424B2 1 ms2499_424b2-08004.htm PRELIMINARY PRICING SUPPLEMENT NO. 2,499

September 2021

Preliminary Pricing Supplement No. 2,499
Registration Statement Nos. 333-250103; 333-250103-01
Dated September 15, 2021
Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Structured Investments

Opportunities in U.S. and International Equities

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024

Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 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 prospectus supplement, index supplement and prospectus, as supplemented or modified by this document. The securities do not guarantee the repayment of principal and do not provide for the regular payment of interest. Instead, the securities will pay a contingent quarterly coupon but only if the closing level of each of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index® on each index business day and trading day during the applicable quarterly observation period is at or above 70% of its respective initial level, which we refer to as the respective coupon barrier level. If the closing level of any underlying is less than the coupon barrier level for such underlying on any index business day or any trading day during an observation period, we will pay no interest for the related quarterly period. In addition, beginning on December 20, 2021, we will redeem the securities on any quarterly redemption date for a redemption payment equal to the sum of the stated principal amount plus any contingent quarterly coupon otherwise due with respect to the related observation period, if and only if the output of a risk neutral valuation model on a business day that is at least 2 but no more than 5 business days prior to such redemption date, based on the inputs indicated under “Call feature” below, indicates that redeeming on such date is economically rational for us as compared to not redeeming on such date. An early redemption of the securities will not automatically occur based on the performance of the underlyings. At maturity, if the securities have not previously been redeemed and the final level of each underlying is greater than or equal to 65% of the respective initial level, which we refer to as the respective downside threshold level, the payment at maturity will be the stated principal amount and, if payable, the related contingent quarterly coupon otherwise due with respect to the final observation period. If, however, the final level of any underlying is less than its downside threshold level, investors will be exposed to the decline in the worst performing underlying on a 1-to-1 basis and will receive a payment at maturity that is less than 65% of 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 based on the performance of any underlying and also the risk of not receiving any quarterly coupons during the entire 3-year term of the securities. Because payments on the securities are based on the worst performing of the underlyings, a decline beyond the respective coupon barrier level on any index business day or trading day during an observation period and/or beyond the respective downside threshold level on the final observation date, as applicable, of any underlying will result in few or no contingent quarterly coupons and/or a significant loss of your investment, as applicable, even if the other underlyings have appreciated or have not declined as much. Investors will not participate in any appreciation in any underlying. The securities are for investors who are willing to risk their principal and seek an opportunity to earn interest at a potentially above-market rate in exchange for the risk of receiving no quarterly interest if any underlying closes below the coupon barrier level for such underlying on any index business day or trading day during the related observation period, and the risk of an early redemption of the securities based on the output of a risk neutral valuation model. 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

Underlyings:

Russell 2000® Index (the “RTY Index”), iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (the “EEM Shares”) and NASDAQ-100 Index® (the “NDX Index”). We refer to each of the RTY Index and the NDX Index as an underlying 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:

September 15, 2021

Original issue date:

September 20, 2021 (3 business days after the pricing date)

Maturity date:

September 19, 2024

Call feature:

Beginning on December 20, 2021, an early redemption, in whole but not in part, will occur on a redemption date if and only if the output of a risk neutral valuation model on a business day that is at least 2 but no more than 5 business days prior to such redemption date, as selected by the calculation agent (the “determination date”), taking as input: (i) prevailing reference market levels, volatilities and correlations, as applicable and in each case as of the determination date and (ii) Morgan Stanley’s credit spreads as of the pricing date, indicates that redeeming on such date is economically rational for us as compared to not redeeming on such date. If we call the securities, we will give you notice at least 2 business days before the call date specified in the notice. No further payments will be made on the securities once they have been redeemed.

Contingent quarterly coupon:

If, on each index business day and trading day during an observation period, the closing level of each underlying is greater than or equal to its respective coupon barrier level, we will pay a contingent quarterly coupon at an annual rate of at least 10.65% (corresponding to approximately $26.625 per quarterly period per security, to be determined on the pricing date) on the related contingent coupon payment date.

If, on any index business day or trading day during an observation period, the closing level of any underlying is less than the coupon barrier level for such underlying, no contingent quarterly coupon will be paid with respect to that observation period. It is possible that one or more underlyings will close below the respective coupon barrier level(s) on any index business day or trading day during most or all of the observation periods throughout the entire term of the securities so that you will receive few or no contingent quarterly coupons.

Payment at maturity:

If the securities have not previously been redeemed, investors will receive on the maturity date a payment at maturity determined as follows:

If the final level of each underlying is greater than or equal to its respective downside threshold level: the stated principal amount and, if payable, the contingent quarterly coupon otherwise due with respect to the final observation period.

If the final level of any underlying is less than its respective downside threshold level: (i) the stated principal amount multiplied by (ii) the performance factor of the worst performing underlying. Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less than 65% of 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 $964.60 per security, or within $30.00 of that estimate. See “Investment Overview” 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 prospectus supplement.

(3)See “Use of proceeds and hedging” on page 37.

The securities involve risks not associated with an investment in ordinary debt securities. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12.

The Securities and Exchange Commission and state securities regulators have not approved or disapproved these securities, or determined if this document or the accompanying prospectus 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 prospectus 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.

References to “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Morgan Stanley or MSFL, or Morgan Stanley and MSFL collectively, as the context requires.

Prospectus Supplement dated November 16, 2020 Index Supplement dated November 16, 2020Prospectus dated November 16, 2020

 

 

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

 

Terms continued from previous page:

Redemption payment:

The redemption payment will be an amount equal to (i) the stated principal amount plus (ii) any contingent quarterly coupon otherwise due with respect to the related observation period.

Redemption dates:

December 20, 2021, March 18, 2022, June 21, 2022, September 20, 2022, December 20, 2022, March 20, 2023, June 21, 2023, September 20, 2023, December 20, 2023, March 20, 2024 and June 21, 2024; provided that if any such day is not a business day, the redemption payment will be made on the next succeeding business day and no adjustment will be made to any redemption payment made on that succeeding business day.

Initial level:

With respect to the RTY Index: , which is the index closing value of such index on the pricing date

With respect to the EEM Shares: $ , which is its closing price on the pricing date

With respect to the NDX Index: , which is the index closing value of such index on the pricing date

Final level:

With respect to each underlying, the respective closing level on the final observation date

Closing level:

With respect to each of the RTY Index and the NDX Index, on any index business day, the respective index closing value on such day

With respect to the EEM Shares, on any trading day, the closing price of one EEM Share on such day times the adjustment factor on such day

Worst performing

underlying:

The underlying with the largest percentage decrease from the respective initial level to the respective final level

Performance factor:

Final level divided by the initial level

Coupon barrier level:

With respect to the RTY Index: , which is equal to 70% of its initial level

With respect to the EEM Shares: $ , which is equal to 70% of its initial level

With respect to the NDX Index: , which is equal to 70% of its initial level

Downside threshold level:

With respect to the RTY Index: , which is equal to 65% of its initial level

With respect to the EEM Shares: $ , which is equal to 65% of its initial level

With respect to the NDX Index: , which is equal to 65% of its initial level

Coupon payment dates:

December 20, 2021, March 18, 2022, June 21, 2022, September 20, 2022, December 20, 2022, March 20, 2023, June 21, 2023, September 20, 2023, December 20, 2023, March 20, 2024, June 21, 2024 and the maturity date; provided that if any such day is not a business day, that contingent quarterly coupon, if any, will be paid on the next succeeding business day and no adjustment will be made to any coupon payment made on that succeeding business day. The contingent quarterly coupon, if any, with respect to the final observation period shall be paid on the maturity date.

Final observation date:

September 16, 2024, subject to postponement for non-index business days and non-trading days, as applicable, and certain market disruption events.

Observation period end-dates:

December 15, 2021, March 15, 2022, June 15, 2022, September 15, 2022, December 15, 2022, March 15, 2023, June 15, 2023, September 15, 2023, December 15, 2023, March 15, 2024, June 17, 2024 and September 16, 2024.

Observation period:

Each observation period will consist of each index business day and trading day from but excluding an observation period end-date to and including the following observation period end-date, provided that the first observation period will consist of each index business day and trading day from but excluding the pricing date to and including the first observation period end-date.

Adjustment factor:

With respect to the EEM Shares, 1.0, subject to adjustment in the event of certain events affecting the EEM Shares

CUSIP / ISIN:

61773FYD9 / US61773FYD94

Listing:

The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange.

 

August 2021  Page 2 

 

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

Investment Overview

Callable Contingent Income Securities

Principal at Risk Securities

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024 Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index® (the “securities”) do not guarantee the repayment of principal and do not provide for the regular payment of interest. Instead, the securities will pay a contingent quarterly coupon but only if the closing level of each of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index® (which we refer to together as the “underlyings”) is at or above 70% of its respective initial level, which we refer to as the respective coupon barrier level, on each index business day and trading day during the applicable quarterly observation period. If the closing level of any underlying is less than the coupon barrier level for such underlying on any index business day or trading day during an observation period, we will pay no coupon for the related quarterly period. In addition, beginning on December 20, 2021, we will redeem the securities on any quarterly redemption date for the redemption payment equal to the sum of the stated principal amount plus any contingent quarterly coupon otherwise due with respect to the related observation period, if and only if the output of a risk neutral valuation model on a business day that is at least 2 but no more than 5 business days prior to such redemption date, based on the inputs indicated under “Call feature” on the cover page, indicates that redeeming on such date is economically rational for us as compared to not redeeming on such date. An early redemption of the securities will not automatically occur based on the performance of the underlyings. At maturity, if the securities have not been previously redeemed and if the final level of each underlying is greater than or equal to 65% of the respective initial level, which we refer to as the respective downside threshold level, the payment at maturity will be the stated principal amount and, if payable, the related contingent quarterly coupon otherwise due with respect to the final observation period. If, however, the final level of any underlying is less than its downside threshold level, investors will be exposed to the decline in the worst performing underlying on a 1-to-1 basis and will receive a payment at maturity that is less than 65% of 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 based on the performance of any index and also the risk of not receiving any quarterly coupons throughout the entire term of the securities.

