June 2024
Preliminary Pricing Supplement No. 2,551
Registration Statement Nos. 333-275587; 333-275587-01
Dated June 6, 2024
Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Structured Investments
Opportunities in International Equities
Dual Directional Buffered PLUS with Downside Factor Based on the Performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF due June 16, 2026
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM with Downside Factor
Fully and Unconditionally Guaranteed by Morgan Stanley
Principal at Risk Securities
The Dual Directional Buffered PLUS, or “Buffered PLUS,” offered 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, do not guarantee any return of principal at maturity and have the terms described in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS, index supplement and prospectus, as supplemented or modified by this document. At maturity, if the underlying shares have appreciated in value, investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment plus leveraged upside performance of the underlying shares, subject to the maximum payment at maturity. If the underlying shares have depreciated in value, but the underlying shares have not declined by more than the specified buffer amount, investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment plus a positive return equal to 50% of the absolute value of the percentage decline of the underlying shares, which will effectively be limited to a maximum return of 7.50%. However, if the underlying shares have declined by more than the buffer amount, the absolute return feature will no longer be available and investors will lose 1.1765% for every 1% decline beyond the specified buffer amount. There is no minimum payment at maturity on the Buffered PLUS. Accordingly, you could lose your entire initial investment in the Buffered PLUS. The Buffered PLUS are for investors who seek an equity fund-based return and who are willing to risk their principal and forgo current income and upside above the maximum payment at maturity in exchange for the leverage, buffer and absolute return features that in each case apply to a limited range of performance of the 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 underlying shares depreciate by no more than 15%.
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.
SUMMARY TERMS |
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Issuer: |
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC |
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Guarantor: |
Morgan Stanley |
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Maturity date: |
June 16, 2026 |
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Underlying shares: |
Shares of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF |
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Aggregate principal amount: |
$ |
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Payment at maturity per Buffered PLUS: |
■If the final share price is greater than the initial share price: $1,000 + leveraged upside payment In no event will the payment at maturity exceed the maximum payment at maturity. ■If the final share price is less than or equal to the initial share price but has decreased from the initial share price by an amount less than or equal to the buffer amount of 15%: $1,000 + ($1,000 × absolute share return × 0.50) In this scenario, you will receive a 0.50% positive return on the Buffered PLUS for each 1% negative return on the underlying shares. In no event will this amount exceed the stated principal amount plus $75. ■If the final share price is less than the initial share price and has decreased from the initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 15%: $1,000 + [$1,000 × (share percent change + 15%) × downside factor] Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less than the stated principal amount of $1,000 and could be zero. |
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Leveraged upside payment: |
$1,000 x leverage factor × share percent change |
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Share percent change: |
(final share price – initial share price) / initial share price |
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Absolute share return: |
The absolute value of the share percent change. For example, a -5% share percent change will result in a +5% absolute share return and therefore a +2.50% return on the Buffered PLUS. |
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Downside factor: |
1.1765 |
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Initial share price: |
$ , which is the closing price of one underlying share on the pricing date |
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Final share price: |
The closing price of one underlying share on the valuation date multiplied by the adjustment factor on such date |
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Adjustment factor: |
1.0, subject to adjustment in the event of certain events affecting the underlying shares |
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Valuation date: |
June 11, 2026, subject to postponement for non-trading days and certain market disruption events |
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Leverage factor: |
160% |
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Buffer amount: |
15%. As a result of the buffer amount of 15%, the price at or above which the underlying shares must close on the valuation date so that investors do not suffer a loss on their initial investment in the Buffered PLUS is $ , which is 85% of the initial share price. |
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Minimum payment at maturity: |
None |
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Maximum payment at maturity: |
At least $1,250 per Buffered PLUS (125% of the stated principal amount). The actual maximum payment at maturity will be determined on the pricing date. |
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Interest: |
None |
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Stated principal amount: |
$1,000 per Buffered PLUS |
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Issue price: |
$1,000 per Buffered PLUS (see “Commissions and issue price” below) |
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Pricing date: |
June 11, 2024 |
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Original issue date: |
June 14, 2024 (3 business days after the pricing date) |
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CUSIP: |
61776MJT3 |
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ISIN: |
US61776MJT36 |
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Listing: |
The Buffered PLUS will not be listed on any securities exchange. |
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Agent: |
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (“MS & Co.”), an affiliate of MSFL and a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. See “Supplemental information regarding plan of distribution; conflicts of interest.” |
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Estimated value on the pricing date: |
Approximately $994.50 per Buffered PLUS, or within $25.00 of that estimate. See “Investment Summary” on page 2. |
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Commissions and issue price: |
Price to public(1) |
Agent’s commissions and fees(2) |
Proceeds to us(3) |
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Per Buffered PLUS |
$1,000 |
$ |
$ |
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Total |
$ |
$ |
$ |
(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 $ 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 16.
