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. 33A (To Prospectus dated November 17, 2003, and Prospectus Supplement dated November 17, 2003) Trade Date: August 2, 2004 Issue Date: August 5, 2004 The date of this Pricing Supplement is August 2, 2004 Fixed Rate Notes ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interest CUSIP# Maturity Price to Discounts & Payment Interest Rate Date Public Commissions Reallowance Dealer Frequency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 07387EFT9 5.00% from and including 8/5/04, 8/15/2019 100.00% 2.00% 0.350% 98.40% Monthly to but excluding 8/15/07. 6.05% from and including 8/15/07, to but excluding 8/15/19. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 07387EFU6 6.00% 8/15/2029 100.00% 2.50% 0.350% 98.00% Semi ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject to Redemption --------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- First First Interest Interest Survivor's Yes/No Date and Terms of Redemption Aggregate Net Proceeds Payment Date Payment Option Principal Amount Amount -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9/15/2004 $5.56 Yes Yes The Notes may be called in whole at par, $1,297,000 $1,271,060 one time only on 8/15/2007, at the option of the Company on ten calendar days notice. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2/15/2005 $31.67 Yes Yes Commencing on 8/15/2009 and on the 15th of $9,077,000 $8,850,075 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. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *** The distribution of IncomeNotes will conform to the requirements set forth in Rule 2720 of the NASD Conduct Rules.