FWP 1 ms1683_fwp-04918.htm PRELIMINARY TERMS NO. 1,683

May 2021

Preliminary Terms No. 1,683

Registration Statement Nos. 333-250103; 333-250103-01

Dated May 18, 2021

Filed pursuant to Rule 433

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Structured Investments

Opportunities in U.S. Equities

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due November 23, 2022

All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the NASDAQ-100 Index® and the Russell 2000® Index

Fully and Unconditionally Guaranteed by Morgan Stanley

Principal at Risk Securities

The securities offered are unsecured obligations of Morgan Stanley Finance LLC (“MSFL”) and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Morgan Stanley. The securities have the terms described in the accompanying product supplement, index supplement and prospectus, as supplemented or modified by this document. The securities do not guarantee the repayment of any principal. The securities offer the opportunity for investors to earn a fixed semi-annual coupon at an annual rate of 5.00%. In addition, the securities will be automatically redeemed if the index closing value of each of the NASDAQ-100 Index® and the Russell 2000® Index is greater than or equal to its respective initial index value on any semi-annual redemption determination date for the early redemption payment equal to the sum of the stated principal amount plus the related semi-annual coupon. At maturity, if the securities have not previously been redeemed and the final index value of each underlying index is greater than or equal to 80% of the respective initial index value, meaning that neither underlying index has declined by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 20%, the payment at maturity will be the stated principal amount and the related semi-annual coupon. If, however, the final index value of either underlying index is less than its respective initial index value by an amount greater than the specified buffer amount, investors will lose 1.25% of the principal amount for every 1% decline in the final index value of the worst performing underlying index from its initial index value beyond the buffer amount of 20%. Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less, and possibly significantly less, than the stated principal amount of the securities and could be zero. There is no minimum payment at maturity on the securities. Accordingly, investors in the securities may lose their entire initial investment in the securities. Because payments on the securities are based on the worst performing of the underlying indices, a decline beyond the buffer amount of either of the underlying indices will result in a loss of your investment, even if the other underlying index has appreciated or has not declined as much. Investors will not participate in any appreciation of the underlying indices. These securities are for investors who are willing to risk their principal based on the worst performing of two underlying indices and who are willing to forgo the opportunity to participate in any appreciation of the underlying indices in exchange for the limited protection against loss, the opportunity to earn interest at a potentially above-market rate and the possibility of an automatic early redemption prior to maturity. The securities are notes issued as part of MSFL’s Series A Global Medium-Term Notes program.

All payments are subject to our credit risk. If we default on our obligations, you could lose some or all of your investment. These securities are not secured obligations and you will not have any security interest in, or otherwise have any access to, any underlying reference asset or assets.

SUMMARY TERMS

Issuer:

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Guarantor:

Morgan Stanley

Underlying indices:

NASDAQ-100 Index® (the “NDX Index”) and Russell 2000® Index (the “RTY Index”)

Aggregate principal amount:

$

Stated principal amount:

$1,000 per security

Issue price:

$1,000 per security (see “Commissions and issue price” below)

Pricing date:

May 18, 2021

Original issue date:

May 21, 2021 (3 business days after the pricing date)

Maturity date:

November 23, 2022

Early redemption:

If, on any redemption determination date, beginning on November 17, 2021, the index closing value of each underlying index is greater than or equal to its respective initial index value, the securities will be automatically redeemed for an early redemption payment on the related early redemption date. No further payments will be made on the securities once they have been redeemed.

The securities will not be redeemed early on any early redemption date if the index closing value of either underlying index is below the respective initial index value for such underlying index on the related redemption determination date.

Early redemption payment:

The early redemption payment will be an amount equal to (i) the stated principal amount for each security you hold plus (ii) the semi-annual coupon for the related interest period.

Semi-annual coupon:

Unless the securities have been previously redeemed, a fixed coupon at an annual rate of 5.00% (corresponding to approximately $25.00 per semi-annual period per security) will be paid on each coupon payment date.

Payment at maturity:

If the securities have not been automatically redeemed prior to maturity, the payment at maturity will be determined as follows:

 

If the final index value of each underlying index is greater than or equal to 80% of its respective initial index value, meaning that the final index value of neither underlying index has decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 20% from its respective initial index value, investors will receive the stated principal amount plus the semi-annual coupon for the final interest period.

 

If the final index value of either underlying index is less than 80% of its respective initial index value, meaning that the final index value of either of the underlying indices has decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 20% from its respective initial index value, investors will receive (i) the semi-annual coupon for the final interest period plus (ii) an amount calculated as follows:

$1,000 + [$1,000 × (index percent change of the worst performing underlying index + 20%) × downside factor]

Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less, and possibly significantly less, than the stated principal amount of the securities and could be zero.

 

Terms continued on the following page

Agent:

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (“MS & Co.”), an affiliate of MSFL and a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. See “Supplemental information regarding plan of distribution; conflicts of interest.”

Estimated value on the pricing date:

Approximately $981.00 per security, or within $25.00 of that estimate. See “Investment Summary” beginning on page 3.

Commissions and issue price:

Price to public(1)

Agent’s commissions and fees(2)

Proceeds to us(3)

Per security

$1,000

$

$

Total

$

$

$

(1)The securities will be sold only to investors purchasing the securities in fee-based advisory accounts.

(2)MS & Co. expects to sell all of the securities that it purchases from us to an unaffiliated dealer at a price of $ per security, for further sale to certain fee-based advisory accounts at the price to public of $1,000 per security. MS & Co. will not receive a sales commission with respect to the securities. See “Supplemental information regarding plan of distribution; conflicts of interest.” For additional information, see “Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” in the accompanying product supplement.

(3)See “Use of proceeds and hedging” on page 27.

The securities involve risks not associated with an investment in ordinary debt securities. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 10.

The Securities and Exchange Commission and state securities regulators have not approved or disapproved these securities, or determined if this document or the accompanying product supplement, index supplement and prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency or instrumentality, nor are they obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank.

You should read this document together with the related product supplement, index supplement and prospectus, each of which can be accessed via the hyperlinks below. Please also see “Additional Terms of the Securities” and “Additional Information About the Securities” at the end of this document.

As used in this document, “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Morgan Stanley or MSFL, or Morgan Stanley and MSFL collectively, as the context requires.

 

Product Supplement for Auto-Callable Securities dated November 16, 2020 Index Supplement dated November 16, 2020Prospectus dated November 16, 2020

 

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due November 23, 2022

All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the NASDAQ-100 Index® and the Russell 2000® Index

Principal at Risk Securities

 

Terms continued from previous page:

Redemption determination dates:

Semi-annually, on November 17, 2021 and May 17, 2022, subject to postponement for non-index business days and certain market disruption events.

Early redemption dates:

Semi-annually, on November 22, 2021 and May 20, 2022. If any such day is not a business day, that early redemption payment will be made on the next succeeding business day and no adjustment will be made to any early redemption payment made on that succeeding business day.

Buffer amount:

With respect to each underlying index, 20%. As a result of the buffer amount of 20%, the value at or above which each underlying index must close on the final observation date so that you are not exposed to the negative performance of the worst performing underlying index at maturity is:

With respect to the NDX Index: 10,650.328, which is 80% of its initial index value

With respect to the RTY Index: 1,781.695, which is approximately 80% of its initial index value

Downside factor:

1.25

Initial index value:

With respect to the NDX Index: 13,312.91, which is its index closing value on May 17, 2021

With respect to the RTY Index: 2,227.119, which is its index closing value on May 17, 2021

Final index value:

With respect to each index, the respective index closing value on the final observation date

Worst performing underlying index:

The underlying index with the larger percentage decrease from the respective initial index value to the respective final index value

Index percent change:

With respect to each underlying index, (final index value – initial index value) / initial index value

Coupon payment dates:

Semi-annually, on November 22, 2021, May 20, 2022 and the maturity date; provided that if any such day is not a business day, that coupon payment will be made on the next succeeding business day and no adjustment will be made to any coupon payment made on that succeeding business day. The final semi-annual coupon will be paid on the maturity date.

Final observation date:

November 18, 2022, subject to postponement for non-index business days and certain market disruption events.

CUSIP / ISIN:

61771VX70 / US61771VX703

Listing:

The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange.

 

May 2021 Page 2

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due November 23, 2022

All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the NASDAQ-100 Index® and the Russell 2000® Index

Principal at Risk Securities

 

Investment Summary

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities

Principal at Risk Securities

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due November 23, 2022 All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the NASDAQ-100 Index® and the Russell 2000® Index (the “securities”) do not guarantee the repayment of any principal. The securities offer the opportunity for investors to earn a fixed semi-annual coupon at an annual rate of 5.00%. In addition, the securities will be automatically redeemed if the index closing value of each underlying index is greater than or equal to its respective initial index value on any semi-annual redemption determination date for the early redemption payment equal to the sum of the stated principal amount plus the related semi-annual coupon. At maturity, if the securities have not previously been redeemed and the final index value of each underlying index is greater than or equal to 80% of its respective initial index value, meaning that neither underlying index has declined by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 20%, investors will receive the stated principal amount of the securities. If, however, the final index value of either underlying index is less than its initial index value by an amount greater than the specified buffer amount, investors will lose 1.25% of the principal amount for every 1% decline in the final index value of the worst performing underlying index from its initial index value beyond the buffer amount of 20%. Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less, and possibly significantly less, than the stated principal amount of the securities and could be zero. Investors will not participate in any appreciation of either underlying index. There is no minimum payment at maturity on the securities. Accordingly, investors in the securities may lose their entire initial investment in the securities.

