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. 31
(To Prospectus dated November 17, 2003,
and Prospectus Supplement dated November 17, 2003)
Trade Date: July 19, 2004
Issue Date: July 22, 2004
The date of this Pricing Supplement is July 19, 2004
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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07387EFR3 6.00% 7/15/2029 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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1/15/2005 $28.83 Yes Yes Commencing on 7/15/2009 and on the $17,472,000 $17,035,200
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.