Maturity:

Approximately 3 years, unless redeemed earlier based on the output of a risk neutral valuation model

Contingent quarterly coupon:

If, on each index business day and trading day during an observation period, the closing level of each underlying is greater than or equal to its respective coupon barrier level, we will pay a contingent quarterly coupon at an annual rate of at least 10.65% (corresponding to approximately $26.625 per quarterly period per security, to be determined on the pricing date) on the related contingent coupon payment date.

If, on any index business day or trading day during an observation period, the closing level of any underlying is less than the coupon barrier level for such underlying, no contingent quarterly coupon will be paid with respect to that observation period. It is possible that one or more underlyings will close below the respective coupon barrier level(s) on any index business day or trading day during most or all of the observation periods throughout the entire term of the securities so that you will receive few or no contingent quarterly coupons.

Early redemption:

Beginning on December 20, 2021, we will redeem the securities on any quarterly redemption date for an early redemption payment equal to the stated principal amount plus any contingent quarterly coupon otherwise due with respect to the related observation period, if and only if the output of a risk neutral valuation model on a business day that is at least 2 but no more than 5 business days prior to such redemption date, based on the inputs indicated under “Call feature” on the cover page, indicates that redeeming on such date is economically rational for us as compared to not redeeming on such date. An early redemption of the securities will not automatically occur based on the performance of the underlyings. In accordance with the risk neutral valuation model, it is more likely that we will redeem the securities when it would otherwise be advantageous for you to continue to hold the securities. As such, we will be more likely to redeem the securities when the closing level of each underlying is at or above its respective coupon barrier level, which would otherwise potentially result in an amount of interest payable on the securities that is greater than instruments of a comparable maturity and credit rating trading in the market. In other words, we will be

September 2021  Page 3

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

more likely to redeem the securities at a time when the securities are paying an above-market coupon. If the securities are redeemed prior to maturity, you will receive no more contingent quarterly coupon payments, may be forced to invest in a lower interest rate environment and may not be able to reinvest at comparable terms or returns.

On the other hand, we will be less likely to redeem the securities when the closing level of any underlying is below its respective coupon barrier level and/or when the final level of any underlying is expected to be below the downside threshold level, such that you will receive no contingent quarterly coupons and/or that you will suffer a significant loss on your initial investment in the securities at maturity. Therefore, if we do not redeem the securities, it is more likely that you will receive few or no contingent quarterly coupons and suffer a significant loss at maturity.

Payment at maturity:

If the securities have not previously been redeemed, investors will receive on the maturity date a payment at maturity determined as follows:

If the final level of each underlying is greater than or equal to its respective downside threshold level: the stated principal amount and, if payable, the contingent quarterly coupon with respect to the final observation period.

If the final level of any underlying is less than its respective downside threshold level: (i) the stated principal amount multiplied by (ii) the performance factor of the worst performing underlying. Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less than 65% of the stated principal amount of the securities and could be zero.

We are using this preliminary pricing supplement to solicit from you an offer to purchase the securities. You may revoke your offer to purchase the securities at any time prior to the time at which we accept such offer by notifying the relevant agent. We reserve the right to change the terms of, or reject any offer to purchase, the securities prior to their issuance. In the event of any material changes to the terms of the securities, we will notify you.

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 $964.60, or within $30.00 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 underlyings. The estimated value of the securities is determined using our own pricing and valuation models, market inputs and assumptions relating to the underlyings, instruments based on the underlyings, 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 contingent quarterly coupon rate, the coupon barrier levels and the downside threshold levels, 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 underlyings, may vary from, and be lower than, the estimated value on the pricing date, because the

September 2021  Page 4

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

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 underlyings, 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.

September 2021  Page 5

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

Key Investment Rationale

The securities do not provide for the regular payment of interest and instead will pay a contingent quarterly coupon but only if the closing level of each underlying is at or above 70% of its initial level, which we refer to as the respective coupon barrier level, on each index business day and trading day during the related observation period. These securities are for investors who are willing to risk their principal and seek an opportunity to earn interest at a potentially above-market rate in exchange for the risk of receiving no quarterly interest if any underlying closes below the coupon barrier level for such underlying on any index business day or trading day during the related observation period, and the risk of an early redemption of the securities based on the output of a risk neutral valuation model. The following scenarios are for illustration purposes only to demonstrate how the payment at maturity and contingent quarterly coupon (if the securities have not previously been redeemed) are determined, and do not attempt to demonstrate every situation that may occur. Accordingly, the securities may or may not be redeemed based on the output of a risk neutral valuation model, the contingent quarterly coupon may be payable with respect to none of, or some but not all of, the quarterly periods, and the payment at maturity may be less than 65% of the stated principal amount and could be zero. Investors will not participate in any appreciation in any underlying.

Scenario 1: The securities are redeemed prior to maturity.

This scenario assumes that the securities are redeemed prior to the maturity date on one of the quarterly redemption dates, starting on December 20, 2021, based on the output of a risk neutral valuation model, for the redemption payment equal to the stated principal amount plus any contingent quarterly coupon with respect to the relevant observation period. Prior to the early redemption, each underlying closes at or above its respective coupon barrier level on each index business day and trading day during some or all of the quarterly observation periods. In this scenario, investors receive the contingent quarterly coupon with respect to each such observation period, but not for the quarterly periods for which one or more underlyings close below the respective coupon barrier level on any index business day or trading day during such observation period. No further payments will be made on the securities once they have been redeemed.

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

This scenario assumes that the securities are not redeemed on any of the quarterly redemption dates, and, as a result, investors hold the securities to maturity. During the term of the securities, each underlying closes at or above its respective coupon barrier level on each index business day and trading day during some but not all quarterly observation periods. Investors will receive the contingent quarterly coupon for the quarterly periods for which the closing level of each underlying is at or above its respective coupon barrier level on each index business day and trading day during such observation period, but not for the quarterly periods for which one or more underlyings close below the respective coupon barrier level(s) on any index business day or trading day during such observation period. On the final observation date, each underlying closes at or above its downside threshold level. At maturity, investors receive the stated principal amount and, if payable, the contingent quarterly coupon with respect to the final observation date.

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

This scenario assumes that the securities are not redeemed on any of the quarterly redemption dates, and, as a result, investors hold the securities to maturity. During the term of the securities, one or more underlyings close below the respective coupon barrier level(s) on at least one index business day or trading day during each quarterly observation period. Since one or more underlyings close below the respective coupon barrier level(s) on at least one index business day during every quarterly observation period, investors do not receive any contingent quarterly coupon. On the final observation date, one or more underlyings close below the respective downside threshold level(s). At maturity, investors will receive an amount equal to the stated principal amount multiplied by the performance factor of the worst performing underlying. Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less than 65% of the stated principal amount and could be zero.

September 2021  Page 6

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

Underlyings Summary

Russell 2000® Index

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.

Information as of market close on September 13, 2021:

Bloomberg Ticker Symbol:

RTY

Current Index Value:

2,240.784

52 Weeks Ago:

1,536.974

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

2,360.168

52 Week Low (on 9/23/2020):

1,451.458

 

For additional information about the Russell 2000® Index, see the information set forth under “Russell 2000® Index” in the accompanying index supplement. Furthermore, for additional historical information, see “Russell 2000® Index Historical Performance” below.

 

iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

 

The iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF is an exchange-traded fund that seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Emerging Markets IndexSM. The iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF is managed by iShares®, Inc. (“iShares”), a registered investment company that consists of numerous separate investment portfolios, including the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF. Information provided to or filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) by iShares pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 can be located by reference to Commission file numbers 033-97598 and 811-09102, 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 such publicly available information regarding the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF is accurate or complete.

 

Information as of market close on September 13, 2021:

Bloomberg Ticker Symbol:

EEM UP

Current Share Price:

$52.63

52 Weeks Ago:

$44.64

52 Week High (on 2/17/2021):

$57.96

52 Week Low (on 9/24/2020):

$42.90

This document relates only to the securities offered hereby and does not relate to the EEM Shares. We have derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding iShares from the publicly available documents described above. In connection with the offering of the securities, neither we nor the agent has participated in the preparation of such documents or made any due diligence inquiry with respect to iShares. Neither we nor the agent makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding iShares 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 EEM Shares (and therefore the price of the EEM Shares at the time we price the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning iShares could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.

Neither we nor any of our affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of the EEM Shares.

September 2021  Page 7

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

We and/or our affiliates may presently or from time to time engage in business with iShares. In the course of such business, we and/or our affiliates may acquire non-public information with respect to iShares, 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 EEM Shares. The statements in the preceding two sentences are not intended to affect the rights of investors in the securities under the securities laws. As a prospective purchaser of the securities, you should undertake an independent investigation of iShares as in your judgment is appropriate to make an informed decision with respect to an investment linked to the EEM Shares.

“iShares®” is a registered trademark of BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”). The securities are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by BFA. BFA makes no representations or warranties to the owners of the securities or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in the securities. BFA has no obligation or liability in connection with the operation, marketing, trading or sale of the securities.

 

The MSCI Emerging Markets IndexSM.  The MSCI Emerging Markets IndexSM is a stock index calculated, published and disseminated daily by MSCI Inc. and is intended to provide performance benchmarks for certain emerging equity markets including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates. The MSCI Emerging Markets IndexSM is described in “MSCI Emerging Markets IndexSM” and “MSCI Global Investable Market Indices Methodology” in the accompanying index supplement.