Maturity:

Approximately 1.5 years

Semi-annual coupon:

A semi-annual coupon at an annual rate of 5.00% (corresponding to approximately $25.00 per semi-annual period per security) will be paid on the securities on each coupon payment date.

Automatic early redemption:

If the index closing value of each underlying index is greater than or equal to its initial index value on any semi-annual redemption determination date, beginning on November 17, 2021, the securities will be automatically redeemed for an early redemption payment equal to the stated principal amount plus the semi-annual coupon for the related interest period.

Payment at maturity:

If the securities have not been automatically redeemed prior to maturity, the payment at maturity will be determined as follows:

If the final index value of each underlying index is greater than or equal to 80% of its respective initial index value, meaning that the final index value of neither underlying index has decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 20% from its respective initial index value, investors will receive the stated principal amount plus the semi-annual coupon for the final interest period.

If the final index value of either underlying index is less than 80% of its respective initial index value, meaning that the final index value of either of the underlying indices has decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 20% from its respective initial index value, investors will receive (i) the semi-annual coupon for the final interest period plus (ii) an amount calculated as follows:

$1,000 + [$1,000 × (index percent change of the worst performing underlying index + 20%) × downside factor]

Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less, and possibly significantly less, than the stated principal amount of the securities and could be zero. Accordingly, investors in the securities must be willing to accept the risk of losing their entire initial investment.

 

May 2021 Page 3

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due November 23, 2022

All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the NASDAQ-100 Index® and the Russell 2000® Index

Principal at Risk Securities

 

The original issue price of each security is $1,000. This price includes costs associated with issuing, selling, structuring and hedging the securities, which are borne by you, and, consequently, the estimated value of the securities on the pricing date will be less than $1,000. We estimate that the value of each security on the pricing date will be approximately $981.00, or within $25.00 of that estimate. Our estimate of the value of the securities as determined on the pricing date will be set forth in the final pricing supplement.

What goes into the estimated value on the pricing date?

In valuing the securities on the pricing date, we take into account that the securities comprise both a debt component and a performance-based component linked to the underlying indices. The estimated value of the securities is determined using our own pricing and valuation models, market inputs and assumptions relating to the underlying indices, instruments based on the underlying indices, volatility and other factors including current and expected interest rates, as well as an interest rate related to our secondary market credit spread, which is the implied interest rate at which our conventional fixed rate debt trades in the secondary market.

What determines the economic terms of the securities?

In determining the economic terms of the securities, including the semi-annual coupon rate and the buffer amount, we use an internal funding rate, which is likely to be lower than our secondary market credit spreads and therefore advantageous to us. If the issuing, selling, structuring and hedging costs borne by you were lower or if the internal funding rate were higher, one or more of the economic terms of the securities would be more favorable to you.

What is the relationship between the estimated value on the pricing date and the secondary market price of the securities?

The price at which MS & Co. purchases the securities in the secondary market, absent changes in market conditions, including those related to the underlying indices, may vary from, and be lower than, the estimated value on the pricing date, because the secondary market price takes into account our secondary market credit spread as well as the bid-offer spread that MS & Co. would charge in a secondary market transaction of this type and other factors. However, because the costs associated with issuing, selling, structuring and hedging the securities are not fully deducted upon issuance, for a period of up to 6 months following the issue date, to the extent that MS & Co. may buy or sell the securities in the secondary market, absent changes in market conditions, including those related to the underlying indices, and to our secondary market credit spreads, it would do so based on values higher than the estimated value. We expect that those higher values will also be reflected in your brokerage account statements.

MS & Co. may, but is not obligated to, make a market in the securities, and, if it once chooses to make a market, may cease doing so at any time.

 

May 2021 Page 4

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due November 23, 2022

All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the NASDAQ-100 Index® and the Russell 2000® Index

Principal at Risk Securities

 

Key Investment Rationale

The securities do not guarantee the repayment of principal and offer investors an opportunity to earn a fixed semi-annual coupon at an annual rate of 5.00%. These securities are for investors who are willing to risk their principal based on the performance of the worst performing underlying index and who are willing to forgo the opportunity to participate in any appreciation of the underlying indices in exchange for the opportunity to earn interest at a potentially above-market rate and the possibility of an automatic early redemption.

The following scenarios are for illustrative purposes only to demonstrate how the early redemption payment or the payment at maturity (if the securities have not previously been redeemed) is calculated, and do not attempt to demonstrate every situation that may occur. Accordingly, the securities may or may not be redeemed, and the payment at maturity may be less, and possibly significantly less, than the stated principal amount and could be zero.

Semi-annual coupon:

The securities will pay a fixed semi-annual coupon at an annual rate of 5.00% (corresponding to approximately $25.00 per semi-annual period per security) on each coupon payment date.

Scenario 1: The securities are redeemed prior to maturity

When each underlying index closes at or above its respective initial index value on a semi-annual redemption determination date, the securities will be automatically redeemed for the stated principal amount plus the semi-annual coupon for the related semi-annual interest period. No further payments will be made on the securities once they have been redeemed. Investors will not participate in any appreciation of either underlying index.

Scenario 2: The securities are not redeemed prior to maturity, and investors receive principal back at maturity

This scenario assumes that each underlying index closes below its respective initial index value on every semi-annual redemption determination date. Consequently, the securities are not automatically redeemed.

On the final observation date, each underlying index closes at or above 80% of its respective initial index value. At maturity, investors will receive the stated principal amount plus the semi-annual coupon for the final interest period. Investors will not participate in any appreciation of either underlying index.

Scenario 3: The securities are not redeemed prior to maturity, and investors suffer a loss of principal at maturity

This scenario assumes that each underlying index closes below its respective initial index value on every semi-annual redemption determination date. Consequently, the securities are not automatically redeemed.

On the final observation date, one or both underlying indices have decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 20% from their respective initial index values. At maturity, investors will receive the semi-annual coupon for the final interest period, but will lose 1.25% of principal for every 1% decline in the final index value of the worst performing underlying index from its initial index value beyond the buffer amount of 20%. Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less, and possibly significantly less, than the stated principal amount and could be zero.

May 2021 Page 5

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due November 23, 2022

All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the NASDAQ-100 Index® and the Russell 2000® Index

Principal at Risk Securities

 

How the Securities Work

The following diagrams illustrate the potential outcomes for the securities depending on (1) the index closing values on each semi-annual redemption determination date and (2) the final index values. Please see “Hypothetical Examples” beginning on page 7 for illustration of hypothetical payouts on the securities.

Diagram #1: Automatic Early Redemption

Diagram #2: Payment at Maturity if No Automatic Early Redemption Occurs

 

For more information about the payout upon an early redemption or at maturity in different hypothetical scenarios, see “Hypothetical Examples” starting on page 7.

May 2021 Page 6

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due November 23, 2022

All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the NASDAQ-100 Index® and the Russell 2000® Index

Principal at Risk Securities

 

Hypothetical Examples

 

The following hypothetical examples illustrate how to determine whether the securities are redeemed early and the payment at maturity, if any, if the securities have not been automatically redeemed early. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only. Whether the securities are redeemed early will be determined by reference to the index closing value of each underlying index on each semi-annual redemption determination date, and the payment at maturity, if any, will be determined by reference to the final index value of each underlying index on the final observation date. The actual initial index value for each underlying index is set forth on the cover of this document. All payments on the securities are subject to our credit risk. The numbers in the hypothetical examples below may have been rounded for the ease of analysis. The below examples are based on the following terms:

Semi-annual Coupon:

5.00% per annum (corresponding to approximately $25.00 per semi-annual period per security1)

Automatic Early Redemption:

If the index closing value of each underlying index is greater than or equal to its respective initial index value on any semi-annual redemption determination date, the securities will be automatically redeemed for an early redemption payment equal to the stated principal amount plus the semi-annual coupon for the related semi-annual interest period.

Payment at Maturity (if the securities have not been automatically redeemed early):

If the final index value of each underlying index is greater than or equal to 80% of its respective initial index value, meaning that the final index value of neither underlying index has decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 20% from its respective initial index value, investors will receive the stated principal amount plus the semi-annual coupon for the final interest period.

If the final index value of either underlying index is less than 80% of its respective initial index value, meaning that the final index value of either of the underlying indices has decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 20% from its respective initial index value, investors will receive (i) the semi-annual coupon for the final interest period plus (ii) an amount calculated as follows:

$1,000 + [$1,000 × (index percent change of the worst performing underlying index + 20%) × downside factor]

Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less than the stated principal amount of $1,000 and could be zero.

