from operations as well as borrowings
under  the  Company's credit facilities.  The Company received approximately
$12.4 in proceeds from the sale of assets and an additional $8.0 refund of a
lease guaranty and made payments for business acquisitions in the amount  of
approximately $23.7.

      During 1996 and 1997, the Company experienced a deterioration  in  the
timeliness  of  cash  collections and a corresponding increase  in  accounts
receivable.  The primary causes of this situation were the increased medical
necessity  and  related diagnosis code requirements from third-party  payors
and  the  complexities  in the billing process (data capture)  arising  from
changing  requirements of private insurance companies (managed  care).  Days
Sales  Outstanding (DSO) at third quarter was 84 days.  This compares to  83
days at the end of the second quarter.  Two acquisitions occurred during the
third  quarter  which  influenced the increase in DSO.   Obtaining  required
licenses and private certifications, as well as transitioning accounts  onto
the Company's systems caused delay by several months in billing customers in
these  two  acquisitions.  The Company anticipates having all bills  out  to
customers  by mid-November.  Although the Company continues to work  towards
reducing the overall number of days sales outstanding, additional changes in
requirements  of  third-party  payors  could  increase  the  difficulty   in
collections. There can be no assurance of the success of the Company's plans
to  improve  collections and, due to the previously  mentioned  factors,  to
reduce accounts receivable balances.
                                      
      For  a  discussion of legal proceedings which may impact the Company's
liquidity and capital resources see "Part II - Other Information -- Item  1:
Legal Proceedings."

      Cash  and  cash  equivalents on hand, cash flows from  operations  and
additional  borrowing  capabilities  under  the  Amended  Revolving   Credit
Facility  are  expected  to  be  sufficient to  meet  anticipated  operating
requirements and provide funds for capital expenditures and working  capital
for the foreseeable future.

YEAR 2000 UPDATE

      The  Company has an ongoing work effort to identify and remediate data
recognition problems that will be caused in computer systems, software,  and
lab  equipment  by the change in date from the year 1999 to the  year  2000.
The  Company  is also working to address potential problems in  systems  and
equipment  that contain imbedded hardware or software that may have  a  time
element (referred to as "non-IT" systems).

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
         LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                            (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                      
The  Company's  Year  2000  project  has  five  phases:    1)  inventory  of
the  business critical functional equipment and systems affected by the Year
2000  issue;  2) assessment of the key elements identified by the  inventory
including  development of strategies to address affected critical  equipment
and  systems; 3) contingency planning; 4) remediation of affected  equipment
and systems; and 5) testing and validation of its systems for Year 2000 date
recognition.

      Initial  inventories  of  business critical functional  equipment  and
systems  have  been completed. Assessment of the key elements identified  by
the  inventories, the development of strategies to address key equipment and
systems  are  targeted  for completion by December  31,  1998.   Contingency
planning  is  scheduled to be completed during the first  quarter  of  1999.
Completion  of  all material phases for remediation, testing and  validation
for business critical equipment and systems is scheduled for June 30, 1999.

      The  Company is also working to assess Year 2000 readiness on the part
of  its  significant  service providers, vendors, suppliers,  customers  and
governmental entities. There can be no guarantee that the failure  by  these
other  companies  to  successfully and timely achieve Year  2000  compliance
would not have an adverse effect on the Company's operations.

      The  total  cost associated with required Year 2000 modifications  and
related activities is not expected to be material to the Company's financial
position  and  is expected to be funded through capital and  operating  cash
flows. It is currently estimated that the total future expenditures relating
to  the Year 2000 project will be between $20 and $25, with $2.5 having been 
spent through September 30, 1998.  The amounts required to address Year 2000
readiness do  not include significant investments  in  new systems which are
being incurred in the normal course of business and are Year 2000 compliant.

      None of the Company's other information technology projects have  been
delayed due to the implementation of the Year 2000 project.

     The estimates and conclusions herein contain forward-looking statements
and  are based on management's best estimates of future events.  Due to  the
general  uncertainly inherent in the Year 2000 problem,  resulting  in  part
from the uncertainty of the Year 2000 readiness of third-party suppliers and
customers,  the  Company is unable to determine at  this  time  whether  the
consequences  of  Year  2000 failures will have a  material  impact  on  the
Company's results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
         LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 
REGULATION AND REIMBURSEMENT

     On April 1, 1997, the Health Care Financing Administration's (HCFA) new
Automated  Chemistry Profile Rules went into effect.  The policy, which  was
developed  by HCFA working with the American Medical Association, eliminates
the  old  commonly used "19-22 test" automated chemistry profile,  sometimes
referred  to as a "SMAC" and replaces it with four new panels of "clinically
relevant"  automated  tests  (each containing from 4 to 12 chemistry tests). 
The  Company  believes  that  it  has  taken  all  steps  necessary to be in 
compliance  with  the  new   HCFA requirements.

     As discussed in the First Quarter 10-Q, all major laboratory companies,
including the Company, were required to eliminate the old chemistry profiles
from their standard test requisition forms and standard  test  offerings  by
July  1, 1998.   The  Company  developed  and implemented  a new "universal" 
test   requisition  and  "standard   test  offerings"   which   successfully 
incorporated all required changes by the  July  1,  1998 deadline. Estimated
year-to-date costs associated with these  changes  are approximately $3.0 to 
$4.0.

