424B2 1 ms10562_424b2-14547.htm PRICING SUPPLEMENT NO. 10,562

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

October 2023

Pricing Supplement No. 10,562

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

Dated October 10, 2023

Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)

Structured Investments

Opportunities in U.S. Equities

Dual Directional Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Performance of the S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index due October 13, 2028

Fully and Unconditionally Guaranteed by Morgan Stanley

Principal at Risk Securities

The Dual Directional Trigger Jump Securities (the “securities”) are unsecured obligations of Morgan Stanley Finance LLC (“MSFL”) and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Morgan Stanley. The securities do not guarantee any return of principal at maturity and have the terms described in the accompanying product supplement for Jump Securities, index supplement and prospectus, as supplemented or modified by this document. The securities will pay a fixed quarterly coupon (including at maturity) at the rate specified below. At maturity, if the S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index, which we refer to as the underlying index, has appreciated in value by no more than 65%, you will receive for each security that you hold at maturity the stated principal amount of $1,000 plus $650. If the underlying index has appreciated by more than 65%, you will receive for each security that you hold at maturity the stated principal amount plus an amount based on the percentage increase of the underlying index. If the underlying index has depreciated in value but by no more than 20%, you will receive the stated principal amount of your investment plus a positive return equal to the absolute value of the percentage decline, which will effectively be limited to a positive return of 20%. However, if the underlying index has depreciated by more than 20%, you will be negatively exposed to the full amount of the percentage decline in the underlying index and will lose 1% of the stated principal amount for every 1% of decline, without any buffer. These long-dated securities are for investors who seek an equity index-based return and who are willing to risk their principal in exchange for the upside payment and absolute return features that in each case apply to a limited range of performance of the underlying index. Investors may lose their entire initial investment in the securities. The securities are notes issued as part of MSFL’s Series A Global Medium-Term Notes program. The securities differ from the Jump Securities described in the accompanying product supplement for Jump Securities in that the securities offer the potential for a positive return at maturity if the underlying index depreciates by up to 20%. The securities are not the Buffered Jump Securities described in the accompanying product supplement for Jump Securities. Unlike the Buffered Jump Securities, the securities do not provide any protection if the underlying index depreciates by more than 20%.

The underlying index measures the performance of the nearest maturing quarterly E-mini S&P 500 futures contract (the “futures contract”) trading on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (the “CME”). The futures contract references the S&P 500® Index (the “reference index”). For more information about the S&P 500® Index, see the accompanying index supplement. For more information about the underlying index, see “Annex A — S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index” beginning on page 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 securities are not secured obligations and you will not have any security interest in, or otherwise have any access to, any underlying reference asset or assets.

FINAL TERMS

Issuer:

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Guarantor:

Morgan Stanley

Maturity date:

October 13, 2028

Valuation date:

October 10, 2028, subject to postponement for non-index business days and certain market disruption events

Underlying index:

S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index

Aggregate principal amount:

$506,000

Quarterly coupon:

A fixed quarterly coupon at an annual rate of 2.00% (corresponding to approximately $5.00 per quarter per security) is paid on each coupon payment date.

Coupon payment dates:

Quarterly, on January 16, 2024, April 15, 2024, July 15, 2024, October 16, 2024, January 15, 2025, April 15, 2025, July 15, 2025, October 16, 2025, January 15, 2026, April 15, 2026, July 15, 2026, October 15, 2026, January 14, 2027, April 15, 2027, July 15, 2027, October 14, 2027, January 13, 2028, April 13, 2028, July 13, 2028 and the maturity date; provided that if any such day is not a business day, that quarterly coupon will be paid on the next succeeding business day, and no adjustment will be made to any quarterly coupon payment made on that succeeding business day.

Payment at maturity:

If the final index value is greater than or equal to the initial index value:

$1,000 + the greater of (i) $1,000 × the index percent change and (ii) the upside payment

If the final index value is less than the initial index value but is greater than or equal to the trigger level:

$1,000 + ($1,000 x absolute index return)

In this scenario, you will receive a 1% positive return on the securities for each 1% negative return on the underlying index. In no event will this amount exceed the stated principal amount plus $200.

