UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

Commission File Number: 1-15935

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

2202 North West Shore Boulevard, Suite 500, Tampa, Florida 33607
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(813) 282-1225
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
COMMON STOCK, $.01 PAR VALUE.
(Title of class)

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 [  ].

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
  [X] Yes  [  ]  No

As of June 30, 2003, the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $2,541,768,333 based upon the last sales price reported for such date on the New York Stock Exchange.

As of March 5, 2004, the number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's Common Stock, $.01 par value was 74,813,822.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2003 are incorporated by reference in Part II of this report.

Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement of Outback Steakhouse, Inc. (“the Proxy Statement”) for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 21, 2004 are incorporated by reference in Parts I and III of this report.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Page No.
PART I
Item 1.      Business	3
Item 2.    Properties	17
Item 3.    Legal Proceedings	17
Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Shareholders	17
PART II
Item 5.    Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Securities	18
Item 6.    Selected Financial Data	21
Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	23
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	47
Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	48
Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	76
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures	76
PART III
Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant	77
Item 11.  Executive Compensation	77
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	77
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions	78
Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services	78
PART IV
Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K	79
Signatures	83

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PART I

This Annual Report on Form 10-K and the documents incorporated herein by reference contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements represent Outback Steakhouse, Inc.’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including the following: any statements regarding future sales, costs and expenses and gross profit percentages, any statements regarding the continuation of historical trends, any statements regarding the expected number of future restaurant openings and expected capital expenditures and any statements regarding the sufficiency of our cash balances and cash generated from operating and financing activities for future liquidity and capital resource needs. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “should,” “estimates” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

Our actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in the forward-looking statements included in the discussion of future operating results and expansion strategy elsewhere in this report and as a result, among other things, of the following:

(i)      The restaurant industry is a highly competitive industry with many well-established competitors;

(ii)     Our results can be impacted by changes in consumer tastes and the level of consumer acceptance of our restaurant concepts; local, regional and national economic conditions; the seasonality of our business; demographic trends; traffic patterns; changes in consumer dietary habits; employee availability; the cost of advertising and media; government actions and policies; inflation; and increases in various costs;

(iii)    Consumer perception of food safety;

(iv)    Our ability to expand is dependent upon various factors such as the availability of attractive sites for new restaurants, ability to obtain appropriate real estate at acceptable prices, ability to obtain all required governmental permits including zoning approvals and liquor licenses on a timely basis, impact of government moratoriums or approval processes which could result in significant delays, ability to obtain all necessary contractors and subcontractors, union activities such as picketing and hand billing which could delay construction, the ability to negotiate suitable lease terms, the ability to generate or borrow funds to develop new restaurants, and the ability to recruit and train skilled management and restaurant employees;

(v)     Price and availability of commodities, including but not limited to items such as beef, chicken, shrimp, pork, seafood, dairy, potatoes, onions and energy supplies are subject to fluctuation and could increase or decrease more than we expect; and/or

(vi)    Weather and other acts of God could result in construction delays and also adversely affect the results of one or more stores for an indeterminate amount of time.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

GENERAL

We were incorporated in October 1987 as Multi-Venture Partners, Inc., a Florida corporation, and in January 1990 we changed our name to Outback Steakhouse, Inc. (“Outback Florida”). Outback Steakhouse, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Outback Delaware”), was formed in April 1991 as part of a corporate reorganization completed in June 1991 in connection with our initial public offering, as a result of which Outback Delaware became a holding company for Outback Florida. Unless the context requires otherwise, references to the “Company” mean Outback Delaware, our wholly owned subsidiaries and each of the limited partnerships and joint ventures controlled by us and our subsidiaries.

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In April 1993, we purchased a 50% interest in the cash flows of two Carrabba's Italian Grill restaurants located in Houston, Texas (the “Original Restaurants”), and entered into a 50-50 joint venture with the founders of Carrabba's to develop additional Carrabba's Italian Grill restaurants (“Carrabba's”). Carrabba's Italian Grill, Inc. (“CIGI”), a Florida corporation, was formed in January 1995. In January 1995, the founders obtained sole ownership of the Original Restaurants and we obtained sole ownership of the Carrabba's concept and four restaurants in Florida. The original 50-50 joint venture continues to develop restaurants in the State of Texas. We have the sole right to develop restaurants outside of Texas, and pay royalties to the founders ranging from 1.0% to 1.5% of sales of Carrabba's restaurants opened after 1994.

In May 1995, through our wholly owned subsidiary, Outback Steakhouse International, Inc., a Florida corporation, we entered into an agreement with Connerty International, Inc. to form Outback Steakhouse International, L.P., a Georgia limited partnership to franchise Outback Steakhouse restaurants internationally. In 1998, Outback Steakhouse International, L.P. began directly investing in Outback Steakhouse restaurants in certain markets internationally as well as continuing to franchise restaurants. In May 2002, we purchased the 20% interest in Outback Steakhouse International LP that we did not previously own.

In June 1999, we entered into an agreement with Roy Yamaguchi, the founder of Roy's restaurants (“Roy's”), through our wholly owned subsidiary, OS Pacific, Inc., a Florida corporation, to develop and operate future Roy's worldwide. Roy's is an upscale casual restaurant featuring “Hawaiian-Fusion” cuisine. There were 13 domestic Roy's at December 31, 2003, in which we do not have an economic interest.

In October 1999, we purchased three Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar (“Fleming's”) restaurants through our wholly owned subsidiary, OS Prime, Inc., a Florida corporation. At the same time, we entered into an agreement with the founders of Fleming's to develop and operate additional Fleming's worldwide. Fleming's is an upscale casual steakhouse format that serves dinner only and features prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, as well as pork, veal and chicken entrees and offers a selection of over 100 quality wines available by the glass. In January 2003, we acquired two Fleming's from the founders of Fleming's pursuant to the asset purchase agreement dated October 1, 1999, through our wholly owned subsidiary, OS Prime, Inc. a Florida corporation.

In 2000, through our wholly owned subsidiary, OS Southern, Inc., a Florida corporation, we opened one Lee Roy Selmon's (“Selmon's”) restaurant as a developmental format.  The second Lee Roy Selmon’s was opened in 2003.

In October 2001, we purchased the Bonefish Grill (“Bonefish”) restaurant operating system from the founders of Bonefish Grill, through our wholly owned subsidiary, Bonefish Grill, Inc., a Florida corporation. At the same time, we entered into an agreement to acquire an interest in three existing Bonefish Grill restaurants and to develop and operate additional Bonefish Grills. Bonefish is a mid-scale, casual seafood format that serves dinner only and features fresh oak-grilled fish, fresh seafood, as well as beef, pork, chicken, and pasta entrees.

In August 2002, we opened one Cheeseburger in Paradise (“Cheeseburger”) restaurant as a developmental format, through our wholly owned subsidiary, OS Tropical, Inc., a Florida corporation and our joint venture partner Cheeseburger Holding Company, LLC.  We opened a second Cheeseburger in Paradise in 2003. Cheeseburger in Paradise serves dinner only and features gourmet hamburgers and sandwiches, as well as retail merchandise inspired by Jimmy Buffett.

In September 2003, we entered into an agreement to develop and operate Paul Lee’s Chinese Kitchen (Paul Lee’s) restaurants, through our wholly owned subsidiary OS Cathay, Inc., a Florida corporation and our joint venture partner PLCK Holdings, LLC. Paul Lee’s will be a casual, suburban restaurant, serving reasonably priced traditional Chinese dishes. Paul Lee's will offer dinner only, with a key priority focusing on an efficient curbside takeout program.  There were no Paul Lee’s opened in 2003.

