PRICING SUPPLEMENT NO. 2 Rule 424(b)(3) DATED: December 2, 2003 + File No. 333-109793 December 3, 2003 ++ (To Prospectus dated November 17, 2003, and Prospectus Supplement dated November 17, 2003) $10,668,950,162 THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC. Medium-Term Notes, Series B Principal Amount: $75,000,000 Floating Rate Notes [x] Book Entry Notes [x] Original Issue Date: 12/5/2003 Fixed Rate Notes [ ] Certificated Notes [ ] Maturity Date: 12/5/2005 CUSIP#: 073928C43 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: Interest Payment Dates: Applicable Only to Floating Rate Notes: -------------------------------------- Interest Rate Basis: Maximum Interest Rate: N/A [ ] Commercial Paper Rate Minimum Interest Rate: N/A [ ] Federal Funds Effective Rate [x] Federal Funds Open Rate Interest Reset Date(s): Daily [ ] Treasury Rate Interest Reset Period: Daily [ ] LIBOR Reuters Interest Payment Date(s): * [ ] LIBOR Telerate [ ] Prime Rate [ ] CMT Rate Initial Interest Rate: 1.18% Interest Payment Period: Quarterly Index Maturity: N/A Spread (plus or minus): +0.18% + $25,000,000 was traded on December 2, 2003. ++ $50,000,000 was traded on December 3, 2003. * On the 5th of each March, June, September and December, including the maturity date. The distribution of Notes will conform to the requirements set forth in Rule 2720 of the NASD Conduct Rules.