If the final index value is less than the trigger level:

$1,000 × index performance factor

Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less than the stated principal amount of $1,000, and will represent a loss of more than 20%, and possibly all, of your investment.

Upside payment:

$650 per security (65% of the stated principal amount)

Index percent change:

(final index value – initial index value) / initial index value

Absolute index return:

The absolute value of the index percent change. For example, a -5% index percent change will result in a +5% absolute index return.

Index performance factor:

final index value / initial index value

Initial index value:

389.79, which is the index closing value on the pricing date

Final index value:

The index closing value on the valuation date

Trigger level:

311.832‬, which is 80% of the initial index value

Stated principal amount / Issue price:

$1,000 per security

Pricing date:

October 10, 2023

Original issue date:

October 13, 2023 (3 business days after the pricing date)

CUSIP / ISIN:

61775MJT4 / US61775MJT45

Listing:

The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange.

Agent:

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

Estimated value on the pricing date:

$977.10 per security. 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 security

$1,000

$8.50

$991.50

Total

$506,000

$4,301‬

$501,699‬

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

(2)MS & Co. expects to sell all of the securities that it purchases from us to an unaffiliated dealer at a price of $991.50 per security, for further sale to certain fee-based advisory accounts at the price to public of $1,000 per security. MS & Co. will not receive a sales commission with respect to the securities. See “Supplemental information regarding plan of distribution; conflicts of interest.” For additional information, see “Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” in the accompanying product supplement for Jump Securities.

(3)See “Use of proceeds and hedging” on page 18.

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

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

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 Jump Securities dated November 16, 2020  Index Supplement dated November 16, 2020

Prospectus dated November 16, 2020

 

 

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Performance of the S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index due October 13, 2028

Principal at Risk Securities

 

Investment Summary

Dual Directional Trigger Jump Securities

The Dual Directional Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Performance of the S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index due October 13, 2028 (the “securities”) will pay a fixed quarterly coupon (including at maturity) at the rate specified below. The securities can be used:

As an alternative to direct exposure to the underlying index that provides a minimum positive return of 65% if the underlying index has appreciated at all as of the valuation date and offers an uncapped 1-to-1 participation in the appreciation of the underlying index of greater than 65%.

To obtain a positive return for a limited range of negative performance of the underlying index.

To potentially outperform the underlying index in a moderately bullish or moderately bearish scenario.

If the final index value is less than the trigger level, the securities are exposed on a 1:1 basis to the percentage decline of the final index value from the initial index value. Accordingly, investors may lose their entire initial investment in the securities.

Maturity:

5 years

Quarterly coupon:

A fixed quarterly coupon at an annual rate of 2.00% (corresponding to approximately $5.00 per quarter per security)

Upside payment:

$650 per security (65% of the stated principal amount)

Minimum payment at maturity:

None

Trigger level:

80% of the initial index value

Coupon:

None

Listing:

The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange

The original issue price of each security is $1,000. This price includes costs associated with issuing, selling, structuring and hedging the securities, which are borne by you, and, consequently, the estimated value of the securities on the pricing date is less than $1,000. We estimate that the value of each security on the pricing date is $977.10.

What goes into the estimated value on the pricing date?

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

What determines the economic terms of the securities?

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

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

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

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

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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Performance of the S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index due October 13, 2028

Principal at Risk Securities

 

Key Investment Rationale

 

The securities pay a fixed quarterly coupon (including at maturity) at the rate specified herein and offer the potential for a positive return at maturity based on the absolute value of a limited range of the percentage change of the underlying index. At maturity, if the underlying index has appreciated in value by no more than 65%, investors will receive the minimum positive return of 65%. If the underlying index has appreciated in value by more than 65%, investors will participate on a 1:1 basis in the appreciation of the underlying index. If the underlying index has depreciated in value but by no more than 20%, investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment plus a positive return equal to the absolute value of the percentage decline, which will effectively be limited to a positive return of 20%. However, if the underlying index has depreciated by more than 20%, investors will be negatively exposed to the full amount of the percentage decline in the underlying index and will lose 1% of the stated principal amount for every 1% of decline, without any buffer. Investors may lose their entire initial investment in the securities. All payments on the securities are subject to our credit risk.