Stated Principal Amount:

$1,000 per security

Hypothetical Initial Index Value:

With respect to the NDX Index: 10,000

With respect to the RTY Index: 1,800

Buffer Amount:

With respect to each of the underlying indices, 20%

Downside Factor:

1.25

1 The actual semi-annual coupon will be an amount determined by the calculation agent based on the number of days in the applicable payment period, calculated on a 30/360 day-count basis. The hypothetical semi-annual coupon of $25.00 is used in these examples for ease of analysis.

May 2021 Page 7

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due November 23, 2022

All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the NASDAQ-100 Index® and the Russell 2000® Index

Principal at Risk Securities

 

How to determine whether the securities are redeemed early:

 

Index Closing Value

Early Redemption Payment*

NDX Index

RTY Index

 

Hypothetical Redemption Determination Date 1

15,000 (at or above the initial index value)

1,700 (below the initial index value)

N/A

Hypothetical Redemption Determination Date 2

13,500 (at or above the initial index value)

1,900 (at or above the initial index value)

$1,025.00 (the stated principal amount plus the semi-annual coupon for the related semi-annual interest period)

* The Early Redemption Payment includes the unpaid semi-annual coupon for the related semi-annual interest period.

 

If, on any redemption determination date, the index closing value of each underlying index is greater than or equal to its respective initial index value, the securities will be automatically redeemed for an early redemption payment.

 

On hypothetical redemption determination date 1, the NDX Index closes at or above its initial index value but the RTY Index closes below its initial index value. Therefore, the securities are not redeemed early following such redemption determination date.

On hypothetical redemption determination date 2, each underlying index closes at or above its respective initial index value. Accordingly, the securities are automatically redeemed following such redemption determination date. You receive the early redemption payment, calculated as follows:

stated principal amount + semi-annual coupon = $1,000 + $25.00 = $1,025.00

No further payments will be made on the securities once they have been redeemed. Additionally, investors will not participate in any appreciation of either underlying index.

 

The securities will not be redeemed early if the index closing value of either underlying index on the related redemption determination date is less than the initial index value for such underlying index.

May 2021 Page 8

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due November 23, 2022

All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the NASDAQ-100 Index® and the Russell 2000® Index

Principal at Risk Securities

 

How to calculate the payment at maturity (if the securities have not been automatically redeemed):

The examples below illustrate how to calculate the payment at maturity if the securities have not been automatically redeemed prior to maturity.

 

Final Index Value

Payment at Maturity

(in addition to the semi-annual coupon of $25.00 for the final interest period)

NDX Index

RTY Index

 

Example 1:

7,000 (below 80% of the initial index value)

1,700 (at or above 80% of the initial index value)

$1,000 + [$1,000 × (index percent change of the worst performing underlying index + 20%) × downside factor]

= $1,000 + [$1,000 × (-30% + 20%) × 1.25]
= $1,000 + ($1,000 × -10% × 1.25) = $875.00

Example 2:

8,700 (at or above 80% of the initial index value)

1,080 (below 80% of the initial index value)

= $1,000 + [$1,000 × (-40% + 20%) × 1.25]
= $1,000 + ($1,000 × -20% × 1.25) = $750.00

Example 3:

5,000 (below 80% of the initial index value)

360 (below 80% of the initial index value)

= $1,000 + [$1,000 × (-80% + 20%) × 1.25]
= $1,000 + ($1,000 × -60% × 1.25) = $250.00

Example 4:

12,000 (at or above 80% of the initial index value)

2,000 (at or above 80% of the initial index value)

The stated principal amount of $1,000

In examples 1 and 2, the final index value of one of the underlying indices is at or above 80% of its respective initial index value, but the final index value of the other underlying index has decreased from its initial index value by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 20%. Therefore, at maturity, investors receive the final semi-annual coupon, but will lose 1.25% of principal for every 1% decline in the final index value of the worst performing underlying index from its initial index value beyond the buffer amount of 20%.

Similarly, in example 3, the final index value of each of the underlying indices is below 80% of its respective initial index value. Therefore, at maturity, investors receive the final semi-annual coupon, but will lose 1.25% of principal for every 1% decline in the final index value of the worst performing underlying index from its initial index value beyond the buffer amount of 20%.

In example 4, the final index value of each underlying index is greater than or equal to 80% of its respective initial index value. Therefore, investors receive the stated principal amount and the final semi-annual coupon. However, investors do not participate in the appreciation of either underlying index.

If the final index value of EITHER of the underlying indices has declined from its initial index value by an amount greater than the buffer amount, your payment at maturity will be less, and possibly significantly less, than the stated principal amount and could be zero.

May 2021 Page 9

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due November 23, 2022

All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the NASDAQ-100 Index® and the Russell 2000® Index

Principal at Risk Securities

 

Risk Factors

This section describes the material risks relating to the securities. For further discussion of these and other risks, you should read the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the accompanying product supplement, index supplement and prospectus. We also urge you to consult with your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisers in connection with your investment in the securities.

Risks Relating to an Investment in the Securities

The securities do not guarantee the return of any principal. The terms of the securities differ from those of ordinary debt securities in that they do not guarantee the repayment of any principal at maturity. If the securities have not been automatically redeemed prior to maturity, and if the final index value of either underlying index is less than 80% of its respective initial index value, meaning the final index value of either of the underlying indices has decreased by more than the buffer amount of 20% from its respective initial index value, you will lose 1.25% of your principal for every 1% decline in the final index value of the worst performing underlying index from its initial index value beyond the buffer amount of 20%. In this case, the payment at maturity will be less than the stated principal amount and could be zero. You could lose some or all of your investment in the securities.

Investors will not participate in any appreciation in either underlying index. Investors will not participate in any appreciation in either underlying index, and the return on the securities will be limited to the fixed semi-annual coupons paid until early redemption or maturity.

The market price will be influenced by many unpredictable factors. Several factors, many of which are beyond our control, will influence the value of the securities in the secondary market and the price at which MS & Co. may be willing to purchase or sell the securities in the secondary market. We expect that generally the level of interest rates available in the market and the levels of the underlying indices on any day will affect the value of the securities more than any other factors. Other factors that may influence the value of the securities include:

othe volatility (frequency and magnitude of changes in value) of the underlying indices,

ogeopolitical conditions and economic, financial, political, regulatory or judicial events that affect the component stocks of the underlying indices or securities markets generally and which may affect the value of each underlying index,

odividend rates on the securities underlying the underlying indices,

othe time remaining until the securities mature,

ointerest and yield rates in the market,

othe availability of comparable instruments,

othe composition of the underlying indices and changes in the constituent stocks of such indices, and

oany actual or anticipated changes in our credit ratings or credit spreads.

Some or all of these factors will influence the price that you will receive if you sell your securities prior to maturity. In particular, if the level of either of the underlying indices has closed near or below 80% of its respective initial index value, the market value of the securities is expected to decrease substantially, and you may have to sell your securities at a substantial discount from the stated principal amount of $1,000 per security.

You cannot predict the future performance of either underlying index based on its historical performance. The final index value of one or both of the underlying indices may be less than 80% of the respective initial index value(s), resulting in a loss of 1.25% of principal for every 1% decline in the final index value of the worst performing underlying index from its initial index value beyond the buffer amount of 20%. There can be no assurance that the index closing value of each underlying index will be equal to or greater than 80% of its respective initial index value on the final observation date so that you do not suffer a loss on your initial investment in the securities. See “NASDAQ-100 Index® Overview” and “Russell 2000® Index Overview” below.

May 2021 Page 10

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due November 23, 2022

All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the NASDAQ-100 Index® and the Russell 2000® Index

Principal at Risk Securities

 

The securities are subject to our credit risk, and any actual or anticipated changes to our credit ratings or credit spreads may adversely affect the market value of the securities. You are dependent on our ability to pay all amounts due on the securities on each coupon payment date, upon early redemption and at maturity and therefore you are subject to our credit risk. The securities are not guaranteed by any other entity. If we default on our obligations under the securities, your investment would be at risk and you could lose some or all of your investment. As a result, the market value of the securities prior to maturity will be affected by changes in the market’s view of our creditworthiness. Any actual or anticipated decline in our credit ratings or increase in the credit spreads charged by the market for taking our credit risk is likely to adversely affect the market value of the securities.

As a finance subsidiary, MSFL has no independent operations and will have no independent assets. As a finance subsidiary, MSFL has no independent operations beyond the issuance and administration of its securities and will have no independent assets available for distributions to holders of MSFL securities if they make claims in respect of such securities in a bankruptcy, resolution or similar proceeding. Accordingly, any recoveries by such holders will be limited to those available under the related guarantee by Morgan Stanley and that guarantee will rank pari passu with all other unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of Morgan Stanley. Holders will have recourse only to a single claim against Morgan Stanley and its assets under the guarantee. Holders of securities issued by MSFL should accordingly assume that in any such proceedings they would not have any priority over and should be treated pari passu with the claims of other unsecured, unsubordinated creditors of Morgan Stanley, including holders of Morgan Stanley-issued securities.