The Buffered PLUS involve risks not associated with an investment in ordinary debt securities. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 6.
The Securities and Exchange Commission and state securities regulators have not approved or disapproved these securities, or determined if this document or the accompanying product supplement, index supplement and prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The 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. When you read the accompanying product supplement and index supplement, please note that all references in such supplements to the prospectus dated November 16, 2023, or to any sections therein, should refer instead to the accompanying prospectus dated April 12, 2024 or to the corresponding sections of such prospectus, as applicable. Please also see “Additional Terms of the Buffered PLUS” and “Additional Information About the Buffered PLUS” at the end of this document.
As used in this document, “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Morgan Stanley or MSFL, or Morgan Stanley and MSFL collectively, as the context requires.
Product Supplement for PLUS dated November 16, 2023 Index Supplement dated November 16, 2023 Prospectus dated April 12, 2024
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Dual Directional Buffered PLUS with Downside Factor Based on the Performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF due June 16, 2026
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM with Downside Factor
Principal at Risk Securities
Investment Summary
Dual Directional Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside Securities with Downside Factor
Principal at Risk Securities
The Dual Directional Buffered PLUS with Downside Factor Based on the Performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF due June 16, 2026 (the “Buffered PLUS”) can be used:
■As an alternative to direct exposure to the underlying shares that enhances returns for a certain range of positive performance of the underlying shares, subject to the maximum payment at maturity
■To enhance returns and potentially outperform the underlying shares in a moderately bullish or moderately bearish scenario
■To achieve similar levels of upside exposure to the underlying shares as a direct investment, subject to the maximum payment at maturity, while using fewer dollars by taking advantage of the leverage factor
■To obtain a positive return equal to 50% of the absolute share return for a limited range of negative performance of the underlying shares
■To obtain a buffer against a specified level of negative performance in the underlying shares
Maturity: |
Approximately 2 years |
Leverage factor: |
160% |
Maximum payment at maturity: |
At least $1,250 per Buffered PLUS (125% of the stated principal amount). The actual maximum payment at maturity will be determined on the pricing date. |
Minimum payment at maturity: |
None. You may lose your entire initial investment in the Buffered PLUS. |
Downside Factor: |
1.1765 |
Buffer amount: |
15% |
Coupon: |
None |
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 will be less than $1,000. We estimate that the value of each Buffered PLUS on the pricing date will be approximately $994.50, or within $25.00 of that estimate. Our estimate of the value of the Buffered PLUS as determined on the pricing date will be set forth in the final pricing supplement.
What goes into the estimated value on the pricing date?
In valuing the 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 maximum payment at maturity, the buffer amount and the downside factor, 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.
June 2024 Page 2
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Dual Directional Buffered PLUS with Downside Factor Based on the Performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF due June 16, 2026
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM with Downside Factor
Principal at Risk Securities
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.