 

NASDAQ-100 Index®

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.

Information as of market close on September 13, 2021:

Bloomberg Ticker Symbol:

NDX

Current Index Value:

15,434.50

52 Weeks Ago:

11,277.76

52 Week High (on 9/7/2021):

15,675.76

52 Week Low (on 9/23/2020):

10,833.33

 

For additional information about the NASDAQ-100 Index®, see the information set forth under “NASDAQ-100 Index®” in the accompanying index supplement. Furthermore, for additional historical information, see “NASDAQ-100 Index® Historical Performance” below.

September 2021  Page 8

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

Hypothetical Examples

The following hypothetical examples illustrate how to determine whether a contingent quarterly coupon is paid with respect to an observation period and how to calculate the payment at maturity. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only. Whether you receive a contingent quarterly coupon will be determined by reference to the closing level of each underlying on each index business day and trading day during an observation period, and the amount you will receive at maturity, if any, will be determined by reference to the final level of each underlying on the final observation date. Any early redemption of the securities will be based on the output of a risk neutral valuation model. The actual initial level, coupon barrier level, and downside threshold level for each underlying will be determined on the pricing date. All payments on the securities, if any, are subject to our credit risk. The below examples are based on the following terms:

Hypothetical Contingent Quarterly Coupon:

If, on each index business day and trading day during an observation period, the closing level of each underlying is greater than or equal to its respective coupon barrier level, we will pay a contingent quarterly coupon at an annual rate of 10.65% (corresponding to approximately $26.625 per quarterly period per security) on the related contingent coupon payment date.

If, on any index business day or trading day during an observation period, the closing level of any underlying is less than the coupon barrier level for such underlying, no contingent quarterly coupon will be paid with respect to that observation period. It is possible that one or more underlyings will close below the respective coupon barrier level(s) on any index business day or trading day during most or all of the observation periods throughout the entire term of the securities so that you will receive few or no contingent quarterly coupons.

Call Feature:

Beginning on December 20, 2021, an early redemption, in whole but not in part, will occur on a redemption date if and only if the output of a risk neutral valuation model on a business day that is at least 2 but no more than 5 business days prior to such redemption date, as selected by the calculation agent (the “determination date”), taking as input: (i) prevailing reference market levels, volatilities and correlations, as applicable and in each case as of the determination date and (ii) Morgan Stanley’s credit spreads as of the pricing date, indicates that redeeming on such date is economically rational for us as compared to not redeeming on such date. If we call the securities, we will give you notice at least 2 business days before the call date specified in the notice. Any redemption payment will be equal to the stated principal amount plus any contingent quarterly coupon otherwise due with respect to the related observation period. If the securities are redeemed prior to maturity, you will receive no more contingent quarterly coupon payments, may be forced to invest in a lower interest rate environment and may not be able to reinvest at comparable terms or returns.

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

If the final level of each underlying is greater than or equal to its respective downside threshold level: the stated principal amount and, if payable, the contingent quarterly coupon otherwise due with respect to the final observation period.

If the final level of any underlying is less than its respective downside threshold level: (i) the stated principal amount multiplied by (ii) the performance factor of the worst performing underlying. Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less than 65% of the stated principal amount of the securities and could be zero.

Stated Principal Amount:

$1,000

Hypothetical Initial Level:

With respect to the RTY Index: 2,200

With respect to the EEM Shares: $60

With respect to the NDX Index: 13,000

Hypothetical Coupon Barrier Level:

With respect to the RTY Index: 1,540, which is 70% of its hypothetical initial level

With respect to the EEM Shares: $42, which is 70% of its hypothetical initial level

With respect to the NDX Index: 9,100, which is 70% of its hypothetical initial level

Hypothetical Downside Threshold Level:

With respect to the RTY Index: 1,430, which is 65% of its hypothetical initial level

With respect to the EEM Shares: $39, which is 65% of its hypothetical initial level

With respect to the NDX Index: 8,450, which is 65% of its hypothetical initial level

 

* The actual contingent quarterly coupon will be an amount determined by the calculation agent based on the actual contingent quarterly coupon rate and the number of days in the applicable payment period, calculated on a 30/360 day-count basis. The hypothetical contingent quarterly coupon of $26.625 is used in these examples for ease of analysis.

September 2021  Page 9

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

How to determine whether a contingent quarterly coupon is payable with respect to an observation period (if the securities have not been previously redeemed):

 

Lowest Closing Level During Observation Period

Contingent Quarterly Coupon

 

RTY Index

EEM Shares

NDX Index

Example 1

2,000 (at or above coupon barrier level on each index business day during the related observation period)

$50 (at or above coupon barrier level on each trading day during the related observation period)

14,000 (at or above coupon barrier level on each index business day during the related observation period)

$26.625

Example 2

2,150 (at or above coupon barrier level on each index business day during the related observation period)

$55 (at or above coupon barrier level on each trading day during the related observation period)

7,500 (below coupon barrier level on at least one index business day during the related observation period)

$0

Example 3

1,200 (below coupon barrier level on at least one index business day during the related observation period)

$19 (below coupon barrier level on at least one trading day during the related observation period)

10,500 (at or above coupon barrier level on each index business day during the related observation period)

$0

Example 4

1,000 (below coupon barrier level on at least one index business day during the related observation period)

$16 (below coupon barrier level on at least one trading day during the related observation period)

6,000 (below coupon barrier level on at least one index business day during the related observation period)

$0

 

In example 1, the RTY Index, the EEM Shares and the NDX Index all close at or above their respective coupon barrier levels on each index business day and trading day during the related observation period. Therefore a contingent quarterly coupon of $26.625 is paid on the relevant coupon payment date.

In examples 2 and 3, one or more underlyings close below their coupon barrier level(s) on at least one index business day or trading day during the related observation period. Therefore, no contingent quarterly coupon is paid on the relevant coupon payment date.

In example 4, each underlying closes below its respective coupon barrier level on at least one index business day or trading day during the related observation period and accordingly no contingent quarterly coupon is paid on the relevant coupon payment date.

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

 

Final Level

Payment at Maturity

 

RTY Index

EEM Shares

NDX Index

Example 1:

1,800 (at or above the downside threshold level)

$75 (at or above the downside threshold level)

15,000 (at or above the downside threshold level)

$1,000 and, if payable, the contingent quarterly coupon with respect to the final observation period

Example 2:

1,600 (at or above the downside threshold level)

$45 (at or above the downside threshold level)

5,200 (below the downside threshold level)

$1,000 x performance factor of the worst performing underlying = $1,000 x (5,200 / 13,000) = $400

Example 3:

1,550 (at or above the downside threshold level)

$24 (below the downside threshold level)

11,500 (at or above the downside threshold level)

$1,000 x performance factor of the worst performing underlying = $1,000 x ($24 / $60) = $400

September 2021  Page 10

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

Example 4:

990 (below the downside threshold level)

$18 (below the downside threshold level)

5,200 (below the downside threshold level)

$1,000 x ($18 / $60) = $300

Example 5:

660 (below the downside threshold level)

$24 (below the downside threshold level)

5,200 (below the downside threshold level)

$1,000 x (660 / 2,200) = $300

In example 1, the final levels of the RTY Index, the EEM Shares and the NDX Index are all at or above their downside threshold levels. Therefore, investors receive at maturity the stated principal amount of the securities and, if payable, the contingent quarterly coupon with respect to the final observation period. Investors do not participate in the appreciation of any underlying.

In examples 2 and 3, the final level(s) of one or two underlyings are at or above their respective downside threshold levels but the final level(s) of one or both of the other underlyings are below their respective downside threshold level(s). Therefore, investors are exposed to the downside performance of the worst performing underlying at maturity and receive at maturity an amount equal to the stated principal amount times the performance factor of the worst performing underlying.

Similarly, in examples 4 and 5, the final level of each underlying is below its respective downside threshold level, and investors receive at maturity an amount equal to the stated principal amount times the performance factor of the worst performing underlying. In example 4, the RTY Index has declined 55% from its initial level to its final level, the EEM Shares have declined 70% from the respective initial level to the respective final level and the NDX Index has declined 60% from its initial level to its final level. Therefore, the payment at maturity equals the stated principal amount times the performance factor of the EEM Shares, which represent the worst performing underlying in this example. In example 5, the RTY Index has declined 70% from its initial level to its final level, the EEM Shares have declined 60% from the respective initial level to the respective final level and the NDX Index has declined 60% from its initial level to its final level. Therefore the payment at maturity equals the stated principal amount times the performance factor of the RTY Index, which is the worst performing underlying in this example.

If the securities have not been redeemed prior to maturity and the final level of ANY underlying is below its respective downside threshold level, you will be exposed to the downside performance of the worst performing underlying at maturity, and your payment at maturity will be less than $650 per security and could be zero.

September 2021  Page 11

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 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 prospectus supplement, index supplement and prospectus. We also urge you to consult with your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisers before you invest 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 principal. If the securities have not been redeemed prior to maturity and the final level of any underlying is less than its downside threshold level of 65% of its initial level, you will be exposed to the decline in the final level of the worst performing underlying, as compared to its initial level, on a 1-to-1 basis, and you will receive for each security that you hold at maturity an amount equal to the stated principal amount times the performance factor of the worst performing underlying. In this case, the payment at maturity will be less than 65% of the stated principal amount and could be zero.

The securities do not provide for regular interest payments. The terms of the securities differ from those of ordinary debt securities in that they do not provide for the regular payment of interest. The securities will pay a contingent quarterly coupon only if the closing level of each underlying is at or above 70% of its respective initial level, which we refer to as the respective coupon barrier level, on each index business day and trading day during an observation period. If, on the other hand, the closing level of any underlying is lower than the coupon barrier level for such underlying on any index business day or trading day during the relevant observation period for any interest period, we will pay no coupon on the applicable coupon payment date. It is possible that the closing level of one or more underlyings will close below the respective coupon barrier level(s) on any index business day or trading day during most or all of the observation periods throughout the entire term of the securities. If you do not earn sufficient contingent quarterly coupons over the term of the securities, the overall return on the securities may be less than the amount that would be paid on a conventional debt security of ours of comparable maturity.