 

Quarterly Coupon

The securities pay a fixed quarterly coupon at an annual rate of 2.00% (corresponding to approximately $5.00 per quarter per security) on each coupon payment date.

Absolute Return Feature

The securities enable investors to obtain a positive return if the final index value is less than the initial index value but is greater than or equal to the trigger level.

Upside Scenario if the Underlying Index Appreciates

The final index value is greater than or equal to the initial index value. In this case, you receive for each security that you hold $1,000 plus the greater of (i) $1,000 times the index percent change and (ii) the upside payment of $650 (65% of the stated principal amount). There is no maximum payment at maturity.

Absolute Return Scenario

The final index value is less than the initial index value but is greater than or equal to the trigger level, which is 80% of the initial index value. In this case, you receive a 1% positive return on the securities for each 1% negative return on the underlying index. For example, if the final index value is 5% less than the initial index value, the securities will provide a positive return of 5% at maturity. The maximum return you may receive in this scenario is a positive 20% return at maturity.

Downside Scenario

The final index value is less than the trigger level. In this case, the securities redeem for at least 20% less than the stated principal amount, and this decrease will be by an amount proportionate to the decline in the value of the underlying index over the term of the securities. Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less than $800 per security. For example, if the final index value is 35% less than the initial index value, the securities will be redeemed at maturity for a loss of 35% of principal at $650, or 65% of the stated principal amount. There is no minimum payment at maturity on the securities, and investors may lose their entire initial investment.

 

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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Performance of the S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index due October 13, 2028

Principal at Risk Securities

 

How the Securities Work

Payoff Diagram

The payoff diagram below illustrates the payment at maturity on the securities. You will receive a fixed quarterly coupon (including at maturity) at an annual rate of 2.00%, regardless of the performance of the underlying index. The payoff diagram below is based on the following terms:

Stated principal amount:

$1,000 per security

Upside payment:

$650 per security (65% of the stated principal amount)

Trigger level:

80% of the initial index value

Maximum payment at maturity:

None

Minimum payment at maturity:

None. You could lose your entire initial investment in the securities.

 

Dual Directional Trigger Jump Securities Payoff Diagram

 

 

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

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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Performance of the S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index due October 13, 2028

Principal at Risk Securities

 

How it works

Upside Scenario if the Underlying Index Appreciates. Under the terms of the securities, if the final index value is greater than or equal to the initial index value, the investor would receive the $1,000 stated principal amount plus the greater of (i) $1,000 times the index percent change and (ii) the upside payment of $650.

If the underlying index appreciates 10%, the investor would receive a 65% return, or $1,650 per security.

If the underlying index appreciates 70%, the investor would receive a 70% return, or $1,700 per security. There is no maximum payment at maturity on the securities.

Absolute Return Scenario. If the final index value is less than the initial index value and is greater than or equal to the trigger level of 80% of the initial index value, the investor would receive a 1% positive return on the securities for each 1% negative return on the underlying index.

If the underlying index depreciates 5%, the investor would receive a 5% return, or $1,050 per security.

The maximum return you may receive in this scenario is a positive 20% return at maturity.

Downside Scenario. If the final index value is less than the trigger level, the investor would receive an amount significantly less than the $1,000 stated principal amount, based on a 1% loss of principal for each 1% decline in the underlying index. Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less than $800 per security. There is no minimum payment at maturity on the securities.

If the underlying index depreciates 40%, the investor would lose 40% of the investor’s principal and receive only $600 per security at maturity, or 60% of the stated principal amount.