June 2024 Page 3
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Dual Directional Buffered PLUS with Downside Factor Based on the Performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF due June 16, 2026
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM with Downside Factor
Principal at Risk Securities
Key Investment Rationale
The Buffered PLUS offer the potential for a positive return at maturity based on the absolute value of a limited range of percentage changes of the underlying shares, while providing limited protection against negative performance of the underlying shares. Once the underlying shares have decreased in price by more than the specified buffer amount, investors are exposed to the negative performance of the underlying shares on a leveraged basis. At maturity, if the underlying shares have appreciated, investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment plus leveraged upside performance of the underlying shares, subject to the maximum payment at maturity. At maturity, if the underlying shares have depreciated and (i) if the final share price of the underlying shares has not declined from the initial share price by more than the specified buffer amount, investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment plus a positive return equal to 50% of the absolute value of the percentage decline of the underlying shares, which will effectively be limited to a maximum return of 7.50%, or (ii) if the final share price of the underlying shares has declined by more than the buffer amount, the absolute return feature will no longer be available and investors will lose 1.1765% for every 1% decline beyond the specified buffer amount. There is no minimum payment at maturity on the Buffered PLUS. Accordingly, you could lose your entire initial investment in the Buffered PLUS.
Leveraged Upside Performance Up to a Cap |
The Buffered PLUS offer investors an opportunity to capture enhanced returns for a certain range of positive performance relative to a direct investment in the underlying shares, subject to the maximum payment at maturity. |
Absolute Return Feature |
The Buffered PLUS enable investors to obtain a positive return equal to 50% of the absolute value of the percentage decline of the underlying shares if the final share price is less than the initial share price but is greater than or equal to 85% of the initial share price. |
Upside Scenario if the Underlying Shares Appreciate |
The underlying shares increase in price, and, at maturity, the Buffered PLUS redeem for the stated principal amount of $1,000 plus 160% of the share percent change, subject to the maximum payment at maturity of at least $1,250 per Buffered PLUS (125% of the stated principal amount). The actual maximum payment at maturity will be determined on the pricing date. |
Absolute Return Scenario |
The underlying shares decline in price by no more than 15%, and, at maturity, investors receive a 0.50% positive return on the Buffered PLUS for each 1% negative return on the underlying shares. For example, if the final share price is 5% less than the initial share price, the Buffered PLUS will provide a total positive return of 2.50% at maturity. The maximum return you may receive in this scenario is a positive 7.50% return at maturity. |
Downside Scenario |
The underlying shares decline in price by more than 15%, and, at maturity, the Buffered PLUS redeem for less than the stated principal amount by an amount that is proportionate to the percentage decrease beyond the buffer amount of 15% multiplied by the downside factor of 1.1765. (Example: if the underlying shares decrease in price by 75%, investors would lose 70.59% of their principal and the Buffered PLUS will redeem for $294.10, or 29.41% of the stated principal amount.) There is no minimum payment at maturity on the Buffered PLUS, and you could lose your entire investment. |
June 2024 Page 4
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Dual Directional Buffered PLUS with Downside Factor Based on the Performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF due June 16, 2026
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM with Downside Factor
Principal at Risk Securities
How the Buffered PLUS Work
Payoff Diagram
The payoff diagram below illustrates the payment at maturity on the Buffered PLUS based on the following terms:
Stated principal amount: |
$1,000 per Buffered PLUS |
Leverage factor: |
160% |
Downside factor: |
1.1765 |
Buffer amount: |
15% |
Hypothetical maximum payment at maturity: |
$1,250 per Buffered PLUS (125% of the stated principal amount) |
Minimum payment at maturity: |
None |
Buffered PLUS Payoff Diagram |
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How it works
■Upside Scenario. If the final share price is greater than the initial share price, investors will receive the $1,000 stated principal amount plus 160% of the appreciation of the underlying shares over the term of the Buffered PLUS, subject to the maximum payment at maturity. Under the terms of the Buffered PLUS, investors will realize the hypothetical maximum payment at maturity of $1,250 per Buffered PLUS (125% of the stated principal amount) at a final share price of 115.625% of the initial share price.
■If the price of the underlying shares appreciates 2%, the investor would receive a 3.20% return, or $1,032 per Buffered PLUS.
■If the price of the underlying shares appreciates 80%, the investor would receive only the hypothetical maximum payment at maturity of $1,250 per Buffered PLUS, or 125% of the stated principal amount.
