PRICING SUPPLEMENT NO. 17 Rule 424(b)(3)
DATED: October 28, 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 [ ] Book Entry Notes [x]
$50,000,000
Original Issue Date: Fixed Rate Notes [x] Certificated Notes [ ]
10/28/1999
Maturity Date: 10/28/2004 CUSIP#: 073928LH4
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: 7.330%
Interest Payment Dates: *
APPLICABLE ONLY TO FLOATING RATE NOTES:
Interest Rate Basis: Maximum Interest Rate:
[ ] Commercial Paper Rate Minimum Interest Rate:
[ ] Federal Funds 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 April 28, 2000 and on the 28th of each April and October
for each year until maturity.
The distribution of Notes will conform to the requirements set forth in Rule
2720 of the NASD Conduct Rules.