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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Performance of the S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index due October 13, 2028

Principal at Risk Securities

 

Risk Factors

This section describes the material risks relating to the securities. For further discussion of these and other risks, you should read the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the accompanying product supplement for Jump Securities, 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 securities.

Risks Relating to an Investment in the Securities

The securities do not guarantee the return of any principal. The terms of the securities differ from those of ordinary debt securities in that the securities do not guarantee the payment of any principal amount at maturity. If the final index value is less than the trigger level (which is 80% of the initial index value), the absolute return feature will no longer be available and the payout at maturity will be an amount in cash that is at least 20% less than the $1,000 stated principal amount of each security, and this decrease will be by an amount proportionate to the full amount of the decline in the value of the underlying index over the term of the securities, without any buffer. There is no minimum payment at maturity on the securities, and, accordingly, you could lose your entire initial investment in the securities.

The market price of the securities may be influenced by many unpredictable factors. Several factors, many of which are beyond our control, will influence the value of the securities in the secondary market and the price at which MS & Co. may be willing to purchase or sell the securities in the secondary market, including:

the value of the underlying index at any time (including in relation to the trigger level),

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

dividend rates on the securities underlying the reference index,

interest and yield rates in the market,

geopolitical conditions and economic, financial, political, regulatory or judicial events that affect the futures contract, the reference index or securities markets generally and which may affect the value of the underlying index,

the time remaining until the maturity of the securities,

the composition of the underlying index and changes in the constituent stocks of the underlying index, 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 securities will be affected by the other factors described above. Some or all of these factors will influence the price you will receive if you sell your securities prior to maturity. For example, you may have to sell your securities at a substantial discount from the stated principal amount if at the time of sale the value of the underlying index is at or below the initial index value and especially if it is near or below the trigger level.

You cannot predict the future performance of the underlying index based on its historical performance. If the final index value is less than the trigger level, you will be exposed on a 1-to-1 basis to the full decline in the final index value from the initial index value.

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

As a finance subsidiary, MSFL has no independent operations and will have no independent assets. As a finance subsidiary, MSFL has no independent operations beyond the issuance and administration of its securities

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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Performance of the S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index due October 13, 2028

Principal at Risk 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 securities is not linked to the value of the underlying index at any time other than the valuation date. The final index value will be the index closing value on the valuation date, subject to postponement for non-index business days and certain market disruption events. Even if the value of the underlying index appreciates prior to the valuation date but then drops by the valuation date to be below the trigger level, the payment at maturity will be significantly less than it would have been had the payment at maturity been linked to the value of the underlying index prior to such drop. Although the actual value of the underlying index on the stated maturity date or at other times during the term of the securities may be higher than the final index value, the payment at maturity will be based solely on the index closing value on the valuation date.

Investing in the securities is not equivalent to investing in the underlying index. Investing in the securities is not equivalent to investing in the underlying index, the futures contract or the component stocks of the reference index. Investors in the securities will not have voting rights or rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the component stocks of the reference index. Further, by purchasing the securities, you are taking credit risk to us and not to any counter-party to the futures contract linked to the underlying index. Your return on the securities will not reflect the return you would realize if you purchased any stocks or futures contracts that are tracked directly or indirectly by the 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 securities in the original issue price reduce the economic terms of the securities, cause the estimated value of the securities to be less than the original issue price and will adversely affect secondary market prices. Assuming no change in market conditions or any other relevant factors, the prices, if any, at which dealers, including MS & Co., may be willing to purchase the securities in secondary market transactions will likely be significantly lower than the original issue price, because secondary market prices will exclude the issuing, selling, structuring and hedging-related costs that are included in the original issue price and borne by you and because the secondary market prices will reflect our secondary market credit spreads and the bid-offer spread that any dealer would charge in a secondary market transaction of this type as well as other factors.