■Absolute Return Scenario. If the final share price is less than or equal to the initial share price but has decreased from the initial share price by an amount less than or equal to the buffer amount of 15%, investors will receive a 0.50% positive return on the Buffered PLUS for each 1% negative return on the underlying shares.
■If the underlying shares depreciate by 5%, investors will receive a 2.50% return, or $1,025 per Buffered PLUS.
■The maximum return you may receive in this scenario is a positive 7.50% return at maturity.
■Downside Scenario. If the final share price is less than the initial share price and has decreased from the initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 15%, investors will receive an amount that is less than the stated principal amount by an amount that is proportionate to the percentage decrease beyond the buffer amount of 15% multiplied by the downside factor of 1.1765.
■For example, if the price of the underlying shares depreciates 75%, investors would lose 70.59% of their principal and receive only $294.10 per Buffered PLUS at maturity, or 29.41% of the stated principal amount.
June 2024 Page 5
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Dual Directional Buffered PLUS with Downside Factor Based on the Performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF due June 16, 2026
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM with Downside Factor
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. We also urge you to consult 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 or guarantee the return of any of your principal. The terms of the Buffered PLUS differ from those of ordinary debt securities in that the Buffered PLUS do not pay interest and do not guarantee any return of principal at maturity. If the final share price is less than 85% of the 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 final share price of the underlying shares below 85% of the initial share price multiplied by the downside factor of 1.1765. As there is no minimum payment at maturity on the Buffered PLUS, you could lose your entire initial investment.
■The appreciation potential of the Buffered PLUS is limited by the maximum payment at maturity. The appreciation potential of the Buffered PLUS is limited by the maximum payment at maturity of at least $1,250 per Buffered PLUS, or 125% of the stated principal amount. The actual maximum payment at maturity will be determined on the pricing date. Although the leverage factor provides 160% exposure to any increase in the final share price over the initial share price, because the payment at maturity will be limited to 125% of the stated principal amount for the Buffered PLUS (assuming a maximum payment at maturity of $1,250 per Buffered PLUS), any increase in the final share price over the initial share price by more than 15.625% of the initial share price will not further increase the return on the Buffered PLUS. The maximum return you can receive if the underlying shares depreciate is similarly limited because of the buffer amount. If the final share price is less than the initial share price but greater than or equal to 85% of the initial share price, meaning that the underlying shares have not decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 15%, you will receive the stated principal amount of your investment plus a positive return equal to 50% of the absolute value of the percentage decline of the underlying shares, which will effectively be limited to a maximum return of 7.50%. However, if the underlying shares depreciate by more than the buffer amount of 15%, you will lose some or all of your investment.
■The market price of the Buffered PLUS will be influenced by many unpredictable factors. Several factors, many of which are beyond our control, 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 trading price, volatility (frequency and magnitude of changes in value) and dividends of the underlying shares and of the stocks composing the MSCI EAFE® Index (the “share underlying index”), interest and yield rates in the market, time remaining until the Buffered PLUS mature, geopolitical conditions and economic, financial, political, regulatory or judicial events that affect the underlying shares or equities markets generally and which may affect the final share price of the underlying shares, the occurrence of certain events affecting the underlying shares that may or may not require an adjustment to the adjustment factor, and any actual or anticipated changes in our credit ratings or credit spreads. 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 price of the underlying shares may be, and has recently been, volatile, and we can give you no assurance that the volatility will lessen. See “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 our 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.
June 2024 Page 6
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Dual Directional Buffered PLUS with Downside Factor Based on the Performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF due June 16, 2026
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM with Downside Factor
Principal at Risk Securities
■The amount payable on the Buffered PLUS is not linked to the price of the underlying shares at any time other than the valuation date. The final share price will be based on the closing price on the valuation date, subject to postponement for non-trading days and certain market disruption events. Even if the price of the underlying shares appreciates prior to the valuation date but then drops by the valuation date by more than 15%, the payment at maturity will be less, and may be significantly less, than it would have been had the payment at maturity been linked to the price of the underlying shares prior to such drop. Although the actual price of the underlying shares on the stated maturity date or at other times during the term of the Buffered PLUS may be higher than the closing price on the valuation date, the payment at maturity will be based solely on the closing price 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 index. Investing in the Buffered PLUS is not equivalent to investing in the underlying shares, the share underlying index or the stocks that constitute the share underlying index. Investors in the 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 index.