The securities have early redemption risk. The term of the securities, and thus your opportunity to earn a potentially above-market coupon if the closing level of each underlying is greater than or equal to the coupon barrier level for such underlying throughout the quarterly observation periods, will be limited if we redeem the securities based on the output of a risk neutral valuation model on any quarterly redemption date, beginning December 20, 2021. The term of your investment in the securities may be limited to as short as three months. In accordance with the risk neutral valuation model determination noted herein, it is more likely that we will redeem the securities when it would be advantageous for you to continue to hold the securities. As such, we will be more likely to redeem the securities when the closing level of each underlying is at or above the coupon barrier level for such underlying, which would otherwise potentially result in an amount of interest payable on the securities that is greater than instruments of a comparable maturity and credit rating trading in the market. In other words, we will be more likely to redeem the securities at a time when the securities are paying an above-market coupon. If the securities are redeemed prior to maturity, you will receive no more contingent quarterly coupon payments, may be forced to invest in a lower interest rate environment and may not be able to reinvest at comparable terms or returns.

On the other hand, we will be less likely to redeem the securities when the closing level of any underlying is below the respective coupon barrier level and/or when the final level for any underlying is expected to be below the respective downside threshold level, such that you will receive no contingent quarterly coupons and/or that you will suffer a significant loss on your initial investment in the securities at maturity. Therefore, if we do not redeem the securities, it is more likely that you will receive few or no contingent quarterly coupons and suffer a significant loss at maturity.

The contingent quarterly coupon, if any, is based on the value of each underlying on each index business day and trading day during the related quarterly observation period. Whether the contingent quarterly coupon will be paid on any coupon payment date will be determined at the end of the relevant interest period, based on the closing level of each underlying on each index business day and trading day during the relevant quarterly observation period. If the closing level of any underlying on any index business day or trading day during an observation period is below the coupon

September 2021  Page 12

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

barrier level for such underlying, you will receive no coupon for the related interest period, even if the level of such underlying was at or above its respective coupon barrier level on most or all of the other index business days or trading days during that observation period and even if the closing levels of the other underlyings were at or above the coupon barrier levels for such underlyings on each index business day and trading day during that observation period.

Investors will not participate in any appreciation in any underlying. Investors will not participate in any appreciation in any underlying from the initial level for such underlying, and the return on the securities will be limited to the contingent quarterly coupons, if any, that are paid until the securities are redeemed or reach 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 value of each underlying on any day, including in relation to its respective coupon barrier level and downside threshold level, 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 each underlying and of the stocks composing the RTY Index, the NDX Index and the share underlying index,

owhether the closing level of any underlying has been below its respective coupon barrier level on any index business day or trading day during any observation period,

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

odividend rates on the securities underlying the RTY Index, the NDX Index and the share underlying index,

othe time remaining until the securities mature,

ointerest and yield rates in the market,

othe availability of comparable instruments,

othe composition of the underlyings and changes in the constituent stocks of the RTY Index, the NDX Index and the share underlying index,

othe occurrence of certain events affecting the EEM Shares that may or may not require an adjustment to the adjustment factor,

othe exchange rates of the U.S. dollar relative to the currencies in which the stocks constituting the MSCI Emerging Markets IndexSM trade, and

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

Generally, the longer the time remaining to maturity, the more the market price of the securities will be affected by the other factors described above. 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 any underlying has closed near or below its coupon barrier level, and especially if any underlying has closed near or below its downside threshold level, 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 any underlying based on its historical performance. The value of any underlying may decrease and be below the coupon barrier level for such underlying on any index business day or trading day during each observation period so that you will receive no return on your investment, and one or all of the underlyings may close below the respective downside threshold level(s) on the final observation date so that you lose more than 35% or all of your initial investment in the securities. There can be no assurance that the closing level of each underlying will be at or above the respective coupon barrier level on each index business day and trading day during an observation period so that you will receive a coupon payment on the securities for the applicable interest period or that they will be at or above their respective downside threshold levels on the final observation date so that you do not suffer a significant loss on your

September 2021  Page 13

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

initial investment in the securities. See “Russell 2000® Index Historical Performance,” “iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Historical Performance” and “NASDAQ-100 Index® Historical Performance” below.

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 at maturity or on any coupon payment date, 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.

Investing in the securities is not equivalent to investing in the underlyings or the stocks composing the RTY Index, the NDX Index or the share underlying index. Investing in the securities is not equivalent to investing in any of the underlyings or the component stocks of the RTY Index, the NDX Index or the share underlying index. Investors in the securities will not participate in any positive performance of any underlying, and will not have voting rights or rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to stocks that constitute RTY Index, the NDX Index or the share underlying index.

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 3-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 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.

September 2021  Page 14

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

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 underlyings, 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 underlyings and the share underlying index), including trading in the EEM Shares, the stocks that constitute the RTY Index, the NDX Index or the share underlying index as well as in other instruments related to the underlyings. 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 underlyings and other financial instruments related to the underlyings and 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 increase the initial level of any underlying, and, therefore, could increase (i) the coupon barrier level for such underlying, which, if the securities have not been redeemed, is the value at or above which such underlying must close on each index business day and trading day during the applicable observation period in order for you to earn a contingent quarterly coupon (depending also on the performance of the other underlyings), and (ii) the downside threshold level for such underlying, which, if the securities have not been redeemed prior to maturity, is the value at or above which the underlying must close on the final observation date so that you are not exposed to the negative performance of the worst performing underlying at maturity (depending also on the performance of the other underlyings). Additionally, such hedging or trading activities during the term of the securities could affect the value of an underlying on any index business day or trading day during the term of the securities, and, accordingly, whether we pay a contingent quarterly coupon on the securities and the amount of cash you receive at maturity, if any (depending also on the performance of the other underlyings).

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 level, coupon barrier level and downside threshold level for each underlying, the payment at maturity, if any, and whether you receive a contingent quarterly coupon on each coupon payment date. 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 closing price or index closing value, as applicable, of any underlying in the event of a market disruption event or discontinuance of the RTY Index, the NDX Index or the share underlying index. These potentially subjective determinations may affect the payout to you upon an early redemption or at maturity, if any. For further information regarding these types of determinations, see “Additional Information About the Securities—Additional Provisions—Calculation agent,” “—Market disruption event,” “—Postponement of the final observation date,” “—Discontinuance of the RTY Index or the NDX Index; alteration of method of calculation,” “—Discontinuance of the EEM Shares and/or the share underlying index; alteration of

September 2021  Page 15

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

method of calculation” and “—Alternate exchange calculation in case of an event of default” below. 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 single financial contract that provides for a coupon that will be treated as gross income to you at the time received or accrued, in accordance with your regular method of tax accounting. Under this treatment, the ordinary income treatment of the coupon payments, in conjunction with the capital loss treatment of any loss recognized upon the sale, exchange or settlement of the securities, could result in adverse tax consequences to holders of the securities because the deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. We do not plan to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) regarding the tax treatment of the securities, and the IRS or a court may not agree with the tax treatment described herein. If the IRS were successful in asserting an alternative treatment for the securities, the timing and character of income or loss on the securities might differ significantly from the tax treatment described herein. For example, under one possible treatment, the IRS could seek to recharacterize the securities as debt instruments. In that event, U.S. Holders (as defined below) would be required to accrue into income original issue discount on the securities every year at a “comparable yield” determined at the time of issuance (as adjusted based on the difference, if any, between the actual and the projected amount of any contingent payments on the securities) and recognize all income and gain in respect of the securities 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.

Non-U.S. Holders (as defined below) should note that we currently intend to withhold on any coupon paid to Non-U.S. Holders generally at a rate of 30%, or at a reduced rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty under an “other income” or similar provision, and will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld.

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 holders of the securities are the character and timing of income or loss and the degree, if any, to which income realized by non-U.S. investors should be subject to withholding tax. 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 this notice and any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.

Risks Relating to the Underlyings

You are exposed to the price risk of each underlying, with respect to both the contingent quarterly coupons, if any, and the payment at maturity, if any. Your return on the securities is not linked to a basket consisting of all three underlyings. Rather, it will be contingent upon the independent performance of each underlying. 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. Poor performance by any underlying over the term of the securities may negatively affect your return and will not be offset or mitigated by any positive performance by the other underlyings. To receive any contingent quarterly coupons, each underlying must close at or above its respective coupon barrier level on each index business day and trading day during the applicable observation period. In addition, if any underlying has declined to below its respective downside threshold level as of the final observation date, you will be fully exposed to the decline in the worst performing underlying over the term of the securities on a 1-to-1 basis, even if the other underlyings have appreciated or have not declined as much. Under this scenario, the value of any such payment will be

September 2021  Page 16

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

less than 65% of the stated principal amount and could be zero. Accordingly, your investment is subject to the price risk of each underlying.

Because the securities are linked to the performance of the worst performing underlying, you are exposed to greater risks of receiving no contingent quarterly coupons and sustaining a significant loss on your investment than if the securities were linked to just one underlying. The risk that you will not receive any contingent quarterly coupons, or that you will suffer a significant 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. With three underlyings, it is more likely that any underlying will close below its coupon barrier level on any index business day or trading day during an observation period, or below its downside threshold level on the final observation date, than if the securities were linked to only one underlying. Therefore, it is more likely that you will not receive any contingent quarterly coupons and that you will suffer a significant loss on your investment.

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 underlyings, 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.

