CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

Title of Each Class of Securities Offered   Maximum Aggregate Offering Price   Amount of Registration Fee
Dual Directional Buffered PLUS due 2024   $1,000,000   $109.10

 

September 2021

Pricing Supplement No. 2,545
Registration Statement Nos. 333-250103; 333-250103-01
Dated September 22, 2021
Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

STRUCTURED INVESTMENTS

Opportunities in U.S. and International Equities

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Fully and Unconditionally Guaranteed by Morgan Stanley

Principal at Risk Securities

The Dual Directional Buffered PLUS, or “Buffered PLUS,” are unsecured obligations of Morgan Stanley Finance LLC (“MSFL”) and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Morgan Stanley. The Buffered PLUS will pay no interest, provide a minimum payment at maturity of only 20% of the stated principal amount and have the terms described in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS, index supplement and prospectus, as supplemented or modified by this document. The payment at maturity on the Buffered PLUS will be based on the value of the worst performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, which we refer to as the underlying shares. At maturity, if the final share price of each of the underlying shares is greater than its respective initial share price, investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment plus leveraged upside performance of the worst performing underlying shares. If the final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than or equal to its respective initial share price but the final share price of each of the underlying shares is greater than or equal to 80% of its respective initial share price, meaning that neither of the underlying shares has decreased from its initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 20%, investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment plus a positive return equal to 50% of the absolute value of the performance of the worst performing underlying shares, which will be inherently limited to a maximum return of 10%. However, if the final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than 80% of its respective initial share price, meaning that either of the underlying shares has decreased from its respective initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 20%, the absolute return feature will no longer be available and instead investors will lose 1% for every 1% decline in the worst performing underlying shares beyond the specified buffer amount, subject to the minimum payment at maturity of 20% of the stated principal amount. Investors may lose up to 80% of the stated principal amount of the Buffered PLUS. Because the payment at maturity of the Buffered PLUS is based on the worst performing of the underlying shares, a decline in either of the underlying shares beyond the buffer amount will result in a loss, and potentially a significant loss, of your investment even if the other underlying shares have appreciated or have not declined as much. The Buffered PLUS are for investors who seek an equity-based return and who are willing to risk their principal, risk exposure to the worst performing of two underlying shares and forgo current income in exchange for the leverage, buffer and absolute return features that in each case apply to a limited range of performance of the worst performing underlying shares. The Buffered PLUS are notes issued as part of MSFL’s Series A Global Medium-Term Notes program.

The Buffered PLUS differ from the PLUS described in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS in that the Buffered PLUS offer the potential for a positive return at maturity if the worst performing underlying shares depreciate by no more than 20%.

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

FINAL TERMS

Issuer:

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Guarantor:

Morgan Stanley

Maturity date:

September 26, 2024

Underlying shares:

VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF (the “GDX Shares”) and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (the “EEM Shares”)

Aggregate principal amount:

$1,000,000

Payment at maturity:

If the final share price of each of the underlying shares is greater than its respective initial share price,

 

$1,000 + ($1,000 × leverage factor × share percent change of the worst performing underlying shares)

 

If the final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than or equal to its respective initial share price but the final share price of each of the underlying shares is greater than or equal to 80% of its respective initial share price, meaning that neither of the underlying shares has decreased from its initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 20%,

 

$1,000 + ($1,000 × absolute share return of the worst performing underlying shares x 0.50)

 

If the final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than 80% of its initial share price, meaning that either of the underlying shares has decreased from its respective initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 20%,

 

($1,000 × share performance factor of the worst performing underlying shares) + $200

 

Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less than the stated principal amount of $1,000. However, under no circumstances will the Buffered PLUS pay less than $200 per Buffered PLUS at maturity

Share percent change:

With respect to each of the underlying shares, (final share price – initial share price) / initial share price

Worst performing underlying shares:

The underlying shares with the lesser share percent change

Share performance factor:

With respect to each of the underlying shares, final share price / initial share price

Absolute share return:

The absolute value of the share percent change. For example, a -5% share percent change for the worst performing

underlying shares will result in a +5% absolute share return, and therefore a 2.5% return on the Buffered PLUS.

Initial share price:

With respect to the GDX Shares, $30.50, which is the closing price of such underlying shares on the pricing date

With respect to the EEM Shares, $50.99, which is the closing price of such underlying shares on the pricing date

Final share price:

With respect to each of the underlying shares, the closing price of such underlying shares on the valuation date times the adjustment factor of such underlying shares on such date

Adjustment factor:

With respect to each of the underlying shares, 1.0, subject to adjustment in the event of certain events affecting such underlying shares

Valuation date:

September 23, 2024, subject to adjustment for non-trading days and certain market disruption events

Leverage factor:

150%

Minimum payment at maturity:

$200 per Buffered PLUS (20% of the stated principal amount)

Buffer amount:

20%. As a result of the buffer amount of 20%, the price at or above which each of the underlying shares must close on the valuation date so that investors do not suffer a loss on their initial investment in the Buffered PLUS is as follows:

With respect to the GDX Shares, $24.40, which is 80% of its initial share price.