■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 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.
June 2024 Page 7
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Dual Directional Buffered PLUS with Downside Factor Based on the Performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF due June 16, 2026
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM with Downside Factor
Principal at Risk Securities
■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 price and the final share price and will calculate the amount of cash you receive at maturity, if any. Moreover, certain determinations made by MS & Co., in its capacity as calculation agent, may require it to exercise discretion and make subjective judgements, such as with respect to the occurrence or non-occurrence of market disruption events and the selection of a successor index or calculation of the final share price in the event of a discontinuance of the underlying shares or a market disruption event. These potentially subjective determinations may adversely affect the payout to you at maturity, if any. For further information regarding these types of determinations, see “Description of PLUS—Postponement of Valuation Date(s),” “—Discontinuance of Any ETF Shares and/or Share Underlying Index; Alteration of Method of Calculation,” “—Alternate Exchange Calculation in case of an Event of Default and “—Calculation Agent and Calculations” in the accompanying product supplement. In addition, MS & Co. has determined the estimated value of the Buffered PLUS on the pricing date.
■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 to other instruments linked to the underlying shares or the share underlying index), including trading in the underlying shares and in other instruments related to the underlying shares or the share underlying index. As a result, these entities may be unwinding or adjusting hedge positions during the term of the Buffered PLUS, and the hedging strategy may involve greater and more frequent dynamic adjustments to the hedge as the valuation date approaches. MS & Co. and some of our other affiliates also trade the underlying shares or the stocks that constitute the share underlying index and other financial instruments related to the share underlying index on a regular basis as part of their general broker-dealer and other businesses. Any of these hedging or trading activities on or prior to the pricing date could potentially increase the initial share price and, therefore, could increase the price at or above which the underlying shares must close on the valuation date so that investors do not suffer a loss on their initial investment in the Buffered PLUS. Additionally, such hedging or trading activities during the term of the Buffered PLUS, including on the valuation date, could adversely affect the closing price of the underlying shares on the valuation date and, accordingly, the amount of cash an investor will receive at maturity, if any.
■The U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the 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 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. In addition, there is no direct legal authority regarding the proper U.S. federal tax treatment of the Buffered PLUS, and we do not plan to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”). Consequently, significant aspects of the tax treatment of the Buffered PLUS are uncertain, and the IRS or a court might not agree with the tax treatment of a Buffered PLUS as a single financial contract that is an “open transaction” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the IRS were successful in asserting an alternative treatment of the Buffered PLUS, the tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the Buffered PLUS, including the timing and character of income recognized by U.S. Holders and the withholding tax consequences to Non-U.S. Holders, might be materially and adversely affected. Moreover, future legislation, Treasury regulations or IRS guidance could adversely affect the U.S. federal tax treatment of the Buffered PLUS, possibly retroactively.
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, as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.
Risks Relating to the Underlying Shares
■There are risks associated with investments in securities linked to the value of foreign equity securities. The underlying shares track the performance of the MSCI EAFE® Index, which is linked to the value of foreign 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. 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.
June 2024 Page 8
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Dual Directional Buffered PLUS with Downside Factor Based on the Performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF due June 16, 2026
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM with Downside Factor
Principal at Risk Securities
■The Buffered PLUS are subject to currency exchange risk. Because the price of the underlying shares is related to the U.S. dollar value of securities underlying the MSCI EAFE® Index, which is linked to the value of foreign equity securities, holders of the Buffered PLUS 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 security. If, taking into account such weighting, the dollar strengthens against the currencies of the component securities represented in the share underlying index, the price of the underlying shares will be adversely affected and the payment at maturity on the Buffered PLUS may be reduced.
Of particular importance to potential currency exchange risk are:
oexisting and expected rates of inflation;
oexisting and expected interest rate levels;
othe balance of payments; and
othe extent of governmental surpluses or deficits in the countries represented in the share underlying index and the United States.
