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. 52 (To Prospectus dated November 17, 2003, and Prospectus Supplement dated November 17, 2003) Trade Date: December 20, 2004 Issue Date: December 23, 2004 The date of this Pricing Supplement is December 20, 2004 Fixed Rate Notes ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interest Maturity Price to Discounts & Payment CUSIP# Interest Rate Date Public Commissions Reallowance Dealer Frequency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 07387EGS0 5.50% 12/15/2029 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 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/15/2005 $26.28 Yes Yes Commencing on 12/15/2009 and on the 15th $2,685,000 $2,617,875 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.