THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC. IncomeNotes(SM) With Maturities of Nine Months or More from Date of Issue Registration No. 333-121744 Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) Pricing Supplement No. 5 (To Prospectus dated February 2, 2005, and Prospectus Supplement dated February 2, 2005) Trade Date: March 7, 2005 Issue Date: March 10, 2005 The date of this Pricing Supplement is March 7, 2005 Fixed Rate Notes ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Interest Maturity Price to Discounts & Payment CUSIP# Interest Rate Date Public Commissions Reallowance Dealer Frequency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 07387EHC4 5.625% 3/15/2030 100.00% 2.50% 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9/15/2005 $28.91 Yes Yes Commencing on 3/15/2010 and on $7,563,000 $7,373,925 the 15th 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.