PRICING SUPPLEMENT NO. 21 Rule 424(b)(3)
DATED: November 9, 1999 File No. 333-83049
(To Prospectus dated August 9, 1999
and Prospectus Supplement dated August 9, 1999)
$7,878,183,000
THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC.
MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, SERIES B
Principal Amount: Floating Rate Notes [x] Book Entry Notes [x]
$25,000,000
Original Issue Date: Fixed Rate Notes [ ] Certificated Notes [ ]
11/12/1999
Maturity Date: 11/15/2001 CUSIP#: 073928LM3
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
[x] Federal Funds 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:*** Interest Payment Period: Quarterly
Index Maturity: N/A
Spread (plus or minus): +0.48%
* Up to and including the Business Day immediately preceding maturity.
** Beginning February 15, 2000 and on the 15th of each February, May, August
and November thereafter until maturity.
*** Federal Funds Open Rate on November 10, 1999 plus 48 basis points.
The distribution of Notes will conform to the requirements set forth in Rule
2720 of the NASD Conduct Rules.
