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. 47 (To Prospectus dated November 17, 2003, and Prospectus Supplement dated November 17, 2003) Trade Date: November 8, 2004 Issue Date: November 12, 2004 The date of this Pricing Supplement is November 8, 2004 Fixed Rate Notes ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interest Maturity Price to Discounts & Payment CUSIP# Interest Rate Date Public Commissions Reallowance Dealer Frequency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 07387EGL5 3.75% 11/15/2009 100.00% 1.00% 0.350% 99.25% Semi ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 07387EGM3 5.50% 11/15/2029 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 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5/15/2005 $19.06 Yes No N/A $1,293,000 $1,280,070 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5/15/2005 $27.96 Yes Yes Commencing on 11/15/2009 and on the 15th $1,617,000 $1,576,575 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.