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CONCEPTS AND STRATEGIES

As of December 31, 2003, our restaurant system included full-service restaurants with several types of ownership structures. At December 31, 2003, the system included restaurant formats and ownership structures as listed in the following table:

Outback Steakhouse, Inc. and Affiliates	(Domestic) Outback Steakhouses	(International) Outback Steakhouses	Carrabba's Italian Grills	Fleming's Prime Steakhouses	Roy's	Lee Roy Selmon's	Bonefish Grills	Cheeseburger In Paradise	Total
Company owned	622	51	119	23	17	2	32	2	868
Development joint venture	3	10	29	-	1	-	1	-	44
Franchise	98	41	-	-	-	-	4	-	143
Total	723	102	148	23	18	2	37	2	1,055

The majority of Outback restaurants serve dinner only and feature a limited menu of high quality, uniquely seasoned steaks, prime rib, chops, ribs, chicken, seafood and pasta. Outback also offers specialty appetizers, including the signature “Bloomin' Onion,” desserts and full liquor service. Carrabba's restaurants serve dinner only and feature a limited menu of high quality Italian cuisine including a variety of pastas, chicken, seafood, veal and wood-fired pizza. Carrabba's also offers specialty appetizers, desserts, coffees and full liquor service. Fleming's restaurants serve dinner only and feature a limited menu of prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, veal and chicken entrees. Fleming's also offers several specialty appetizers and desserts. In addition to a full service bar, Fleming's offers over 100 quality wines by the glass. The majority of Roy's restaurants serve dinner only and feature a limited menu of “Hawaiian fusion” cuisine that includes a blend of flavorful sauces and Asian spices with a variety of seafood, beef, short ribs, pork, lamb and chicken. Roy's also offers several specialty appetizers, desserts and full liquor service. Selmon's serves lunch and dinner and features “Southern Style” comfort food. Selmon's also offers appetizers, desserts and full liquor service. Bonefish Grill serves dinner only and features a variety of fresh grilled fish complemented by a variety of sauces. Cheeseburger in Paradise serves dinner only and features gourmet hamburgers and sandwiches. Cheeseburger in Paradise also offers appetizers, desserts, full liquor service and retail merchandise inspired by Jimmy Buffett. We believe that we differentiate our Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grills, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bars, Roy's, Lee Roy Selmon's, Bonefish Grills and Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants by:

—          emphasizing consistently high quality ingredients and preparation of a limited number of menu items that appeal to a broad array of tastes;

—          attracting a diverse mix of customers through casual and upscale dining atmospheres emphasizing highly attentive service;

—          hiring and retaining experienced restaurant management by providing general managers the opportunity to purchase an interest in the cash flows of the restaurants they manage; and

—          limiting service to dinner for the majority of our locations (generally from 4:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.), which reduces the hours of restaurant management and employees.

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE:

Menu. The Outback Steakhouse menu includes several cuts of freshly prepared, uniquely seasoned and seared steaks, plus prime rib, barbecued ribs, pork chops, chicken, seafood and pasta. The menu is designed to have a limited number of selections to permit the greatest attention to quality while offering sufficient breadth to appeal to all taste preferences. We test new menu items to replace slower-selling items and regularly upgrade ingredients and cooking methods to improve quality and consistency of our food offerings. The menu also includes several specialty appetizers and desserts, together with full bar service featuring Australian wine. Liquor service accounts for approximately 13% of domestic Outback Steakhouses' restaurant sales. The price range of appetizers is $2.69 to $7.99 and the price range of entrees is $6.99 to $29.99. The average check per person was approximately $17.50 to $20.00 during 2003. The prices that we charge in individual locations vary depending upon the demographics of the surrounding area. Outback Steakhouses also offer a low-priced children's menu, and certain Outback Steakhouses also offer a separate menu offering larger portions of prime beef with prices ranging from $21.99 to $29.99.

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Casual Atmosphere. Outback Steakhouses feature a casual dining atmosphere with a decor suggestive of the rustic atmosphere of the Australian outback. The decor includes blond woods, large booths and tables and Australian memorabilia such as boomerangs, surfboards, maps and flags.

Restaurant Management and Employees. The general manager of each domestic Outback is required to purchase a 10% interest in the restaurant he or she manages for $25,000, and is required to enter into a five-year employment agreement. This interest gives the general manager the right to receive a percentage of his or her restaurant's annual cash flows for the duration of the agreement. By requiring this level of commitment and by providing the general manager with a significant stake in the success of the restaurant, we believe that we are able to attract and retain experienced and highly motivated managers. In addition, since our restaurants are generally open for dinner only, we believe that we have an advantage in attracting and retaining servers, food preparers and other employees who find the shorter hours an attractive life-style alternative to restaurants serving both lunch and dinner.

CARRABBA'S ITALIAN GRILL:

Menu. The Carrabba's Italian Grill menu includes several types of uniquely prepared Italian dishes including pastas, chicken, seafood, and wood-fired pizza. The menu is designed to have a limited number of selections to permit the greatest attention to quality while offering sufficient breadth to appeal to all taste preferences. We test new menu items to replace slower-selling items and regularly upgrade ingredients and cooking methods to improve quality and consistency of our food offerings. The menu also includes several specialty appetizers, desserts, and coffees, together with full bar service featuring Italian wines and specialty drinks. Liquor service accounts for approximately 16% of Carrabba's revenues. The price range of appetizers is $6.49 to $9.99 and the price of entrees is $8.99 to $19.49 with nightly specials ranging from $10.99 to $25.99. The average check per person was approximately $18.00 to $22.00 during 2003. The prices that we charge in individual locations vary depending upon the demographics of the surrounding area.

Casual Atmosphere. Carrabba's Italian Grills feature a casual dining atmosphere with a decor suggestive of a traditional Italian exhibition kitchen where customers can watch their meals being prepared. The decor includes dark woods, large booths and tables and Italian memorabilia featuring Carrabba's family photos, authentic Italian pottery and cooking utensils.

Restaurant Management and Employees. The general manager of each Carrabba's Italian Grill is required to purchase a 10% interest in the restaurant he or she manages for $25,000 and is required to enter into a five-year employment agreement. This interest gives the general manager the right to receive a percentage of his or her restaurant's annual cash flows for the duration of the agreement. By requiring this level of commitment and by providing the general manager with a significant stake in the success of the restaurant, we believe that we are able to attract and retain experienced and highly motivated managers. In addition, since our restaurants are generally open for dinner only, we believe that we have an advantage in attracting and retaining servers, food preparers and other employees who find the shorter hours an attractive life-style alternative to restaurants serving both lunch and dinner.

FLEMING'S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR:

Menu. The Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar menu features prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, as well as pork, veal and chicken entrees. Accompanying the entrees is an extensive assortment of freshly prepared salads and side dishes available a la carte. The menu also includes several specialty appetizers and desserts. In addition to full bar service, Fleming's offers a selection of over 100 quality wines available by the glass. Liquor service accounts for approximately 33% of Fleming's revenue. The price range of entrees is $18.50 to $33.95. Appetizers range from $6.50 to $11.50 and side dishes range from $4.95 to $6.50. The average check per person was approximately $55.00 to $65.00 during 2003.

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Upscale Casual Atmosphere. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar offers an upscale dining experience in an upbeat, casual setting. The décor features an open dining room built around an exhibition kitchen and expansive bar. The refined and casually elegant setting features lighter woods and colors with rich cherry wood accents and high ceilings. Private dining rooms are available for private gatherings or corporate functions.

Restaurant Management and Employees. The general manager of each Fleming's is required to purchase a 6% interest in the restaurant he or she manages for $25,000 and is required to enter into a five-year employment agreement. The chef of each Fleming's is required to purchase a 2% interest in the restaurant for $10,000 and is required to enter into a five-year employment agreement. This interest gives the general manager and chef the right to receive a percentage of their restaurant's annual cash flows for the duration of the agreement. By requiring this level of commitment and by providing the general manager and chef with a significant stake in the success of the restaurant, we believe that we are able to attract and retain experienced and highly motivated managers and chefs. In addition, since our restaurants are generally open for dinner only, we believe that we have an advantage in attracting and retaining servers, food preparers and other employees who find the shorter hours an attractive life-style alternative to restaurants serving both lunch and dinner.

ROY'S:

Menu. Roy's menu offers Chef Roy Yamaguchi's “Hawaiian-fusion” cuisine, a blend of flavorful sauces and Asian spices and features a variety of fish and seafood, beef, short ribs, pork, lamb and chicken. The menu also includes several specialty appetizers and desserts. Liquor service accounts for approximately 29% of Roy's revenue. In addition to full bar service, Roy's offers a large selection of quality wines. The price range of entrees is $21.00 to $65.00. Appetizers range from $8.00 to $24.00. The average check per person was approximately $45.00 to $55.00 during 2003.

Upscale Casual Atmosphere. Roy's offers an upscale casual dining experience, including spacious dining rooms, an expansive lounge area, a covered outdoor dining patio and Roy’s signature exhibition kitchen. Private dining rooms are available for private gatherings or corporate functions.

Restaurant Management and Employees. The general manager of each Roy's is required to purchase a 6% interest in the restaurant he or she manages for $25,000 and is required to enter into a five-year employment agreement. The chef of each Roy's is required to purchase a 5% interest in the restaurant for $15,000 and is required to enter into a five-year employment agreement. This interest gives the general manager and chef the right to receive a percentage of their restaurant's annual cash flows for the duration of the agreement. By requiring this level of commitment and by providing the general manager and chef with a significant stake in the success of the restaurant, we believe that we are able to attract and retain experienced and highly motivated managers and chefs. In addition, since our restaurants are generally open for dinner only, we believe that we have an advantage in attracting and retaining servers, food preparers and other employees who find the shorter hours an attractive life-style alternative to restaurants serving both lunch and dinner.

BONEFISH GRILL:

Menu. The Bonefish Grill menu offers fresh grilled fish and other seafood uniquely prepared with a variety of freshly prepared sauces. In addition to seafood, the menu also includes beef, pork and chicken entrees. The menu also includes several specialty appetizers. In addition to full bar service, Bonefish offers a specialty martini list. Liquor service accounts for approximately 26% of Bonefish's revenue. The price range of entrees is $13.50 to $21.90. Appetizers range from $5.50 to $14.90.  The average check per person was approximately $21.00 to $24.00 during 2003.