      These  new  rules  are intended to reduce the number  of  non-Medicare
covered  "screening tests" which Medicare believes have  in  the  past  been
inappropriately  billed  to  Medicare.  Due to  the  variety  of  new  rules
(including  limited  coverage rules) which have  been  adopted  recently  to
address  this issue, the Company does not believe a meaningful  estimate  of
the potential revenue impact of this new rule can be made at this time.  The
Company's analysis to date do not indicate a currently measurable impact  on
revenues.  The Company will continue to monitor this issue going forward.
                                      
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
         LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES

                         PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
                                      
Item 1.              Legal Proceedings

                The Company is involved in litigation which purports to be a
          class  action  brought  on  behalf of  certain  patients,  private
          insurers  and  benefit  plans  that paid  for  laboratory  testing
          services  during  the  time frame covered by the  1996  Government
          Settlement.  The Company has also received certain similar  claims
          brought  on behalf of certain other insurance companies,  some  of
          which have been resolved for immaterial amounts. These claims  for
          private reimbursement are similar to the government claims settled
          in 1996.  However, no amount of damages has been specified at this
          time   and,  with  the  exception  of  the  above,  no  settlement
          discussions have taken place.  The Company is carefully evaluating
          these  claims, however, due to the early stage of the claims,  the
          ultimate outcome of these claims cannot presently be predicted.
          
                The  Company  is also involved in certain claims  and  legal
          actions arising in the ordinary course of business.  These matters
          include,  but  are  not  limited to, inquiries  from  governmental
          agencies  and Medicare or Medicaid carriers requesting comment  on
          allegations  of billing irregularities that are brought  to  their
          attention through billing audits or third parties.  In the opinion
          of  management, based upon the advice of counsel and consideration
          of  all facts available at this time, the ultimate disposition  of
          these  matters  will  not have a material adverse  effect  on  the
          financial  position,  results of operations or  liquidity  of  the
          Company.


Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

          (a)   Exhibits  27   Financial  Data  Schedule  (electronically
                               filed version only).
                    
          (b)  Reports on Form 8-K
              
              (1)  A current report on Form 8-K dated July 16, 1998
                   was filed on August 17, 1998, by the registrant, in
                   connection with the press release dated July 16, 1998
                   announcing that it entered into a definitive agreement
                   to acquire Universal Standard Healthcare, Inc.'s (UHCI)
                   Michigan-based clinical laboratory division which had
                   1997 revenues of approximately $37 million.  The Company
                   also acquired an equity position in UHCI and has become
                   UHCI's primary clinical laboratory testing provider under
                   a two-year marketing agreement.
              
<PAGE>
<PAGE>      
         LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
               
               (2)  A current report on Form 8-K dated July 20, 1998  was
                    filed on August 17, 1998, by the registrant, in
                    connection with the press release dated July 20, 1998
                    announcing that the Antivirogram-TM- and the VircoGEN-
                    TM-, two new diagnostic testing  procedures enabling
                    physicians to evaluate resistance of HIV to antiretroviral
                    drugs, are now available for commercial use exclusively
                    from the Company's facilities in the U.S. These new
                    testing systems are an important advance in optimizing 
                    treatment choices in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
               
               (3)  A current report on Form 8-K dated July 21, 1998  was
                    filed on August 17, 1998, by the   registrant, in
                    connection with the press release dated July 21, 1998
                    announcing operating results of the Company for the
                    quarter and six months ended June  30, 1998.
               
               (4)  A current report on Form 8-K dated August 5, 1998
                    was filed on August 17, 1998, by the registrant, in
                    connection with the press release  dated August 5, 1998
                    announcing that it completed its previously announced
                    acquisition of Universal Standard Healthcare,
                    Inc.'s (UHCI) Michigan-based clinical laboratory
                    division.  The Company also acquired an equity position
                    in UHCI and has become UHCI's primary clinical laboratory
                    testing provider under a two-year marketing agreement.
               
               
               (5)   A current report on Form 8-K dated August 5, 1998
                     was filed on August 17, 1998, by the registrant, in
                     connection with the press release dated August 5, 1998
                     announcing that its forensic crime laboratory located at
                     the Company's Center for Molecular Biology and Pathology
                     in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, was accredited
                     by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors,
                     Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) in the
                     category of DNA testing.
               
               (6)   A  current  report on Form 8-K dated  August  20,  1998
                     was  filed  on  August  26,  1998,  by  the  registrant, 
                     in connection with the press release dated August 20, 1998
                     announcing that its Board of Directors declared dividends
                     on the Company's  8 1/2% Series A Convertible Exchangeable
                     Preferred Stock and the Company's  8 1/2% Series B
                     Convertible Pay-in-Kind Preferred Stock.

               
<PAGE>
<PAGE>               
               
                             S I G N A T U R E S


  Pursuant  to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,  the
registrant  has duly caused this report to be signed on its  behalf  by  the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



                 LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS
                                 Registrant



                       By:/s/ THOMAS P. MAC MAHON
                          ---------------------------------
                              Thomas P. Mac Mahon
                              Chairman, President and Chief
                              Executive Officer




                       By:/s/ WESLEY R. ELINGBURG
                          ---------------------------------
                              Wesley R. Elingburg
                              Executive Vice President, Chief
                              Financial Officer and Treasurer
                              (Principal Financial Officer and
                              Principal Accounting Officer)




Date:  November 13, 1998
<PAGE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM LABORATORY
CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AND
STATEMENT OF EARNINGS AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000920148
<NAME> LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1998
<CASH>                                          11,600
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  568,800
<ALLOWANCES>                                   196,600
<INVENTORY>                                     28,800
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               470,400
<PP&E>                                         489,800
<DEPRECIATION>                                 236,800
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,595,100
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          215,200
<BONDS>                                        608,900
                          521,000
                                          0
<COMMON>                                         1,200
<OTHER-SE>                                     128,500
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,595,100
<SALES>                                      1,157,400
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             1,157,400
<CGS>                                          783,900
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  783,900
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               272,500
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              37,200
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 66,600
<INCOME-TAX>                                    33,100
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             33,500
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    33,500
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (0.00)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (0.00)
        

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