With respect to the EEM shares, $40.792, which is 80% of its initial share price.

Stated principal amount:

$1,000 per Buffered PLUS

Issue price:

$1,000 per Buffered PLUS

Pricing date:

September 22, 2021

Original issue date:

September 27, 2021 (3 business days after the pricing date)

CUSIP / ISIN:

61773FZR7 / US61773FZR71

Listing:

The Buffered PLUS will not be listed on any securities exchange.

Agent:

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

Estimated value on the pricing date:

$959.9‬0 per Buffered PLUS. See “Investment Summary” on page 2.

Commissions and issue price:

Price to public(1)

Agent’s commissions and fees(2)

Proceeds to us(3)

Per Buffered PLUS

$1,000

$7.50

$992.50

Total

$1,000,000

$7,500

$992,500‬

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

(2) MS & Co. expects to sell all of the Buffered PLUS that it purchases from us to an unaffiliated dealer at a price of $992.50 per Buffered PLUS, for further sale to certain fee-based advisory accounts at the price to public of $1,000 per Buffered PLUS. MS & Co. will not receive a sales commission with respect to the Buffered PLUS. See “Supplemental information regarding plan of distribution; conflicts of interest.” For additional information, see “Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS.

(3) See “Use of proceeds and hedging” on page 23.

The Buffered PLUS involve risks not associated with an investment in ordinary debt securities. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 7.

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

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

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

Product Supplement for PLUS dated November 16, 2020 Index Supplement dated November 16, 2020 Prospectus dated November 16, 2020

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

Investment Summary

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside Securities

Principal at Risk Securities

The Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024 (the “Buffered PLUS”) can be used:

To gain exposure to the worst performing of two U.S. equity underlyings

To potentially outperform the worst performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, by taking advantage of the leverage factor

To obtain an unleveraged positive return equal to 50% of the absolute share return of the worst performing underlying shares for a limited range of negative performance of the worst performing underlying shares

If the final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than 80% of its respective initial share price, investors will be negatively exposed to the decline in the worst performing underlying shares beyond the buffer amount and will lose some or a substantial portion of their investment.

Maturity:

Approximately 3 years

Leverage factor:

150%

Minimum payment at maturity:

$200 per Buffered PLUS (20% of the stated principal amount). Investors may lose up to 80% of the stated principal amount of the Buffered PLUS.

Buffer amount:

20%, with 1-to-1 downside exposure to the worst performing underlying shares below the buffer

Coupon:

None

Listing:

The Buffered PLUS will not be listed on any securities exchange

The original issue price of each Buffered PLUS is $1,000. This price includes costs associated with issuing, selling, structuring and hedging the Buffered PLUS, which are borne by you, and, consequently, the estimated value of the Buffered PLUS on the pricing date is less than $1,000. We estimate that the value of each Buffered PLUS on the pricing date is $959.9‬0.

What goes into the estimated value on the pricing date?

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

What determines the economic terms of the Buffered PLUS?

In determining the economic terms of the Buffered PLUS, including the leverage factor, the buffer amount and the minimum payment at maturity, we use an internal funding rate, which is likely to be lower than our secondary market credit spreads and therefore advantageous to us. If the issuing, selling, structuring and hedging costs borne by you were lower or if the internal funding rate were higher, one or more of the economic terms of the Buffered PLUS would be more favorable to you.

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

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

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

September 2021 Page 2

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

Key Investment Rationale

The Buffered PLUS offer the potential for a positive return at maturity equal to 50% of the absolute share return of the worst performing underlying shares for a limited range of percentage changes of the worst performing underlying shares. At maturity, if the final share price of each of the underlying shares is greater than its respective initial share price, investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment plus leveraged upside performance of the worst performing underlying shares. If the final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than or equal to its respective initial share price but the final share price of each of the underlying shares is greater than or equal to 80% of its respective initial share price, investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment plus an unleveraged positive return reflecting 50% the absolute value of the performance of the worst performing underlying shares, which will be effectively limited to a 10% return. However, if the final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than its 80% of its respective initial share price, the absolute return feature will no longer be available and instead investors will lose 1% of the stated principal amount for every 1% of decline in the worst performing underlying shares beyond the specified buffer amount, subject to the minimum payment at maturity. Investors may lose up to 80% of the stated principal amount of the Buffered PLUS. All payments on the Buffered PLUS are subject to our credit risk.

Leveraged Performance

The Buffered PLUS offer investors an opportunity to receive 150% of the positive return of the worst performing of the underlying shares if both underlying shares have appreciated in value.

Absolute Return Feature

The Buffered PLUS enable investors to obtain an unleveraged positive return if the final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than or equal to its respective initial share price but the final share price of each of the underlying shares is greater than or equal to 80% of its initial share price.

Upside Scenario if Both Underlying Shares Appreciate

Both underlying shares increase in value, and, at maturity, the Buffered PLUS redeem for the stated principal amount of $1,000 plus 150% of the share percent change of the worst performing underlying shares.