There are risks associated with investments in securities linked to the value of foreign (and especially emerging markets) equity securities. The price of the EEM Shares tracks the performance of the MSCI Emerging Markets IndexSM (the “share underlying index”), which is linked to the value of foreign (and especially emerging markets) equity securities. Investments in securities linked to the value of foreign equity securities involve risks associated with the securities markets in those countries, including risks of volatility in those markets, governmental intervention in those markets and cross-shareholdings in companies in certain countries. Also, there is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies than about U.S. companies that are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and foreign companies are subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements different from those applicable to U.S. reporting companies. The prices of securities issued in foreign markets may be affected by political, economic, financial and social factors in those countries, or global regions, including changes in government, economic and fiscal policies and currency exchange laws. In addition, the stocks included in the MSCI Emerging Markets IndexSM and that are generally tracked by the EEM shares have been issued by companies in various emerging markets countries, which pose further risks in addition to the risks associated with investing in foreign equity markets generally. Countries with emerging markets may have relatively unstable governments, may present the risks of nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership and prohibitions on the repatriation of assets, and may have less protection of property rights than more developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme and volatile debt burdens or inflation rates. Local securities markets may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of holdings difficult or impossible at times. Moreover, the economies in such countries may differ unfavorably from the economy in the United States in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources, self-sufficiency and balance of payment positions between countries.

The securities are subject to currency exchange risk. Because the price of the EEM Shares tracks the performance of the MSCI Emerging Markets IndexSM, 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

September 2021  Page 17

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

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 security. If, taking into account such weighting, the dollar strengthens against the currencies of the component securities represented in the share underlying index, the price of the EEM Shares will be adversely affected and the payment at maturity on the securities 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.

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

Adjustments to the EEM Shares or the share underlying index could adversely affect the value of the securities. The investment adviser to the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, BlackRock Fund Advisors (the “Investment Adviser”), seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the share underlying index. Pursuant to its investment strategy or otherwise, the Investment Advisor may add, delete or substitute the stocks composing the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF. Any of these actions could adversely affect the price of the EEM Shares and, consequently, the value of the securities. MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”) is responsible for calculating and maintaining the share underlying index. MSCI may add, delete or substitute the stocks constituting the share underlying index or make other methodological changes that could change the value of the share underlying index. MSCI may discontinue or suspend calculation or publication of the share underlying 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 share underlying index and is permitted to consider indices that are calculated and published by the calculation agent or any of its affiliates. Any of these actions could adversely affect the value of the EEM Shares, and consequently, the value of the securities.

The performance and market price of the EEM Shares, 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 EEM Shares. The EEM Shares do 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 EEM Shares 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 EEM Shares and the share underlying index. In addition, corporate actions (such as mergers and spin-offs) with respect to the equity securities underlying the EEM Shares may impact the variance between the performances of EEM Shares and the share underlying index. Finally, because the shares of the EEM Shares are traded on an exchange and are subject to market supply and investor demand, the market price of one share of the EEM Shares may differ from the net asset value per share of the EEM Shares.

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

September 2021  Page 18

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

For all of the foregoing reasons, the performance of the EEM Shares 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 EEM Shares. Any of these events could materially and adversely affect the price of the shares of the EEM Shares and, therefore, the value of the securities. Additionally, if market volatility or these events were to occur on the final observation 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 may affect the payment at maturity of the securities. If the calculation agent determines that no market disruption event has taken place, the payment at maturity would be based on the published closing price per share of the EEM Shares on the final observation date, even if the EEM Shares’ 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 EEM Shares.

Adjustments to the RTY Index or the NDX Index could adversely affect the value of the securities. The publisher of each of the RTY Index and the NDX Index may add, delete or substitute the component stocks of such underlying or make other methodological changes that could change the value of such underlying. Any of these actions could adversely affect the value of the securities. The publisher of each the RTY Index and the NDX Index may also discontinue or suspend calculation or publication of such underlying 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 index business day during the term of the securities, the determination of whether a contingent quarterly coupon will be payable on the securities on the applicable coupon payment date, and/or the amount payable at maturity, will be based on the value of such underlying, based on the closing prices of the stocks constituting such underlying 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 last in effect prior to such discontinuance, as compared to the respective coupon barrier level or downside threshold level, as applicable (depending also on the performance of the other underlyings).

September 2021  Page 19

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

Russell 2000® Index Historical Performance

The following graph sets forth the daily closing values of the RTY Index for the period from January 1, 2016 through September 13, 2021. The related table sets forth the published high and low closing values, as well as end-of-quarter closing values, of the RTY Index for each quarter for the period from January 1, 2016 through September 13, 2021. The closing value of the RTY Index on September 13, 2021 was 2,240.784. 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. No assurance can be given as to the closing level of the RTY Index during any observation period, including on the final observation date.

RTY Index Daily Closing Values

January 1, 2016 to September 13, 2021

 

* The black solid line in the graph indicates the hypothetical coupon barrier level, and the red solid line indicates the hypothetical downside threshold level, in each case assuming the closing level on September 13, 2021 were the initial level.

September 2021  Page 20

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

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

2,343.758

2,135.139

2,310.549

Third Quarter (through September 13, 2021)

2,329.359

2,130.680

2,240.784

 

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

September 2021  Page 21

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Historical Performance

The following graph sets forth the daily closing prices of the EEM Shares for the period from January 1, 2016 through September 13, 2021. The related table sets forth the published high and low closing prices, as well as end-of-quarter closing prices, of the EEM Shares for each quarter for the period from January 1, 2016 through September 13, 2021. The closing price of the EEM Shares on September 13, 2021 was $52.63. We obtained the information in the graph and table below from Bloomberg Financial Markets, without independent verification. The EEM Shares have at times experienced periods of high volatility, and you should not take the historical prices of the EEM Shares as an indication of its future performance. No assurance can be given as to the closing level of the EEM Shares during any observation period, including on the final observation date.

EEM Shares Daily Closing Prices

January 1, 2016 to September 13, 2021

 

*The black solid line in the graph indicates the hypothetical coupon barrier level, and the red solid line indicates the hypothetical downside threshold level, in each case assuming the closing level on September 13, 2021 were the initial level.

September 2021  Page 22

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (CUSIP 464287234)

High ($)

Low ($)

Period End ($)

2016

 

 

 

First Quarter

34.28

28.25

34.25

Second Quarter

35.26

31.87

34.36

Third Quarter

38.20

33.77

37.45

Fourth Quarter

38.10

34.08

35.01

2017

 

 

 

First Quarter

39.99

35.43

39.39

Second Quarter

41.93

38.81

41.39

Third Quarter

45.85

41.05

44.81

Fourth Quarter

47.81

44.82

47.12

2018

 

 

 

First Quarter

52.08

45.69

48.28

Second Quarter

48.14

42.33

43.33

Third Quarter

45.03

41.14

42.92

Fourth Quarter

42.93

38.00

39.06

2019

 

 

 

First Quarter

43.71

38.45

42.92

Second Quarter

44.59

39.91

42.91

Third Quarter

43.42

38.74

40.87

Fourth Quarter

45.07

40.27

44.87

2020

 

 

 

First Quarter

46.30

30.61

34.13

Second Quarter

41.19

32.67

39.99

Third Quarter

45.55

40.44

44.09

Fourth Quarter

51.70

43.99

51.67

2021

 

 

 

First Quarter

57.96

51.68

53.34

Second Quarter

56.09

52.01

55.15

Third Quarter (through September 13, 2021)

54.84

49.50

52.63

 

September 2021  Page 23

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

NASDAQ-100 Index® Historical Performance

The following graph sets forth the daily closing values of the NDX Index for the period from January 1, 2016 through September 13, 2021. The related table sets forth the published high and low closing values, as well as end-of-quarter closing values, of the NDX Index for each quarter for the period from January 1, 2016 through September 13, 2021. The closing value of the NDX Index on September 13, 2021 was 15,434.50. 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. No assurance can be given as to the closing level of the NDX Index during any observation period, including on the final observation date.

NDX Index Daily Closing Values
January 1, 2016 to September 13, 2021

 

* The black solid line in the graph indicates the hypothetical coupon barrier level, and the red solid line indicates the hypothetical downside threshold level, in each case assuming the closing level on September 13, 2021 were the initial level.

 

September 2021  Page 24

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

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

14,572.75

13,001.63

14,554.80

Third Quarter (through September 13, 2021)

15,675.76

14,549.09

15,434.50

 

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

September 2021  Page 25

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

Additional Terms of the Securities

Please read this information in conjunction with the summary terms on the front cover of this preliminary pricing supplement.

Additional Terms:

 

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

Day-count convention:

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

Underlying index publisher:

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

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

Share underlying index:

MSCI Emerging Markets IndexSM

Share underlying index publisher:

MSCI Inc. or any successor thereof

Denominations:

$1,000 per security and integral multiples thereof

Interest period:

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

Senior security or subordinated security:

Senior

Specified currency:

U.S. dollars

Record date:

One business day prior to the related scheduled coupon payment date; provided that any contingent quarterly coupon payable at maturity shall be payable to the person to whom the payment at maturity shall be payable.

Trustee:

The Bank of New York Mellon, a New York banking corporation

Calculation agent:

The calculation agent for the securities will be MS & Co. All determinations made by the calculation agent will be at the sole discretion of the calculation agent and will, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive for all purposes and binding on you, the trustee and us.

All calculations with respect to the contingent quarterly coupon, the redemption payment and the payment at maturity, if any, shall be made by the calculation agent and shall be rounded to the nearest one hundred-thousandth, with five one-millionths rounded upward (e.g., .876545 would be rounded to .87655); all dollar amounts related to determination of the amount of cash payable per stated principal amount, if any, shall be rounded to the nearest ten-thousandth, with five one hundred-thousandths rounded upward (e.g., .76545 would be rounded up to .7655); and all dollar amounts paid on the aggregate principal amount of the securities shall be rounded to the nearest cent, with one-half cent rounded upward.