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

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

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

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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Performance of the S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index due October 13, 2028

Principal at Risk Securities

 

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

The calculation agent, which is a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley and an affiliate of MSFL, will make determinations with respect to the securities.  As calculation agent, MS & Co. will determine the initial index value, the trigger level and the final index value, including whether the value of the underlying index has decreased to below the trigger level, and will calculate the amount of cash you receive at maturity, if any.  Moreover, certain determinations made by MS & Co., in its capacity as calculation agent, may require it to exercise discretion and make subjective judgments, such as with respect to the occurrence or non-occurrence of market disruption events and the selection of a successor index or calculation of the final index value in the event of a market disruption event or discontinuance of the underlying index.  These potentially subjective determinations may adversely affect the payout to you at maturity, if any.  For further information regarding these types of determinations, see “Description of Securities—Postponement of Valuation Date(s),” “—Discontinuance of Any Underlying Index or Basket 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 securities on the pricing date.

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

Because the treatment of the securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes is uncertain, the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities are unclear. Please note that the discussions in this document concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities supersede the discussions contained in the accompanying product supplement.

There is no direct legal authority as to the proper treatment of the securities, and significant aspects of the tax treatment of the securities are uncertain.

Please read the discussion under “Additional Information—Tax considerations” in this document concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities. We intend to treat a security for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a single financial contract that provides for coupon payments that will be treated as gross income to you at the time received or accrued, in accordance with your regular method of tax accounting. Under this treatment, the ordinary income treatment of the coupon payments, in conjunction with the capital loss treatment of any loss recognized upon the sale, exchange or settlement of the securities, could result in adverse tax

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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Performance of the S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index due October 13, 2028

Principal at Risk Securities

 

consequences to holders of the securities because the deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. If the IRS were successful in asserting an alternative treatment for the securities, the timing and character of income, gain or loss on the securities might differ significantly from the tax treatment described herein. There is a risk that the IRS may seek to treat all or a portion of the gain, in addition to the coupon payments described above, on the securities as ordinary income. For example, under one possible treatment, the IRS could seek to recharacterize the securities as debt instruments. In that event, U.S. Holders would be required to accrue into income original issue discount on the securities every year at a “comparable yield” determined at the time of issuance and recognize all income and gain in respect of the securities as ordinary income. The risk that financial instruments providing for buffers, triggers or similar downside protection features, such as the securities, would be recharacterized as debt is greater than the risk of recharacterization for comparable financial instruments that do not have such features. We do not plan to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) regarding the tax treatment of the securities, and the IRS or a court may not agree with the tax treatment described herein.

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

If you are a non-U.S. investor, please read the section of this pricing supplement called “Additional Information – Tax considerations—Non-U.S. Holders” for a discussion of the withholding tax consequences of an investment in the securities.

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

You should consult your tax adviser regarding all aspects of the U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the securities, 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 Index

Higher future prices of the futures contract to which the underlying index is linked relative to its current prices may adversely affect the value of the underlying index and the value of the securities. The underlying index is linked to the E-mini S&P 500 futures contract currently listed for trading on the CME. As the relevant futures contract approaches expiration, it is replaced by a contract that has a later expiration. Thus, for example, a contract purchased and held in September may specify a December expiration. As time passes, the contract expiring in December is replaced by a contract for delivery in March. This process is referred to as “rolling.” If the market for these contracts is (putting aside other considerations) in “backwardation,” where the prices are lower in the distant delivery months than in the nearer delivery months, the sale of the December contract would take place at a price that is higher than the price of the March contract, thereby creating a “roll yield.” While many futures contracts have historically exhibited consistent periods of backwardation, backwardation will most likely not exist at all times. It is also possible for the market for these contracts to be in “contango.” Contango markets are those in which the prices of contracts are higher in the distant delivery months than in the nearer delivery months. The presence of contango and absence of backwardation in the market for these contracts could result in negative “roll yields,” which could adversely affect the value of the underlying index, and, accordingly, the value of the securities.