Not equivalent to investing in the underlying indices. Investing in the securities is not equivalent to investing in either underlying index or the component stocks of either underlying index. Investors in the securities will not participate in any positive performance of either underlying index, and will not have voting rights or rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to stocks that constitute either underlying index.

Reinvestment risk. The term of your investment in the securities may be shortened due to the automatic early redemption feature of the securities. If the securities are redeemed prior to maturity, you will receive no more semi-annual coupons and may be forced to invest in a lower interest rate environment and may not be able to reinvest at comparable terms or returns.

The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange and secondary trading may be limited. Accordingly, you should be willing to hold your securities for the entire 1.5-year term of the securities. The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange. Therefore, there may be little or no secondary market for the securities. MS & Co. may, but is not obligated to, make a market in the securities and, if it once chooses to make a market, may cease doing so at any time. When it does make a market, it will generally do so for transactions of routine secondary market size at prices based on its estimate of the current value of the securities, taking into account its bid/offer spread, our credit spreads, market volatility, the notional size of the proposed sale, the cost of unwinding any related hedging positions, the time remaining to maturity and the likelihood that it will be able to resell the securities. Even if there is a secondary market, it may not provide enough liquidity to allow you to trade or sell the securities easily. Since other broker-dealers may not participate significantly in the secondary market for the securities, the price at which you may be able to trade your securities is likely to depend on the price, if any, at which MS & Co. is willing to transact. If, at any time, MS & Co. were to cease making a market in the securities, it is likely that there would be no secondary market for the securities. Accordingly, you should be willing to hold your securities to maturity.

The rate we are willing to pay for securities of this type, maturity and issuance size is likely to be lower than the rate implied by our secondary market credit spreads and advantageous to us. Both the lower rate and the inclusion of costs associated with issuing, selling, structuring and hedging the securities in the original issue price reduce the economic terms of the securities, cause the estimated value of the securities to be less than the original issue price and will adversely affect secondary market prices. Assuming no change in market conditions or any other relevant factors, the prices, if any, at which dealers, including MS & Co., may be willing to purchase the securities in secondary market transactions will likely be significantly lower than the original issue price, because secondary market prices will exclude the issuing, selling, structuring and hedging-related costs that are included in the original issue price and borne by you and because the secondary market prices will reflect our

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secondary market credit spreads and the bid-offer spread that any dealer would charge in a secondary market transaction of this type as well as other factors.

The inclusion of the costs of issuing, selling, structuring and hedging the securities in the original issue price and the lower rate we are willing to pay as issuer make the economic terms of the securities less favorable to you than they otherwise would be.

However, because the costs associated with issuing, selling, structuring and hedging the securities are not fully deducted upon issuance, for a period of up to 6 months following the issue date, to the extent that MS & Co. may buy or sell the securities in the secondary market, absent changes in market conditions, including those related to the underlying indices, and to our secondary market credit spreads, it would do so based on values higher than the estimated value, and we expect that those higher values will also be reflected in your brokerage account statements.

 

The estimated value of the securities is determined by reference to our pricing and valuation models, which may differ from those of other dealers and is not a maximum or minimum secondary market price. These pricing and valuation models are proprietary and rely in part on subjective views of certain market inputs and certain assumptions about future events, which may prove to be incorrect. As a result, because there is no market-standard way to value these types of securities, our models may yield a higher estimated value of the securities than those generated by others, including other dealers in the market, if they attempted to value the securities. In addition, the estimated value on the pricing date does not represent a minimum or maximum price at which dealers, including MS & Co., would be willing to purchase your securities in the secondary market (if any exists) at any time. The value of your securities at any time after the date of this document will vary based on many factors that cannot be predicted with accuracy, including our creditworthiness and changes in market conditions. See also “The market price will be influenced by many unpredictable factors” above.

Hedging and trading activity by our affiliates could potentially affect the value of the securities. One or more of our affiliates and/or third-party dealers expect to carry out hedging activities related to the securities (and to other instruments linked to the underlying indices or their component stocks), including trading in the stocks that constitute the underlying indices as well as in other instruments related to the underlying indices. As a result, these entities may be unwinding or adjusting hedge positions during the term of the securities, and the hedging strategy may involve greater and more frequent dynamic adjustments to the hedge as the final observation date approaches. Some of our affiliates also trade the stocks that constitute the underlying indices and other financial instruments related to the underlying indices on a regular basis as part of their general broker-dealer and other businesses. Any of these hedging or trading activities on or prior to May 17, 2021 could potentially increase the initial index value of an underlying index, and, therefore, could increase (i) the level at or above which such underlying index must close on any redemption determination date so that the securities are redeemed prior to maturity for the early redemption payment (depending also on the performance of the other underlying index) and (ii) the level at or above which such underlying index must close on the final observation date so that you are not exposed to the negative performance of the worst performing underlying index at maturity (depending also on the performance of the other underlying index). Additionally, such hedging or trading activities during the term of the securities could affect the value of an underlying index on the redemption determination dates and the final observation date and, accordingly, whether we redeem the securities prior to maturity and the amount of cash you receive at maturity, if any (depending also on the performance of the other underlying index).

The calculation agent, which is a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley and an affiliate of MSFL, will make determinations with respect to the securities. As calculation agent, MS & Co. will determine the initial index values, the final index values, whether the securities will be redeemed on any early redemption date, the payment at maturity, if any, and whether a market disruption event has occurred. Moreover, certain determinations made by MS & Co., in its capacity as calculation agent, may require it to exercise discretion and make subjective judgments, such as with respect to the occurrence or non-occurrence of market disruption events and the selection of a successor index or calculation of the index closing value in the event of a market disruption event or discontinuance of an underlying index. These potentially subjective determinations may adversely affect the payout to you at maturity, if any. For further information regarding these types of determinations, see "Description of Auto-Callable Securities—Postponement of Determination Dates," "—Alternate Exchange Calculation in Case of an Event of Default,” "—Discontinuance of Any Underlying Index;

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Alteration of Method of Calculation” and "—Calculation Agent and Calculations" in the accompanying product supplement. In addition, MS & Co. has determined the estimated value of the securities on the pricing date.

The U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities are uncertain. There is no direct legal authority as to the proper treatment of the securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and, therefore, significant aspects of the tax treatment of the securities are uncertain.

Please read the discussion under “Additional Information―Tax considerations” in this document concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities. We intend to treat a security for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a unit consisting of (i) a Put Right (as defined below under “Additional Information―Tax considerations”) written by you to us that, if exercised, requires you to pay to us an amount equal to the Deposit (as defined below under “Additional Information―Tax considerations”), in exchange for a cash amount based on the performance of the worst performing underlier, and (ii) a Deposit with us of a fixed amount of cash to secure your obligation under the Put Right. Alternative U.S. federal income tax treatments of the securities are possible, and if the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) were successful in asserting such an alternative tax treatment for the securities the timing and the character of income on the securities might differ significantly from the tax treatment described herein. For example, the IRS could seek to treat the securities as debt instruments subject to Treasury regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments. The risk that financial instruments providing for buffers, triggers or similar downside protection features, such as the securities, would be recharacterized as debt is greater than the risk of recharacterization for comparable financial instruments that do not have such features. We do not plan to request a ruling from the IRS regarding the tax treatment of the securities, and the IRS or a court may not agree with the tax treatment described herein.

In 2007, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS released a notice requesting comments on the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar instruments. While it is not clear whether the securities would be viewed as similar to the prepaid forward contracts described in the notice, it is possible that any Treasury regulations or other guidance issued after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the securities, possibly with retroactive effect. The notice focuses on a number of issues, the most relevant of which for holders of the securities are the character and timing of income or loss (including whether the entire coupon on the securities should be required to be included currently as ordinary income) and the degree, if any, to which income realized by non-U.S. investors should be subject to withholding tax.

Non-U.S. Holders should note that we currently do not intend to withhold on any payments made with respect to the securities to Non-U.S. Holders (subject to compliance by such holders with certification necessary to establish an exemption from withholding and to the discussion under “Additional Information―Tax considerations—FATCA”). However, in the event of a change of law or any formal or informal guidance by the IRS, the U.S. Treasury Department or Congress, we may decide to withhold on payments made with respect to the securities to Non-U.S. Holders and will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld.

Both U.S. and Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities, including possible alternative treatments, the issues presented by the IRS notice and any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.

Risks Relating to the Underlying Indices

You are exposed to the price risk of each underlying index with respect to the payment at maturity, if any. Your return on the securities is not linked to a basket consisting of the underlying indices. Rather, it will be contingent upon the independent performance of each underlying index. Unlike an instrument with a return linked to a basket of underlying assets, in which risk is mitigated and diversified among all the components of the basket, you will be exposed to the risks related to each underlying index. Poor performance by either underlying index over the term of the securities will negatively affect your return and will not be offset or mitigated by any positive performance by the other underlying index. If the final index value of either underlying index is less than 80% of its respective initial index value, investors will lose 1.25% of principal for every 1% decline in the final index value of the worst performing underlying index from its initial index value beyond the buffer amount of 20%, even if the other underlying index has appreciated or has not declined as much. Under this scenario, the value of any such payment will be less, and possibly

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significantly less, than the stated principal amount and could be zero. Accordingly, your investment is subject to the price risk of each of the underlying indices.