Because the calculation agent is our affiliate, the economic interests of the calculation agent and its affiliates may be adverse to your interests as an investor in the securities, including with respect to certain determinations and judgments that the calculation agent must make in determining the payment that you will receive, if any, on each coupon payment date, upon early redemption or at maturity or whether a market disruption event has occurred. See “Market disruption event,” “Discontinuance of the RTY Index or the NDX Index; alteration of method of calculation” and “Discontinuance of the EEM Shares and/or the share underlying index; alteration of method of calculation” below. MS & Co. is obligated to carry out its duties and functions as calculation agent in good faith and using its reasonable judgment.

Business day:

Any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or regulation to close in The City of New York.

Index business day:

With respect to each of the RTY Index and the NDX Index, a day, as determined by the calculation agent, on which trading is generally conducted on each of the relevant exchange(s) for such underlying, other than a day on which trading on such exchange(s) is scheduled to close prior to the time of the posting of its regular final weekday closing price.

Trading day:

With respect to the EEM Shares, a day, as determined by the calculation agent, on which trading is generally conducted on the New York Stock Exchange, The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (the “Nasdaq”), the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board of Options Exchange and in the over-the-counter market for equity securities in the United States.

Index closing value:

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 the RTY Index, or any successor index (as defined under “Discontinuance of an underlying index; alteration of method of calculation” below), 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 the RTY Index as described under “Discontinuance of an underlying index; alteration of method of calculation” below.

With respect to the NDX Index, the index closing value on any index business day shall be determined by the

September 2021  Page 26

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

calculation agent and shall equal the official closing value of the NDX Index, or any successor index (as defined under “Discontinuance of an underlying index; alteration of method of calculation” below), published at the regular official weekday close of trading on such index business day by the underlying index publisher for the NDX Index, as determined by the calculation agent. In certain circumstances, the index closing value for the NDX Index will be based on the alternate calculation of the NDX Index as described under “Discontinuance of an underlying index; alteration of method of calculation” below.

Closing price:

Subject to the provisions set out under “Discontinuance of the EEM Shares and/or the share underlying index; alteration of method of calculation” below, the closing price for one share of the EEM Shares (or one unit of any other security for which a closing price must be determined) on any trading day means:

(i)if the EEM Shares (or any such other security) are listed on a national securities exchange (other than the Nasdaq), the last reported sale price, regular way, of the principal trading session on such day on the principal national securities exchange registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, on which the EEM Shares (or any such other security) are listed,

(ii)if the EEM Shares (or any such other security) are securities of the Nasdaq, the official closing price of the EEM Shares published by the Nasdaq on such day, or

(iii)if the EEM Shares (or any such other security) are not listed on any national securities exchange but are included in the OTC Bulletin Board Service (the “OTC Bulletin Board”) operated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”), the last reported sale price of the principal trading session on the OTC Bulletin Board on such day for the EEM Shares.

If the EEM Shares (or any such other security) are listed on any national securities exchange but the last reported sale price or the official closing price published by such exchange, or by the Nasdaq, as applicable, is not available pursuant to the preceding sentence, then the closing price for one share of the EEM Shares (or one unit of any such other security) on any trading day will mean the last reported sale price of the principal trading session on the over-the-counter market as reported on the Nasdaq or the OTC Bulletin Board on such day. If a market disruption event (as defined below) occurs with respect to the EEM Shares (or any such other security) or the last reported sale price or the official closing price published by the Nasdaq, as applicable, for the EEM Shares (or any such other security) is not available pursuant to either of the two preceding sentences, then the closing price for any trading day will be the mean, as determined by the calculation agent, of the bid prices for the EEM Shares (or any such other security) for such trading day obtained from as many recognized dealers in such security, but not exceeding three, as will make such bid prices available to the calculation agent. Bids of MS & Co. and its successors or any of its affiliates may be included in the calculation of such mean, but only to the extent that any such bid is the highest of the bids obtained. If no bid prices are provided from any third party dealers, such closing price will be determined by the calculation agent in its sole and absolute discretion (acting in good faith) taking into account any information that it deems relevant. The term “OTC Bulletin Board Service” will include any successor service thereto, or, if applicable, the OTC Reporting Facility operated by FINRA. See “Discontinuance of the EEM Shares and/or the share underlying index; alteration of method of calculation” below.

Market disruption event:

With respect to each of the RTY Index and the NDX Index, market disruption event means:

(i) the occurrence or existence of any of:

(a) a suspension, absence or material limitation of trading of securities then constituting 20 percent or more of the value of such underlying (or a successor index) on the relevant exchange(s) for such securities for more than two hours of trading or during the one-half hour period preceding the close of the principal trading session on such relevant exchange(s), or

(b) a breakdown or failure in the price and trade reporting systems of any relevant exchange as a result of which the reported trading prices for securities then constituting 20 percent or more of the value of such underlying (or a successor index) during the last one-half hour preceding the close of the principal trading session on such relevant exchange(s) are materially inaccurate, or

(c) the suspension, material limitation or absence of trading on any major U.S. securities market for trading in futures or options contracts or exchange-traded funds related to such underlying (or a successor index) for more than two hours of trading or during the one-half hour period preceding the close of the principal trading session on such market,

in each case as determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion; and

(ii) a determination by the calculation agent in its sole discretion that any event described in clause (i) above materially interfered with our ability or the ability of any of our affiliates to unwind or adjust all or a material portion of the hedge position with respect to the securities.

For the purpose of determining whether a market disruption event exists at any time with respect to the RTY

September 2021  Page 27

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

Index or the NDX Index, if trading in a security included in such underlying is materially suspended or materially limited at that time, then the relevant percentage contribution of that security to the value of such underlying shall be based on a comparison of (x) the portion of the value of such underlying attributable to that security relative to (y) the overall value of such underlying, in each case immediately before that suspension or limitation.

For the purpose of determining whether a market disruption event exists at any time with respect to the RTY Index or the NDX Index: (1) a limitation on the hours or number of days of trading will not constitute a market disruption event if it results from an announced change in the regular business hours of the relevant exchange or market, (2) a decision to permanently discontinue trading in the relevant futures or options contract or exchange-traded fund will not constitute a market disruption event, (3) a suspension of trading in futures or options contracts or exchange-traded funds on such underlying by the primary securities market trading in such contracts or funds by reason of (a) a price change exceeding limits set by such securities exchange or market, (b) an imbalance of orders relating to such contracts or funds or (c) a disparity in bid and ask quotes relating to such contracts or funds will constitute a suspension, absence or material limitation of trading in futures or options contracts or exchange-traded funds related to such underlying and (4) a “suspension, absence or material limitation of trading” on any relevant exchange or on the primary market on which futures or options contracts or exchange-traded funds related to such underlying are traded will not include any time when such securities market is itself closed for trading under ordinary circumstances.

With respect to the EEM Shares, market disruption event means:

(i) the occurrence or existence of any of:

(a)a suspension, absence or material limitation of trading of the EEM Shares on the primary market for the EEM Shares for more than two hours of trading or during the one-half hour period preceding the close of the principal trading session in such market; or a breakdown or failure in the price and trade reporting systems of the primary market for the EEM Shares as a result of which the reported trading prices for the EEM Shares during the last one-half hour preceding the close of the principal trading session in such market are materially inaccurate; or the suspension, absence or material limitation of trading on the primary market for trading in futures or options contracts related to the EEM Shares, if available, during the one-half hour period preceding the close of the principal trading session in the applicable market, in each case as determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion; or

(b)a suspension, absence or material limitation of trading of stocks then constituting 20 percent or more of the value of the share underlying index for the EEM Shares on the relevant exchange(s) for such securities for more than two hours of trading or during the one-half hour period preceding the close of the principal trading session on such relevant exchange(s), in each case as determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion; or

(c)the suspension, material limitation or absence of trading on any major U.S. securities market for trading in futures or options contracts related to the share underlying index or the underlying shares for more than two hours of trading or during the one-half hour period preceding the close of the principal trading session on such market,

in each case as determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion; and

(ii) a determination by the calculation agent in its sole discretion that any event described in clause (i) above materially interfered with our ability or the ability of any of our affiliates to unwind or adjust all or a material portion of the hedge position with respect to the securities.

For the purpose of determining whether a market disruption event exists at any time, if trading in a security included in the share underlying index is materially suspended or materially limited at that time, then the relevant percentage contribution of that security to the level of the share underlying index will be based on a comparison of (x) the portion of the level of the share underlying index attributable to that security relative to (y) the overall level of the share underlying index, in each case immediately before that suspension or limitation.

For the purpose of determining whether a market disruption event has occurred with respect to the underlying shares: (1) a limitation on the hours or number of days of trading will not constitute a market disruption event if it results from an announced change in the regular business hours of the relevant exchange or market, (2) a decision to permanently discontinue trading in the underlying shares or in the futures or options contract related to the share underlying index or the EEM Shares will not constitute a market disruption event, (3) a suspension of trading in futures or options contracts on the share underlying index or the EEM Shares by the primary securities market trading in such contracts by reason of (a) a price change exceeding limits set by such securities exchange or market, (b) an imbalance of orders relating to such contracts or (c) a disparity in bid and ask quotes relating to such contracts will constitute a suspension, absence or material limitation of trading in futures or options contracts related to the share underlying index or the EEM Shares and (4) a

September 2021  Page 28

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

“suspension, absence or material limitation of trading” on any relevant exchange or on the primary market on which futures or options contracts related to the share underlying index or the EEM Shares are traded will not include any time when such securities market is itself closed for trading under ordinary circumstances. Regarding any permanent discontinuance of trading in the EEM Shares, see “Discontinuance of the EEM Shares and/or the share underlying index; alteration of method of calculation” below.