Absolute Return Scenario

The final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than or equal to its respective initial share price but the final share price of each of the underlying shares is greater than or equal to 80% of its initial share price. In this case, you receive a 0.50% positive return on the Buffered PLUS for each 1% negative return on the worst performing underlying shares. For example, if the final share price of the worst performing underlying shares is 10% less than its respective initial share price, the Buffered PLUS will provide a total positive return of 5% at maturity. The maximum return you may receive in this scenario is a positive 10% return at maturity.

Downside Scenario

The final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than 80% of its respective initial share price.

In this case, the Buffered PLUS redeem for less than the stated principal amount, and this decrease will be by an amount proportionate to the full decline in the value of the worst performing underlying shares over the term of the Buffered PLUS, plus the buffer amount of 20%. Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less than the stated principal amount per Buffered PLUS. For example, if the final share price of the worst performing underlying shares is 70% less than its initial share price, the Buffered PLUS will be redeemed at maturity for a loss of 50% of principal at $500, or 50% of the stated principal amount. The minimum payment at maturity is $200 per Buffered PLUS. You could lose up to 80% of your investment

Because the payment at maturity of the Buffered PLUS is based on the worst performing of the underlying shares, a decline in either of the underlying shares beyond the specified buffer amount will result in a loss, and potentially a significant loss, of your investment, even if the other underlying shares have appreciated or have not declined as much.

September 2021 Page 3

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

Hypothetical Examples

The following hypothetical examples illustrate how to calculate the payment at maturity on the Buffered PLUS. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only. The actual initial share price for each of the underlying shares is set forth on the cover page of this document. Any payment at maturity on the Buffered PLUS is subject to our credit risk. The below examples are based on the following terms:

Stated principal amount:

$1,000 per Buffered PLUS

Leverage factor:

150%

Hypothetical initial share price:

With respect to the GDX Shares: $30

With respect to the EEM Shares: $50

Minimum payment at maturity:

$200 per Buffered PLUS (20% of the stated principal amount)

Buffer amount:

20%

 

EXAMPLE 1: The final share price of each of the underlying shares is greater than its respective initial share price.

 

Final share price

 

GDX Shares: $33

 

 

EEM Shares: $70

Share percent change

 

GDX Shares: ($33 – $30) / $30 = 10%

EEM Shares: ($70 – $50) / $50 = 40%

Payment at maturity

=

$1,000 + ($1,000 × leverage factor × share percent change of the worst performing underlying shares)

 

=

$1,000 + ($1,000 × 150% × 10%)

 

=

$1,150.00

 

In example 1, the final share prices of both the GDX Shares and the EEM Shares are greater than their initial share prices. The GDX Shares have appreciated by 10% while the EEM Shares have appreciated by 40%. Therefore, investors receive at maturity the stated principal amount plus 150% of the appreciation of the worst performing underlying shares, which are the GDX Shares in this example. Investors receive $1,150.00 per Buffered PLUS at maturity.

 

EXAMPLE 2: The final share price of one of the underlying shares is greater than its respective initial share price while the final share price of the other underlying shares is less than its respective initial share price but neither of the underlying shares has decreased from its initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 20%.

 

Final share price

 

GDX Shares: $42

 

 

EEM Shares: $42.50

Share percent change

 

GDX Shares: ($42 – $30) / $30 = 40%

EEM Shares: ($42.50 – $50) / $50 = -15%

Payment at maturity

=

$1,000 + ($1,000 × absolute share return of the worst performing underlying shares x 0.50)

 

=

$1,000 + ($1,000 × 15% x 0.50)

 

=

$1,075.00

 

In example 2, the final share price of the GDX Shares is greater than its respective initial value, while the final share price of the EEM Shares is less than its respective initial share price. While the GDX Shares have appreciated by 40%, the EEM Shares have declined by 15%, but neither of the underlying shares has decreased from its initial share price by an amount

September 2021 Page 4

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

greater than the buffer amount of 20%. Therefore, investors receive at maturity the stated principal amount plus a return reflecting 50% of the absolute value of the performance of the worst performing underlying shares, which are the EEM Shares in this example. Investors receive $1,075.00 per Buffered PLUS at maturity. In this example, investors receive a positive return even though one of the underlying shares declined in value by 15%, due to the absolute return feature of the Buffered PLUS and because neither of the underlying shares declined to below 80% of its initial share price.

 

EXAMPLE 3: The final share price of one of the underlying shares is greater than its respective initial share price while the final share price of the other underlying shares is less than its 80% of its respective initial share price.