Suspensions or disruptions of market trading in futures markets could adversely affect the price of the securities. Securities markets and futures markets are subject to temporary distortions or other disruptions due to various factors, including the lack of liquidity in the markets, the participation of speculators and government regulation and intervention. In addition, U.S. futures exchanges and some foreign exchanges have regulations that

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limit the amount of fluctuation in futures contract prices which may occur during a single business day. These limits are generally referred to as “daily price fluctuation limits” and the maximum or minimum price of a contract on any given day as a result of these limits is referred to as a “limit price.” Once the limit price has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made at a different price. Limit prices have the effect of precluding trading in a particular contract or forcing the liquidation of contracts at disadvantageous times or prices. These circumstances could adversely affect the value of the underlying index, and, therefore, the value of the securities.

Legal and regulatory changes could adversely affect the return on and value of your securities. Futures contracts and options on futures contracts, including those related to the underlying index, are subject to extensive statutes, regulations, and margin requirements. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission, commonly referred to as the “CFTC,” and the exchanges on which such futures contracts trade, are authorized to take extraordinary actions in the event of a market emergency, including, for example, the retroactive implementation of speculative position limits or higher margin requirements, the establishment of daily limits and the suspension of trading. Furthermore, certain exchanges have regulations that limit the amount of fluctuations in futures contract prices that may occur during a single five-minute trading period. These limits could adversely affect the market prices of relevant futures and options contracts and forward contracts.

Adjustments to the underlying index could adversely affect the value of the securities. The publisher of the underlying index can make methodological changes that could change the value of the underlying index. The underlying index publisher may discontinue or suspend calculation or publication of the 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 underlying index and will be permitted to consider indices that are calculated and published by the calculation agent or any of its affiliates.

 

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S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index Overview

The S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index, which is calculated, maintained and published by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (“S&P”), measures the performance of the nearest maturing quarterly E-mini S&P 500 futures contracts trading on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. E-mini S&P 500 futures contracts are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts based on the performance of the S&P 500® Index. For additional information about the S&P 500® Index and how it is calculated and maintained, see “S&P 500® Index” in the accompanying index supplement. For additional information about the S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index, see “Annex A — S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index” below.

Information as of market close on October 10, 2023:

 

Bloomberg Ticker Symbol:

SPXFP

52 Week High (on 7/31/2023):

414.13

Current Index Value:

389.79

52 Week Low (on 10/12/2022):

330.94

52 Weeks Ago:

334.33

 

 

 

The following graph sets forth the daily closing values of the underlying index for the period from January 1, 2018 through October 10, 2023. The related table sets forth the published high and low closing values, as well as end-of-quarter closing values, of the underlying index for each quarter in the same period. The closing value of the underlying index on October 10, 2023 was 389.79. We obtained the information in the table and graph below from Bloomberg Financial Markets, without independent verification. The underlying index has at times experienced periods of high volatility, and you should not take the historical values of the underlying index as an indication of its future performance.

 

 

S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index

Daily Index Closing Values

January 1, 2018 to October 10, 2023

 

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S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index

High

Low

Period End

2018

 

 

 

First Quarter

263.05

237.32

241.45

Second Quarter

254.40

235.24

248.29

Third Quarter

267.70

247.54

265.83

Fourth Quarter

266.97

212.97

227.84

2019

 

 

 

First Quarter

259.86

222.61

257.61

Second Quarter

268.32

249.60

266.89

Third Quarter

274.16

256.53

269.81

Fourth Quarter

293.61

260.94

292.39

2020

 

 

 

First Quarter

306.53

201.84

233.59

Second Quarter

293.38

222.52

281.92

Third Quarter

326.53

283.09

306.77

Fourth Quarter

343.81

298.67

343.81

2021

 

 

 

First Quarter

364.75

338.62

364.75

Second Quarter

395.12

368.65

395.12

Third Quarter

417.85

391.69

396.79

Fourth Quarter

442.44

396.19

440.03

2022

 

 

 

First Quarter

442.58

385.50

419.87

Second Quarter

424.23

340.09

351.04

Third Quarter

399.05

332.14

332.14

Fourth Quarter

376.43

330.94

353.20

2023

 

 

 

First Quarter

383.43

350.27

375.14

Second Quarter

402.80

369.52

402.80

Third Quarter

414.13

382.87

383.94

Fourth Quarter (through October 10, 2023)

389.79

378.54

389.79

 

“Standard & Poor’s®,” “S&P®,” “S&P 500®,” “Standard & Poor’s 500” and “500” are trademarks of Standard and Poor’s Financial Services LLC. See “Annex A — S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index” below.