Relevant exchange:

With respect to the RTY Index and the NDX Index or their respective successor indices, the share underlying index or its successor index, the primary exchange(s) or market(s) of trading for (i) any security then included in such index and (ii) any futures or options contracts related to such index or to any security then included in such index.

Postponement of the final observation date:

 

The final observation date is subject to postponement due to non-index business days, non-trading days or certain market disruption events, as described in the following paragraph.

If a market disruption event with respect to any underlying occurs on the final observation date, or if the final observation date is not an index business day with respect to the RTY Index or the NDX Index or a trading day with respect to the EEM Shares, the index closing value or the closing price, as applicable, solely for such underlying for such date will be determined on the immediately succeeding index business day or trading day, as applicable, on which no market disruption event will have occurred with respect to such affected underlying; provided that the final level for any underlying will not be determined on a date later than the fifth scheduled index business day or trading day, as applicable, after the final observation date and if such date is not an index business day or trading day, as applicable, or if there is a market disruption event on such date, the calculation agent will (i) if the affected underlying is the RTY Index or the NDX Index, determine the index closing value of such underlying on such date in accordance with the formula for calculating such underlying last in effect prior to the commencement of the market disruption event (or prior to the non-index business day), without rebalancing or substitution, using the closing price (or, if trading in the relevant securities has been materially suspended or materially limited, its good faith estimate of the closing price that would have prevailed but for such suspension, limitation or non-index business day) on such date of each security most recently constituting such underlying, and (ii) if the affected underlying is the EEM Shares, determine the closing price of the EEM Shares on such fifth trading day based on the mean, as determined by the calculation agent, of the bid prices for the EEM Shares for such date obtained from as many recognized dealers in such security, but not exceeding three, as will make such bid prices available to the calculation agent. Bids of MS & Co. or any of its affiliates may be included in the calculation of such mean, but only to the extent that any such bid is the highest of the bids obtained. If no bid prices are provided from any third-party dealers, the closing price will be determined by the calculation agent in its sole and absolute discretion (acting in good faith) taking into account any information that it deems relevant.

Postponement of coupon payment dates (including the maturity date and redemption dates):

 

If any scheduled coupon payment date, applicable redemption date or the maturity date is not a business day, that contingent quarterly coupon, if any, redemption payment, if applicable, or payment at maturity shall be paid on the next succeeding business day; provided that if, due to a market disruption event or otherwise, the final observation date with respect to any underlying is postponed so that it falls less than two business days prior to the scheduled maturity date, the maturity date shall be postponed to the second business day following the final observation date as postponed, by which date the index closing value or closing price, as applicable, of each underlying has been determined. In any of these cases, no adjustment shall be made to any payment made on a postponed date.

Discontinuance of the RTY Index or the NDX Index; alteration of method of calculation:

 

If any underlying index publisher discontinues publication of the relevant underlying and such underlying index publisher or another entity (including MS & Co.) publishes a successor or substitute index that the calculation agent determines, in its sole discretion, to be comparable to the discontinued index (such index being referred to herein as the “successor index”), then any subsequent index closing value for the discontinued index will be determined by reference to the published value of such successor index at the regular weekday close of trading on any index business day that the index closing value for such underlying is to be determined, and, to the extent the index closing value of such successor index differs from the index closing value of the relevant underlying at the time of such substitution, proportionate adjustments shall be made by the calculation agent to the relevant initial level, coupon barrier level and downside threshold level.

Upon any selection by the calculation agent of a successor index, the calculation agent will cause written notice thereof to be furnished to the trustee, to us and to the depositary, as holder of the securities, within three business days of such selection. We expect that such notice will be made available to you, as a beneficial owner of the securities, in accordance with the standard rules and procedures of the depositary and its direct and indirect participants.

If any underlying index publisher discontinues publication of the relevant underlying or a successor index prior to, and such discontinuance is continuing on, any relevant date of calculation and the calculation agent determines, in its sole discretion, that no successor index is available at such time, then the calculation agent will determine the index closing value for such underlying for such date. The index closing value of such

September 2021  Page 29

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

underlying or such successor index will be computed by the calculation agent in accordance with the formula for and method of calculating such index last in effect prior to such discontinuance, using the closing price (or, if trading in the relevant securities has been materially suspended or materially limited, its good faith estimate of the closing price that would have prevailed but for such suspension or limitation) at the close of the principal trading session of the relevant exchange on such date of each security most recently constituting such index without any rebalancing or substitution of such securities following such discontinuance. Notwithstanding these alternative arrangements, discontinuance of the publication of an underlying may adversely affect the value of the securities.

If at any time, the method of calculating any underlying or any successor index, or the value thereof, is changed in a material respect, or if any underlying or any successor index is in any other way modified so that such index does not, in the opinion of the calculation agent, fairly represent the value of such index had such changes or modifications not been made, then, from and after such time, the calculation agent will, at the close of business in New York City on each date on which the index closing value for such index is to be determined, make such calculations and adjustments as, in the good faith judgment of the calculation agent, may be necessary in order to arrive at a value of a stock index comparable to such underlying or such successor index, as the case may be, as if such changes or modifications had not been made, and the calculation agent will calculate the index closing value with reference to such underlying or such successor index, as adjusted. Accordingly, if the method of calculating any underlying or any successor index is modified so that the value of such index is a fraction of what it would have been if it had not been modified (e.g., due to a split in such index), then the calculation agent will adjust such index in order to arrive at a value of such underlying or such successor index as if it had not been modified (e.g., as if such split had not occurred).

Discontinuance of the EEM Shares and/or the share underlying index; alteration of method of calculation:

If trading in the EEM Shares on every applicable national securities exchange, on the OTC Bulletin Board and in the over-the-counter market is permanently discontinued or the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF is liquidated or otherwise terminated (a “discontinuance or liquidation event”), the closing price of the EEM Shares on any trading day following the discontinuance or liquidation event will be determined by the calculation agent and will be deemed to equal the product of (i) the closing value of the share underlying index for the EEM Shares (or any successor index, as described below) on such date (taking into account any material changes in the method of calculating the share underlying index following such discontinuance or liquidation event) and (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the closing price of the EEM Shares and the denominator of which is the closing value of the share underlying index (or any successor index, as described below), each determined as of the last day prior to the occurrence of the discontinuance or liquidation event on which a closing price was available.

If, subsequent to a discontinuance or liquidation event, the share underlying index publisher discontinues publication of the share underlying index and the share underlying index publisher or another entity (including MS & Co.) publishes a successor or substitute index that the calculation agent determines, in its sole discretion, to be comparable to the discontinued the share underlying index (such index being referred to herein as a “successor index”), then any subsequent closing price for the EEM Shares on any trading day following a discontinuance or liquidation event will be determined by reference to the published value of such successor index at the regular weekday close of trading on such trading day, and, to the extent the value of the successor index differs from the value of the share underlying index at the time of such substitution, proportionate adjustments shall be made by the calculation agent for purposes of calculating payments on the securities.

Upon any selection by the calculation agent of a successor index, the calculation agent will cause written notice thereof to be furnished to the trustee, to us and to the depositary, as holder of the securities, within three business days of such selection. We expect that such notice will be made available to you, as a beneficial owner of the securities, in accordance with the standard rules and procedures of the depositary and its direct and indirect participants.

If, subsequent to a discontinuance or liquidation event, the share underlying index publisher discontinues publication of the share underlying index prior to, and such discontinuance is continuing on, any relevant date of calculation, and the calculation agent determines, in its sole discretion, that no successor index is available at such time, then the calculation agent will determine the closing price for the EEM Shares for such date. Such closing price will be computed by the calculation agent in accordance with the formula for and method of calculating such share underlying index last in effect prior to such discontinuance, using the closing price (or, if trading in the relevant securities has been materially suspended or materially limited, its good faith estimate of the closing price that would have prevailed but for such suspension or limitation) at the close of the principal trading session of the relevant exchange on such date of each security most recently composing the share underlying index without any rebalancing or substitution of such securities following such

September 2021  Page 30

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

discontinuance.

Antidilution adjustments:

The adjustment factor with respect to the EEM Shares shall be adjusted as follows:

If the EEM Shares are subject to a stock split or reverse stock split, then once such split has become effective, the adjustment factor for the EEM Shares will be adjusted by the calculation agent to equal the product of the prior adjustment factor and the number of shares issued in such stock split or reverse stock split with respect to one share of the EEM Shares.

No adjustment to the adjustment factor pursuant to the paragraph above will be required unless such adjustment would require a change of at least 0.1% in the amount being adjusted as then in effect. Any number so adjusted will be rounded to the nearest one hundred-thousandth with five one-millionths being rounded upward.

The calculation agent will be solely responsible for the determination and calculation of any adjustments to any adjustment factor or method of calculating an adjustment factor and of any related determinations, and its determinations and calculations with respect thereto will be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.

Alternate exchange calculation in case of an event of default:

 

If an event of default with respect to the securities shall have occurred and be continuing, the amount declared due and payable upon any acceleration of the securities (the “Acceleration Amount”) will be an amount, determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion, that is equal to the cost of having a qualified financial institution, of the kind and selected as described below, expressly assume all our payment and other obligations with respect to the securities as of that day and as if no default or acceleration had occurred, or to undertake other obligations providing substantially equivalent economic value to you with respect to the securities. That cost will equal:

the lowest amount that a qualified financial institution would charge to effect this assumption or undertaking, plus

the reasonable expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred by the holders of the securities in preparing any documentation necessary for this assumption or undertaking.

