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. 37 (To Prospectus dated November 17, 2003, and Prospectus Supplement dated November 17, 2003) Trade Date: August 30, 2004 Issue Date: September 2, 2004 The date of this Pricing Supplement is August 30, 2004 Fixed Rate Notes ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Interest Maturity Price to Discounts & Payment CUSIP# Interest Rate Date Public Commissions Reallowance Dealer Frequency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 07387EFY8 5.80% 9/15/2029 100.00% [TBD]% 0.350% 98.00% Semi ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Subject to Redemption --------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ First Interest Aggregate First Interest Payment Survivor's Principal Payment Date Amount Option Yes/No Date and Terms of Redemption Amount Net Proceeds ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3/15/2005 $31.09 Yes Yes Commencing on 9/15/2009 and on the 15th of each $[TBD] $[TBD] 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.