All of these factors are in turn sensitive to the monetary, fiscal and trade policies pursued by the governments of the various countries represented in the share underlying index and the United States and other countries important to international trade and finance.
■The antidilution adjustments the calculation agent is required to make do not cover every event that could affect the underlying shares. MS & Co., as calculation agent, will adjust the adjustment factor for certain events affecting the underlying shares. However, the calculation agent will not make an adjustment for every event that can affect the underlying shares. If an event occurs that does not require the calculation agent to adjust the adjustment factor, the market price of the Buffered PLUS may be materially and adversely affected.
■Adjustments to the underlying shares or to the share underlying index could adversely affect the value of the Buffered PLUS. As the investment adviser to the underlying shares, BlackRock Fund Advisors (the “Investment Adviser”), seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the share underlying index. Pursuant to its investment strategy or otherwise, the Investment Adviser may add, delete or substitute the stocks composing the underlying shares. Any of these actions could adversely affect the price of the underlying shares and, consequently, the value of the Buffered PLUS. MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”) is responsible for calculating and maintaining the share underlying index. MSCI may add, delete or substitute the stocks constituting the share underlying index or make other methodological changes that could change the value of the share underlying index. MSCI may discontinue or suspend calculation or publication of the share underlying index at any time. In these circumstances, the calculation agent will have the sole discretion to substitute a successor index that is comparable to the discontinued share underlying index and is permitted to consider indices that are calculated and published by the calculation agent or any of its affiliates. Any of these actions could adversely affect the price of the underlying shares, and consequently, the value of the Buffered PLUS.
■The performance and market price of the underlying shares, particularly during periods of market volatility, may not correlate with the performance of the share underlying index, the performance of the component securities of the share underlying index or the net asset value per share of the underlying shares. The underlying shares do not fully replicate the share underlying index and may hold securities that are different than those included in the share underlying index. In addition, the performance of the underlying shares will reflect additional transaction costs and fees that are not included in the calculation of the share underlying index. All of these factors may lead to a lack of correlation between the performance of the underlying shares and the share underlying index. In addition, corporate actions (such as mergers and spin-offs) with respect to the equity securities underlying the underlying shares may impact the variance between the performance of the underlying shares and the share underlying index. Finally, because the shares 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 the underlying shares may differ from the net asset value per share of the underlying shares.
In particular, during periods of market volatility, or unusual trading activity, trading in the securities underlying the underlying shares may be disrupted or limited, or such securities may be unavailable in the secondary market. Under these circumstances, the liquidity of the underlying shares may be adversely affected, market participants may be unable to calculate accurately the net asset value per share of the underlying shares, and their ability to create and redeem shares of the underlying shares may be
June 2024 Page 9
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Dual Directional Buffered PLUS with Downside Factor Based on the Performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF due June 16, 2026
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM with Downside Factor
Principal at Risk Securities
disrupted. Under these circumstances, the market price of shares of the underlying shares may vary substantially from the net asset value per share of the underlying shares or the level of the share underlying index.
For all of the foregoing reasons, the performance of the underlying shares may not correlate with the performance of the share underlying index, the performance of the component securities of the share underlying index or the net asset value per share of the underlying shares. Any of these events could materially and adversely affect the price 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 the underlying shares on the valuation date, even if the underlying shares are underperforming the share underlying index or the component securities of the share underlying index and/or trading below the net asset value per share of the underlying shares.
June 2024 Page 10
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Dual Directional Buffered PLUS with Downside Factor Based on the Performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF due June 16, 2026
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM with Downside Factor
Principal at Risk Securities
iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF Overview
The iShares® MSCI EAFE 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 EAFE® Index. The iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF is managed by iShares Trust (“iShares”), a registered investment company that consists of numerous separate investment portfolios, including the iShares® MSCI EAFE 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 333-92935 and 811-09729, 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 underlying shares is accurate or complete.
