PRICING SUPPLEMENT NO. 15 Rule 424(b)(3) DATED: December 6, 2005 File No. 333-121744 (To Prospectus dated February 2, 2005, and Prospectus Supplement dated February 2, 2005) $12,410,781,162 THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC. Medium-Term Notes, Series B Principal Amount: $25,000,000 Floating Rate Notes [x] Book Entry Notes [x] Original Issue Date: 12/12/2005 Fixed Rate Notes [ ] Certificated Notes [ ] Maturity Date: 12/12/2007 CUSIP#: 073928M75 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 [ ] Federal Funds Open Rate Interest Reset Date(s): * [ ] Treasury Rate Interest Reset Period: Quarterly [ ] LIBOR Reuters Interest Payment Date(s): ** [x] LIBOR Telerate [ ] Prime Rate [ ] CMT Rate Initial Interest Rate: 4.48% Interest Payment Period: Quarterly Index Maturity: Three months Spread (plus or minus): +0.00% * Commencing March 12, 2006 and on the 12th of each March, June, September, and December thereafter prior to Maturity. ** Commencing March 12, 2006 and on the 12th of each March, June, September, and December thereafter, up to and including the maturity date. The distribution of Notes will conform to the requirements set forth in Rule 2720 of the NASD Conduct Rules.