Because the securities are linked to the performance of the worst performing underlying index, you are exposed to greater risks of sustaining a loss on your investment than if the securities were linked to just one index. The risk that you will suffer a loss on your investment is greater if you invest in the securities as opposed to substantially similar securities that are linked to the performance of just one underlying index. With two underlying indices, it is more likely that the final index value of either of the underlying indices will be less than 80% of its respective initial index value than if the securities were linked to only one underlying index. Therefore, it is more likely that you will suffer a loss on your investment. In addition, because each underlying index must close above its initial index value on a semi-annual redemption determination date in order for the securities to be called prior to maturity, the securities are less likely to be called on any early redemption date than if the securities were linked to just one underlying index.

The securities are linked to the Russell 2000® Index and are subject to risks associated with small-capitalization companies.  As the Russell 2000® Index is one of the underlying indices, and the Russell 2000® Index consists of stocks issued by companies with relatively small market capitalization, the securities are linked to the value of small-capitalization companies.  These companies often have greater stock price volatility, lower trading volume and less liquidity than large-capitalization companies and therefore the Russell 2000® Index may be more volatile than indices that consist of stocks issued by large-capitalization companies.  Stock prices of small-capitalization companies are also more vulnerable than those of large-capitalization companies to adverse business and economic developments, and the stocks of small-capitalization companies may be thinly traded.  In addition, small capitalization companies are typically less well-established and less stable financially than large-capitalization companies and may depend on a small number of key personnel, making them more vulnerable to loss of personnel.  Such companies tend to have smaller revenues, less diverse product lines, smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources and less competitive strengths than large-capitalization companies and are more susceptible to adverse developments related to their products.

Adjustments to the underlying indices could adversely affect the value of the securities. The publisher of each underlying index may add, delete or substitute the component stocks of such underlying index or make other methodological changes that could change the value of such underlying index. Any of these actions could adversely affect the value of the securities. The publisher of each underlying index may also discontinue or suspend calculation or publication of such underlying index at any time. In these circumstances, MS & Co., as the calculation agent, will have the sole discretion to substitute a successor index that is comparable to the discontinued index. MS & Co. could have an economic interest that is different than that of investors in the securities insofar as, for example, MS & Co. is permitted to consider indices that are calculated and published by MS & Co. or any of its affiliates. If MS & Co. determines that there is no appropriate successor index on any observation date, the determination of whether the securities will be redeemed and/or the amount payable at maturity, if any, will be based on the value of such underlying index, based on the closing prices of the stocks constituting such underlying index at the time of such discontinuance, without rebalancing or substitution, computed by MS & Co. as calculation agent in accordance with the formula for calculating such underlying index last in effect prior to such discontinuance, as compared to the relevant initial index value (depending also on the performance of the other underlying index).

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NASDAQ-100 Index® Overview

The NASDAQ-100 Index®, which is calculated, maintained and published by Nasdaq, Inc., is a modified capitalization-weighted index of 100 of the largest and most actively traded equity securities of non-financial companies listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC. The NASDAQ-100 Index® includes companies across a variety of major industry groups. At any moment in time, the value of the NASDAQ-100 Index® equals the aggregate value of the then-current NASDAQ-100 Index® share weights of each of the NASDAQ-100 Index® component securities, which are based on the total shares outstanding of each such NASDAQ-100 Index® component security, multiplied by each such security’s respective last sale price on NASDAQ (which may be the official closing price published by NASDAQ), and divided by a scaling factor, which becomes the basis for the reported NASDAQ-100 Index® value. For additional information about the NASDAQ-100 Index®, see the information set forth under “NASDAQ-100 Index®” in the accompanying index supplement.

Information as of market close on May 17, 2021:

Bloomberg Ticker Symbol:

NDX

52 Week High (on 4/16/2021):

14,041.91

Current Index Value:

13,312.91

52 Week Low (on 5/19/2020):

9,298.55

52 Weeks Ago:

9,331.93

 

 

The following graph sets forth the daily index closing values of the NDX Index for the period from January 1, 2016 through May 17, 2021. The related table sets forth the published high and low index closing values, as well as end-of-quarter index closing values, of the NDX Index for each quarter for the period from January 1, 2016 through May 17, 2021. The index closing value of the NDX Index on May 17, 2021 was 13,312.91. We obtained the information in the graph and table below from Bloomberg Financial Markets, without independent verification. The NDX Index has at times experienced periods of high volatility, and you should not take the historical values of the NDX Index as an indication of its future performance.

 

NDX Index Daily Closing Values

January 1, 2016 to May 17, 2021

 

 

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NASDAQ-100 Index®

High

Low

Period End

2016

 

 

 

First Quarter

4,497.86

3,947.80

4,483.66

Second Quarter

4,565.42

4,201.06

4,417.70

Third Quarter

4,891.36

4,410.75

4,875.70

Fourth Quarter

4,965.81

4,660.46

4,863.62

2017

 

 

 

First Quarter

5,439.74

4,911.33

5,436.23

Second Quarter

5,885.30

5,353.59

5,646.92

Third Quarter

6,004.38

5,596.96

5,979.30

Fourth Quarter

6,513.27

5,981.92

6,396.42

2018

 

 

 

First Quarter

7,131.12

6,306.10

6,581.13

Second Quarter

7,280.71

6,390.84

7,040.80

Third Quarter

7,660.18

7,014.55

7,627.65

Fourth Quarter

7,645.45

5,899.35

6,329.96

2019

 

 

 

First Quarter

7,493.27

6,147.13

7,378.77

Second Quarter

7,845.73

6,978.02

7,671.08

Third Quarter

8,016.95

7,415.69

7,749.45

Fourth Quarter

8,778.31

7,550.79

8,733.07

2020

 

 

 

First Quarter

9,718.73

6,994.29

7,813.50

Second Quarter

10,209.82

7,486.29

10,156.85

Third Quarter

12,420.54

10,279.25

11,418.06

Fourth Quarter

12,888.28

11,052.95

12,888.28

2021

 

 

 

First Quarter

13,807.70

12,299.08

13,091.44

Second Quarter (through May 17, 2021)

14,041.91

13,001.63

13,312.91

 

“Nasdaq®,” “NASDAQ-100®” and “NASDAQ-100 Index®” are trademarks of Nasdaq, Inc. For more information, see “NASDAQ-100 Index®” in the accompanying index supplement.

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Russell 2000® Index Overview

The Russell 2000® Index is an index calculated, published and disseminated by FTSE Russell, and measures the composite price performance of stocks of 2,000 companies incorporated in the U.S. and its territories.  All 2,000 stocks are traded on a major U.S. exchange and are the 2,000 smallest securities that form the Russell 3000® Index.  The Russell 3000® Index is composed of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies as determined by market capitalization and represents approximately 98% of the U.S. equity market.  The Russell 2000® Index consists of the smallest 2,000 companies included in the Russell 3000® Index and represents a small portion of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000® Index.  The Russell 2000® Index is designed to track the performance of the small capitalization segment of the U.S. equity market.  For additional information about the Russell 2000® Index, see the information set forth under “Russell 2000® Index” in the accompanying index supplement.

Information as of market close on May 17, 2021:

Bloomberg Ticker Symbol:

RTY

52 Week High (on 3/15/2021):

2,360.168

Current Index Value:

2,227.119

52 Week Low (on 5/19/2020):

1,307.719

52 Weeks Ago:

1,333.689

 

 

The following graph sets forth the daily index closing values of the RTY Index for the period from January 1, 2016 through May 17, 2021. The related table sets forth the published high and low index closing values, as well as end-of-quarter index closing values, of the RTY Index for each quarter for the period from January 1, 2016 through May 17, 2021. The index closing value of the RTY Index on May 17, 2021 was 2,227.119. We obtained the information in the graph and table below from Bloomberg Financial Markets, without independent verification. The RTY Index has at times experienced periods of high volatility, and you should not take the historical values of the RTY Index as an indication of its future performance.