Information as of market close on June 5, 2024:
Bloomberg Ticker Symbol: |
EFA UP |
Current Share Price: |
$81.88 |
52 Weeks Ago: |
$72.23 |
52 Week High (on 6/5/2024): |
$81.88 |
52 Week Low (on 10/27/2023): |
$65.84 |
The following graph sets forth the daily closing prices of the underlying shares for the period from January 1, 2019 through June 5, 2024. The related table sets forth the published high and low closing prices, as well as the end-of-quarter closing prices, of the underlying shares for each quarter in the same period. The closing price of the underlying shares on June 5, 2024 was $81.88. We obtained the information in the table and graph below from Bloomberg Financial Markets, without independent verification. The historical closing prices of the underlying shares should not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the closing price of the underlying shares on the valuation date.
Shares of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF |
|
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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Dual Directional Buffered PLUS with Downside Factor Based on the Performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF due June 16, 2026
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM with Downside Factor
Principal at Risk Securities
iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF (CUSIP 464287465) |
High ($) |
Low ($) |
Period End ($) |
2019 |
|
|
|
First Quarter |
65.61 |
58.13 |
64.86 |
Second Quarter |
66.99 |
63.40 |
65.73 |
Third Quarter |
66.68 |
61.30 |
65.21 |
Fourth Quarter |
69.66 |
63.25 |
69.44 |
2020 |
|
|
|
First Quarter |
70.38 |
46.50 |
53.46 |
Second Quarter |
64.65 |
50.90 |
60.87 |
Third Quarter |
65.92 |
61.10 |
63.65 |
Fourth Quarter |
73.52 |
61.39 |
72.96 |
2021 |
|
|
|
First Quarter |
76.92 |
72.39 |
75.87 |
Second Quarter |
81.95 |
76.86 |
78.88 |
Third Quarter |
82.13 |
76.90 |
78.01 |
Fourth Quarter |
81.83 |
76.40 |
78.68 |
2022 |
|
|
|
First Quarter |
79.66 |
66.84 |
73.60 |
Second Quarter |
74.59 |
61.48 |
62.49 |
Third Quarter |
66.76 |
55.54 |
56.01 |
Fourth Quarter |
67.79 |
55.71 |
65.64 |
2023 |
|
|
|
First Quarter |
72.19 |
66.22 |
71.52 |
Second Quarter |
73.90 |
70.67 |
72.50 |
Third Quarter |
74.46 |
68.56 |
68.92 |
Fourth Quarter |
75.47 |
65.84 |
75.35 |
2024 |
|
|
|
First Quarter |
80.04 |
73.11 |
79.86 |
Second Quarter (through June 5, 2024) |
81.88 |
76.09 |
81.88 |
This document relates only to the Buffered PLUS offered hereby and does not relate to the underlying 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 underlying shares (and therefore the price of the underlying shares at the time we price 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 at maturity 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 underlying 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 underlying 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 prospective 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 underlying 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
June 2024 Page 12
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Dual Directional Buffered PLUS with Downside Factor Based on the Performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF due June 16, 2026
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM with Downside Factor
Principal at Risk Securities
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.
MSCI EAFE® Index. The MSCI EAFE® Index is a stock index calculated, published and disseminated by MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”). The MSCI EAFE® Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the United States and Canada. As of May 2024, the MSCI EAFE® Index consists of the following 21 developed market country indices: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. For additional information about the MSCI EAFE® Index, see the information set forth under “MSCI Global Investable Market Indices—MSCI EAFE® Index” and “—MSCI Global Investable Market Indices Methodology” in the accompanying index supplement.
June 2024 Page 13
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Dual Directional Buffered PLUS with Downside Factor Based on the Performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF due June 16, 2026
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM with Downside Factor
Principal at Risk Securities
Additional Terms of the Buffered PLUS
Please read this information in conjunction with the terms on the front cover of this document.
