LABORATORY CORP OF AMERICA HOLDINGS
10-Q, 1998-08-14
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            JUNE 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 125,252,812
shares  as of July 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 July 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>

                                         JUNE 30,        DECEMBER 31,
                                       ----------       ------------
                                          1998              1997
                                       ----------       ------------
<S>                                  <C>               <C>
 ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents           $   15.5          $   23.3
  Accounts receivable, net               356.2             330.6
  Inventories                             29.9              36.0
  Prepaid expenses and other              17.4              16.9
  Deferred income taxes                   37.5             112.0
  Income taxes receivable                   --               8.8
                                      --------          --------
 Total current assets                    456.5             527.6

Property, plant and equipment, net       254.7             254.9
Intangible assets, net                   832.8             851.3
Other assets, net                         25.3              24.7
                                      --------          --------
                                      $1,569.3          $1,658.5
                                      ========          ========

 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable                    $   51.2          $   55.9
  Accrued expenses and other             145.6             140.7
  Current portion of long-term debt       23.2                --
                                      --------          --------
 Total current liabilities               220.0             196.6

Revolving credit facility                   --              40.0
Long-term debt, less current portion     620.6             643.8
Capital lease obligation                   4.9               5.8
Other liabilities                         79.4             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
  June 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997,
  respectively (aggregate preference
  value of $218.2)                       212.8             212.6

  Series B 8 1/2% Convertible
  Pay-in-Kind Preferred Stock, $0.10
  par value, 6,145,587 and 5,892,495
  shares issued and outstanding at June
  30, 1998 and December 31, 1997,
  respectively (aggregate  preference
  value of $307.3)                       301.5            288.3

Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock, $0.01 par value;
    520,000,000 shares authorized;
    124,506,673 and 123,542,614
    shares issued and outstanding at
    June 30, 1998 and December 31,
    1997, respectively                     1.2               1.2
  Additional paid-in capital             414.4             412.8
  Accumulated deficit                   (285.5)           (284.9)
                                       -------           -------


  Total shareholders' equity             130.1             129.1
                                      --------          --------
                                      $1,569.3          $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>
                            SIX MONTHS ENDED   THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                 JUNE 30,           JUNE 30,
                            ----------------   ------------------
                              1998     1997      1998      1997
                            -------   ------   -------    -------
<S>                       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>
Net sales                  $ 759.1   $ 781.1   $ 386.1    $ 389.6
Cost of sales                513.5     548.9     257.8      271.7
                           -------   -------   -------    -------

Gross profit                 245.6     232.2     128.3      117.9
Selling, general and
  administrative expenses    163.7     158.2      83.4       79.3

Amortization of intangibles
  and other assets            15.2      15.4       7.5        7.7
                           -------   -------   -------    -------

Operating income              66.7      58.6      37.4       30.9

Other income (expenses):
  Gain/(loss)on sale of
   assets                      1.9        --      (0.1)        --
  Investment income            0.6       1.4       0.2        0.6
  Interest expense           (25.0)    (43.9)    (12.1)     (21.3)
                           -------   -------   -------    -------
Earnings before income
  taxes                       44.2      16.1      25.4       10.2

Provision for income taxes    22.1       9.7      12.6        6.1
                           -------   -------   -------    -------

Net earnings                  22.1       6.4      12.8        4.1

Less preferred stock
  dividends                   22.3       1.2      11.3        1.2
Less accretion of
  mandatorily redeemable
  preferred stock              0.4        --       0.2         --
                           -------   -------   -------    -------
Net earnings (loss)
  attributable to common
  shareholders             $  (0.6)  $   5.2   $   1.3    $   2.9
                           =======   =======   =======    =======

Basic and diluted earnings
  (loss) per common share  $ (0.00)  $  0.04   $  0.01    $  0.02
                           =======   =======   =======    =======
                                      
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>
                                             SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                JUNE 30,
                                          -------------------
                                           1998         1997
                                          ------      -------
<S>                                      <C>         <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net earnings                              $ 22.1      $  6.4

 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings
   to net cash provided by operating
     activities:
      Net decrease in restructuring
          reserves                          (3.8)       (6.4)
      Net gain on disposals                 (1.9)         --
      Depreciation and amortization         42.7        43.8
      Deferred income taxes, net            15.0         7.4
      Change in assets and liabilities,
       net of effects of acquisitions:
       Increase in accounts receivable,
        net                                (27.4)      (12.5)
       Decrease  in inventories              6.0         3.3
       Increase in prepaid expenses
         and other                          (0.5)       (1.2)
       Change in income taxes
         receivable/payable, net             8.8        59.4
       Decrease in accounts
         payable                            (4.7)      (13.1)
       Increase in accrued expenses
         and other                          11.0        (6.3)
       Other, net                           (1.8)       (6.4)
                                          ------      ------
 Net cash provided by operating
   activities                               65.5        74.4
                                          ------      ------


