PRICING SUPPLEMENT NO. 6 Rule 424(b)(3) DATED: May 21, 2003 File No. 333-104455 (To Prospectus dated April 24, 2003, and Prospectus Supplement dated April 24, 2003) $10,227,293,162 THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC. Medium-Term Notes, Series B Principal Amount: $25,000,000 Floating Rate Notes [ ] Book Entry Notes [x] Original Issue Date: 6/27/2003 Fixed Rate Notes [x] Certificated Notes [ ] Maturity Date: 6/27/2018 CUSIP#: 073928ZN6 Option to Extend Maturity: No [x] Yes [ ] Final Maturity Date: Minimum Denominations: $1,000, increased in multiples of $1,000 Optional Optional Redemption Repayment Repayment Redeemable On Price(s) Date(s) Price(s) ------------- -------------- ------------- ----------- * N/A N/A N/A Applicable Only to Fixed Rate Notes: ----------------------------------- Interest Rate: 4.20% from and including 6/27/03, to but excluding 6/27/08 6.20% from and including 6/27/08, to but excluding 6/27/18 Interest Payment Date(s): ** Applicable Only to Floating Rate Notes: -------------------------------------- Interest Rate Basis: Maximum Interest Rate: [ ] Commercial Paper Rate Minimum Interest Rate: [ ] Federal Funds Effective Rate [ ] Federal Funds Open Rate Interest Reset Date(s): [ ] Treasury Rate Interest Reset Period: [ ] LIBOR Reuters Interest Payment Date(s): [ ] LIBOR Telerate [ ] Prime Rate [ ] CMT Rate Initial Interest Rate: Interest Payment Period: Index Maturity: Spread (plus or minus): * Commencing June 27, 2006 and on the interest payment dates thereafter until Maturity, the Notes may be called in whole at par at the option of the Company on ten calendar days notice. ** Commencing December 27, 2003 and on the 27th of each June and December thereafter until Maturity or until the Notes are called. The distribution of Notes will conform to the requirements set forth in Rule 2720 of the NASD Conduct Rules.