 

RTY Index Daily Closing Values
January 1, 2016 to May 17, 2021

 

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Russell 2000® Index

High

Low

Period End

2016

 

 

 

First Quarter

1,114.028

953.715

1,114.028

Second Quarter

1,188.954

1,089.646

1,151.923

Third Quarter

1,263.438

1,139.453

1,251.646

Fourth Quarter

1,388.073

1,156.885

1,357.130

2017

 

 

 

First Quarter

1,413.635

1,345.598

1,385.920

Second Quarter

1,425.985

1,345.244

1,415.359

Third Quarter

1,490.861

1,356.905

1,490.861

Fourth Quarter

1,548.926

1,464.095

1,535.511

2018

 

 

 

First Quarter

1,610.706

1,463.793

1,529.427

Second Quarter

1,706.985

1,492.531

1,643.069

Third Quarter

1,740.753

1,653.132

1,696.571

Fourth Quarter

1,672.992

1,266.925

1,348.559

2019

 

 

 

First Quarter

1,590.062

1,330.831

1,539.739

Second Quarter

1,614.976

1,465.487

1,566.572

Third Quarter

1,585.599

1,456.039

1,523.373

Fourth Quarter

1,678.010

1,472.598

1,668.469

2020

 

 

 

First Quarter

1,705.215

991.160

1,153.103

Second Quarter

1,536.895

1,052.053

1,441.365

Third Quarter

1,592.287

1,398.920

1,507.692

Fourth Quarter

2,007.104

1,531.202

1,974.855

2021

 

 

 

First Quarter

2,360.168

1,945.914

2,220.519

Second Quarter (through May 17, 2021)

2,304.158

2,135.139

2,227.119

 

The “Russell 2000® Index” is a trademark of FTSE Russell.  For more information, see “Russell 2000® Index” in the accompanying index supplement.

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Additional Terms of the Securities

Please read this information in conjunction with the summary terms on the front cover of this document.

Additional Terms:

If the terms described herein are inconsistent with those described in the accompanying product supplement, index supplement or prospectus, the terms described herein shall control.

Underlying index publisher:

With respect to the NDX Index, Nasdaq, Inc., or any successor thereof.

With respect to the RTY Index, FTSE Russell, or any successor thereof.

Interest period:

The semi-annual period from and including the original issue date (in the case of the first interest period) or the previous scheduled coupon payment date, as applicable, to but excluding the following scheduled coupon payment date, with no adjustment for any postponement thereof.

Record date:

The record date for each coupon payment date shall be the date one business day prior to such scheduled coupon payment date; provided, however, that any coupon payable at maturity (or upon early redemption) shall be payable to the person to whom the payment at maturity or early redemption payment, as the case may be, shall be payable.

Day-count convention:

Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

Postponement of early redemption dates and maturity date:

If any redemption determination date or the final observation date is postponed due to a non-index business day or certain market disruption events so that it falls less than two business days prior to the relevant early redemption date or the maturity date, as applicable, the early redemption date or the maturity date, as applicable, will be postponed to the second business day following that redemption determination date or final observation date as postponed, and no adjustment will be made to any payment made on that postponed date.

Index closing value: 

With respect to the NDX Index, the index closing value on any index business day shall be determined by the calculation agent and shall equal the official closing value of such underlying index, or any successor index, published at the regular official weekday close of trading on such index business day by the underlying index publisher for such underlying index. In certain circumstances, the index closing value for the NDX Index will be based on the alternate calculation of such underlying index as described under “Discontinuance of Any Underlying Index; Alteration of Method of Calculation” in the accompanying product supplement.

 

With respect to the RTY Index, the index closing value on any index business day shall be determined by the calculation agent and shall equal the closing value of such underlying index or any successor index reported by Bloomberg Financial Services, or any successor reporting service the calculation agent may select, on such index business day. In certain circumstances, the index closing value for the RTY Index will be based on the alternate calculation of such underlying index as described under “Discontinuance of Any Underlying Index; Alteration of Method of Calculation” in the accompanying product supplement. The closing value of the RTY Index reported by Bloomberg Financial Services may be lower or higher than the official closing value of the RTY Index published by the underlying index publisher for such underlying index.

Denominations:

$1,000 per security and integral multiples thereof

Trustee:

The Bank of New York Mellon

Calculation agent:

MS & Co.

Issuer notices to registered security holders, the trustee and the depositary:

In the event that the maturity date is postponed due to postponement of the final observation date, the issuer shall give notice of such postponement and, once it has been determined, of the date to which the maturity date has been rescheduled (i) to each registered holder of the securities by mailing notice of such postponement by first class mail, postage prepaid, to such registered holder’s last address as it shall appear upon the registry books, (ii) to the trustee by facsimile, confirmed by mailing such notice to the trustee by first class mail, postage prepaid, at its New York office and (iii) to The Depository Trust Company (the “depositary”) by telephone or facsimile confirmed by mailing such notice to the depositary by first class mail, postage prepaid. Any notice that is mailed to a registered holder of the securities in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given to such registered holder, whether or not such registered holder receives the notice. The issuer shall

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give such notice as promptly as possible, and in no case later than (i) with respect to notice of postponement of the maturity date, the business day immediately preceding the scheduled maturity date, and (ii) with respect to notice of the date to which the maturity date has been rescheduled, the business day immediately following the final observation date as postponed.

In the event that the securities are subject to early redemption, the issuer shall, (i) on the business day following the applicable redemption determination date, give notice of the early redemption and the early redemption payment, including specifying the payment date of the amount due upon the early redemption, (x) to each registered holder of the securities by mailing notice of such early redemption by first class mail, postage prepaid, to such registered holder’s last address as it shall appear upon the registry books, (y) to the trustee by facsimile confirmed by mailing such notice to the trustee by first class mail, postage prepaid, at its New York office and (z) to the depositary by telephone or facsimile confirmed by mailing such notice to the depositary by first class mail, postage prepaid, and (ii) on or prior to the early redemption date, deliver the aggregate cash amount due with respect to the securities to the trustee for delivery to the depositary, as holder of the securities. Any notice that is mailed to a registered holder of the securities in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given to such registered holder, whether or not such registered holder receives the notice. This notice shall be given by the issuer or, at the issuer’s request, by the trustee in the name and at the expense of the issuer, with any such request to be accompanied by a copy of the notice to be given.

The issuer shall, or shall cause the calculation agent to, (i) provide written notice to the trustee, on which notice the trustee may conclusively rely, and to the depositary of the amount of cash to be delivered as semi-annual coupon with respect to each security on or prior to 10:30 a.m. (New York City time) on the business day preceding each coupon payment date, and (ii) deliver the aggregate cash amount due with respect to the semi-annual coupon to the trustee for delivery to the depositary, as holder of the securities, on the applicable coupon payment date.

The issuer shall, or shall cause the calculation agent to, (i) provide written notice to the trustee, on which notice the trustee may conclusively rely, and to the depositary of the amount of cash to be delivered with respect to each stated principal amount of the securities, on or prior to 10:30 a.m. (New York City time) on the business day preceding the maturity date, and (ii) deliver the aggregate cash amount due with respect to the securities to the trustee for delivery to the depositary, as holder of the securities, on the maturity date.

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Additional Information About the Securities

Additional Information:

Minimum ticketing size:

$1,000 / 1 security

Tax considerations:

Prospective investors should note that the discussion under the section called “United States Federal Taxation” in the accompanying product supplement does not apply to the securities issued under this document and is superseded by the following discussion.

The following is a general discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences and certain estate tax consequences of ownership and disposition of the securities. This discussion applies only to initial investors in the securities who:

purchase the securities at their “issue price,” which will equal the first price at which a substantial amount of the securities is sold to the public (not including bond houses, brokers, or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers); and

hold the securities as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

This discussion does not describe all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to a holder in light of the holder’s particular circumstances or to holders subject to special rules, such as:

certain financial institutions;

insurance companies;

certain dealers and traders in securities or commodities;

investors holding the securities as part of a “straddle,” wash sale, conversion transaction, integrated transaction or constructive sale transaction;

U.S. Holders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar;

partnerships or other entities classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

regulated investment companies;

real estate investment trusts; or

tax-exempt entities, including “individual retirement accounts” or “Roth IRAs” as defined in Section 408 or 408A of the Code, respectively.

 

If an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds the securities, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partnership holding the securities or a partner in such a partnership, you should consult your tax adviser as to the particular U.S. federal tax consequences of holding and disposing of the securities to you.

As the law applicable to the U.S. federal income taxation of instruments such as the securities is technical and complex, the discussion below necessarily represents only a general summary. The effect of any applicable state, local or non-U.S. tax laws is not discussed, nor are any alternative minimum tax consequences or consequences resulting from the Medicare tax on investment income. Moreover, the discussion below does not address the consequences to taxpayers subject to special tax accounting rules under Section 451(b) of the Code.

This discussion is based on the Code, administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions and final, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations, all as of the date hereof, changes to any of which subsequent to the date hereof may affect the tax consequences described herein. Persons considering the purchase of the securities should consult their tax advisers with regard to the application of the U.S. federal income tax laws to their particular situations as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.

General

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Due to the lack of any controlling legal authority, there is substantial uncertainty regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities. We intend to treat a security, under current law, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as a unit consisting of the following:

(i)  a put right (the “Put Right”) written by you to us that, if exercised, requires you to pay us an amount equal to the Deposit (as defined below) in exchange for a cash amount based on the performance of the worst performing underlier; and

(ii)  a deposit with us of a fixed amount of cash, equal to the issue price, to secure your obligation under the Put Right (the “Deposit”) that pays interest based on our cost of borrowing at the time of issuance (the “Yield on the Deposit”).