During the default quotation period for the securities, which we describe below, the holders of the securities and/or we may request a qualified financial institution to provide a quotation of the amount it would charge to effect this assumption or undertaking. If either party obtains a quotation, it must notify the other party in writing of the quotation. The amount referred to in the first bullet point above will equal the lowest—or, if there is only one, the only—quotation obtained, and as to which notice is so given, during the default quotation period. With respect to any quotation, however, the party not obtaining the quotation may object, on reasonable and significant grounds, to the assumption or undertaking by the qualified financial institution providing the quotation and notify the other party in writing of those grounds within two business days after the last day of the default quotation period, in which case that quotation will be disregarded in determining the Acceleration Amount.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, bankruptcy or insolvency of, or any analogous proceeding is filed with respect to MSFL or Morgan Stanley, then depending on applicable bankruptcy law, your claim may be limited to an amount that could be less than the Acceleration Amount.

If the maturity of the securities is accelerated because of an event of default as described above, we shall, or shall cause the calculation agent to, provide written notice to the trustee at its New York office, on which notice the trustee may conclusively rely, and to the depositary of the Acceleration Amount and the aggregate cash amount due, if any, with respect to the securities as promptly as possible and in no event later than two business days after the date of such acceleration.

Default quotation period

The default quotation period is the period beginning on the day the Acceleration Amount first becomes due and ending on the third business day after that day, unless:

no quotation of the kind referred to above is obtained, or

every quotation of that kind obtained is objected to within five business days after the due date as described above.

If either of these two events occurs, the default quotation period will continue until the third business day after the first business day on which prompt notice of a quotation is given as described above. If that quotation is objected to as described above within five business days after that first business day, however, the default

September 2021  Page 31

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

quotation period will continue as described in the prior sentence and this sentence.

In any event, if the default quotation period and the subsequent two business day objection period have not ended before the final observation date, then the Acceleration Amount will equal the principal amount of the securities.

Qualified financial institutions

For the purpose of determining the Acceleration Amount at any time, a qualified financial institution must be a financial institution organized under the laws of any jurisdiction in the United States or Europe, which at that time has outstanding debt obligations with a stated maturity of one year or less from the date of issue and rated either:

A-2 or higher by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services or any successor, or any other comparable rating then used by that rating agency, or

P-2 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service or any successor, or any other comparable rating then used by that rating agency.

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 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 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.

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 contingent quarterly coupon, if any, with respect to the securities 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 applicable 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, if any, to be delivered with respect to the securities, on or prior to 10:30 a.m. (New York City time) on the business day preceding the redemption date or the business day preceding the maturity date, as applicable, and (ii) deliver the aggregate cash amount due with respect to the securities, if any, to the trustee for delivery to the depositary, as holder of the securities, on the redemption date or maturity date, as applicable. 

September 2021  Page 32

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

Additional Information About the Securities

Additional Information:

 

Book entry security or certificated security:

Book entry. The securities will be issued in the form of one or more fully registered global securities which will be deposited with, or on behalf of, the depositary and will be registered in the name of a nominee of the depositary. The depositary’s nominee will be the only registered holder of the securities. Your beneficial interest in the securities will be evidenced solely by entries on the books of the securities intermediary acting on your behalf as a direct or indirect participant in the depositary. In this preliminary pricing supplement, all references to payments or notices to you will mean payments or notices to the depositary, as the registered holder of the securities, for distribution to participants in accordance with the depositary’s procedures. For more information regarding the depositary and book entry notes, please read “Forms of Securities—The Depositary” and “Forms of Securities—Global Securities” in the accompanying prospectus.

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 prospectus 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 the ownership and disposition of the securities. This discussion applies only to investors in the securities who:

purchase the securities in the original offering; 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.

September 2021  Page 33

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

General

Due to the absence of statutory, judicial or administrative authorities that directly address the treatment of the securities or instruments that are similar to the securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, no assurance can be given that the IRS or a court will agree with the tax treatment described herein. We intend to treat a security for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a single financial contract that provides for a coupon that will be treated as gross income to you at the time received or accrued in accordance with your regular method of tax accounting. In the opinion of our counsel, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, this treatment of the securities 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.

 

You should consult your tax adviser regarding all aspects of the U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the securities (including possible alternative treatments of the securities). Unless otherwise stated, the following discussion is based on the treatment of each security as described in the previous paragraph.

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 as set forth above is respected, the following U.S. federal income tax consequences should result.

 

 Tax Basis. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the securities should equal the amount paid by the U.S. Holder to acquire the securities.

 

 Tax Treatment of Coupon Payments. Any coupon payment on the securities should be taxable as ordinary income to a U.S. Holder at the time received or accrued, in accordance with the U.S. Holder’s regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

 Sale, Exchange or Settlement of the Securities. Upon a sale, exchange or settlement of the securities, a U.S. Holder should recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale, exchange or settlement and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the securities sold, exchanged or settled. For this purpose, the amount realized does not include any coupon paid at settlement and may not include sale proceeds attributable to an accrued coupon, which may be treated as a coupon payment. Any such gain or loss recognized should be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder has held the securities for more than one year at the time of the sale, exchange or settlement, and should be short-term capital gain or loss otherwise. The ordinary income treatment of the coupon payments, in conjunction with the capital loss treatment of any loss recognized upon the sale, exchange or settlement of the securities, could result in adverse tax consequences to holders of the securities because the deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Possible Alternative Tax Treatments of an Investment in the Securities

 

Due to the absence of authorities that directly address the proper tax treatment 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 analyze the U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning the securities under Treasury regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments (the “Contingent Debt Regulations”). If the IRS were successful in asserting that the Contingent Debt Regulations applied to the securities, the timing and character of income thereon would be significantly affected. Among other things, a U.S. Holder would be required to accrue into income original issue discount on the securities every year at a

September 2021  Page 34

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

“comparable yield” determined at the time of their issuance, adjusted upward or downward to reflect the difference, if any, between the actual and the projected amount of any contingent payments on the securities. Furthermore, any gain realized by a U.S. Holder at maturity or upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of the securities would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss realized would be treated as ordinary loss to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s prior accruals of original issue discount and as capital loss thereafter. 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.

 

Other alternative federal income tax treatments of the securities are possible, which, if applied, could significantly affect the timing and character of the income or loss with respect to 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. The notice focuses on whether to require holders of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar 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; whether these instruments are or should be subject to the “constructive ownership” rule, which very generally can operate to recharacterize certain long-term capital gain as ordinary income and impose an interest charge; and appropriate transition rules and effective dates. While it is not clear whether instruments such as the securities would be viewed as similar to the prepaid forward contracts described in the notice, 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. 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 and the issues presented by 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 estate or trust.

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 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.

 

Although significant aspects of the tax treatment of each security are uncertain, we intend to withhold on any

September 2021  Page 35

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

coupon paid to a Non-U.S. Holder generally at a rate of 30% or at a reduced rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty under an “other income” or similar provision. We will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld. In order to claim an exemption from, or a reduction in, the 30% withholding tax, a Non-U.S. Holder of the securities must comply with certification requirements to establish that it is not a U.S. person and is eligible for such an exemption or reduction under an applicable tax treaty. If you are a Non-U.S. Holder, you should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax treatment of the securities, including the possibility of obtaining a refund of any withholding tax and the certification requirement described above.

 

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 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 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. 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. 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 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

September 2021  Page 36

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

proceeds (other than amounts treated as FDAP income). While the treatment of the securities is unclear, you should assume that any coupon payment with respect to the securities will be 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 by us used 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. See also “Use of Proceeds” in the accompanying prospectus.

On or prior to the pricing date, we will 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 EEM Shares, in stocks constituting the RTY Index, the NDX Index or the share underlying index, in futures and/or options contracts on the EEM Shares, the RTY Index, the NDX Index, the share underlying index or their component stocks listed on major securities markets. Such purchase activity could increase the initial level of an underlying, and, as a result, could increase (i) the coupon barrier level for such underlying, which, if the securities have not been redeemed, is the level at or above which such underlying must close on each index business day and trading day during the applicable observation period in order for you to earn a contingent quarterly coupon (depending also on the performance of the other underlyings), and (ii) the downside threshold level for such underlying, which, if the securities are not redeemed prior to maturity, is the level at or above which such underlying must close on the final observation date so that you are not exposed to the negative performance of the worst performing underlying at maturity (depending also on the performance of the other underlyings). 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 any underlying on any index business day or trading day during the term of the securities, and, accordingly, whether we pay a contingent quarterly coupon on the securities and the amount of cash you receive at maturity, if any (depending also on the performance of the other underlyings).

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, including the contingent quarterly coupon rate, such that for each security the estimated value on the pricing date will be no lower than the minimum level described in “Investment Overview” 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.

In order to facilitate the offering of the securities, the agent may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities. Specifically, the agent may sell more securities than it is obligated to purchase in connection with the offering, creating a naked short position in the securities, for its own account. The agent must close out any naked short position by purchasing the securities in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the agent is concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the securities in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. As an additional means of facilitating the offering, the agent may bid for, and purchase, the securities or the securities underlying the underlyings in the open market to stabilize the price of the securities. Any of these activities may raise or maintain the market price of the securities above independent market levels or prevent or retard a decline in the market price of the securities. The

September 2021  Page 37

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

 

Callable Contingent Income Securities due September 19, 2024
Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and the NASDAQ-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

agent is not required to engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time. An affiliate of the agent has entered into a hedging transaction with us in connection with this offering of securities. See “Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” in the accompanying prospectus supplement and “Use of Proceeds and Hedging” above.

Where you can find more information:

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

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

Prospectus Supplement dated November 16, 2020

Index Supplement dated November 16, 2020

Prospectus dated November 16, 2020

Terms used but not defined in this preliminary pricing supplement are defined in the prospectus supplement, in the index supplement or in the prospectus.

 

September 2021  Page 38