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Capital expenditures                     (28.7)       (7.8)
  Proceeds from sale of assets              12.3          --
  Refund of lease guaranty                   8.0          --
  Acquisition of businesses                (10.4)         --
                                          ------      ------

Net cash used for investing
  activities                               (18.8)       (7.8)
                                          ------      ------
                                      
                                      
                                 (continued)

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

                                            SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                JUNE 30,
                                          --------------------
                                            1998         1997
                                          -------      -------
<S>                                      <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

  Proceeds from revolving credit
    facilities                            $ 10.0       $  25.0
  Payments on revolving credit
    facilities                             (50.0)       (321.0)
  Payment on loan from affiliate              --        (187.0)
  Payments on long-term debt                  --         (68.8)
  Payments on long-term lease obligations   (0.8)           --
  Deferred payments on acquisitions         (6.0)         (1.8)
  Net proceeds from sale of redeemable
    preferred stock                           --         487.1
  Net proceeds form issuance of stock to
    employee stock plan                       --           1.4
  Payment of preferred stock dividends      (9.2)           --
  Cash received for issuance of common
    stock                                    1.5            --
                                          ------        ------
Net cash used for financing activities     (54.5)        (65.1)
                                          ------        ------
  Net (decrease) increase in cash
    and cash equivalents                    (7.8)          1.5
  Cash and cash equivalents at
    beginning of period                     23.3          29.3
                                          ------        ------
  Cash and cash equivalents at
    end of period                         $ 15.5        $ 30.8
                                          ======        ======

Supplemental schedule of cash
  flow information:
  Cash (paid) received during the period
  for:
     Interest                             $(25.7)       $(46.1)
     Income taxes                           13.7          60.7

Disclosure of non-cash financing
  and investing activities:
 Preferred stock dividends                  13.0           0.7
 Accretion of mandatorily redeemable
    preferred stock                          0.4            --


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 six- months ended
June  30,  1998  of 124,506,673 shares and 124,452,465 shares, respectively,
and  the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the three- and
six-months ended June 30, 1997 of 122,935,080.

  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         (1.0)        (0.4)            (2.4)       (3.8)
                      ------       ------           ------      ------

 Balance at
 June 30, 1998        $  2.7       $  3.6           $ 28.5      $ 34.8
                      ======       ======           ======      ======

 Current                                                        $ 18.6
     Non-current                                                  16.2
                                                                ------
                                                                $ 34.8
                                                                ======
<PAGE>
<PAGE>

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


4.   BUSINESS ACQUISITION

 During June, the Company completed its acquisition of certain of the assets
of  Medlab,  Inc.  for  an aggregate purchase price of  approximately  $9.3.
Medlab,  Inc.  is  located in Wilmington, Delaware and has annual  sales  of
approximately $22.0.

5.   NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 130,
"Reporting  Comprehensive  Income," and SFAS  No.  131,  "Disclosures  about
Segments  of  an  Enterprise and Related Information."  Both Statements  are
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. SFAS  No.  130
establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income  and
its  components in financial statements.  SFAS No. 131 establishes standards
for  the  way  that  public  business enterprises report  information  about
operating  segments in annual financial statements and requires  that  those
enterprises report selected information about operating segments in  interim
financial   reports  issued  to  shareholders.   SFAS   No.   131   requires
presentation  of segment information under the "management approach,"  which
aligns  segments  disclosure  with the way  that  management  organizes  the
segments  within  the  enterprise  for  making  operational  decisions   and
assessing performance.

  In February 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
132,   "Employers'  Disclosures  About  Pensions  and  Other  Postretirement
Benefits."   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.

 In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting  for  Derivative  Instruments  and  Hedging  Activities".   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.
                                      
  The  Company has no elements of other comprehensive income, as defined  in
SFAS  No.  130, for the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997.  Management
has  not  yet  completed its assessment of how the other   standards  listed
above  will  impact  existing  disclosures. The  Company  will  adopt  these
standards in the required periods.