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Casual Atmosphere. Bonefish offers a casual dining experience in an upbeat, refined setting. The warm, inviting dining room has hardwood floors, large booths and tables, and distinctive artwork inspired by Florida's natural coastal setting.

Restaurant Management and Employees. The general manager of each Bonefish is required to purchase a 10% interest in the restaurant he or she manages for $25,000 and is required to enter into a five-year employment agreement. This interest gives the general manager the right to receive a percentage of his or her restaurant's annual cash flows for the duration of the agreement. By requiring this level of commitment and by providing the general manager with a significant stake in the success of the restaurant, we believe that we are able to attract and retain experienced and highly motivated managers. In addition, since our restaurants are generally open for dinner only, we believe that we have an advantage in attracting and retaining servers, food preparers and other employees who find the shorter hours an attractive life-style alternative to restaurants serving both lunch and dinner.

CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE:

Menu. The Cheeseburger in Paradise menu offers a signature cheeseburger, traditional American favorites, fresh fish dishes, and Caribbean and New Orleans style creations.  Each Cheeseburger offers a Tiki Bar with an extensive drink menu, including a variety of frozen drinks, as well as live nightly entertainment. Liquor service accounts for approximately 33% of Cheeseburger’s revenue. The price range of entrees is $6.45 to $16.95. Appetizers range from $2.45 to $12.95.  The average check per person was approximately $11.00 to $13.00 during 2003.

Casual Atmosphere. Cheeseburger offers a casual dining experience in an island setting. The exterior is a Key West-style structure with a tin and weathered wood water tower.  The interior is island décor and nautical sports paraphernalia scattered throughout weathered woods, sailcloth, tin roofs, thatch and bamboo.

Restaurant Management and Employees. The general manager of each Cheeseburger is required to purchase a 10% interest in the restaurant he or she manages for $25,000 and is required to enter into a five-year employment agreement. This interest gives the general manager the right to receive a percentage of his or her restaurant's annual cash flows for the duration of the agreement. By requiring this level of commitment and by providing the general manager with a significant stake in the success of the restaurant, we believe that we are able to attract and retain experienced and highly motivated managers. In addition, since our restaurants are generally open for dinner only, we believe that we have an advantage in attracting and retaining servers, food preparers and other employees who find the shorter hours an attractive life-style alternative to restaurants serving both lunch and dinner.

EXPANSION STRATEGY

During the year ended December 31, 2003, we added 28 domestic and 16 international Outback Steakhouses, 25 Carrabba's Italian Grills, 22 Bonefish Grills, five Fleming's, two Roy's, one Selmon’s and one Cheeseburger in Paradise to our restaurant system. We expect to open 28 to 30 domestic Company owned Outback Steakhouse restaurants in 2004, 4 to 5 domestic franchised restaurants and 16 to 20 international restaurants, of which 13 to 15 will be company owned and 3 to 5 will be franchised. In 2004, we expect to develop 24 to 25 Carrabba's restaurants, the majority of which will be Company owned and opened in our existing markets or in select new domestic markets. We also intend to add 10 to 12 Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar restaurants, 1 to 2 Roy's restaurants, 30 to 35 Bonefish Grills, 6 to 8 Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants and 2 Paul Lee’s Chinese Kitchens during 2004.

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The above statements regarding our expansion plans constitute forward-looking statements. We note that a variety of factors could cause the actual results and experience to differ from the anticipated results referred to above. Our development schedule for new restaurant openings is subject to a number of risk factors that could cause actual results to differ, including:

(i)      Availability of attractive sites for new restaurants and the ability to obtain appropriate real estate sites at acceptable prices;

(ii)     The ability to obtain all required governmental permits including zoning approvals and liquor licenses on a timely basis;

(iii)    Impact of moratoriums or approval processes of state, local or foreign governments, which could result in significant delays;

(iv)    The ability to obtain all necessary contractors and sub-contractors;

(v)     Union activities such as picketing and hand billing which could delay construction;

(vi)    The ability to negotiate suitable lease terms;

(vii)   The ability to generate or borrow funds;

(viii)  The ability to recruit and train skilled management and restaurant employees; and

(ix)     Weather and acts of God beyond our control resulting in construction delays.

Company owned restaurants include restaurants owned by partnerships in which we are a general partner and joint ventures in which we are one of two members. Our ownership interests in the partnerships and joint ventures generally range from 51% to 90%. Company owned restaurants also include restaurants owned by consolidated ventures in which we have less than a majority ownership. We consolidate these ventures because we control the executive committee (which functions as a board of directors) or have control through representation on the committee by related parties and we are able to direct or cause the direction of management and operations on a day-to-day basis. Additionally, the majority of capital contributions made by the partners in the consolidated ventures have been funded by loans to the partners either directly from us, or from a third party where we are required to be a guarantor of the debt, which provides us control through our collateral interest in the joint venture partners' membership interests. As a result of our controlling financial interest in these ventures, they are included in Company owned restaurants. We are responsible for 50% of the costs of new restaurants operated under these consolidated joint ventures and our joint venture partner is responsible for the other 50%. Our joint venture partners in consolidated joint ventures fund their portion of the costs of new restaurants through loans from us or through a line of credit that we guarantee (see Liquidity and Capital Resources). The results of operations of Company owned restaurants are included in our consolidated operating results. The portion of income or loss attributable to the other partners' interests is eliminated in the line item in our Consolidated Statements of Income entitled “Elimination of minority partners' interest.”

Development Joint Venture restaurants are organized as general partnerships and joint ventures in which we are one of two general partners and generally owns 50% of the partnership and our joint venture partner generally owns 50%. We are responsible for 50% of the costs of new restaurants operated as Development Joint Ventures and our joint venture partner is responsible for the other 50%. Our investments in these ventures are accounted for under the equity method, therefore the income derived from restaurants operated as Development Joint Ventures is presented in the line item “Income from operations of unconsolidated affiliates” in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

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Site Selection. We currently lease approximately 60% of our restaurant sites. In the future, we expect to construct a significant number of freestanding restaurants on owned or leased sites. Our leased sites are generally located in strip shopping centers. We expect 60% to 70% of new restaurants to be free standing locations. We

consider the location of a restaurant to be critical to its long-term success and devote significant effort to the investigation and evaluation of potential sites. The site selection process focuses on trade area demographics, and site visibility, accessibility and traffic volume. We also review potential competition and the profitability of national chain restaurants operating in the area. Senior management inspects and approves each restaurant site. Construction of a new restaurant takes approximately 90 to 360 days from the date the location is leased or under contract.

We design the interior of our restaurants in-house and utilize outside architects when necessary. A typical Outback Steakhouse is approximately 6,200 square feet and features a dining room and an island, full-service liquor bar. The dining area of a typical Outback Steakhouse consists of 45 to 48 tables and seats approximately 220 people. The bar area consists of approximately ten tables and has seating capacity for approximately 54 people. Appetizers and complete dinners are served in the bar area.

A typical Carrabba's Italian Grill is approximately 6,600 square feet and features a dining room, pasta bar and a full service liquor bar. The dining area of a typical Carrabba's Italian Grill consists of 40 to 45 tables and seats approximately 230 people. The liquor bar area includes six tables and seating capacity for approximately 59 people, and the pasta bar has seating capacity for approximately ten people. Appetizers and complete dinners are served in both the pasta bar and liquor bar.

A typical Fleming's is approximately 7,850 square feet and features a dining room, an exhibition kitchen and full service liquor bar. The dining area of a typical Fleming's consists of approximately 47 tables and seats approximately 202 people. The bar area includes six tables and bar seating with a capacity for approximately 34 people.

A typical Roy's is approximately 7,100 square feet and features a dining room, an exhibition kitchen and full service liquor bar. The dining area of a typical Roy's consists of approximately 41 tables and seats approximately 154 people. The bar area includes six tables and bar seating with a capacity for approximately 34 people.

A typical Bonefish Grill is approximately 5,500 square feet and features a dining room and full service liquor bar. The dining area of a typical Bonefish Grill consists of approximately 36 tables and seats approximately 144 people. The bar area includes four tables and bar seating with a capacity for approximately 25 people.

A typical Cheeseburger in Paradise is approximately 7,300 square feet and features a dining room and full service Tiki bar. The dining area of a typical Cheeseburger consists of approximately 40 tables and seats approximately 155 people. The bar area includes eight tables and bar seating with a capacity for approximately 75 people.

