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. 42
(To Prospectus dated November 17, 2003,
and Prospectus Supplement dated November 17, 2003)
Trade Date: October 4, 2004
Issue Date: October 7, 2004
The date of this Pricing Supplement is October 4, 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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07387EGD3 4.30% from and including 10/15/2020 100.00% 2.50% 0.350% 98.00% Monthly
10/7/04, to but excluding
9/15/08.
5.375% from and including
9/15/08, to but excluding
9/15/12.
6.375% from and including
9/15/12, to but excluding
9/15/16.
7.50% from and including
9/15/16, to but excluding
10/15/20.
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07387EGE1 5.43% 10/15/2029 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 $4.54 Yes Yes Commencing on 10/15/2008 and on the 15th $4,559,000 $4,445,025
of 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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4/15/2005 $28.36 Yes Yes Commencing on 10/15/2009 and on the 15th $2,825,000 $2,754,375
of 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.