<PAGE>
<PAGE>                                      
                                      
         LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                            (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)

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

  Net sales for the three months ended June 30, 1998 were $386.1, a decrease
of approximately 1% from $389.6 reported in the comparable 1997 period.  The
sales  decline was a result of lower testing volume, attributable to changes
in  physicians  ordering  patterns caused  by  new  government  and  private
reimbursement  policies,  and  hospitals  aggressively  competing   in   the
outpatient testing market. The Company's price per accession increased  3.5%
in comparison to the corresponding 1997 quarter.

  Cost of sales, which includes primarily laboratory and distribution costs,
was  $257.8 for the three months ended June 30, 1998 compared to  $271.7  in
the corresponding 1997 period, a decrease of $13.9.  Cost of sales decreased
approximately $2.3 due to the decrease in volume, approximately $4.4 due  to
a  decrease in personnel expenses and approximately $7.2 primarily  relating
to  testing  supplies, maintenance, outside reference  testing,  and  rental
expense  categories  as a result of the Company's cost  reduction  programs.
Cost of sales

<PAGE>
<PAGE>                                      
         LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                          (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)

                                      
as  a percentage of net sales was 66.8% for the three months ended June  30,
1998  and 69.7% in the corresponding 1997 period.  The decrease in the  cost
of  sales percentage of net sales primarily resulted from the cost reduction
efforts mentioned above.

  Selling,  general and administrative expenses increased to $83.4  for  the
three  months  ended June 30, 1998 from $79.3 in the same  period  in  1997.
This increase is primarily due to higher personnel expenses, and selling and
marketing  related expenses.  Total bad debt expense decreased approximately
$0.2,  or  0.1%  of  net  sales,  from the comparable  1997  period.   As  a
percentage  of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses  were
21.6%  and  20.4%  for  the  three months ended  June  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 $7.5 and $7.7 for the
three months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

  Net  interest expense was $12.1 for the three months ended June  30,  1998
compared  with  $21.3  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
49.6%  for  the three months ended June 30, 1998 compared to 59.8%  for  the
three  months  ended  June 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.

SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 COMPARED WITH SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, 1997.

 Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 1998 were $759.1, a decrease of
approximately 3% from $781.1 reported in the comparable 1997 period.   Sales
declined  4.5%  as a result of lower testing volume, which is  a  result  of
industry-wide  trends.  The decline in sales resulting from volume  declines
was  partially offset by an increase in price per accession of approximately
2% 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  $513.5 for the six months ended June 30, 1998 compared to $548.9 in the
corresponding  1997  period, a decrease of $35.4.  Cost of  sales  decreased
approximately $10.6 due to the decrease in volume, approximately  $15.9  due
to  a  decrease  in  personnel  expenses and  approximately  $8.9  primarily
relating  to  testing  supplies, consulting  fees,  maintenance  and  rental
expense  categories  as a result of the Company's cost  reduction  programs.
Cost  of  sales  as a percentage of net sales was 67.6% for the  six  months
ended  June  30,  1998  and  70.3% in the corresponding  1997  period.   The
decrease  in  the  cost of sales percentage of net sales primarily  resulted
from the cost reduction efforts mentioned above.

  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $163.7  for  the
six months ended June 30, 1998 from $158.2 in the same period in 1997.  This
increase  is  primarily due to higher personnel expenses,  and  selling  and
marketing  related expenses.  Total bad debt expense decreased approximately
$0.7,  or  0.2%  of  net  sales,  from the comparable  1997  period.   As  a
percentage  of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses  were
21.6%  and  20.3%  for  the  six  months  ended  June  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 $15.2 and $15.4  for
the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

  Net  interest  expense was $24.9 for the six months ended  June  30,  1998
compared  with  $44.0  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
50.0%  for the six months ended June 30, 1998 compared to 60.2% for the  six
months   ended  June  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.


<PAGE>
<PAGE>

         LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                            (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

  Net cash provided by operating activities was $65.5 and $74.4 for the  six
months ended June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1997, respectively.  The decrease in
cash  flow from operations primarily resulted from a decrease in income  tax
refunds  and an increase in accounts receivable offset by improved  earnings
and  an  increase in accrued expenses.  Capital expenditures were $28.7  and
$7.8   for  1998  and  1997,  respectively.  The  Company  expects   capital
expenditures  to  be  approximately  $70.0  in  1998  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
$12.3 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 $10.4.

  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).   The
Company's  cash  collection rates, as a percentage of sales,  have  improved
1.4% as compared to the first six months of 1997.  In the second quarter  of
1998, the Company's days sales outstanding remained stable in comparison  to
the  preceding two quarters.  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.