 

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Additional Terms of the Securities

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.

Day-count convention:

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

Coupon payment period:

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

Underlying index publisher:

S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, or any successor thereof

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

If any scheduled coupon payment date is not a business day, that quarterly coupon will be paid on the next succeeding business day; provided that the final quarterly coupon will be paid on the maturity date; provided further that if, due to a market disruption event or otherwise, the valuation date is postponed so that it falls less than two business days prior to the scheduled maturity date, the maturity date will be postponed to the second business day following the valuation date as postponed. In any of these cases, no adjustment will be made to the quarterly coupon payment made on that postponed date.

Denominations:

$1,000 per security 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 securities by mailing notice of such postponement by first class mail, postage prepaid, to such registered holder’s last address as it shall appear upon the registry books, (ii) to the trustee by facsimile confirmed by mailing such notice to the trustee by first class mail, postage prepaid, at its New York office and (iii) to The Depository Trust Company (the “depositary”) by telephone or facsimile, confirmed by mailing such notice to the depositary by first class mail, postage prepaid. Any notice that is mailed to a registered holder of the securities in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given to such registered holder, whether or not such registered holder receives the notice. The issuer shall 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 for determining the final index value.

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

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

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Additional Information About the Securities

Additional Information:

 

Minimum ticketing size:

$1,000 / 1 security

Tax considerations:

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

This disclosure is limited to the U.S. federal income tax issues addressed herein. Additional issues may exist that are not addressed in this disclosure and that could affect the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the securities. Holders should seek advice based on their particular circumstances from an independent tax adviser.

The following is a general discussion of the principal potential U.S. federal income tax consequences to investors in the securities that purchase the securities in the original offering and that will hold the securities as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). This summary is based on the Code, administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions and currently effective and proposed Treasury regulations, all as of the date hereof, changes to any of which subsequent to the date of this pricing supplement may affect the tax consequences described herein.

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

certain financial institutions;

insurance companies;

dealers and certain traders in securities or commodities;

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

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

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

regulated investment companies;

real estate investment trusts;

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

Non-U.S. Holders, as defined below, for whom income or gain in respect of the securities is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States.

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

In addition, we will not attempt to ascertain whether any issuer of any shares to which the securities relate (such shares hereafter referred to as “Underlying Shares”) is treated as a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”) within the meaning of Section 1297 of the Code or as a “U.S. real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC”) within the meaning of Section 897 of the Code. If any issuer of Underlying Shares were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences might apply, to a U.S. Holder in the case of a PFIC and to a non-U.S. Holder (as defined below) in the case of a USRPHC, upon the sale, exchange or settlement of the securities. You should refer to information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or other governmental authorities by the issuers of the Underlying Shares and consult your tax adviser regarding any possible consequences to you if any issuer is or becomes a PFIC or USRPHC.

As the law applicable to the U.S. federal income taxation of instruments such as the securities is technical and complex, the discussion below necessarily represents only a general summary. The effect of any applicable state, local or non-U.S. tax laws is not discussed, nor are alternative minimum tax consequences or any consequences resulting from the Medicare tax on investment income. Moreover, the discussion below does not address the consequences to taxpayers subject to special tax accounting rules under Section 451(b) of the Code. If you are considering purchasing the securities, you should consult your tax adviser with regard to the application of the U.S. federal income tax laws to your particular situation as well as any tax consequences arising under any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.

