FWP 1 ms2494_fwp-07977.htm PRELIMINARY TERMS NO. 2,494

September 2021

Preliminary Terms No. 2,494

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

Dated September 14, 2021

Filed pursuant to Rule 433

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Structured Investments

Opportunities in U.S. Equities

PLUS Based on the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF due November 30, 2022

Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Fully and Unconditionally Guaranteed by Morgan Stanley

Principal at Risk Securities

The PLUS offered are unsecured obligations of Morgan Stanley Finance LLC (“MSFL”) and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Morgan Stanley. The PLUS will pay no interest, do not guarantee any return of principal at maturity and have the terms described in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS, index supplement and prospectus, as supplemented or modified by this document. At maturity, if the shares of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF, which we refer to as the underlying shares, have appreciated in value, investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment plus leveraged upside performance of the underlying shares, subject to the maximum payment at maturity. However, if the underlying shares have depreciated in value, investors will lose 1% for every 1% decline in the share price over the term of the PLUS. Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less than the stated principal amount and could be zero. Accordingly, you may lose your entire investment. The PLUS are for investors who seek a return based on the performance of the underlying shares and who are willing to risk their principal and forgo current income and upside above the maximum payment at maturity in exchange for the upside leverage feature, which applies to a limited range of appreciation of the underlying shares. Investors may lose their entire initial investment in the PLUS. The PLUS 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 PLUS 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

Maturity date:

November 30, 2022

Valuation date:

November 25, 2022, subject to postponement for non-trading days and certain market disruption events

Underlying shares:

Shares of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF (the “Fund”)

Aggregate principal amount:

$

Payment at maturity:

If the final share price is greater than the initial share price:

$1,000 + leveraged upside payment

In no event will the payment at maturity exceed the maximum payment at maturity

If the final share price is less than or equal to the initial share price:

$1,000 × share performance factor

Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less than or equal to the stated principal amount of $1,000.

Leveraged upside payment:

$1,000 x leverage factor x share percent increase

Leverage factor:

300%

Share percent increase:

(final share price – initial share price) / initial share price

Share performance factor:

final share price / initial share price

Initial share price:

$ , which is the closing price of one underlying share on the pricing date

Final share price:

The closing price of one underlying share on the valuation date times the adjustment factor on such date

Adjustment factor:

1.0, subject to adjustment in the event of certain events affecting the underlying shares

Maximum payment at maturity:

At least $1,250.00 per PLUS (125.00% of the stated principal amount). The actual maximum payment at maturity will be determined on the pricing date.

Stated principal amount / Issue price:

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

Pricing date:

September 24, 2021

Original issue date:

September 29, 2021 (3 business days after the pricing date)

CUSIP / ISIN:

61773FG49 / US61773FG491

Listing:

The PLUS will not be listed on any securities exchange.

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 $961.30 per PLUS, or within $35.00 of that estimate. See “Investment Summary” beginning on page 2.

Commissions and issue price:

Price to public

Agent’s commissions(1)

Proceeds to us(2)

Per PLUS

$1,000

$

$

Total

$

$

$

(1) Selected dealers and their financial advisors will collectively receive from the agent, MS & Co., a fixed sales commission of $ for each PLUS they sell. 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 for PLUS.

(2) See “Use of proceeds and hedging” on page 17.

The PLUS involve risks not associated with an investment in ordinary debt securities. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 6.

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 PLUS 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 PLUS” and “Additional Information About the PLUS” 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 PLUS dated November 16, 2020Index Supplement dated November 16, 2020Prospectus dated November 16, 2020

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

PLUS Based on the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF due November 30, 2022

Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM
Principal at Risk Securities

Investment Summary

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities

Principal at Risk Securities

The PLUS Based on the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF due November 30, 2022 (the “PLUS”) can be used:

As an alternative to direct exposure to the underlying shares that enhances returns for a certain range of positive performance of the underlying shares, subject to the maximum payment at maturity

To potentially outperform the underlying shares in a moderately bullish scenario

To achieve similar levels of upside exposure to the underlying shares as a direct investment, subject to the maximum payment at maturity, while using fewer dollars by taking advantage of the leverage factor.

 

The PLUS are exposed on a 1:1 basis to the negative performance of the underlying shares.

 

Maturity:

Approximately 1 year and 2 months

Leverage factor:

300% (applicable only if the final share price is greater than the initial share price)

Maximum payment at maturity:

At least $1,250.00 per PLUS (125.00% of the stated principal amount). The actual maximum payment at maturity will be determined on the pricing date.

Minimum payment at maturity:

None. Investors may lose their entire initial investment in the PLUS.