 

Final share price

 

GDX Shares: $33

 

 

EEM Shares: $25

Share percent change

 

GDX Shares: ($33 – $30) / $30 = 10%

EEM Shares: ($25 – $50) / $50 = -50%

Share performance factor

 

GDX Shares: $33 / $30 = 110%

EEM Shares: $25 / $50 = 50%

Payment at maturity

=

$1,000 × share performance factor of the worst performing underlying shares + $200

 

=

$(1,000 × 50%) + $200

 

=

$700

 

In example 3, the final share price of the GDX Shares is greater than its respective initial share price, while the final share price of the EEM Shares is less than 80% of its respective initial share price. While the GDX Shares have appreciated by 10%, the EEM Shares have declined by 50%. Therefore, investors are exposed to the negative performance of the EEM Shares, which are the worst performing underlying shares in this example, beyond the buffer amount of 20%, and receive a payment at maturity of $700 per Buffered PLUS. In this example, investors lose the benefit of the absolute return feature and are exposed to the negative performance of the worst performing underlying shares even though the other underlying shares have appreciated in value by 10%, because the final share price of each of the underlying shares is not greater than or equal to 80% of its respective initial share price.

 

EXAMPLE 4: The final share price of each of the underlying shares is less than its respective initial share price, but neither of the underlying shares has decreased from its initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 20%.

 

Final share price

 

GDX Shares: $25.50

 

 

EEM Shares: $42

Share percent change

 

GDX Shares: ($25.50 – $30) / $30 = -15%

EEM Shares: ($42 – $50) / $50 = -16%

Payment at maturity

=

$1,000 + ($1,000 × absolute share return of the worst performing underlying shares 0.50%)

 

=

$1,000 + ($1,000 × 16% x 0.50%)

 

=

$1, 080.00

 

In example 4, the final share price of each of the underlying shares is less than its respective initial share price, but neither of the underlying shares has decreased from its initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 20%. The GDX Shares have declined by 15% while the EEM Shares have declined by 16%. Therefore, investors receive at maturity the stated principal amount plus a return reflecting 50% of the absolute value of the performance of the worst performing underlying shares, which are the EEM Shares in this example. Investors receive $1,080.00 per Buffered PLUS at maturity.

 

 

 

September 2021 Page 5

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

EXAMPLE 5: The final share price of each of the underlying shares is less than 80% of its respective initial share price.

 

Final share price

 

GDX Shares: $9

 

 

EEM Shares: $20

Share percent change

 

GDX Shares: ($9 – $30) / $30 = -70%

EEM Shares: ($20 – $50) / $50 = -60%

Share performance factor

 

GDX Shares: $9 / $30 = 30%

EEM Shares: $20 / $50 = 40%

Payment at maturity

=

$1,000 × (share performance factor of the worst performing underlying shares) + $200

 

=

$(1,000 × 30%) + $200

 

=

$500

 

In example 5, the final share prices of both the GDX Shares and the EEM Shares are less than their respective initial share prices by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 20%. The GDX Shares have declined by 70% while the EEM Shares have declined by 60%. Therefore, investors are exposed to the negative performance of the GDX Shares, which are the worst performing underlying shares in this example, beyond the buffer amount of 20%, and receive a payment at maturity of $500 per Buffered PLUS.

 

Because the payment at maturity of the Buffered PLUS is based on the worst performing of the underlying shares, a decline in either of the underlying shares beyond the buffer amount of 20% will result in a loss, and potentially a significant loss, of your investment, even if the other underlying shares have appreciated or have not declined as much.

September 2021 Page 6

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

Risk Factors

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

 

Risks Relating to an Investment in the Buffered PLUS

The Buffered PLUS do not pay interest and provide a minimum payment at maturity of only 20% of the stated principal amount. The terms of the Buffered PLUS differ from those of ordinary debt securities in that the Buffered PLUS do not pay interest and provide a minimum payment at maturity of only 20% of the stated principal amount of the Buffered PLUS. If the final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than 80% of its respective initial share price, the absolute return feature will no longer be available and you will instead receive for each Buffered PLUS that you hold a payment at maturity that is less than the stated principal amount of each Buffered PLUS by an amount proportionate to the decline in the value of the worst performing underlying shares from its initial share price, plus $200 per Buffered PLUS. Accordingly, investors may lose up to 80% of the stated principal amount of the Buffered PLUS.

The market price of the Buffered PLUS will be influenced by many unpredictable factors. Several factors will influence the value of the Buffered PLUS in the secondary market and the price at which MS & Co. may be willing to purchase or sell the Buffered PLUS in the secondary market, including the value, volatility and dividend yield of the underlying shares, interest and yield rates, time remaining to maturity, geopolitical conditions and economic, financial, political and regulatory or judicial events and any 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 Buffered PLUS will be affected by the other factors described above. The levels of the underlying shares may be, and have recently been, extremely volatile, and we can give you no assurance that the volatility will lessen. See “VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF Overview” and “iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF Overview” below. You may receive less, and possibly significantly less, than the stated principal amount per Buffered PLUS if you try to sell your Buffered PLUS prior to maturity.

The Buffered PLUS are subject to our credit risk, and any actual or anticipated changes to our credit ratings or credit spreads may adversely affect the market value of the Buffered PLUS. You are dependent on our ability to pay all amounts due on the Buffered PLUS at maturity and therefore you are subject to our credit risk. If we default on its obligations under the Buffered PLUS, your investment would be at risk and you could lose some or all of your investment. As a result, the market value of the Buffered PLUS prior to maturity will be affected by changes in the market’s view of our creditworthiness. Any actual or anticipated decline in our credit ratings or increase in the credit spreads charged by the market for taking our credit risk is likely to adversely affect the market value of the Buffered PLUS.