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RESTAURANT LOCATIONS

The following table sets forth the location of each existing Outback Steakhouse as of December 31, 2003:

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The following table sets forth the location of each existing Carrabba's Italian Grill as of December 31, 2003:

The following table sets forth the location of each existing Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar as of December 31, 2003:

The following table sets forth the location of each Roy's as of December 31, 2003:

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The following table sets forth the location of each Lee Roy Selmon's as of December 31, 2003:

The following table sets forth the location of each Bonefish Grill as of December 31, 2003:

The following table sets forth the location of each Cheeseburger in Paradise as of December 31, 2003:

RESTAURANT OPERATIONS

Management and Employees. The management staff of a typical Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Lee Roy Selmon's, Cheeseburger in Paradise or Bonefish Grill consists of one general manager, one assistant manager and one kitchen manager. The management staff of a typical Fleming's or Roy's consists of a general manager, an executive chef, and two assistant managers. Each restaurant also employs approximately 55 to 75 hourly employees, many of whom work part-time. The general manager of each restaurant has primary responsibility for the day-to-day operation of his or her restaurant and is required to abide by Company established operating standards.

Purchasing. Our management negotiates directly with suppliers for most food and beverage products to ensure uniform quality and adequate supplies and to obtain competitive prices. We and our franchisees purchase substantially all food and beverage products from authorized local or national suppliers, and we periodically make advance purchases of various inventory items to ensure adequate supply or obtain favorable pricing. We currently purchase substantially all of our beef from four suppliers, with whom we maintain good relationships.

Supervision and Training. We require our area operating partners and restaurant general managers to have significant experience in the full-service restaurant industry. In addition, we have developed a comprehensive 12-week training course which all operating partners and general managers are required to complete. The program emphasizes our operating strategy, procedures and standards. Our senior management meets quarterly with our operating partners to discuss business-related issues and share ideas. In addition, members of senior management regularly visit the restaurants to ensure that our concept, strategy and standards of quality are being adhered to in all aspects of restaurant operations.

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The restaurant general managers and area operating partners, together with our President, Regional Vice Presidents, Senior Vice President of Training and Director of Training, are responsible for selecting and training the employees for each new restaurant. The training period for new non-management employees lasts approximately one week and is characterized by on-the-job supervision by an experienced employee. Ongoing employee training remains the responsibility of the restaurant manager. Written tests and observation in the work place are used to evaluate each employee's performance. Special emphasis is placed on the consistency and quality of food preparation and service which is monitored through monthly meetings between kitchen managers and senior management.

Advertising and Marketing. We use radio and television advertising in selected markets for Outback, Carrabba's and Bonefish where it is cost-effective. Historically, our goal was to develop a sufficient number of restaurants in each market we serve to permit the cost-effective use of radio and television advertising. In the future, we expect that our upscale casual restaurants will be less dependent on broadcast media and more dependent on site visibility and local marketing. We engage in a variety of promotional activities, such as contributing goods, time and money to charitable, civic and cultural programs, in order to increase public awareness of our restaurants.

GENERAL MANAGER PARTNER PROGRAM

The general manager of each Company owned domestic Outback and Carrabba's restaurant is required, as a condition of employment, to sign a five-year employment agreement and is required to purchase a 10% interest in the restaurant he or she is employed to manage. The general manager of each Company owned Bonefish restaurant is required, as a condition of employment, to sign a five-year employment agreement and is required to purchase a 10% interest in the restaurant he or she is employed to manage. The general manager of each Company owned Fleming's and Roy's is required, as a condition of employment, to sign a five-year employment agreement and is required to purchase a 6% interest in the restaurant he or she is employed to manage. The chef of each Company owned Fleming's and Roy's is required, as a condition of employment, to sign a five-year employment agreement and is required for Fleming's to purchase a 2% interest and for Roy's to purchase a 5% interest in the restaurant. We require each new unaffiliated franchisee to provide the same opportunity to the general manager of each new restaurant opened by that franchisee. To date, the purchase price for the 10% interest in Outback, Carrabba's and Bonefish and the 6% interest in Fleming's and Roy's has been fixed at $25,000, which may be refundable under certain conditions as defined in the employment agreement. This interest gives the general manager and chef the right to receive a percentage of their restaurant's annual cash flows for the duration of the agreement. During the term of employment, each general manager is prohibited from selling or otherwise transferring his or her interest, and after the term of employment, any sale or transfer of that interest is subject to certain rights of first refusal as defined in the employment agreement. In addition, each general manager is required to sell his or her interest to his or her employer or our general partners upon termination of employment on terms set forth in his or her employment agreement. We intend to continue the general manager investment program.

OWNERSHIP STRUCTURES

Our ownership interests in each of our restaurants are divided into two basic categories: (i) Company owned restaurants which are owned by general partnerships in which we are a general partner and own a controlling financial interest or in which we exercise control while holding less than a majority ownership, and (ii) development joint ventures. The results of operations of Company owned restaurants are included in our Consolidated Statements of Income, and the results of operations of restaurants owned by development joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

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COMPETITION

The restaurant industry is intensely competitive with respect to price, service, location and food quality, and there are many well-established competitors with substantially greater financial and other resources than ours. Some of our competitors have been in existence for a substantially longer period than us and may be better established in the markets where our restaurants are or may be located. Changes in consumer tastes, national, regional or local economic conditions, demographic trends, traffic patterns and the type, number and location of competing restaurants often affect the restaurant business. In addition, factors such as inflation, increased food, labor and benefits costs, and energy costs and the availability of experienced management and hourly employees may adversely affect the restaurant industry in general and our restaurants in particular.

UNAFFILIATED FRANCHISE PROGRAM

At December 31, 2003, there were 98 domestic franchised Outback Steakhouses and 41 international franchised Outback Steakhouses. Each unaffiliated domestic franchisee paid an initial franchise fee of $40,000 for each restaurant and pays a continuing monthly royalty of 3% of gross restaurant sales and a monthly marketing administration fee of 0.5% of gross restaurant sales. Initial fees and royalties for international franchisees vary by market. Each unaffiliated international franchisee paid an initial franchise fee of $40,000 to $200,000 for each restaurant and pays a continuing monthly royalty of 3-5% of gross restaurant sales. In addition, until such time as we establish a national advertising fund or a regional advertising cooperative, all domestic unaffiliated franchisees are required to expend, on a monthly basis, a minimum of 3% of gross restaurant sales on local advertising. Once we establish a national advertising fund or a regional advertising cooperative, covered domestic franchisees will be required to contribute, on a monthly basis, 3.5% of gross restaurant sales to the fund or cooperative in lieu of local advertising.

At December 31, 2003, there were no unaffiliated domestic franchised Roy's, as we purchased the one existing franchisee in September 2003.  Through the purchase date, the unaffiliated domestic franchisee paid an initial franchise fee of $25,000 for the restaurant and paid a continuing monthly royalty of 2.5% of gross restaurant sales and a monthly marketing administration fee of 0.5% of gross restaurant sales. In addition, as we had not yet established a national advertising fund or a regional advertising cooperative, the domestic unaffiliated franchisee was required to expend, on a monthly basis, a minimum of 3% of gross restaurant sales on local advertising. Once we establish a national advertising fund or a regional advertising cooperative for any future franchisees, covered domestic franchisees will be required to contribute, on a monthly basis, 3.5% of gross restaurant sales to the fund or cooperative in lieu of local advertising.

At December 31, 2003, there were four domestic franchised Bonefish Grills. Each unaffiliated domestic franchisee paid an initial franchise fee of $50,000 for each restaurant and pays a continuing monthly royalty of 4.0% of gross restaurant sales and a monthly marketing administration fee of 0.5% of gross restaurant sales. In addition, until such time as we establish a national advertising fund or a regional advertising cooperative, all domestic unaffiliated franchisees are required to expend, on a monthly basis, a minimum of 3% of gross restaurant sales on local advertising. Once we establish a national advertising fund or a regional advertising cooperative, covered domestic franchisees will be required to contribute, on a monthly basis, 3.5% of gross restaurant sales to the fund or cooperative in lieu of local advertising.

There were no unaffiliated franchises of Carrabba's Italian Grills, Fleming's, Cheeseburger in Paradise or Lee Roy Selmon's at December 31, 2003.

All unaffiliated franchisees are required to operate their Outback Steakhouse and Bonefish Grill restaurants in compliance with our methods, standards and specifications regarding such matters as menu items, ingredients, materials, supplies, services, fixtures, furnishings, decor and signs although the franchisee has full discretion to determine the prices to be charged to customers. In addition, all franchisees are required to purchase all food, ingredients, supplies and materials from suppliers approved by us.