Interest:

None

Listing:

The PLUS will not be listed on any securities exchange

 

The original issue price of each PLUS is $1,000. This price includes costs associated with issuing, selling, structuring and hedging the PLUS, which are borne by you, and, consequently, the estimated value of the PLUS on the pricing date will be less than $1,000. We estimate that the value of each PLUS on the pricing date will be approximately $961.30, or within $35.00 of that estimate. Our estimate of the value of the PLUS 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 PLUS on the pricing date, we take into account that the PLUS comprise both a debt component and a performance-based component linked to the underlying shares. The estimated value of the PLUS is determined using our own pricing and valuation models, market inputs and assumptions relating to the underlying shares, instruments based on the underlying shares, 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 PLUS?

In determining the economic terms of the PLUS, including the leverage factor and the maximum payment at maturity, 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 PLUS 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 PLUS?

The price at which MS & Co. purchases the PLUS in the secondary market, absent changes in market conditions, including those related to the underlying shares, 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 PLUS 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 PLUS in the secondary market, absent changes in market conditions, including those related to the underlying shares, 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 PLUS, and, if it once chooses to make a market, may cease doing so at any time.

September 2021 Page 2

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

PLUS Based on the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF due November 30, 2022

Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM
Principal at Risk Securities

Key Investment Rationale

 

The PLUS offer leveraged exposure to a certain range of positive performance of the shares of the Fund, which we refer to as the underlying shares. At maturity, if the underlying shares have appreciated in value, investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment plus leveraged upside performance of the underlying shares, subject to the maximum payment at maturity. However, if the underlying shares have depreciated in value, investors will lose 1% for every 1% decline in the share price over the term of the PLUS. Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less than the stated principal amount and could be zero. Investors may lose their entire initial investment in the PLUS. All payments on the PLUS are subject to our credit risk.

 

Leveraged Upside Performance

The PLUS offer investors an opportunity to capture enhanced returns relative to a direct investment in the underlying shares, subject to the maximum payment at maturity.

Upside Scenario

The final share price is greater than the initial share price, and, at maturity, you receive a full return of principal as well as 300% of the increase in the value of the underlying shares, subject to the maximum payment at maturity of at least $1,250.00 per PLUS (125.00% of the stated principal amount). The actual maximum payment at maturity will be determined on the pricing date.

For example, if the final share price is 4% greater than the initial share price, the PLUS will provide a total return of 12% at maturity.

Par Scenario

The final share price is equal to the initial share price. In this case, you receive the stated principal amount of $1,000 at maturity.

Downside Scenario

The final share price is less than the initial share price, and, at maturity, the PLUS redeem for less than the stated principal amount by an amount proportionate to the decline in the value of the underlying shares over the term of the PLUS. Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less than the stated principal amount. For example, if the final share price is 30% less than the initial share price, the PLUS will be redeemed at maturity for a loss of 30% of principal at $700, or 70% of the stated principal amount. There is no minimum payment at maturity on the PLUS, and you could lose your entire investment.

 

September 2021 Page 3

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

PLUS Based on the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF due November 30, 2022

Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM
Principal at Risk Securities

How the PLUS Work

Payoff Diagram

The payoff diagram below illustrates the payment at maturity on the PLUS based on the following terms:

Stated principal amount:

$1,000 per PLUS

Leverage factor:

300%

Hypothetical maximum payment at maturity:

$1,250.00 per PLUS (125.00% of the stated principal amount)

Minimum payment at maturity:

None

 

PLUS Payoff Diagram

 

 

See the next page for a description of how the PLUS work.

September 2021 Page 4

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

PLUS Based on the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF due November 30, 2022

Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM
Principal at Risk Securities

How it works

Upside Scenario. If the final share price is greater than the initial share price, the investor would receive the $1,000 stated principal amount plus 300% of the appreciation of the underlying shares over the term of the PLUS, subject to the maximum payment at maturity. Under the terms of the PLUS, an investor will realize the hypothetical maximum payment at maturity of $1,250.00 per PLUS (125.00% of the stated principal amount) at a final share price of approximately 108.333% of the initial share price.

If the underlying shares appreciate 4%, the investor would receive a 12% return, or $1,120 per PLUS.

If the underlying shares appreciate 30%, the investor would receive only the hypothetical maximum payment at maturity of $1,250.00 per PLUS, or 125.00% of the stated principal amount.

Par Scenario. If the final share price is equal to the initial share price, the investor would receive the $1,000 stated principal amount.

Downside Scenario. If the final share price is less than the initial share price, the investor would receive an amount that is less than the $1,000 stated principal amount, based on a 1% loss of principal for each 1% decline in the underlying shares. Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less than the stated principal amount per PLUS. There is no minimum payment at maturity on the PLUS.

If the underlying shares depreciate 30%, the investor would lose 30% of the investor’s principal and receive only $700 per PLUS at maturity, or 70% of the stated principal amount.