Additional Terms: |
|
If the terms described herein are inconsistent with those described in the accompanying product supplement, index supplement or prospectus, the terms described herein shall control. |
|
Share underlying index: |
MSCI EAFE® Index |
Share underlying index publisher: |
MSCI Inc., or any successor thereof |
Postponement of maturity date: |
If the scheduled valuation date is not a trading day or if a market disruption event occurs on that day so that the valuation date as postponed 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 that valuation date as postponed. |
Denominations: |
$1,000 per Buffered PLUS and integral multiples thereof |
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. |
June 2024 Page 14
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Dual Directional Buffered PLUS with Downside Factor Based on the Performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF due June 16, 2026
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM with Downside Factor
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, it is reasonable to treat a Buffered PLUS as a single financial contract that is an “open transaction” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, because our counsel’s opinion is based in part on market conditions as of the date of this document, it is subject to confirmation on the pricing date. Assuming this treatment of the 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 an exchange-traded fund, although the matter is not clear, there is a 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, 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. We do not plan to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) regarding the treatment of the Buffered PLUS. An alternative characterization of the Buffered PLUS could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of ownership and disposition of the Buffered PLUS, including the timing and character of income recognized. In addition, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS have requested comments on various issues regarding the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar financial instruments and have indicated that such transactions may be the subject of future regulations or other guidance. Furthermore, members of Congress have proposed legislative changes to the tax treatment of derivative contracts. Any legislation, 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, 2027 that do not have a delta of one with respect to any Underlying Security. Based on the terms of the Buffered PLUS and current market conditions, we expect that the Buffered PLUS will not have a delta of one with respect to any Underlying Security on the pricing date. However, we will provide an updated determination in the final pricing supplement. Assuming that the 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 |
June 2024 Page 15
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Dual Directional Buffered PLUS with Downside Factor Based on the Performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF due June 16, 2026
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM with Downside Factor
Principal at Risk Securities
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 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 affiliates and/or third-party dealers. We expect our hedging counterparties to take positions in underlying shares, futures and options contracts on the underlying shares, and any component stocks of the share underlying index listed on major securities markets or positions in any other available securities or instruments that they may wish to use in connection with such hedging. Such purchase activity could potentially increase the price of the underlying shares on the pricing date, and, therefore, could increase the price at or above which the underlying shares must close on the valuation date so that investors do not suffer a loss on their initial investment in the Buffered PLUS. 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 underlying shares, futures or options contracts on the underlying shares or component stocks of the share underlying index listed on major securities markets or positions in any other available securities or instruments that we may wish to use in connection with such hedging activities. As a result, these entities may be unwinding or adjusting hedge positions during the term of the 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 the underlying shares, and, therefore, adversely affect the value of the Buffered PLUS or the payment you will receive at maturity, if any. For further information on our use of proceeds and hedging, see “Use of Proceeds and Hedging” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS. |
Additional considerations: |
Client accounts over which Morgan Stanley, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management or any of their respective subsidiaries have investment discretion are not permitted to purchase the 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 $ 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. When MS & Co. prices this offering of Buffered PLUS, it will determine the economic terms of the Buffered PLUS, including the maximum payment at maturity, such that for each Buffered PLUS the estimated value on the pricing date will be no lower than the minimum level described in “Investment Summary” on page 2. MS & Co. will conduct this offering in compliance with the requirements of FINRA Rule 5121 of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., which is commonly referred to as FINRA, regarding a FINRA member firm’s distribution of the securities of an affiliate and related conflicts of interest. MS & Co. or any of our other affiliates may not make sales in this offering to any discretionary account. See “Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” and “Use of Proceeds and Hedging” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS.
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June 2024 Page 16
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Dual Directional Buffered PLUS with Downside Factor Based on the Performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF due June 16, 2026
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside SecuritiesSM with Downside Factor
Principal at Risk Securities
Where you can find more information: |
Morgan Stanley and MSFL have filed a registration statement (including a prospectus, as supplemented by the product supplement for 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. When you read the accompanying product supplement and index supplement, please note that all references in such supplements to the prospectus dated November 16, 2023, or to any sections therein, should refer instead to the accompanying prospectus dated April 12, 2024 or to the corresponding sections of such prospectus, as applicable. You may get these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Morgan Stanley, MSFL, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send you the product supplement for PLUS, index supplement and prospectus if you so request by calling toll-free 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, 2023 Index Supplement dated November 16, 2023 Prospectus dated April 12, 2024 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. |
June 2024 Page 17
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