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EMPLOYEES

We employ approximately 69,000 persons, approximately 450 of whom are corporate personnel employed by Outback Steakhouse, Inc. Approximately 2,700 are restaurant management personnel and the remainder are hourly restaurant personnel. Of the approximately 450 corporate employees, approximately 50 are in management and 400 are administrative or office employees. None of our employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

TRADEMARKS

We regard our Outback Steakhouse, our Carrabba's Italian Grill, our Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, our Roy's, our Cheeseburger in Paradise, our Bonefish Grill, our Lee Roy Selmon's and our Paul Lee’s Chinese Kitchen service marks and our “Bloomin' Onion” trademark as having significant value and as being important factors in the marketing of our restaurants. We have also obtained a trademark for several other of our menu items, and the “No Rules. Just Right.”, “Aussie Mood. Awesome Food.” and other advertising slogans. We are aware of names and marks similar to the service marks of ours used by other persons in certain geographic areas in which we have restaurants. However, we believe such uses will not adversely affect us. Our policy is to pursue registration of our marks whenever possible and to oppose vigorously any infringement of our marks.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

We are subject to various federal, state and local laws affecting our business. Each of our restaurants is subject to licensing and regulation by a number of governmental authorities, which may include alcoholic beverage control, health and safety and fire agencies in the state or municipality in which the restaurant is located. Difficulties in obtaining or failures to obtain the required licenses or approvals could delay or prevent the development of a new restaurant in a particular area.

Approximately 14% of our restaurant sales are attributable to the sale of alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverage control regulations require each of our restaurants to apply to a state authority and, in certain locations, county or municipal authorities for a license or permit to sell alcoholic beverages on the premises and to provide service for extended hours and on Sundays. Typically, licenses must be renewed annually and may be revoked or suspended for cause at any time. Alcoholic beverage control regulations relate to numerous aspects of daily operations of our restaurants, including minimum age of patrons and employees, hours of operation, advertising, wholesale purchasing, inventory control and handling, storage and dispensing of alcoholic beverages. The failure of a restaurant to obtain or retain liquor or food service licenses would adversely affect the restaurant's operations.

We may be subject in certain states to “dram-shop” statutes, which generally provide a person injured by an intoxicated person the right to recover damages from an establishment which wrongfully served alcoholic beverages to the intoxicated person. We carry liquor liability coverage as part of our existing comprehensive general liability insurance.

Our restaurant operations are also subject to federal and state minimum wage laws governing such matters as working conditions, overtime and tip credits. Significant numbers of our food service and preparation personnel are paid at rates related to the federal minimum wage and, accordingly, further increases in the minimum wage could increase our labor costs.

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination in employment and public accommodations on the basis of disability. The Act became effective in January 1992 with respect to public accommodation and July 1992 with respect to employment. Under the Act, we could be required to expend funds to modify our restaurants to provide service to, or make reasonable accommodations for the employment of, disabled persons.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Approximately 60% of our restaurants are located in leased space. In the future, we intend to continue to construct and own a significant number of new restaurants on owned or leased land. Initial lease expirations primarily range from five to ten years, with the majority of the leases providing for an option to renew for at least one additional term. All of our leases provide for a minimum annual rent, and most leases call for additional rent based on sales volume at the particular location over specified minimum levels. Generally, the leases are net leases that require us to pay the costs of insurance, taxes and a portion of lessors' operating costs. See pages 11-13 for listing of restaurant locations.

As of December 31, 2003, our executive offices were located in approximately 98,000 square feet of leased space in Tampa, Florida, under a lease expiring in 2010.  Subsequent to year end, we signed a lease extension which added approximately 32,000 square feet of space with a new lease expiration in 2014.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are subject to legal proceedings, claims and liabilities, such as liquor liability, sexual harassment and slip and fall cases, etc., which arise in the ordinary course of business and are generally covered by insurance. In the opinion of management, the amount of the ultimate liability with respect to those actions will not have a materially adverse impact on our financial position or result of operations and cash flows.

We filed a report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated June 27, 2003 regarding the jury verdict in a civil suit against us.  In June 2003, in a civil case against us in Indiana state court alleging liability under the "dram shop" liquor liability statute, a jury returned a verdict in favor of the two plaintiffs who were injured by a drunk driver.  The portion of the verdict against us was $39,000,000.  We intend to appeal the decision and believe we have valid grounds for appeal.  We have insurance coverage related to this case provided by our primary carrier for $21,000,000 and by an excess insurance carrier for the balance of the verdict of approximately $19,000,000.  As of the date of this filing, the excess insurance carrier has filed a declaratory judgment suit claiming it was not notified of the case and is therefore not liable for its portion of the verdict.  We do not believe the excess carrier’s case has any merit and we intend to vigorously defend the case.  If the excess carrier’s suit were to succeed, we believe we would have rights against the primary carrier and our third party administrator to recover any amounts we may have to pay.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SHAREHOLDERS

There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2003.

Executive Officers of Registrant. Joseph J. Kadow, 47, who joined Outback Steakhouse, Inc. in April 1994, serves as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Mr. Kadow serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Information regarding other executive officers is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 21, 2004.

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PART II

ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER REPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “OSI.” The following table sets forth, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, the high and low per share prices of our common stock as reported by the NYSE.

	2003									2002
							DIVIDENDS									DIVIDENDS
	HIGH			LOW			DECLARED			HIGH			LOW			DECLARED
First Quarter	$	35.95		$	30.05		$	0.12		$	37.96		$	32.45		$	-
Second Quarter		39.95			34.33			0.12			39.80			33.50			-
Third Quarter		40.83			35.52			0.12			35.75			25.99			-
Fourth Quarter	$	47.32		$	36.38		$	0.13		$	36.09		$	24.90		$	0.12

As of February 26, 2004, there were approximately 1,654 holders of record of our common stock.

On October 23, 2002, our Board of Directors declared our first quarterly dividend of $0.12 for each share of our common stock.  Quarterly dividends of $0.12 per share were also declared on January 22, April 23, and July 23, 2003, and an increased quarterly dividend of $0.13 per share was declared on October 22, 2003.  Future dividend decisions will be based on and affected by a number of factors, including our operating results and financial requirements.  At the current dividend rate, the annual dividend payment is expected to be between $38,000,000 and $40,000,000 depending on the shares outstanding during the respective quarters. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - Liquidity and Capital Resources” for additional discussion regarding our dividend payment.

See Item 12 in Part III of this report for certain information about common stock that may be issued under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2003.

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The following table includes information with respect to purchases of our common stock made by us during the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2003:

		(a)		(b)			(c)		(d)
		Total number					Total number of shares		Maximum number of shares
		of shares		Average price			purchased as part of publicly		that may yet be purchased
Period		purchased (1)		paid per share			announced programs (1)		under the programs (2)
Month #1
(October 1 to October 31)		-		$	-		- -		2,618,000
Month #2
(November 1 to November 30)		425,000		$	42.65		425,000		2,629,000
Month #3
(December 1 to December 31)		715,000		$	43.80		715,000		2,040,000

____________

(1)  No shares were repurchased other than through our publicly announced repurchase programs and authorizations during the fourth quarter of our year ended December 31, 2003.

(2)  On July 26, 2000, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 4,000,000 shares of our common stock, with the timing, price, quantity and manner of the purchases to be made at the discretion of management,  depending upon market conditions. In addition, the Board of Directors also authorized the repurchase of shares on a regular basis to offset shares issued as a result of stock option exercises. On July 23, 2003, our Board of Directors extended both the repurchase authorization for an additional 2,500,000 shares of our common stock, and the authorization to offset shares issued as a result of stock option exercises. During the period from the authorization date through December 31, 2003, approximately 4,956,000 shares of our common stock have been issued as the result of stock option exercises. As of December 31, 2003, under these authorizations we have repurchased approximately 9,665,000 shares of our common stock for approximately $304,705,000.

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

Outback Steakhouse, Inc., 2202 North West Shore Boulevard, Suite 500, Tampa, FL 33607

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Exchange: New York Stock Exchange

Listed Security: OSI common stock

REPORTS ON FORM 10-K

A copy of our Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K is available to shareholders at no charge on the Internet at www.sec.gov or will be furnished to any shareholder without charge upon written request or by visiting our website at www.outback.com. Address written requests to Investor Relations Department at: Outback Steakhouse, Inc., 2202 North West Shore Boulevard, Suite 500, Tampa, Florida 33607.

STOCK TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

The Bank of New York, Stock Transfer Administration, 101 Barclay Street, Floor 11-E, New York, New York 10286. Requests for changes and updates in shareholder records can be made to the Bank of New York Customer Service Department at 1-800-524-4458 (inside the U.S.), 1-610-382-7833 (outside the U.S.) or 1-888-269-5221 (hearing impaired – TDD phone).

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INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Tampa, Florida.

COMPANY NEWS

Our news releases, including quarterly earnings announcements, are available through the Company Info, Investor Relations section of our website or through our Toll Free Investor Hotline. To receive a faxed copy of recent news releases, call 1-877-733-6774.  This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For additional Company information, visit our website at www.outback.com.

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of shareholders will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time at the A la Carte Event Pavilion, 4050-B Dana Shores Drive, Tampa, Florida 33634.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(CONTINUED…)

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____________

(1)     All applicable share and per share data have been restated to reflect the retroactive effect of a three-for-two stock split effective on March 2, 1999.

(2)     In 2002, we adopted SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and in accordance with the transitional impairment provision of SFAS No. 142, we recorded the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of $740,000, net of taxes of approximately $446,000.