September 2021 Page 5

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

PLUS Based on the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF due November 30, 2022

Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM
Principal at Risk Securities

Risk Factors

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

Risks Relating to an Investment in the PLUS

 

The PLUS do not pay interest or guarantee return of any principal. The terms of the PLUS differ from those of ordinary debt securities in that the PLUS do not pay interest or guarantee payment of any principal at maturity. If the final share price is less than the initial share price, the payout at maturity will be an amount in cash that is less than the $1,000 stated principal amount of each PLUS by an amount proportionate to the full decrease in the price of the underlying shares over the term of the PLUS. There is no minimum payment at maturity on the PLUS, and, accordingly, you could lose your entire initial investment in the PLUS.

The appreciation potential of the PLUS is limited by the maximum payment at maturity. The appreciation potential of the PLUS is limited by the maximum payment at maturity of at least $1,250.00 per PLUS, or 125.00% of the stated principal amount. The actual maximum payment at maturity will be determined on the pricing date. Although the leverage factor provides 300% exposure to any increase in the final share price over the initial share price, because the payment at maturity will be limited to at least 125.00% of the stated principal amount for the PLUS, any increase in the final share price over the initial share price by more than approximately 8.333% of the initial share price will not further increase the return on the PLUS.

The market price of the PLUS will be influenced by many unpredictable factors. Several factors will influence the value of the PLUS in the secondary market and the price at which MS & Co. may be willing to purchase or sell the PLUS in the secondary market, including the trading price, volatility (frequency and magnitude of changes in value) and dividends of the underlying shares and of the stocks composing the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (the “share underlying index,” which is the index which the underlying shares seek to track), interest and yield rates in the market, time remaining until the PLUS mature, geopolitical conditions and economic, financial, political, regulatory or judicial events that affect the underlying shares or equities markets generally and which may affect the final share price of the underlying shares, the occurrence of certain events affecting the underlying shares that may or may not require an adjustment to the adjustment factor, and any actual or anticipated changes in our credit ratings or credit spreads. The price of the underlying shares may be, and has recently been, volatile, and we can give you no assurance that the volatility will lessen. See “VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF Overview” below. You may receive less, and possibly significantly less, than the stated principal amount per PLUS if you try to sell your PLUS prior to maturity.

The PLUS 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 PLUS. You are dependent on our ability to pay all amounts due on the PLUS at maturity and therefore you are subject to our credit risk. If we default on our obligations under the PLUS, your investment would be at risk and you could lose some or all of your investment. As a result, the market value of the PLUS 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 PLUS.

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.

September 2021 Page 6

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

PLUS Based on the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF due November 30, 2022

Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM
Principal at Risk Securities

Investing in the PLUS is not equivalent to investing in the underlying shares or the stocks composing the share underlying index. Investing in the PLUS is not equivalent to investing in the underlying shares, the share underlying index or the stocks that constitute the share underlying index. Investors in the PLUS will not have voting rights or rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the underlying shares or the stocks that constitute the share underlying index.

The amount payable on the PLUS is not linked to the price of the underlying shares at any time other than the valuation date. The final share price will be based on the closing price of one underlying share on the valuation date, subject to postponement for non-trading days and certain market disruption events. Even if the price of the underlying shares appreciates prior to the valuation date but then drops by the valuation date, the payment at maturity will be less, and may be significantly less, than it would have been had the payment at maturity been linked to the price of the underlying shares prior to such drop. Although the actual price of the underlying shares on the stated maturity date or at other times during the term of the PLUS may be higher than the final share price, the payment at maturity will be based solely on the closing price of one underlying share on the valuation date.

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 PLUS in the original issue price reduce the economic terms of the PLUS, cause the estimated value of the PLUS 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 PLUS 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 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 PLUS in the original issue price and the lower rate we are willing to pay as issuer make the economic terms of the PLUS less favorable to you than they otherwise would be.

However, because the costs associated with issuing, selling, structuring and hedging the PLUS 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 PLUS in the secondary market, absent changes in market conditions, including those related to the underlying shares, 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 PLUS 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 PLUS than those generated by others, including other dealers in the market, if they attempted to value the PLUS. In addition, the estimated value on the pricing date does not represent a minimum or maximum price at dealers, including MS & Co., would be willing to purchase your PLUS in the secondary market (if any exists) at any time. The value of your PLUS 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 of the PLUS will be influenced by many unpredictable factors” above.

