PRICING SUPPLEMENT NO. 22 Rule 424(b)(3) DATED: May 11, 2004 File No. 333-109793 (To Prospectus dated November 17, 2003, and Prospectus Supplement dated November 17, 2003) $10,668,950,162 THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC. Medium-Term Notes, Series B Principal Amount: $60,000,000 Floating Rate Notes [x] Book Entry Notes [x] Original Issue Date: 5/14/2004 Fixed Rate Notes [ ] Certificated Notes [ ] Maturity Date: 6/2/2006 CUSIP#: 073928F32 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 [x] Federal Funds Open Rate Interest Reset Date(s): Daily [ ] Treasury Rate Interest Reset Period: Daily [ ] LIBOR Reuters Interest Payment Date(s): * [ ] LIBOR Telerate [ ] Prime Rate [ ] CMT Rate Initial Interest Rate: 1.16% Interest Payment Period: Quarterly Index Maturity: N/A Spread (plus or minus): +0.16% * Commencing June 2, 2004 and on the 2nd of each September, December, March and June thereafter, including the maturity date. The distribution of Notes will conform to the requirements set forth in Rule 2720 of the NASD Conduct Rules.