(3)     In 1999, we issued shares of our common stock in a merger to acquire all of the outstanding shares of our New England franchisee which owned 17 Outback Steakhouses in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. This merger was accounted for by the pooling-of-interests method using historical amounts and the amounts have been restated to give retroactive effect to the mergers for all periods presented.  No income tax expense has been provided in the Company's historical consolidated financial statements on income attributable to the New England franchisee.  Pro forma net income includes an adjustment to increase the provision for income taxes to reflect the anticipated tax as if the New England franchisee had elected not to be taxed under Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code.

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ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

OVERVIEW

We are one of the largest casual dining restaurant companies in the world, with seven restaurant concepts, over 1,000 system-wide restaurants and 2003 annual revenues for Company-owned stores exceeding $2.7 billion.  We operate in all 50 states and in 21 countries internationally, predominantly through Company-owned stores, but we also operate under a variety of partnerships and franchises.  Our primary focus as a company of restaurants is to provide a quality product coupled with quality service across all of our brands.  This goal entails offering consumers of different demographic backgrounds an array of dining alternatives suited for differing needs.  Our sales are primarily generated through a diverse customer base, which includes people eating in our restaurants as regular casual users who return for meals several times a week or on special occasions such as birthday parties, private events, and for business entertainment.  Secondarily, we generate revenues through sale of franchises and ongoing royalties as well as the sale and redemption of gift certificates.

The restaurant industry is a highly competitive and fragmented business, which is subject to sensitivity in economic turns, trends in lifestyles and fluctuating costs.  Operating margins for restaurants are susceptible to fluctuations in prices of commodities, which include among other things, beef, chicken, seafood, butter, cheese, produce and other necessities to operate a store like natural gas or other energy supplies.  Additionally, the restaurant industry is characterized by a high initial capital investment, coupled with high labor costs.  The combination of these factors correlates with our initiatives to drive increased sales at existing stores in order to raise margins, because the incremental sales contribution to margins from every additional dollar of sales above the minimum costs required to open, staff and operate a store is very high.  We are not a company focused on growth in the number of restaurants just to generate additional sales.  Our expansion and operation strategies are to balance investment costs and the economic factors of operation, in order to generate reasonable, sustainable margins from our restaurant concepts.

Promotion of our Outback Steakhouse and Carrabba's Italian Grill restaurants is assisted by the use of use of national broadcast and spot television and radio media, which we will also begin to use for our Bonefish Grill brand.  We advertise on television in spot markets when our brands achieve sufficient penetration to make a meaningful broadcast schedule affordable.  We rely on word-of-mouth customer experience, grassroots marketing in local venues, direct mail and national print media to support broadcast media and as the primary campaigns for our upscale casual and newer brands.  We do not run price specials or attempt to lure customers with discounts, as is common to many restaurants in the casual dining industry.  Our advertising dollars are meant to maintain brand image and develop consumer awareness. We strive to drive sales through excellence in execution rather than through discounting and other short-lived marketing efforts.  Our marketing strategy of getting people to visit frequently and tell others about it complements what we believe are the fundamental elements of success: convenient sites, service-oriented employees, and flawless execution in a well-managed restaurant. 

Key factors which can be used in evaluating and understanding our restaurants and assessing our business include the following:

–     Average unit volumes – a per store calculated average sales amount, which helps us gauge the changes in consumer traffic, pricing and development of the brand;

–     Operating margins –store revenues after deduction of the main store-level operating costs (including cost of sales, restaurant operating expenses, and labor and related costs);

–     System-wide sales – a total sales volume for all company-owned, franchise, and unconsolidated joint venture stores, regardless of ownership to interpret the health of our brands; and

–     Same-store or comparable sales – a year-over-year comparison of sales volumes for stores that are open in order to remove the impact of new openings in comparing the operations of existing stores.

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Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Our 2003 financial results included:

–     Growth of consolidated revenues by 16% to $2.7 billion;

–     Growth of net income by 13% to $170 million;

–     100 new unit openings across all brands; and

–     Average unit volume increases at all concepts, with the exception of Bonefish Grill. 

Sales increases were driven by new unit openings, as well as increases in average unit volumes, which were aided by the overall economic recovery and continued resurgence of sales in former high tech and telecom markets.  Our strategy in the past year included expansion of our newer concepts, particularly Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar and Bonefish Grill.  We also focused additional spending on prime time broadcast media for our core Outback Steakhouse brand.  Curbside takeaway is an increasing percentage of our total sales, and is adding incrementally to our overall sales, while not significantly reducing in-store visits.  Our international Outback Steakhouse operations grew average unit volumes by 8% and profits by 93%, which was the result of targeted attempts to translate our brand into local consumer preferences, primarily in the Asian markets.  South Korea continues to be our largest and most profitable international region and will continue to be an opportunity for growth.

In 2003, our results were impacted by the growth of our newer brands.  As we continue to develop and expand new restaurant concepts at different rates, our cost of sales, restaurant operating expenses, and income from operations change from the mix of brands in our portfolio with slightly different operating characteristics.  Labor and related expenses are higher at our new format stores than have typically been experienced at Outback Steakhouses.  However, cost of sales at those stores is lower than those at Outback.  These trends are expected to continue with our planned development of stores in 2004.

Our industry’s challenges and risks include, but are not limited to, the potential for government regulation, the availability of employees, consumer perceptions regarding food safety and/or the health benefits of certain types of food, including attitudes about alcohol consumption, economic conditions and commodity pricing.  We have provided information in our Outlook section that outlines our current beliefs regarding the anticipated changes to our operations resulting from increased beef prices and other commodity costs, continued preopening expenses from the development of new restaurants and our expansion strategy, among other factors that may affect our results in 2004. 

INTRODUCTION

At December 31, 2003, Outback Steakhouse, Inc. and Affiliates (the “Company”) restaurant system included the following:

Outback Steakhouse, Inc. and Affiliates	(Domestic) Outback Steakhouses	(International) Outback Steakhouses	Carrabba's Italian Grills	Fleming's Prime Steakhouses	Roy's	Lee Roy Selmon's	Bonefish Grills	Cheeseburger In Paradise	Total
Company owned	622	51	119	23	17	2	32	2	868
Development joint venture	3	10	29	-	1	-	1	-	44
Franchise	98	41	-	-	-	-	4	-	143
Total	723	102	148	23	18	2	37	2	1,055

Company owned restaurants include restaurants owned by partnerships in which we are a general partner and joint ventures in which we are one of two members. Our ownership interests in the partnerships and joint ventures generally range from 51% to 90%. Company owned restaurants also include restaurants owned by consolidated ventures in which we have less than a majority ownership. We consolidate these ventures because we control the executive committee (which functions as a board of directors) or have control through representation on the committee by related parties and we are able to direct or cause the direction of management and operations on a day-to-day basis. Additionally, the majority of capital contributions made by the partners in the consolidated ventures have been funded by loans to the partners either directly from us, or from a third party where we are required to be a guarantor of the debt, which provides us control through our collateral interest in the joint venture partners' membership interests. As a result of our controlling financial interest in these ventures, they are included in Company owned restaurants. We are responsible for 50% of the costs of new restaurants operated under these consolidated joint ventures and our joint venture partner is responsible for the other 50%. Our joint venture partners in consolidated joint ventures fund their portion of the costs of new restaurants through loans from us or through a line of credit that we guarantee (see Liquidity and Capital Resources). The results of operations of Company owned restaurants are included in our consolidated operating results. The portion of income or loss attributable to the other partners' interests is eliminated in the line item in our Consolidated Statements of Income entitled “Elimination of minority partners' interest.”

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Development Joint Venture restaurants are organized as general partnerships and joint ventures in which we are one of two general partners and generally own 50% of the partnership and our joint venture partner generally owns 50%. We are responsible for 50% of the costs of new restaurants operated as Development Joint Ventures and our joint venture partner is responsible for the other 50%. Our investments in these ventures are accounted for under the equity method, therefore the income derived from restaurants operated as Development Joint Ventures is presented in the line item “Income from operations of unconsolidated affiliates” in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

We derive no direct income from operations of franchised restaurants other than initial franchise fees and royalties, which are included in our “Other revenues.”

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Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated: (i) the percentages which the items in our Consolidated Statements of Income bear to total revenues or restaurant sales, as indicated; and (ii) selected operating data:

____________

(1)     As a percentage of restaurant sales.

(*)     Less than 1/10 of one percent of total revenues.