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

The amount payable on the Buffered PLUS is not linked to the values of the underlying shares at any time other than the valuation date. The final share price of each of the underlying shares will be based on the closing

September 2021 Page 7

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

price of such underlying shares on the valuation date, subject to adjustment for non-trading days and certain market disruption events. Even if both underlying shares appreciate prior to the valuation date but the value of either of the underlying shares drops by the valuation date to less than 80% of its initial share price, the payment at maturity will be significantly less than it would have been had the payment at maturity been linked to the values of the underlying shares prior to such drop. Although the actual values of the underlying shares on the stated maturity date or at other times during the term of the Buffered PLUS may be higher than their respective final share prices, the payment at maturity will be based solely on the closing prices on the valuation date.

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

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 Buffered PLUS in the original issue price reduce the economic terms of the Buffered PLUS, cause the estimated value of the Buffered PLUS to be less than the original issue price and will adversely affect secondary market prices. Assuming no change in market conditions or any other relevant factors, the prices, if any, at which dealers, including MS & Co., may be willing to purchase the Buffered PLUS in secondary market transactions will likely be significantly lower than the original issue price, because secondary market prices will exclude the issuing, selling, structuring and hedging-related costs that are included in the original issue price and borne by you and because the secondary market prices will reflect our secondary market credit spreads and the bid-offer spread that any dealer would charge in a secondary market transaction of this type as well as other factors.

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

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

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

The Buffered PLUS will not be listed on any securities exchange and secondary trading may be limited. The Buffered PLUS will not be listed on any securities exchange. Therefore, there may be little or no secondary market for the Buffered PLUS. MS & Co. may, but is not obligated to, make a market in the Buffered PLUS and, if it once chooses to make a market, may cease doing so at any time. When it does make a market, it will generally do

September 2021 Page 8

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

so for transactions of routine secondary market size at prices based on its estimate of the current value of the Buffered PLUS, taking into account its bid/offer spread, our credit spreads, market volatility, the notional size of the proposed sale, the cost of unwinding any related hedging positions, the time remaining to maturity and the likelihood that it will be able to resell the Buffered PLUS. Even if there is a secondary market, it may not provide enough liquidity to allow you to trade or sell the Buffered PLUS easily. Since other broker-dealers may not participate significantly in the secondary market for the Buffered PLUS, the price at which you may be able to trade your Buffered PLUS is likely to depend on the price, if any, at which MS & Co. is willing to transact. If, at any time, MS & Co. were to cease making a market in the Buffered PLUS, it is likely that there would be no secondary market for the Buffered PLUS. Accordingly, you should be willing to hold your Buffered PLUS to maturity.

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

The calculation agent, which is a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley and an affiliate of MSFL, will make determinations with respect to the Buffered PLUS. As calculation agent, MS & Co. will determine the initial share prices and the final share prices, including whether either of the underlying shares have decreased to below 80% of the respective initial share price, whether a market disruption event has occurred and whether to make any adjustments to the adjustment factors, and will calculate the amount of cash you receive at maturity. 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 or calculation of the final share price in the event of a market disruption event. These potentially subjective determinations may adversely affect the payout to you at maturity. For further information regarding these types of determinations, see “Description of PLUS—Postponement of Valuation Date(s),” “—Alternate Exchange Calculation in case of an Event of Default” and “—Calculation Agent and Calculations” in the accompanying product supplement. In addition, MS & Co. has determined the estimated value of the Buffered PLUS on the pricing date.

The U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Buffered PLUS are uncertain. Please read the discussion under “Additional Information—Tax considerations” in this document and the discussion under “United States Federal Taxation” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS (together, the “Tax Disclosure Sections”) concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Buffered PLUS. As discussed in the Tax Disclosure Sections, there is a substantial risk that the “constructive ownership” rule could apply, in which case all or a portion of any long-term capital gain recognized by a U.S. Holder could be recharacterized as ordinary income and an interest charge could be imposed. If the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) were successful in asserting an alternative treatment, the timing and character of income on the Buffered PLUS might differ significantly from the tax treatment described in the Tax Disclosure Sections. For example, under one possible treatment, the IRS could seek to recharacterize the Buffered PLUS as debt instruments. In that event, U.S. Holders would be required to accrue into income original issue discount on the Buffered PLUS every year at a “comparable yield” determined at the time of issuance and recognize all income and gain in respect of the Buffered PLUS as ordinary income. The risk that financial instruments providing for buffers, triggers or similar downside protection features, such as the Buffered PLUS, would be recharacterized as debt is greater than the risk

September 2021 Page 9

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

of recharacterization for comparable financial instruments that do not have such features. We do not plan to request a ruling from the IRS regarding the tax treatment of the Buffered PLUS, and the IRS or a court may not agree with the tax treatment described in the Tax Disclosure Sections.

