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. 39 (To Prospectus dated November 17, 2003, and Prospectus Supplement dated November 17, 2003) Trade Date: September 13, 2004 Issue Date: September 16, 2004 The date of this Pricing Supplement is September 13, 2004 Fixed Rate Notes --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interest Interest Maturity Price to Discounts & Payment CUSIP# Rate Date Public Commissions Reallowance Dealer Frequency --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 07387EGA9 5.70% 9/15/2029 100.00% 2.50% 0.350% 98.00% Semi --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject to Redemption ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- First First Interest Interest Aggregate Payment Payment Survivor's Principal Net Date Amount Option Yes/No Date and Terms of Redemption Amount Proceeds ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3/15/2005 $28.34 Yes Yes Commencing on 9/15/2009 and on the 15th $2,036,000 $1,985,100 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *** The distribution of IncomeNotes will conform to the requirements set forth in Rule 2720 of the NASD Conduct Rules.