Based on the treatment set forth above, a portion of the coupon on the securities will be treated as the Yield on the Deposit, and the remainder will be attributable to the premium on the Put Right (the “Put Premium”). The Yield on the Deposit will be determined by us as of the pricing date and set forth in the applicable pricing supplement.

We will allocate 100% of the issue price of the securities to the Deposit and none to the Put Right. Our allocation of the issue price between the Put Right and the Deposit will be binding on you, unless you timely and explicitly disclose to the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) that your allocation is different from ours. This allocation is not, however, binding on the IRS or a court.

No statutory, judicial or administrative authority directly addresses the treatment of the securities or instruments similar to the securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and no ruling is being requested from the IRS with respect to the securities. Significant aspects of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities are uncertain, and no assurance can be given that the IRS or a court will agree with the tax treatment described herein. In the opinion of our counsel, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, the treatment of the securities described above is reasonable under current law; however, our counsel has advised us that it is unable to conclude affirmatively that this treatment is more likely than not to be upheld, and that alternative treatments are possible. Moreover, our counsel’s opinion is based on market conditions as of the date of this preliminary pricing supplement and is subject to confirmation on the pricing date. Accordingly, you should consult your tax adviser regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities (including alternative treatments of the securities). Unless otherwise stated, the following discussion is based on the treatment and the allocation described above.

Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders

This section applies to you only if you are a U.S. Holder. As used herein, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of a security that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

a citizen or individual resident of the United States;

a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; or

an estate or trust the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source.

Tax Treatment of the Securities

Assuming the treatment of the securities and allocation of the issue price as set forth above are respected, the following U.S. federal income tax consequences should result.

Coupon Payments on the Securities. Under the characterization described above under “—General,” only a portion of the coupon payments on the securities will be attributable to the Yield on the Deposit. The remainder of the coupon payments will represent payments attributable to the Put Premium. To the extent attributable to the Yield on the Deposit, coupon payments on the securities should generally be taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary interest income at the time accrued or received, in accordance with the U.S. Holder’s method of

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accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

The Put Premium will not be taxable to a U.S. Holder upon receipt but will be accounted for as described below.

Tax Basis. Based on our determination set forth above, the U.S. Holder’s initial tax basis in the Deposit will be 100% of the issue price. The determination of gain or loss with respect to the Put Right is described below.

Receipt of Stated Principal Amount in Cash upon Settlement of the Securities. If a U.S. Holder receives the stated principal amount of a security in cash (excluding cash attributable to coupon payments on the security, which would be taxed as described above under “—Coupon Payments on the Securities”), the Put Right will be deemed to have expired unexercised. In such case, the U.S. Holder will not recognize any gain upon the return of the Deposit, but will recognize the total amount of Put Premium received by the U.S. Holder over the term of the securities (including Put Premium received upon settlement) as short-term capital gain at such time.

Receipt of a Cash Amount Based on the Performance of the Worst Performing Underlier upon Maturity of the Securities. If a U.S. Holder receives an amount of cash (excluding cash attributable to coupon payments on the securities, which would be taxed as described above under “—Coupon Payments on the Securities”) that is less than the stated principal amount of the securities, the Put Right will be deemed to have been exercised and the U.S. Holder will be deemed to have applied the Deposit toward the cash settlement of the Put Right. In such case, the U.S. Holder will not recognize any gain or loss in respect of the Deposit, but will recognize short-term capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the amount of cash received by the U.S. Holder at maturity (excluding cash attributable to coupon payments on the securities), plus the total Put Premium received by the U.S. Holder over the term of the securities (including the Put Premium received at maturity) and (ii) the Deposit.

Sale or Exchange of the Securities Prior to Settlement. Upon the sale or exchange of a security, a U.S. Holder will generally recognize long-term capital gain or loss with respect to the Deposit if the U.S. Holder has held the securities for more than one year at the time of such sale or exchange and short-term capital gain or loss otherwise. The U.S. Holder will also generally recognize short-term capital gain or loss with respect to the Put Right. For the purpose of determining such gain or loss, a U.S. Holder should apportion the amount realized on the sale or exchange of a security (excluding any amount attributable to accrued but unpaid Yield on the Deposit, which would be taxed as described under “—Coupon Payments on the Securities”) between the Deposit and the Put Right based on their respective values on the date of such sale or exchange. The amount of capital gain or loss on the Deposit will equal the amount realized that is attributable to the Deposit, less the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Deposit. The amount realized that is attributable to the Put Right, together with the total Put Premium received by the U.S. Holder over the term of the security, will be treated as short-term capital gain.

If the value of the Deposit on the date of such sale or exchange exceeds the total amount realized on the sale or exchange of the security, the U.S. Holder will be treated as having (i) sold or exchanged the Deposit for an amount equal to its value on that date and (ii) made a payment (the “Put Right Assumption Payment”) to the purchaser of the security equal to the amount of such excess, in exchange for the purchaser’s assumption of the U.S. Holder’s rights and obligations under the Put Right. In such a case, the U.S. Holder will recognize short-term capital gain or loss in respect of the Put Right in an amount equal to the total Put Premium received by the U.S. Holder over the term of the security, less the amount of the Put Right Assumption Payment deemed to be made by the U.S. Holder.

Possible Alternative Tax Treatments of an Investment in the Securities

Due to the absence of authorities that directly address the proper characterization of the securities, no assurance can be given that the IRS will accept, or that a court will uphold, the treatment described above. In particular, the IRS could seek to treat a security or the Deposit as a debt instrument subject to Treasury regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments (the “Contingent Debt Regulations”).

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If the IRS were successful in asserting that the Contingent Debt Regulations applied to the securities or to the Deposit, the timing and character of income thereon would be significantly affected. Among other things, a U.S. Holder would be required to accrue interest income as original issue discount, subject to adjustments, at a “comparable yield” based on our cost of borrowing. Furthermore, if the securities or Deposit were treated as contingent payment debt instruments, any gain realized with respect to the securities or the Deposit would generally be treated as ordinary income. The risk that financial instruments providing for buffers, triggers or similar downside protection features, such as the securities, would be recharacterized as debt is greater than the risk of recharacterization for comparable financial instruments that do not have such features.

Even if the Contingent Debt Regulations do not apply to the securities, other alternative U.S. federal income tax characterizations or treatments of the securities are also possible, which if applied could significantly affect the timing and character of the income or loss with respect to the securities. It is possible, for example, that a security could be treated as constituting an “open transaction” with the result that the coupon payments on the securities might not be accounted for separately as giving rise to income to U.S. Holders until the sale, exchange or settlement of the securities. Alternatively, the entire coupon on the securities could be required to be included in income by a U.S. Holder at the time received or accrued. Other alternative characterizations are also possible. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities.

In 2007, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS released a notice requesting comments on the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar instruments. While it is not clear whether the securities would be viewed as similar to the prepaid forward contracts described in the notice, it is possible that any Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the securities, possibly with retroactive effect. The notice focuses on a number of issues, the most relevant of which for U.S. Holders of the securities is the character and timing of income or loss realized with respect to these instruments (including whether the Put Premium might be required to be included currently as ordinary income). Accordingly, prospective investors should consult their tax advisers regarding all aspects of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities, including the possible implications of this notice.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

Backup withholding may apply in respect of payments on the securities and the payment of proceeds from a sale, exchange or other disposition of the securities, unless a U.S. Holder provides proof of an applicable exemption or a correct taxpayer identification number, and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. The amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules are not an additional tax and may be refunded, or credited against the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS. In addition, information returns will be filed with the IRS in connection with payments on the securities and the payment of proceeds from a sale, exchange or other disposition of the securities, unless the U.S. Holder provides proof of an applicable exemption from the information reporting rules.

Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders

This section applies to you only if you are a Non-U.S. Holder. As used herein, the term “Non-U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of a security that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

an individual who is classified as a nonresident alien;

a foreign corporation; or

a foreign trust or estate.

 

The term “Non-U.S. Holder” does not include any of the following holders:

a holder who is an individual present in the United States for 183 days or more in the

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taxable year of disposition and who is not otherwise a resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

certain former citizens or residents of the United States; or

a holder for whom income or gain in respect of the securities is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States.

 

Such holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities.

 

General

Assuming the treatment of the securities as set forth above is respected and subject to the discussions below regarding the potential application of Section 871(m) of the Code and FATCA, payments with respect to a security, and gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of such security, should not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax under current law, provided that:

the Non-U.S. Holder does not own, directly or by attribution, ten percent or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote;

the Non-U.S. Holder is not a controlled foreign corporation related, directly or indirectly, to us through stock ownership;

the Non-U.S. Holder is not a bank receiving interest under Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code; and

the certification requirement described below has been fulfilled with respect to the beneficial owner.

Certification Requirement. The certification requirement referred to in the preceding paragraph will be fulfilled if the beneficial owner of a security (or a financial institution holding a security on behalf of the beneficial owner) furnishes to the applicable withholding agent an IRS Form W-8BEN (or other appropriate form), on which the beneficial owner certifies under penalties of perjury that it is not a U.S. person.

