PRICING SUPPLEMENT NO. 8 Rule 424(b)(3) DATED: May 30, 2003 File No. 333-104455 (To Prospectus dated April 24, 2003, and Prospectus Supplement dated April 24, 2003) $10,227,293,162 THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC. MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, SERIES B Principal Amount: $25,000,000 Floating Rate Notes [ ] Book Entry Notes [x] Original Issue Date: 6/04/2003 Fixed Rate Notes [x] Certificated Notes [ ] Maturity Date: 6/30/2005 CUSIP#: 073928ZQ9 Option to Extend Maturity: No [x] Yes [ ] Final Maturity Date: Optional Optional Redemption Repayment Repayment Redeemable On Price(s) Date(s) Price(s) ------------- ---------- --------- --------- N/A N/A N/A N/A Applicable Only to Fixed Rate Notes: Interest Rate: 1.6825% Interest Payment Dates: * Applicable Only to Floating Rate Notes: -------------------------------------- Interest Rate Basis: Maximum Interest Rate: [ ] Commercial Paper Rate Minimum Interest Rate: [ ] Federal Funds Rate Interest Reset Date(s): [ ] Treasury Rate Interest Reset Period: [ ] LIBOR Reuters Interest Payment Date(s): [ ] LIBOR Telerate [ ] Prime Rate [ ] CMT Rate Initial Interest Rate: Interest Payment Period: Index Maturity: Spread (plus or minus): *Commencing December 30, 2003 and on the 30th of each June and December thereafter until Maturity. The distribution of Notes will conform to the requirements set forth in Rule 2720 of the NASD Conduct Rules.