The PLUS will not be listed on any securities exchange and secondary trading may be limited. The PLUS will not be listed on any securities exchange. Therefore, there may be little or no secondary market for the PLUS. MS & Co. may, but is not obligated to, make a market in the PLUS 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 PLUS, 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

September 2021 Page 7

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

PLUS Based on the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF due November 30, 2022

Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM
Principal at Risk Securities

PLUS. Even if there is a secondary market, it may not provide enough liquidity to allow you to trade or sell the PLUS easily. Since other broker-dealers may not participate significantly in the secondary market for the PLUS, the price at which you may be able to trade your PLUS 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 PLUS, it is likely that there would be no secondary market for the PLUS. Accordingly, you should be willing to hold your PLUS to maturity.

The calculation agent, which is a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley and an affiliate of MSFL, will make determinations with respect to the PLUS. As calculation agent, MS & Co. will determine the initial share price and the final share price, and will calculate the amount of cash you receive at maturity, if any. 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 final share price in the event of a discontinuance of the underlying shares or a market disruption event. 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 PLUS—Postponement of Valuation Date(s),” “—Discontinuance of Any ETF Shares and/or Share Underlying Index; Alteration of Method of Calculation,” “—Alternate Exchange Calculation in case of an Event of Default” and “—Calculation Agent and Calculations” in the accompanying product supplement. In addition, MS & Co. has determined the estimated value of the PLUS on the pricing date.

Hedging and trading activity by our affiliates could potentially adversely affect the value of the PLUS. One or more of our affiliates and/or third-party dealers expect to carry out hedging activities related to the PLUS (and to other instruments linked to the underlying shares or the share underlying index), including trading in the underlying shares and in other instruments related to the underlying shares or the share underlying index. As a result, these entities may be unwinding or adjusting hedge positions during the term of the PLUS, and the hedging strategy may involve greater and more frequent dynamic adjustments to the hedge as the valuation date approaches. Some of our affiliates also trade the underlying shares or the stocks that constitute the share underlying index and other financial instruments related to the share underlying index 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 the pricing date could potentially increase the initial share price, and, therefore, could increase the price at or above which the underlying shares must close on the valuation date so that investors do not suffer a loss on their initial investment in the PLUS. Additionally, such hedging or trading activities during the term of the PLUS, including on the valuation date, could adversely affect the closing price of the underlying shares on the valuation date, and, accordingly, the amount of cash an investor will receive at maturity, if any.

The U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the PLUS are uncertain. Please read the discussion under “Additional Information—Tax considerations” in this document and the discussion under “United States Federal Taxation” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS (together, the “Tax Disclosure Sections”) concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the PLUS. As discussed in the Tax Disclosure Sections, there is a substantial risk that the “constructive ownership” rule could apply, in which case all or a portion of any long-term capital gain recognized by a U.S. Holder could be recharacterized as ordinary income and an interest charge could be imposed. If the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) were successful in asserting an alternative treatment, the timing and character of income on the PLUS might differ significantly from the tax treatment described in the Tax Disclosure Sections. For example, under one possible treatment, the IRS could seek to recharacterize the PLUS as debt instruments. In that event, U.S. Holders would be required to accrue into income original issue discount on the PLUS every year at a “comparable yield” determined at the time of issuance and recognize all income and gain in respect of the PLUS as ordinary income. We do not plan to request a ruling from the IRS regarding the tax treatment of the PLUS, and the IRS or a court may not agree with the tax treatment described in the Tax Disclosure Sections.

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. The notice focuses in particular on whether to require holders of these instruments to accrue income over the term of their investment. It also asks for comments on a number of related topics, including the character of income or loss with respect to these instruments; whether short-term instruments should be subject to any such accrual regime; the relevance of factors such as the exchange-traded status of the instruments and the nature of the underlying property to which the instruments are linked; the degree, if any, to which income (including any mandated accruals) realized by non-U.S. investors should be subject to withholding tax; and whether these instruments are or should be subject

September 2021 Page 8

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

PLUS Based on the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF due November 30, 2022

Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM
Principal at Risk Securities

to the “constructive ownership” rule, as discussed in this document. While the notice requests comments on appropriate transition rules and effective dates, 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 PLUS, possibly with retroactive effect. 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 PLUS, including possible alternative treatments, the potential application of the constructive ownership rule, the issues presented by this notice and any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.

Risks Relating to the Underlying Shares

Investing in the PLUS exposes investors to risks associated with investments in securities with a concentration in the gold and silver mining industry. The PLUS are subject to certain risks applicable to the gold and silver mining industry. The stocks included in the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index and that are generally tracked by the underlying shares are stocks of companies primarily engaged in the mining of gold or silver. The underlying shares may be subject to increased price volatility as they are linked to a single industry, market or sector and may be more susceptible to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting that industry, market or sector.

Because the underlying shares primarily invest in stocks, American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) of companies that are involved in the gold mining industry, the underlying shares are subject to certain risks associated with such companies.

