SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) March 21, 2001 THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC. Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter DELAWARE File No. 1-8989 13-3286161 (State or other (Commission File (IRS Employer jurisdiction of Number) Identification incorporation) Number) 245 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10167 (Address of principal executive offices) (zip code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 272-2000 --------------- Not Applicable (former name or former address, if changed since last report) Item 5. Other Events Filed herewith is a copy of The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. (the "Company") Press Release, dated March 21, 2001, announcing earnings for the Company for the three months ended February 23, 2001, which includes the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income of the Company for the three months ended February 23, 2001 and February 25, 2000, and the three months ended November 30, 2000. All normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the periods presented have been included. The nature of the Company's business is such that the results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year. Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits (a) Financial Statements of business acquired: Not applicable. (b) Pro Forma financial information: Not applicable. (c) Exhibit: (99) Press Release, dated March 21, 2001. Signature Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC. By: /s/ Marshall J Levinson Marshall J Levinson Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) Dated: March 23, 2001 THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC. FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit No. Description (99) Press Release, dated March 21, 2001