In 2007, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS released a notice requesting comments on the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar instruments. The notice focuses in particular on whether to require holders of these instruments to accrue income over the term of their investment. It also asks for comments on a number of related topics, including the character of income or loss with respect to these instruments; whether short-term instruments should be subject to any such accrual regime; the relevance of factors such as the exchange-traded status of the instruments and the nature of the underlying property to which the instruments are linked; the degree, if any, to which income (including any mandated accruals) realized by non-U.S. investors should be subject to withholding tax; and whether these instruments are or should be subject to the “constructive ownership” rule, as discussed in this document. While the notice requests comments on appropriate transition rules and effective dates, any Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the Buffered PLUS, possibly with retroactive effect. Both U.S. and Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Buffered PLUS, including possible alternative treatments, the potential application of the constructive ownership rule, the issues presented by this notice and any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.

Risks Relating to the Underlying Shares

You are exposed to the price risk of both underlying shares. Your return on the Buffered PLUS it not linked to a basket consisting of both underlying shares. Rather, it will be based upon the independent performance of each of the underlying shares. 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 both underlying shares. Poor performance by either of the underlying shares over the term of the securities will negatively affect your return and will not be offset or mitigated by any positive performance by the other underlying shares. If either of the underlying shares declines to below 80% of its respective share price as of the valuation date, you will lose some or a significant portion of your investment, even if the other underlying shares have appreciated or have not declined as much. Accordingly, your investment is subject to the price risk of both underlying shares.

Because the Buffered PLUS are linked to the performance of the worst performing underlying shares, you are exposed to greater risk of sustaining a loss on your investment than if the Buffered PLUS were linked to just one of the underlying shares. The risk that you will suffer a loss on your investment is greater if you invest in the Buffered PLUS as opposed to substantially similar securities that are linked to the performance of just one of the underlying shares. With two underlying shares, it is more likely that either of the underlying shares will decline to below 80% of its initial share price as of the valuation date than if the Buffered PLUS were linked to only one of the underlying shares. Therefore it is more likely that you will suffer a loss on your investment.

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

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

Competitive pressures may have a significant effect on the financial condition of companies in the gold mining industry. Also, gold mining companies are highly dependent on the price of gold. Gold prices are subject to volatile

September 2021 Page 10

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

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

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

The prices of the GDX Shares and the EEM Shares are subject to currency exchange risk. Because the prices of the GDX Shares and the EEM Shares and are related to the U.S. dollar value of stocks underlying the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index and the MSCI Emerging Markets IndexSM (the “share underlying indices”), respectively, holders of the securities will be exposed to currency exchange rate risk with respect to each of the currencies in which such component securities trade. Exchange rate movements for a particular currency are volatile and are the result of numerous factors including the supply of, and the demand for, those currencies, as well as relevant government policy, intervention or actions, but are also influenced significantly from time to time by political or economic developments, and by macroeconomic factors and speculative actions related to the relevant region. An investor’s net exposure will depend on the extent to which the currencies of the component securities strengthen or weaken against the U.S. dollar and the relative weight of each currency. If, taking into account such weighting, the dollar strengthens against the currencies of the component securities represented in the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index or the MSCI Emerging Markets IndexSM, the price of the relevant underlying shares will be adversely affected.

There are risks associated with investments in securities, such as the Buffered PLUS, linked to the value of foreign (and especially emerging markets) equity securities. The EEM Shares track the performance of the MSCI Emerging Markets IndexSM, 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 United States 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

September 2021 Page 11

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

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

Adjustments to the underlying shares or the indices tracked by the underlying shares could adversely affect the value of the Buffered PLUS. The investment advisor to each of the GDX Shares and the EEM Shares (VanEck Associates Corporation and BlackRock Fund Advisors, respectively) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the relevant share underlying indices. Pursuant to its investment strategy or otherwise, the investment advisor may add, delete or substitute the stocks composing the respective underlying shares. Any of these actions could adversely affect the price of the respective underlying shares and, consequently, the value of the Buffered PLUS. The publisher of the share underlying indices is responsible for calculating and maintaining the share underlying indices. The publisher may add, delete or substitute the securities constituting the share underlying indices or make other methodological changes that could change the value of the share underlying indices, and, consequently, the price of the underlying shares and the value of the Buffered PLUS. The publisher of the share underlying indices may discontinue or suspend calculation or publication of a 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 will be permitted to consider indices that are calculated and published by the calculation agent or any of its affiliates.

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

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

September 2021 Page 12

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

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

 

September 2021 Page 13

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF Overview

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

Information as of market close on September 22, 2021:

Bloomberg Ticker Symbol:

GDX UP

Current Share Price:

$30.50

52 Weeks Ago:

$40.02

52 Week High (on 11/6/2020):

$41.42

52 Week Low (on 9/20/2021):

$30.45

 

The following table sets forth the published high and low closing prices, as well as the end-of-quarter closing prices, of the GDX Shares for each quarter from January 1, 2016 through September 22, 2021. The closing price of the GDX Shares on September 22, 2021 was $30.50. We obtained the information in the table and graph below from Bloomberg Financial Markets, without independent verification. The GDX Shares have at times experienced periods of high volatility, and you should not take the historical values of the GDX Shares as an indication of future performance.