Competitive pressures may have a significant effect on the financial condition of companies in the gold mining industry. Also, gold mining companies are highly dependent on the price of gold. Gold prices are subject to volatile price movements over short periods of time and are affected by numerous factors. These include economic factors, including, among other things, the structure of and confidence in the global monetary system, expectations of the future rate of inflation, the relative strength of, and confidence in, the U.S. dollar (the currency in which the price of gold is generally quoted), interest rates and gold borrowing and lending rates, and global or regional economic, financial, political, regulatory, judicial or other events. Gold prices may also be affected by industry factors such as industrial and jewelry demand, lending, sales and purchases of gold by the official sector, including central banks and other governmental agencies and multilateral institutions which hold gold, levels of gold production and production costs, and short-term changes in supply and demand because of trading activities in the gold market.

The underlying shares invest to a lesser extent in stocks, ADRs and GDRs of companies involved in the silver mining industry. Silver mining companies are highly dependent on the price of silver. Silver prices can fluctuate widely and may be affected by numerous factors. These include general economic trends, technical developments, substitution issues and regulation, as well as specific factors including industrial and jewelry demand, expectations with respect to the rate of inflation, the relative strength of the U.S. dollar (the currency in which the price of silver is generally quoted) and other currencies, interest rates, central bank sales, forward sales by producers, global or regional political or economic events, and production costs and disruptions in major silver producing countries such as Mexico and Peru. The supply of silver consists of a combination of new mine production and existing stocks of bullion and fabricated silver held by governments, public and private financial institutions, industrial organizations and private individuals. In addition, the price of silver has on occasion been subject to very rapid short-term changes due to speculative activities. From time to time, above-ground inventories of silver may also influence the market. The major end-uses for silver include industrial applications, jewelry, photography and silverware.

The price of the underlying shares is subject to currency exchange risk. Because the price of the underlying shares is related to the U.S. dollar value of stocks underlying the share underlying index, holders of the securities will be exposed to currency exchange rate risk with respect to each of the currencies in which such component securities trade. Exchange rate movements for a particular currency are volatile and are the result of numerous factors including the supply of, and the demand for, those currencies, as well as relevant government policy, intervention or actions, but are also influenced significantly from time to time by political or economic developments, and by macroeconomic factors and speculative actions related to the relevant region. An investor’s net exposure will depend on the extent to which the currencies of the component securities strengthen or weaken against the U.S. dollar and the relative weight of each currency. If, taking into account such weighting,

September 2021 Page 9

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

PLUS Based on the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF due November 30, 2022

Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM
Principal at Risk Securities

the dollar strengthens against the currencies of the component securities represented in the share underlying index, the price of the underlying shares will be adversely affected and the payment at maturity on the PLUS may be reduced.

  Of particular importance to potential currency exchange risk are:

oexisting and expected rates of inflation;

oexisting and expected interest rate levels;

othe balance of payments between countries; and

othe extent of governmental surpluses or deficits in the relevant countries and the United States.

All of these factors are in turn sensitive to the monetary, fiscal and trade policies pursued by the governments of various countries represented in the share underlying index and the United States and other countries important to international trade and finance.

Adjustments to the underlying shares or to the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index could adversely affect the value of the PLUS. As the investment adviser to the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF, VanEck Associates Corporation (the “Investment Adviser”) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index. Pursuant to its investment strategy or otherwise, the Investment Adviser may add, delete or substitute the stocks composing the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF. Any of these actions could adversely affect the price of the underlying shares and, consequently, the value of the PLUS. ICE Data Indices, LLC (“IDI”) is responsible for calculating and maintaining the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index. IDI may add, delete or substitute the stocks constituting the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index or make other methodological changes that could change the value of the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index. IDI may discontinue or suspend calculation or publication of the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index at any time. In these circumstances, the calculation agent will have the sole discretion to substitute a successor index that is comparable to the discontinued NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index and is permitted to consider indices that are calculated and published by the calculation agent or any of its affiliates.

The performance and market price of the Fund, particularly during periods of market volatility, may not correlate with the performance of the share underlying index, the performance of the component securities of the share underlying index or the net asset value per share of the Fund. The Fund does not fully replicate the share underlying index and may hold securities that are different than those included in the share underlying index. In addition, the performance of the Fund will reflect additional transaction costs and fees that are not included in the calculation of the share underlying index. All of these factors may lead to a lack of correlation between the performance of the Fund and the share underlying index. In addition, corporate actions (such as mergers and spin-offs) with respect to the equity securities underlying the Fund may impact the variance between the performances of the Fund and the share underlying index. Finally, because the shares of the Fund are traded on an exchange and are subject to market supply and investor demand, the market price of one share of the Fund may differ from the net asset value per share of the Fund.

