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. 55
(To Prospectus dated November 17, 2003,
and Prospectus Supplement dated November 17, 2003)
Trade Date: January 18, 2005
Issue Date: January 21, 2005
The date of this Pricing Supplement is January 18, 2005
Fixed Rate Notes
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Interest
Price to Discounts & Payment
CUSIP# Interest Rate Maturity Date Public Commissions Reallowance Dealer Frequency
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07387EGV3 5.60% 1/15/2030 100.00% 2.50% 0.350% 98.00% Semi
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Subject to Redemption
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First Interest First Interest Survivor's Aggregate
Payment Date Payment Amount Option Yes/No Date and Terms of Redemption Principal Amount Net Proceeds
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7/15/2005 $27.07 Yes Yes Commencing on 1/15/2010 and $4,016,000 $3,915,600
on the 15th 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.