<PAGE>
<PAGE>

         LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                            (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)


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.

  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 financial impact of this new rule can be made at this time.

<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 4.   REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ELECTION

     On June 17, 1998 the Company held its 1998 annual meeting.  The final
tabulation of the votes cast at the meeting was as follows:

                                             FOR        WITHHELD
                                             ---        --------
ELECTION OF THE MEMBERS
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
 American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
          Thomas P. Mac Mahon            102,231,265   12,856,400
          James B. Powell, MD            102,245,586   12,842,079
          Jean-Luc Belingard             100,105,881   14,981,784
          Wendy E. Lane                  114,191,547      896,118
          Robert E. Mittelstaedt, Jr.    114,191,091      896,574
          David B. Skinner, MD           114,191,691      895,974
          Andrew G. Wallace, MD          112,050,895    3,036,770


<PAGE>
<PAGE>

         LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES


Item 4.  REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ELECTION - Continued

                                         VOTES       VOTES         VOTES
                                          FOR       AGAINST      ABSTAINED
                                          ---       -------      ---------


RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP AS THE COMPANY'S
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1998:
 American Stock Transfer & Trust
     Company                         114,899,348    107,460      80,857


     In addition, certain shares of National Health Laboratories Holdings,
Inc. which have not been converted to Company shares were eligible to vote
at the annual meeting and were voted as follows:

                                             FOR       WITHHELD
                                             ---       --------

ELECTION OF THE MEMBERS
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
 American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
          Thomas P. Mac Mahon                300          5
          James B. Powell, MD                305          0
          Jean-Luc Belingard                 305          0
          Wendy E. Lane                      305          0
          Robert E. Mittelstaedt, Jr.        305          0
          David B. Skinner, MD               305          0
          Andrew G. Wallace, MD              305          0



                                            VOTES       VOTES      VOTES
                                             FOR       AGAINST   ABSTAINED
                                            -----      -------   ---------
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP AS THE COMPANY'S
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1998:
 American Stock Transfer & Trust Company     305          0         0



Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

       (a) Exhibits

           27   Financial Data Schedule (electronically
                filed version only).

<PAGE>
<PAGE>


         LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES


         (b)  Reports on Form 8-K
               
               (1)    A  current  report on Form 8-K dated  June  10,  1998
                      was  filed  on  July  8,  1998, by  the  registrant, in
                      connection with the press release dated June 10, 1998
                      announcing  the  completion of  its previously announced
                      acquisition of certain of the assets of Medlab, Inc.
               
               (2)    A current report on Form 8-K dated June 12, 1998
                      was filed on July 8, 1998, by the  registrant, in
                      connection with the press release dated June 12, 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.
               
               (3)    A current report on Form 8-K dated June 23, 1998
                      was filed on July 8, 1998, by the registrant, in
                      connection with the press release dated June 23, 1998
                      announcing that it signed two separate laboratory service
                      agreements collectively covering more than 1,500,000
                      Florida members of the two plans.  The first is a multi-
                      year agreement with Health Options, Inc., Blue Cross and
                      Blue Shield of Florida's health maintenance organization,
                      and  the second is  an agreement  to  become  a provider
                      of laboratory  services to Florida members of  Humana
                      Medical Plans, Inc., a subsidiary of Humana, Inc.
               
               (4)    A current report on Form 8-K dated June 30,  1998 was
                      filed on July 8, 1998, by the registrant, in connection
                      with the press release dated June 30, 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,
                      will  be  available for commercial use on July  20,  1998
                      exclusively  from  LabCorp facilities in the  U.S. These
                      new testing   systems  are  an  important   advance   in
                      optimizing   treatment  choices  in  the  fight against
                      HIV/AIDS.


<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:  August 14, 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>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1998
<CASH>                                          15,500
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  552,700
<ALLOWANCES>                                   196,500
<INVENTORY>                                     29,900
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               456,500
<PP&E>                                         484,500
<DEPRECIATION>                                 229,800
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,569,300
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          220,000
<BONDS>                                        620,600
                          514,300
                                          0
<COMMON>                                         1,200
<OTHER-SE>                                     128,900
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,569,300
<SALES>                                        759,100
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               759,100
<CGS>                                          513,500
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  513,500
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               178,900
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              25,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 44,200
<INCOME-TAX>                                    22,100
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             22,100
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    22,100
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (0.00)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (0.00)
        

</TABLE>


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