In particular, during periods of market volatility, or unusual trading activity, trading in the securities underlying the Fund may be disrupted or limited, or such securities may be unavailable in the secondary market. Under these circumstances, the liquidity of the Fund may be adversely affected, market participants may be unable to calculate accurately the net asset value per share of the Fund, and their ability to create and redeem shares of the Fund may be disrupted. Under these circumstances, the market price of shares of the Fund may vary substantially from the net asset value per share of the Fund or the level of the share underlying index.

For all of the foregoing reasons, the performance of the Fund may not correlate with the performance of the share underlying index, the performance of the component securities of the share underlying index or the net asset value per share of the Fund. Any of these events could materially and adversely affect the price of the shares of the Fund and, therefore, the value of the PLUS. Additionally, if market volatility or these events were to occur on the valuation date, the calculation agent would maintain discretion to determine whether such market volatility or events have caused a market disruption event to occur, and such determination would affect the payment at maturity of the PLUS. If the calculation agent determines that no market disruption event has taken place, the payment at maturity would be based solely on the published closing price per share of the Fund on the valuation

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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

PLUS Based on the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF due November 30, 2022

Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM
Principal at Risk Securities

date, even if the Fund’s shares are underperforming the share underlying index or the component securities of the share underlying index and/or trading below the net asset value per share of the Fund.

The antidilution adjustments the calculation agent is required to make do not cover every event that could affect the underlying shares. MS & Co., as calculation agent, will adjust the adjustment factor for certain events affecting the underlying shares. However, the calculation agent will not make an adjustment for every event that could affect the underlying shares. If an event occurs that does not require the calculation agent to adjust the adjustment factor, the market price of the PLUS may be materially and adversely affected.

 

 

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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

PLUS Based on the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF due November 30, 2022

Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM
Principal at Risk Securities

VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF Overview

The VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF is an exchange-traded fund managed by VanEck, a registered investment company that seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index. VanEck Vectors® ETF Trust (the “Trust”) is an investment portfolio managed by VanEck. Information provided to or filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) by the Trust pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 can be located by reference to Commission file numbers 333-123257 and 811-10325, respectively, through the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information may be obtained from other publicly available sources. Neither the issuer nor the agent makes any representation that any such publicly available information regarding the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF is accurate or complete.

Information as of market close on September 8, 2021:

 

Bloomberg Ticker Symbol:

GDX UP

52 Week High (on 9/16/2020):

$42.85

Current Share Price:

$32.19

52 Week Low (on 8/20/2021):

$30.85

52 Weeks Ago:

$40.58

 

 

 

The following graph sets forth the daily closing prices of the underlying shares for the period from January 1, 2016 through September 8, 2021. The related table sets forth the published high and low closing prices, as well as the end-of-quarter closing prices, of the underlying shares for each quarter in the same period. The closing price of the underlying shares on September 8, 2021 was $32.19. We obtained the information in the graph and table below from Bloomberg Financial Markets, without independent verification. The historical closing prices of the underlying shares should not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the closing price of the underlying shares on the valuation date.

 

Shares of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF
Daily Closing Prices, January 1, 2016 to September 8, 2021

 

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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

PLUS Based on the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF due November 30, 2022

Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM
Principal at Risk Securities

VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF (CUSIP: 92189F106)

High ($)

Low ($)

Period End ($)

2016

 

 

 

First Quarter

20.86

12.47

19.98

Second Quarter

27.70

19.53

27.70

Third Quarter

31.32

25.45

26.43

Fourth Quarter

26.43

18.99

20.92

2017

 

 

 

First Quarter

25.57

20.92

22.81

Second Quarter

24.57

21.10

22.08

Third Quarter

25.49

21.21

22.96

Fourth Quarter

23.84

21.42

23.24

2018

 

 

 

First Quarter

24.60

21.27

21.98

Second Quarter

23.06

21.81

22.31

Third Quarter

22.68

17.57

18.52

Fourth Quarter

21.09

18.39

21.09

2019

 

 

 

First Quarter

23.36

20.31

22.42

Second Quarter

26.17

20.17

25.56

Third Quarter

30.95

24.58

26.71

Fourth Quarter

29.49

26.19

29.28

2020

 

 

 

First Quarter

31.05

19.00

23.04

Second Quarter

37.21

24.03

36.68

Third Quarter

44.53

36.17

39.16

Fourth Quarter

41.42

33.42

36.02

2021

 

 

 

First Quarter

38.51

30.90

32.50

Second Quarter

39.68

33.60

33.98

Third Quarter (through September 8, 2021)

35.09

30.85

32.19

This document relates only to the PLUS offered hereby and does not relate to the underlying shares. We have derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding the Trust from the publicly available documents described above. In connection with the offering of the PLUS, neither we nor the agent has participated in the preparation of such documents or made any due diligence inquiry with respect to the Trust. Neither we nor the agent makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding the Trust is accurate or complete. Furthermore, we cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of the underlying shares (and therefore the price of the underlying shares at the time we price the PLUS) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning the Trust could affect the value received at maturity with respect to the PLUS and therefore the value of the PLUS.