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Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

System-wide sales grew by 12.8% in 2003 and by 11.0% in 2002. System-wide sales is a non-GAAP financial measure that includes sales of all restaurants operating under our brand names, whether we own them or not. The two components of system-wide sales, including those of Outback Steakhouse, Inc. and those of franchisees and unconsolidated development joint ventures, is provided below:

		YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
		2003			2002			2001
OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC. RESTAURANT
SALES (in millions):
Outback Steakhouses
	Domestic	$	2,087		$	1,917		$	1,812
	International		110			61			36
	Total		2,197			1,978			1,848
Carrabba's Italian Grills			321			253			204
Other restaurants			207			112			55
Total Company-owned restaurant sales		$	2,725		$	2,343		$	2,107

The following information presents sales for the franchised and unconsolidated development joint venture restaurants. These are restaurants that are not owned by us and from which we only receive a franchise royalty or a portion of their total income. Management believes that franchise and unconsolidated development joint venture sales information is useful in analyzing our revenues because franchisees and affiliates pay service fees and/or royalties that generally are based on a percent of sales. Management also uses this information to make decisions about future plans for the development of additional restaurants and new concepts as well as evaluation of current operations.

These sales do not represent sales of Outback Steakhouse, Inc., and are presented only as an indicator of the changes in the restaurant system, which we believe is important information regarding the health of our restaurant brands.

		YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
		2003			2002			2001
FRANCHISE AND DEVELOPMENT JOINT
VENTURE SALES (in millions) (1):
Outback Steakhouses
	Domestic	$	369		$	377		$	358
	International		84			88			81
	Total		453			465			439
Carrabba's Italian Grills			89			90			72
Other restaurants			16			12			3
Total franchise and development joint venture sales (1)		$	558		$	567		$	514
Income from franchise and development joint ventures (2)		$	24		$	23		$	22
____________
(1)  Franchise and development joint venture sales are not included in Company revenues as reported in our
	Consolidated Statements of Income.
(2)  Represents the franchise royalty and portion of total income included in our Consolidated Statements of
	Income in the line items Other revenues or Income from operations of unconsolidated affiliates.

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Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

FISCAL YEARS ENDED 2003, 2002 AND 2001

		DECEMBER 31,
		2003		2002		2001
Number of restaurants (at end of the period):
Outback Steakhouses
	Company owned- domestic	622		580		553
	Company owned - international	51		32		22
	Franchised and development joint venture- domestic	101		118		114
	Franchised and development joint venture- international	51		54		50
	Total	825		784		739
Carrabba's Italian Grills
	Company owned	119		94		75
	Development joint venture	29		29		28
	Total	148		123		103
Bonefish Grills
	Company owned	32		11		3
	Franchised and development joint venture	5		4		1
	Total	37		15		4
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bars
	Company owned	23		16		11
Roy’s
	Company owned	17		14		11
	Franchised and development joint venture	1		2		1
	Total	18		16		12
Lee Roy Selmon’s
	Company owned	2		1		1
Cheeseburger in Paradise
	Company owned	2		1		-
System-wide total		1,055		956		870

None of our individual brands are considered separate reportable segments for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 131; however, differences in certain operating ratios are discussed in this section to enhance the financial statement users' understanding of our results of operations and our changes in financial condition.

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FISCAL YEARS ENDED 2003, 2002 AND 2001

REVENUES

RESTAURANT SALES. Restaurant sales increased by 16.3% in 2003 as compared with 2002, and by 11.2% in 2002 as compared with 2001. The increases in 2003 and 2002 were primarily attributable to the opening of new restaurants. The following table summarizes additional activities that influenced the changes in restaurant sales at domestic Company owned restaurants for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001:

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OTHER REVENUES. Other revenues, consisting primarily of initial franchise fees and royalties, increased by $489,000 to $19,769,000 in 2003 as compared with $19,280,000 in 2002. The increase was attributable to higher royalties from restaurants operated as franchises during 2003 compared with 2002. The increase was partially offset by the purchase of 14 domestic Outback Steakhouse franchised restaurants in July 2003, which resulted in a decline in franchise fee revenue since we now record 100% of the restaurants’ revenues as Company owned restaurants.  Other revenues decreased by $563,000 to $19,280,000 in 2002 as compared with $19,843,000 in 2001. The decrease was attributable to lower franchise fees from international franchise operations partially offset by higher royalties from additional restaurants operated as franchises during 2002 compared with 2001. The decrease was also a result of our decision to allow 14 of our international franchised restaurants in certain markets to spend the royalties due to us on additional advertising to increase brand awareness and penetration in new markets.

COSTS AND EXPENSES

COST OF SALES. Cost of sales, consisting of food and beverage costs, decreased by 0.5% of restaurant sales to 36.1% in 2003 as compared with 36.6% in 2002. The decrease was attributable to commodity cost decreases for beef and shrimp, partially offset by higher lobster and fresh fish costs. The decrease was also attributable to higher menu prices, and an increase in the proportion of consolidated sales associated with our non-Outback Steakhouse restaurants, which have lower cost of goods sold ratios than Outback Steakhouse. Cost of sales decreased by 1.7% of restaurant sales to 36.6% in 2002 as compared with 38.3% in 2001. The decrease was attributable to commodity cost decreases for beef, pork, dairy and seafood partially offset by higher produce costs.

LABOR AND OTHER RELATED EXPENSES. Labor and other related expenses include all direct and indirect labor costs incurred in operations, except for distribution expense to employee partners and employee partner stock buyout expense, described below. Labor and other related expenses increased as a percentage of restaurant sales by 0.2% to 24.6% in 2003 as compared with 24.4% in 2002. The increase was attributable to higher state unemployment taxes, higher employee health insurance and benefits costs and higher international labor costs, partially offset by increased productivity in most of our brands and higher average unit volumes at domestic Outback Steakhouses, Fleming’s and Roy’s.  The increase was also a result of an increase in the proportion of new restaurant formats which have higher average labor costs than domestic Outback Steakhouses and Carrabba's Italian Grills. Labor and other related expenses increased as a percentage of restaurant sales by 0.3% to 24.4% in 2002 as compared with 24.1% in 2001. The increase resulted from higher employee health insurance costs, higher hourly employee bonuses, lower average unit volumes at Outback Steakhouse and an increase in the proportion of new restaurant formats which have higher average labor costs than domestic Outback Steakhouses and Carrabba's Italian Grills.

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OTHER RESTAURANT OPERATING EXPENSES. Other restaurant operating expenses include certain unit-level operating costs such as operating supplies, rent, repair and maintenance, advertising expenses, utilities, preopening costs and other occupancy costs. A substantial portion of these expenses is fixed or indirectly variable. Other operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales increased by 0.6% to 21.0% in 2003 as compared with 20.4% in 2002. The increase was attributable to increased advertising expenses, higher natural gas and supplies costs and higher credit card discounts due to rate and volume increases.  The increase was also attributable to an increase in the proportion of new format restaurants and international Outback Steakhouses in operation which have higher average restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales than domestic Outback Steakhouses and Carrabba's Italian Grills. The increase was partially offset by higher average unit volumes at both domestic and international Outback Steakhouses, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouses and Roy’s. Other operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales increased by 0.5% to 20.4% in 2002 as compared with 19.9% in 2001. The increase was attributable to higher insurance costs, lower average unit volumes for Outback Steakhouse and an increase in the proportion of new format restaurants and international Outback Steakhouses in operation which have higher average restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales than domestic Outback Steakhouses and Carrabba's Italian Grills. The increase was partially offset by lower restaurant preopening costs and lower natural gas costs as a percentage of restaurant sales during 2002 as compared with 2001.

DISTRIBUTION EXPENSE TO EMPLOYEE PARTNERS, EXCLUDING STOCK EXPENSE. Distribution expense to employee partners, excluding stock expense, includes distributions to managing partners and area operating partners of their percentage of restaurant cash flows pursuant to their interest agreements and cash buyouts of managing partners' rights in the cash flows of their restaurants. These costs as a percentage of total revenues decreased 0.1% to 2.2% in 2003, compared with 2.3% in 2002. The decrease was attributable to fewer cash buyouts of managing partners occurring in 2003 compared to 2002 and lower restaurant operating margins, offset by increased average unit volumes across the consolidated brands. Distribution expense to employee partners increased 0.1% as a percentage of total revenues to 2.3% in 2002 compared to 2.2% in 2001. The increase was attributable to increased overall restaurant operating margins across the consolidated brands, offset by fewer cash buyouts of managing partners occurring in 2002 compared to 2001.

EMPLOYEE PARTNER STOCK BUYOUT EXPENSE. Employee partner stock buyout expense includes non-cash expenses recorded for the accrual of future buyouts of area operating partners' rights in the cash flows of their restaurants. Upon buyout, area operating partners generally receive common stock in exchange for their rights in the cash flows of a restaurant. Employee partner stock buyout expense was flat as a percentage of total revenues at 0.2% in 2003 compared with 2002.  Increases in expense due to new restaurants opened by area operating partners were offset by buyouts of existing restaurants. Employee partner stock buyout expense decreased 0.1% to 0.2% in 2002, compared with 0.3% in 2001. Decreases in expense as a result of increased buyouts of existing restaurants were offset by increased overall restaurant operating margins across the consolidated brands and increased expenses due to new restaurants opened by area operating partners.