September 2021 Page 14

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

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

High ($)

Low ($)

Period End ($)

2016

 

 

 

First Quarter

20.86

12.47

19.98

Second Quarter

27.70

19.53

27.70

Third Quarter

31.32

25.45

26.43

Fourth Quarter

25.96

18.99

20.92

2017

 

 

 

First Quarter

25.57

21.14

22.81

Second Quarter

24.57

21.10

22.08

Third Quarter

25.49

21.21

22.96

Fourth Quarter

23.84

21.42

23.24

2018

 

 

 

First Quarter

24.60

21.27

21.98

Second Quarter

23.06

21.81

22.31

Third Quarter

22.68

17.57

18.52

Fourth Quarter

21.09

18.39

21.09

2019

 

 

 

First Quarter

23.36

20.31

22.42

Second Quarter

26.17

20.17

25.56

Third Quarter

30.95

24.58

26.71

Fourth Quarter

29.49

26.19

29.28

2020

 

 

 

First Quarter

31.05

19.00

23.04

Second Quarter

37.21

24.03

36.68

Third Quarter

44.53

36.17

39.16

Fourth Quarter

41.42

33.42

36.02

2021

 

 

 

First Quarter

38.51

30.90

32.50

Second Quarter

39.68

33.60

33.98

Third Quarter (through September 22, 2021)

35.09

30.45

30.50

September 2021 Page 15

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

GDX Shares Daily Closing Prices
January 1, 2016 to September 22, 2021

 

 

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

 

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

 

We and/or our affiliates may presently or from time to time engage in business with the Trust.  In the course of such business, we and/or our affiliates may acquire non-public information with respect to the Trust, and neither we nor any of our affiliates undertakes to disclose any such information to you.  In addition, one or more of our affiliates may publish research reports with respect to the GDX Shares.  The statements in the preceding two sentences are not intended to affect the rights of investors in the Buffered PLUS under the securities laws.  As a purchaser of the Buffered PLUS, you should undertake an independent investigation of the Trust as in your judgment is appropriate to make an informed decision with respect to an investment linked to the GDX Shares.


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

September 2021 Page 16

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Overview

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 any such publicly available information regarding the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF is accurate or complete.

Information as of market close on September 22, 2021:

Bloomberg Ticker Symbol:

EEM UP

Current Share Price:

$50.99

52 Weeks Ago:

$43.78

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

$57.96

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

$42.90

 

The following table sets forth the published high and low closing prices, as well as the end-of-quarter closing prices, of the EEM Shares for each quarter from January 1, 2016 through September 22, 2021. The closing price of the EEM Shares on September 22, 2021 was $50.99. We obtained the information in the table and graph 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 values of the EEM Shares as an indication of future performance.

September 2021 Page 17

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

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 22, 2021)

54.84

49.50

50.99

September 2021 Page 18

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

EEM Shares Daily Closing Prices
January 1, 2016 to September 22, 2021

 

 

This document relates only to the Buffered PLUS referenced 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 Buffered PLUS, 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 priced the Buffered PLUS) 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 Buffered PLUS and therefore the value of the Buffered PLUS.

 

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

 

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 Buffered PLUS under the securities laws. As a purchaser of the Buffered PLUS, 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 mark of BlackRock Fund Advisors or its affiliates (“BFA”). The Buffered PLUS are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by BFA. BFA makes no representations or warranties to the owners of the Buffered PLUS or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in the Buffered PLUS. BFA has no obligation or liability in connection with the operation, marketing, trading or sale of the Buffered PLUS.

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

September 2021 Page 19

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

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.

September 2021 Page 20

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

Additional Terms of the Buffered PLUS

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

Additional Terms:

 

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

Share underlying indices:

With respect to the GDX Shares, the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index

With respect to the EEM Shares, the MSCI Emerging Markets IndexSM

Share underlying index publishers:

With respect to the GDX Shares, NYSE Arca, or any successor thereof.

With respect to the EEM Shares,  MSCI Inc., or any successor thereof.

Interest:

None

Denominations:

$1,000 per Buffered PLUS and integral multiples thereof

Postponement of maturity date:

If the scheduled valuation date is not a trading day with respect to either of the underlying shares or if a market disruption event occurs with respect to either of the underlying shares on that day so that the valuation date is postponed and falls less than two business days prior to the scheduled maturity date, the maturity date of the Buffered PLUS will be postponed to the second business day following the latest valuation date as postponed with respect to either of the underlying shares.

Trustee:

The Bank of New York Mellon

Calculation agent:

MS & Co.

