THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC.
IncomeNotes(SM)
With Maturities of Nine Months or More from Date of Issue
Registration No. 333-109793
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Pricing Supplement No. 21
(To Prospectus dated November 17, 2003,
and Prospectus Supplement dated November 17, 2003)
Trade Date: May 3, 2004
Issue Date: May 6, 2004
The date of this Pricing Supplement is May 3, 2004
Fixed Rate Notes
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Interest
Maturity Price to Discounts & Payment
CUSIP# Interest Rate Date Public Commissions Reallowance Dealer Frequency
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07387EFA0 3.90% 5/15/2009 100.00% 1.00% 0.150% 99.25% Semi
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07387EFB8 5.71% 5/15/2019 100.00% 2.00% 0.350% 98.40% Semi
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07387EFC6 6.00% 5/15/2029 100.00% 2.50% 0.350% 98.00% Semi
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Subject to Redemption
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First
Interest Aggregate
First Interest Payment Survivor's Principal
Payment Date Amount Option Yes/No Date and Terms of Redemption Amount Net Proceeds
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11/15/2004 $20.48 Yes No N/A $ 598,000 $ 592,020
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11/15/2004 $29.98 Yes Yes Commencing on 5/15/2007 and on the 15th of $1,314,000 $1,287,720
each month thereafter until Maturity, the
Notes may be called in whole at par at the
option of the Company on ten calendar days
notice.
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11/15/2004 $31.50 Yes Yes Commencing on 5/15/2008 and on the 15th of $4,246,000 $4,139,850
each month thereafter until Maturity, the
Notes may be called in whole at par at the
option of the Company on ten calendar days
notice.
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***
The distribution of IncomeNotes will conform to the requirements set forth in
Rule 2720 of the NASD Conduct Rules.