Neither we nor any of our affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of the underlying shares.

The PLUS are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by the Trust. The Trust makes no representations or warranties to the owners of the PLUS or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in the securities. The Trust has no obligation or liability in connection with the operation, marketing, trading or sale of the PLUS.

 

We and/or our affiliates may presently or from time to time engage in business with the Trust. In the course of such business, we and/or our affiliates may acquire non-public information with respect to the Trust, and neither we nor any of our affiliates undertakes to disclose any such information to you. In addition, one or more of our affiliates may publish research reports with respect to the underlying shares. The statements in the preceding two sentences are not intended to affect the rights of investors in the PLUS under the securities laws. As a prospective purchaser of the PLUS, you should undertake an

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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

PLUS Based on the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF due November 30, 2022

Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM
Principal at Risk Securities

independent investigation of the Trust as in your judgment is appropriate to make an informed decision with respect to an investment linked to the underlying shares.

 

Market VectorsSM is a service mark of Van Eck Associates Corporation (“Van Eck”). The PLUS are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by Van Eck. Van Eck makes no representations or warranties to the owners of the PLUS or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in the PLUS. Van Eck has no obligation or liability in connection with the operation, marketing, trading or sale of the PLUS.

The NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index. The NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index is a modified market capitalization weighted index comprised of publicly traded companies involved primarily in the mining of gold and silver. The NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index includes common stocks, ADRs or GDRs of selected companies involved in the mining for gold and silver ore and are listed for trading and electronically quoted on a major stock market that is accessible by foreign investors. For additional information about the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index, please see the information set forth under “NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index” in the accompanying index supplement.

September 2021 Page 14

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

PLUS Based on the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF due November 30, 2022

Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM
Principal at Risk Securities

Additional Terms of the PLUS

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.

Share underlying index:

The NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index

Share underlying index publisher:

ICE Data Indices, LLC or any successor thereof

Denominations:

$1,000 per PLUS and integral multiples thereof

Trustee:

The Bank of New York Mellon

Calculation agent:

MS & Co.

Postponement of maturity date:

If, due to a market disruption event or otherwise, the valuation date is postponed so that it falls less than two business days prior to the scheduled maturity date, the maturity date will be postponed to the second business day following the valuation date as postponed.

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

In the event that the maturity date is postponed due to postponement of the valuation 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 PLUS 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 PLUS 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 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 actual valuation date.

 

The issuer shall, or shall cause the calculation agent to, (i) provide written notice to the trustee and to the depositary of the amount of cash to be delivered with respect to each stated principal amount of the PLUS, 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 PLUS to the trustee for delivery to the depositary, as holder of the PLUS, on the maturity date.

September 2021 Page 15

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

PLUS Based on the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF due November 30, 2022

Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM
Principal at Risk Securities

Additional Information About the PLUS

 

Additional Information:

 

Minimum ticketing size:

$1,000 / 1 PLUS

Tax considerations:

Although there is uncertainty regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the PLUS due to the lack of governing authority, in the opinion of our counsel, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, under current law, and based on current market conditions, a PLUS should be treated as a single financial contract that is an “open transaction” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, because our counsel’s opinion is based in part on market conditions as of the date of this document, it is subject to confirmation on the pricing date.

Assuming this treatment of the PLUS is respected and subject to the discussion in “United States Federal Taxation” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS, the following U.S. federal income tax consequences should result based on current law:

A U.S. Holder should not be required to recognize taxable income over the term of the PLUS prior to settlement, other than pursuant to a sale or exchange.

Upon sale, exchange or settlement of the PLUS, a U.S. Holder should recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the PLUS. Subject to the discussion below concerning the potential application of the “constructive ownership” rule, such gain or loss should be long-term capital gain or loss if the investor has held the PLUS for more than one year, and short-term capital gain or loss otherwise.

Because the PLUS are linked to shares of an exchange-traded fund, although the matter is not clear, there is a substantial risk that an investment in the PLUS will be treated as a “constructive ownership transaction” under Section 1260 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). If this treatment applies, all or a portion of any long-term capital gain of the U.S. Holder in respect of the PLUS could be recharacterized as ordinary income (in which case an interest charge will be imposed). As a result of certain features of the PLUS, including the leveraged upside payment, it is unclear how to calculate the amount of gain that would be recharacterized if an investment in the PLUS were treated as a constructive ownership transaction. Due to the lack of governing authority, our counsel is unable to opine as to whether or how Section 1260 of the Code applies to the PLUS. U.S. investors should read the section entitled “United States Federal Taxation—Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders—Possible Application of Section 1260 of the Code” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS for additional information and consult their tax advisers regarding the potential application of the “constructive ownership” rule.