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FISCAL YEARS ENDED 2003, 2002 AND 2001

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. Depreciation and amortization costs were flat as a percentage of total revenues at 3.1% in 2003 compared with 2002. Additional depreciation related to new unit development and higher depreciation costs for the new restaurant formats, which have higher average construction costs than an Outback Steakhouse, were offset by higher average unit volumes at both domestic and international Outback Steakhouses, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouses and Roy’s. Depreciation and amortization costs increased by 0.1% of total revenues to 3.1% in 2002, as compared with 3.0% in 2001. The impact of reduced amortization expense due to the adoption of SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” was offset by higher depreciation costs. The increase in depreciation costs primarily resulted from additional depreciation related to new unit development and to higher depreciation costs for new restaurant formats which have higher average construction costs than Outback Steakhouse and Carrabba's Italian Grills. Lower average unit volumes at Outback Steakhouse also contributed to depreciation costs increasing as a percentage of total revenues.

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE. General and administrative expenses increased by $14,578,000 to $104,446,000 in 2003 as compared with $89,868,000 in 2002. The increase resulted from an increase in overall administrative costs associated with operating additional domestic and international Outback Steakhouses, Carrabba's Italian Grills, Fleming's Prime Steakhouses, Roy's and Bonefish Grills.  Additionally, the increase resulted from costs associated with the development of new restaurant formats, including the addition of area operating partners to provide for expansion of new restaurant brands, primarily in the third and fourth quarters of 2003. General and administrative expenses increased by $9,503,000 to $89,868,000 in 2002 as compared with $80,365,000 in 2001. The increase resulted from an increase in overall administrative costs associated with operating additional domestic and international Outback Steakhouses, Carrabba's Italian Grills, Fleming's Prime Steakhouses, Roy's and Bonefish Grills as well as costs associated with the development of new restaurant formats.

PROVISION FOR IMPAIRED ASSETS AND RESTAURANT CLOSINGS. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets,” during 2003 we recorded a pre-tax charge to earnings of $5,319,000 which primarily is related to the closing of one Outback Steakhouse restaurant and one Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar and to the reduction in the carrying value of five Outback Steakhouses.  In 2002, we recorded a pre-tax charge to earnings of $5,281,000 which primarily is related to the closing of one Outback Steakhouse and one Roy's restaurant and to the reduction in the carrying value of three Outback Steakhouses and one Carrabba's Italian Grill. In 2001, we recorded a pre-tax charge to earnings of $4,558,000 for the provision for impaired assets related to restaurant closings, severance and other associated costs related to the closing of three Outback Steakhouse and two Zazarac restaurants. (Refer to Impairment of Long-Lived Assets measurement discussion in the Critical Accounting Policies section of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.) See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for a discussion of our expansion strategy.

CONTRIBUTION FOR “DINE OUT FOR AMERICA”. This line item represents our contribution of 100% of our sales proceeds from Thursday, October 11, 2001 to charitable organizations to benefit victims and families of victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Our sales on October 11, 2001 for the “Dine Out for America” fundraising event totaled approximately $7,000,000, all of which was contributed during 2001.

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FISCAL YEARS ENDED 2003, 2002 AND 2001

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS OF UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES. Income from operations of unconsolidated affiliates represents our portion of net income from restaurants operated as development joint ventures. Income from development joint ventures was $6,119,000 in 2003 as compared to $6,029,000 in 2002. This increase was attributable to improved performance of Outback Steakhouses located in Brazil that are operated under a development joint venture agreement, partially offset by lower average unit volumes at Carrabba’s Italian Grills operated as development joint ventures. Income from development joint ventures was $6,029,000 in 2002 as compared to $4,390,000 in 2001. This increase was primarily attributable to additional stores operating as development joint ventures in the year and to an improvement in the operating results of these restaurants similar to that seen in the operating results of Company owned restaurants during 2002.

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS. As a result of the increase in revenues, the changes in the relationship between revenues and expenses discussed above, the opening of new restaurants, the provisions for impaired assets and restaurant closings, and the 2001 “Dine Out for America” contribution, income from operations increased by $32,202,000 to $264,812,000 in 2003 as compared to $232,610,000 in 2002 and increased by $45,249,000 to $232,610,000 in 2002, as compared with $187,361,000 in 2001.

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET. Other income (expense) represents the net of revenues and expenses from non-restaurant operations. Net other expense was $1,100,000 in 2003 compared with net other expense of $3,322,000 in 2002. The decrease in net other expense in 2003 is primarily the result of changes in the cash surrender value of certain life insurance policies from a loss of approximately $1,580,000 in 2002 to a gain of approximately $889,000 in 2003, which was partially offset by a gain of approximately $500,000 on the sale of an airplane during 2002, which did not recur in 2003. Net other expense was $3,322,000 in 2002 compared with net other expense of $2,287,000 in 2001. The increase in the net expense primarily resulted from a decrease of approximately $1,580,000 in the cash surrender value of certain life insurance policies during 2002. The increase in net other expense is also attributable to our portion of losses associated with the operation of Kentucky Speedway, and costs associated with a non-restaurant subsidiary, partially offset by a gain of approximately $500,000 on the sale of an airplane during 2002.

INTEREST INCOME. Interest income was $1,479,000 in 2003 as compared with interest income of $2,529,000 in 2002 and interest income of $3,364,000 in 2001. The decrease in interest income resulted from lower short-term investment balances resulting from the use of cash for acquisitions of franchisees and treasury stock purchases during 2003, as well as lower interest rates on short-term investments during 2002 compared with 2001.

INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense was $1,810,000 in 2003 as compared with interest expense of $1,317,000 in 2002 and interest expense of $926,000 in 2001. The increase in interest expense is due to higher average debt balances on borrowings for Outback Steakhouse’s international operations. The year-to-year changes in interest expense also resulted from changes in short term interest rates, changes in borrowing needs as funds were expended to finance the construction of new restaurants and fluctuations in interest rates on our lines of credit.

ELIMINATION OF MINORITY PARTNERS' INTEREST. The allocation of minority partners’ income included in this line item represents the portion of income or loss from operations included in consolidated operating results attributable to the ownership interests in certain other restaurants in which we have a controlling interest. As a percentage of revenues, the income allocations were 0.1% in 2003, compared with loss allocations of less than 1/10 of one percent in 2002, and 0.2% in 2001. The increase in the ratio is the result of improvement in the performance of new format restaurants.

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FISCAL YEARS ENDED 2003, 2002 AND 2001

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES. The provision for income taxes in all three years presented reflects expected income taxes due at federal statutory rates and state income tax rates, net of the federal benefit. The effective income tax rate was 34.6% in 2003, 34.8% in 2002 and 34.9% in 2001. The decrease in the effective tax rate in each year resulted from tax savings associated with changes in the corporate state tax structure and an increase in FICA tax credits for employee-reported tips. Approximately 50% of our international restaurants in which we have a direct investment are owned through a Cayman Island corporation.

CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF A CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE. The cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle represents the effect of the adoption of the transitional impairment provision of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” The adoption was made effective as of the beginning of 2002. The cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle was approximately $740,000, net of taxes of approximately $446,000 during the year ended December 31, 2002. Basic and diluted earnings per share were both reduced by $0.01 due to the impact of the change in accounting principle.

NET INCOME AND EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE. Net income for 2003 was $170,206,000, an increase of 13.4% over net income of $150,090,000 in 2002. Basic earnings per common share increased to $2.26 for 2003 from basic earnings per common share of $1.96 in 2002. Basic weighted shares outstanding decreased by approximately 1,478,000 shares from 76,734,000 shares at December 31, 2002 to 75,256,000 shares at December 31, 2003. Diluted earnings per common share increased to $2.17 for 2003 from diluted earnings per common share of $1.89 in 2002. Diluted weighted shares outstanding decreased by approximately 919,000 shares from 79,312,000 shares at December 31, 2002 to 78,393,000 shares at December 31, 2003. The decrease in both basic and diluted weighted shares outstanding in 2003 compared with 2002 was primarily due to the purchase of treasury shares during the year ended December 31, 2003, partially offset by the issuance of shares for stock option exercises.

Net income for 2002 was $150,090,000, an increase of 20.3% over net income of $124,738,000 in 2001. Basic earnings per common share increased to $1.96 for 2002 from basic earnings per common share of $1.63 in 2001. Basic weighted shares outstanding increased by approximately 102,000 shares from 76,632,000 shares at December 31, 2001 to 76,734,000 shares at December 31, 2002. Diluted earnings per common share increased to $1.89 for 2002 from diluted earnings per common share of $1.59 in 2001. Diluted weighted shares outstanding increased by approximately 963,000 shares from 78,349,000 shares at December 31, 2001 to 79,312,000 shares at December 31, 2002.  The increase in both basic and diluted weighted shares outstanding in 2002 compared with 2001 was the result of the issuance of shares for stock option exercises, offset by the purchase of treasury shares.

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