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. 38
(To Prospectus dated November 17, 2003,
and Prospectus Supplement dated November 17, 2003)
Trade Date: August 24, 2004
Issue Date: August 27, 2004
The date of this Pricing Supplement is August 24, 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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07387EFZ5 5.85% 8/27/2030 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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2/27/2005 $29.25 Yes Yes Commencing on 8/27/2009 and on the 27th of each $10,000,000 $9,750,000
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.