 

Possible Alternative Tax Treatments of an Investment in the Securities

 

As described above under “—Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders—Possible Alternative Tax Treatments of an Investment in the Securities,” the IRS may seek to apply a different characterization and tax treatment from the treatment described herein. While the U.S. federal income and withholding tax consequences to a Non-U.S. Holder of ownership and disposition of a security under current law should generally be the same as those described immediately above, it is possible that a Non-U.S. Holder could be subject to withholding tax under certain recharacterizations of the securities.

 

Moreover, among the issues addressed in the IRS notice described in “—Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders” is the degree, if any, to which income realized by Non-U.S. Holders should be subject to withholding tax. It is possible that any Treasury regulations or other guidance issued after consideration of this issue could materially and adversely affect the withholding tax consequences of ownership and disposition of the securities, possibly with retroactive effect. Accordingly, prospective investors should consult their tax advisers regarding all aspects of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities, including the possible implications of the notice discussed above. Prospective investors should note that we currently do not intend to withhold on any of the payments made with respect to the securities to Non-U.S. Holders (subject to compliance by such holders with the certification requirement described above and to the discussion below regarding FATCA). However, in the event of a change of law or any formal or informal guidance by the IRS, the U.S. Treasury Department or Congress, we (or any financial intermediary) may decide to withhold on payments made with respect to the securities to Non-U.S. Holders and we will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld.

Section 871(m) Withholding Tax on Dividend Equivalents

Section 871(m) of the Code and Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder (“Section 871(m)”) generally impose a 30% (or a lower applicable treaty rate) withholding tax on

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dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid to Non-U.S. Holders with respect to certain financial instruments linked to U.S. equities or indices that include U.S. equities (each, an “Underlying Security”). Subject to certain exceptions, Section 871(m) generally applies to securities that substantially replicate the economic performance of one or more Underlying Securities, as determined based on tests set forth in the applicable Treasury regulations (a “Specified Security”). However, pursuant to an IRS notice, Section 871(m) will not apply to securities issued before January 1, 2023 that do not have a delta of one with respect to any Underlying Security. Based on the terms of the securities and current market conditions, we expect that the securities will not have a delta of one with respect to any Underlying Security on the pricing date. However, we will provide an updated determination in the final pricing supplement. Assuming that the securities do not have a delta of one with respect to any Underlying Security, our counsel is of the opinion that the securities should not be Specified Securities and, therefore, should not be subject to Section 871(m).

 

Our determination is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS may disagree with this determination. Section 871(m) is complex and its application may depend on your particular circumstances, including whether you enter into other transactions with respect to an Underlying Security. If Section 871(m) withholding is required, we will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to the amounts so withheld. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the potential application of Section 871(m) to the securities.

 

U.S. Federal Estate Tax

Individual Non-U.S. Holders and entities the property of which is potentially includible in such an individual’s gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes (for example, a trust funded by such an individual and with respect to which the individual has retained certain interests or powers), should note that, absent an applicable treaty exemption, the securities may be treated as U.S. situs property subject to U.S. federal estate tax. Prospective investors that are non-U.S. individuals, or are entities of the type described above, should consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal estate tax consequences of an investment in the securities.

 

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

 

Information returns will be filed with the IRS in connection with any coupon payment and may be filed with the IRS in connection with the payment at maturity on the securities and the payment of proceeds from a sale, exchange or other disposition of the securities. A Non-U.S. Holder may be subject to backup withholding in respect of amounts paid to the Non-U.S. Holder, unless such Non-U.S. Holder complies with certification procedures to establish that it is not a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise establishes an exemption. Compliance with the certification procedures described under “—General—Certification Requirement” will satisfy the certification requirements necessary to avoid backup withholding as well. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a Non-U.S. Holder will be allowed as a credit against the Non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the Non-U.S. Holder to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

 

FATCA

Legislation commonly referred to as “FATCA” generally imposes a withholding tax of 30% on payments to certain non-U.S. entities (including financial intermediaries) with respect to certain financial instruments, unless various U.S. information reporting and due diligence requirements have been satisfied. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and the non-U.S. entity’s jurisdiction may modify these requirements. FATCA generally applies to certain financial instruments that are treated as paying U.S.-source interest or other U.S.-source “fixed or determinable annual or periodical” income (“FDAP income”). Withholding (if applicable) applies to payments of U.S.-source FDAP income and to payments of gross proceeds of the disposition (including upon retirement) of certain financial instruments treated as providing for U.S.-source interest or dividends. Under recently proposed regulations (the preamble to which specifies that taxpayers are permitted to rely on them pending finalization), no withholding will apply on payments of gross proceeds (other than amounts treated as interest or other FDAP income). While the treatment of the securities is unclear, you should assume that the yield on the Deposit will be subject to the FATCA rules. It is also possible in

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light of this uncertainty that an applicable withholding agent will treat the entire amount of the coupon payments as being subject to the FATCA rules. If withholding applies to the securities, we will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld. Both U.S. and Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the potential application of FATCA to the securities.

 

The discussion in the preceding paragraphs, insofar as it purports to describe provisions of U.S. federal income tax laws or legal conclusions with respect thereto, constitutes the full opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP regarding the material U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the securities.

Use of proceeds and hedging:

The proceeds from the sale of the securities will be used by us for general corporate purposes. We will receive, in aggregate, $1,000 per security issued, because, when we enter into hedging transactions in order to meet our obligations under the securities, our hedging counterparty will reimburse the cost of the agent’s commissions. The costs of the securities borne by you and described beginning on page 4 above comprise the agent’s commissions and the cost of issuing, structuring and hedging the securities.

On or prior to May 17, 2021, we expect to hedge our anticipated exposure in connection with the securities by entering into hedging transactions with our affiliates and/or third-party dealers. We expect our hedging counterparties to take positions in the stocks constituting the underlying indices, in futures and/or options contracts on the underlying indices or the component stocks of the underlying indices listed on major securities markets, or positions in any other available securities or instruments that they may wish to use in connection with such hedging. Such purchase activity could potentially increase the initial index value of an underlying index, and, as a result, could increase (i) the level at or above which such underlying index must close on any redemption determination date so that the securities are redeemed prior to maturity for the early redemption payment (depending also on the performance of the other underlying index) and (ii) the level at or above which such underlying index must close on the final observation date so that you are not exposed to the negative performance of the worst performing underlying index at maturity (depending also on the performance of the other underlying index). These entities may be unwinding or adjusting hedge positions during the term of the securities, and the hedging strategy may involve greater and more frequent dynamic adjustments to the hedge as the final observation date approaches. Additionally, our hedging activities, as well as our other trading activities, during the term of the securities could potentially affect the value of an underlying index on the redemption determination dates and the final observation date and, accordingly, whether we redeem the securities prior to maturity and the amount of cash you receive at maturity, if any (depending also on the performance of the other underlying index).

Additional considerations:

Client accounts over which Morgan Stanley, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management or any of their respective subsidiaries have investment discretion are not permitted to purchase the securities, either directly or indirectly.

Supplemental information regarding plan of distribution; conflicts of interest:

MS & Co. expects to sell all of the securities that it purchases from us to an unaffiliated dealer at a price of $ per security, for further sale to certain fee-based advisory accounts at the price to public of $1,000 per security. MS & Co. will not receive a sales commission with respect to the securities.

MS & Co. is an affiliate of MSFL and a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, and it and other affiliates of ours expect to make a profit by selling, structuring and, when applicable, hedging the securities. When MS & Co. prices this offering of securities, it will determine the economic terms of the securities such that for each security the estimated value on the pricing date will be no lower than the minimum level described in “Investment Summary” beginning on page 3.

MS & Co. will conduct this offering in compliance with the requirements of FINRA Rule 5121 of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., which is commonly referred to as FINRA, regarding a FINRA member firm’s distribution of the securities of an affiliate and related conflicts of interest. MS & Co. or any of our other affiliates may not make sales in this offering to any discretionary account. See “Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” and “Use of Proceeds and Hedging” in the accompanying product supplement for auto-callable securities.

Where you can find more information:

Morgan Stanley and MSFL have filed a registration statement (including a prospectus, as supplemented by the product supplement for auto-callable securities and the index supplement) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, for the offering to which this communication relates. You should read the prospectus in that registration statement, the

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product supplement for auto-callable securities, the index supplement and any other documents relating to this offering that Morgan Stanley and MSFL have filed with the SEC for more complete information about Morgan Stanley, MSFL and this offering. You may get these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Morgan Stanley, MSFL, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send you the prospectus, the product supplement for auto-callable securities and the index supplement if you so request by calling toll-free 1-(800)-584-6837.

 

You may access these documents on the SEC web site at www.sec.gov as follows:

Product Supplement for Auto-Callable Securities dated November 16, 2020

Index Supplement dated November 16, 2020

Prospectus dated November 16, 2020

Terms used but not defined in this document are defined in the product supplement for auto-callable securities, in the index supplement or in the prospectus.

 

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