In 2007, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) released a notice requesting comments on the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar instruments. The notice focuses in particular on whether to require holders of these instruments to accrue income over the term of their investment. It also asks for comments on a number of related topics, including the character of income or loss with respect to these instruments; whether short-term instruments should be subject to any such accrual regime; the relevance of factors such as the exchange-traded status of the instruments and the nature of the underlying property to which the instruments are linked; the degree, if any, to which income (including any mandated accruals) realized by non-U.S. investors should be subject to withholding tax; and whether these instruments are or should be subject to the “constructive ownership” rule, as discussed above. While the notice requests comments on appropriate transition rules and effective dates, 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 PLUS, possibly with retroactive effect.

As discussed in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS, 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 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 PLUS and current market conditions, we expect that the PLUS 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 PLUS do not have a delta of one with respect

September 2021 Page 16

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

PLUS Based on the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF due November 30, 2022

Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM
Principal at Risk Securities

to any Underlying Security, our counsel is of the opinion that the PLUS 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 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 PLUS.

Both U.S. and non-U.S. investors considering an investment in the PLUS should read the discussion under “Risk Factors” in this document and the discussion under “United States Federal Taxation” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS and consult their tax advisers regarding all aspects of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the PLUS, including possible alternative treatments, the potential application of the constructive ownership rule, the issues presented by the aforementioned notice and any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.

The discussion in the preceding paragraphs under “Tax considerations” and the discussion contained in the section entitled “United States Federal Taxation” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS, insofar as they purport to describe provisions of U.S. federal income tax laws or legal conclusions with respect thereto, constitute the full opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP regarding the material U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the PLUS.

 

 

 

 

Use of proceeds and hedging:

The proceeds from the sale of the PLUS will be used by us for general corporate purposes. We will receive, in aggregate, $1,000 per PLUS issued, because, when we enter into hedging transactions in order to meet our obligations under the PLUS, our hedging counterparty will reimburse the cost of the agent’s commissions. The costs of the PLUS borne by you and described beginning on page 2 above comprise the agent’s commissions and the cost of issuing, structuring and hedging the PLUS.

On or prior to the pricing date, we will hedge our anticipated exposure in connection with the PLUS by entering into hedging transactions with our affiliates and/or third-party dealers. We expect our hedging counterparties to take positions in the underlying shares and in futures and options contracts on the underlying shares or any component stocks of the share underlying index, or in any other securities or instruments that they may wish to use in connection with such hedging. Such purchase activity could potentially increase the price of the underlying shares on the pricing date, and therefore the price at or above which the underlying shares must close on the valuation date so that investors do not suffer a loss on their initial investment in the PLUS. In addition, through our affiliates, we are likely to modify our hedge position throughout the term of the PLUS, including on the valuation date, by purchasing and selling the underlying shares, futures or options contracts on the underlying shares or component stocks of the share underlying index listed on major securities markets or positions in any other available securities or instruments that we may wish to use in connection with such hedging activities. As a result, these entities may be unwinding or adjusting hedge positions during the term of the PLUS, and the hedging strategy may involve greater and more frequent dynamic adjustments to the hedge as the valuation date approaches. We cannot give any assurance that our hedging activities will not affect the value of the underlying shares, and, therefore, adversely affect the value of the PLUS or the payment you will receive at maturity, if any. For further information on our use of proceeds and hedging, see “Use of Proceeds and Hedging” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS.

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 PLUS, either directly or indirectly.

Supplemental information regarding plan of distribution; conflicts of interest:

Selected dealers, which may include our affiliates, and their financial advisors will collectively receive from the agent a fixed sales commission of $ for each PLUS they sell.

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 PLUS. When MS & Co. prices this offering of PLUS, it will determine the economic terms of the PLUS, including the maximum payment at maturity, such that for each PLUS the estimated value on the pricing date will be no lower than the minimum level described in “Investment Summary” beginning on page 2.

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

September 2021 Page 17

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

PLUS Based on the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF due November 30, 2022

Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM
Principal at Risk Securities

discretionary account. See “Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” and “Use of Proceeds and Hedging” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS.

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 PLUS 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 product supplement for PLUS, 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 product supplement for PLUS, index supplement and prospectus 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 PLUS 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 PLUS, in the index supplement or in the prospectus.

“Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM” and “PLUSSM” are our service marks.

 

September 2021 Page 18