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

In the event that the maturity date is postponed due to postponement of the valuation date, the issuer shall give notice of such postponement and, once it has been determined, of the date to which the maturity date has been rescheduled (i) to each registered holder of the Buffered PLUS by mailing notice of such postponement by first class mail, postage prepaid, to such registered holder’s last address as it shall appear upon the registry books, (ii) to the trustee by facsimile confirmed by mailing such notice to the trustee by first class mail, postage prepaid, at its New York office and (iii) to The Depository Trust Company (the “depositary”) by telephone or facsimile, confirmed by mailing such notice to the depositary by first class mail, postage prepaid. Any notice that is mailed to a registered holder of the Buffered PLUS in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given to such registered holder, whether or not such registered holder receives the notice. The issuer shall give such notice as promptly as possible, and in no case later than (i) with respect to notice of postponement of the maturity date, the business day immediately preceding the scheduled maturity date and (ii) with respect to notice of the date to which the maturity date has been rescheduled, the business day immediately following the actual valuation date.

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

September 2021 Page 21

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

Additional Information About the Buffered PLUS

Additional Information:

 

Minimum ticketing size:

$1,000 / 1 Buffered PLUS

Tax considerations:

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 2021 Page 22

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

these instruments are or should be subject to the “constructive ownership” rule, as discussed above. While the notice requests comments on appropriate transition rules and effective dates, any Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the Buffered PLUS, possibly with retroactive effect.

As discussed in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS, Section 871(m) of the Code and Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder (“Section 871(m)”) generally impose a 30% (or a lower applicable treaty rate) withholding tax on dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid to Non-U.S. Holders with respect to certain financial instruments linked to U.S. equities or indices that include U.S. equities (each, an “Underlying Security”). Subject to certain exceptions, Section 871(m) generally applies to securities that substantially replicate the economic performance of one or more Underlying Securities, as determined based on tests set forth in the applicable Treasury regulations (a “Specified Security”). However, pursuant to an IRS notice, Section 871(m) will not apply to securities issued before January 1, 2023 that do not have a delta of one with respect to any Underlying Security. Based on our determination that the Buffered PLUS do not have a delta of one with respect to any Underlying Security, our counsel is of the opinion that the Buffered PLUS should not be Specified Securities and, therefore, should not be subject to Section 871(m).

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

Use of proceeds and hedging:

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

On or prior to the pricing date, we will hedge our anticipated exposure in connection with the Buffered PLUS by entering into hedging transactions with our

September 2021 Page 23

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

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

Additional considerations:

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

Supplemental information regarding plan of distribution; conflicts of interest:

MS & Co. expects to sell all of the Buffered PLUS that it purchases from us to an unaffiliated dealer at a price of $992.50 per Buffered PLUS, for further sale to certain fee-based advisory accounts at the price to public of $1,000 per Buffered PLUS. MS & Co. will not receive a sales commission with respect to the Buffered PLUS.

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 Buffered PLUS.

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

Validity of the Buffered PLUS:

In the opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, as special counsel to MSFL and Morgan Stanley, when the Buffered PLUS offered by this pricing supplement have been executed and issued by MSFL, authenticated by the trustee pursuant to the MSFL Senior Debt Indenture (as defined in the accompanying prospectus) and delivered against payment as contemplated herein, such Buffered PLUS will be valid and binding obligations of MSFL and the related guarantee will be a valid and binding obligation of Morgan Stanley, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors’

September 2021 Page 24

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the VanEck Vectors® Gold Miners ETF and iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, due September 26, 2024

Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

rights generally, concepts of reasonableness and equitable principles of general applicability (including, without limitation, concepts of good faith, fair dealing and the lack of bad faith), provided that such counsel expresses no opinion as to (i) the effect of fraudulent conveyance, fraudulent transfer or similar provision of applicable law on the conclusions expressed above and (ii) any provision of the MSFL Senior Debt Indenture that purports to avoid the effect of fraudulent conveyance, fraudulent transfer or similar provision of applicable law by limiting the amount of Morgan Stanley’s obligation under the related guarantee. This opinion is given as of the date hereof and is limited to the laws of the State of New York, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act. In addition, this opinion is subject to customary assumptions about the trustee’s authorization, execution and delivery of the MSFL Senior Debt Indenture and its authentication of the Buffered PLUS and the validity, binding nature and enforceability of the MSFL Senior Debt Indenture with respect to the trustee, all as stated in the letter of such counsel dated November 16, 2020, which is Exhibit 5-a to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed by Morgan Stanley on November 16, 2020.

Where you can find more information:

Morgan Stanley and MSFL have filed a registration statement (including a prospectus, as supplemented by the product supplement for PLUS and the index supplement) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, for the offering to which this communication relates. You should read the prospectus in that registration statement, the product supplement for PLUS, the index supplement and any other documents relating to this offering that Morgan Stanley and MSFL have filed with the SEC for more complete information about Morgan Stanley, MSFL and this offering. You may get these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC web site at.www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Morgan Stanley or MSFL will arrange to send you the product supplement for PLUS, the index supplement and prospectus 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:

Product Supplement for PLUS dated November 16, 2020

Index Supplement dated November 16, 2020

Prospectus dated November 16, 2020

Terms used but not defined in this document are defined in the product supplement for PLUS, in the index supplement or in the prospectus.

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

 

September 2021 Page 25