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Principal at Risk Securities

 

General

Due to the absence of statutory, judicial or administrative authorities that directly address the treatment of the securities or instruments that are similar to the securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, no assurance can be given that the IRS or a court will agree with the tax treatment described herein. We intend to treat a security for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a single financial contract that provides for coupon payments that will be treated as gross income to you at the time received or accrued in accordance with your regular method of tax accounting. In the opinion of our counsel, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, this treatment of the securities is reasonable under current law; however, our counsel has advised us that it is unable to conclude affirmatively that this treatment is more likely than not to be upheld, and that alternative treatments are possible.

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

U.S. Holders

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

a citizen or individual resident of the United States;

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

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

Tax Treatment of the Securities

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

Tax Treatment Prior to Settlement. Except for the tax treatment of the coupon payments discussed below, a U.S. Holder should not be required to recognize taxable income over the term of the securities prior to settlement, other than pursuant to a sale or exchange as described below.

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

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

Sale, Exchange or Settlement of the Securities. Upon a sale, exchange or settlement of the securities, a U.S. Holder should recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale, exchange or settlement and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the securities sold, exchanged or settled. For this purpose, the amount realized does not include any stated coupon paid at maturity, and may not include any amount received on a disposition prior to maturity that is attributable to accrued but unpaid stated coupons, which may be treated in the same manner as a coupon payment.

Subject to the discussion above regarding the possible application of Section 1297, any such gain or loss recognized upon the sale, exchange or settlement of the securities should be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder has held the securities for more than one year at the time of the sale, exchange, or settlement; and should be short-term capital gain or loss otherwise. The ordinary income treatment of the stated coupon payments, in conjunction with the capital loss treatment of any loss recognized upon the sale, exchange or settlement of the securities, could result in adverse tax consequences to holders of the securities because the deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Possible Alternative Tax Treatments of an Investment in the Securities

Due to the absence of authorities that directly address the proper tax treatment of the securities, no assurance can be given that the IRS will accept, or that a court will uphold, the treatment described above. In addition to the treatment of the coupon payments as ordinary income as discussed above, there is a risk that the IRS may also seek to treat all or a portion of the gain (if any) on the securities as ordinary income. In particular, the IRS could seek to analyze the U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning the securities under Treasury regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments (the “Contingent Debt Regulations”). If the IRS were successful in asserting that the Contingent Debt Regulations applied to the securities, the timing and character of income thereon would be significantly affected. Among other things, a U.S. Holder would be required to accrue into income original issue discount on the securities every year at a “comparable yield” determined at the time of their issuance, adjusted upward or downward to reflect the difference, if any, between the actual

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and the projected amount of the contingent payment on the securities. Furthermore, any gain recognized by a U.S. Holder at maturity or upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of the securities would generally be treated as ordinary income, and any loss recognized would be treated as ordinary loss to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s prior accruals of original issue discount and as capital loss thereafter. The risk that financial instruments providing for buffers, triggers or similar downside protection features, such as the securities, would be recharacterized as debt is greater than the risk of recharacterization for comparable financial instruments that do not have such features.

Other alternative U.S. federal income tax treatments of the securities are possible, which, if applied, could significantly affect the timing and character of the income or loss with respect to the securities. In 2007, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS released a notice requesting comments on the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar instruments. The notice focuses on whether to require holders of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar instruments to accrue income over the term of their investment. It also asks for comments on a number of related topics, including the character of income or loss with respect to these instruments; whether short-term instruments should be subject to any such accrual regime; the relevance of factors such as the exchange–traded status of the instruments and the nature of the underlying property to which the instruments are linked; whether these instruments are or should be subject to the “constructive ownership” rule, which very generally can operate to recharacterize certain long-term capital gain as ordinary income and impose an interest charge; and appropriate transition rules and effective dates. While it is not clear whether instruments such as the securities would be viewed as similar to the prepaid forward contracts described in the notice, any Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the securities, possibly with retroactive effect. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities, including possible alternative treatments and the issues presented by this notice.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

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

Non-U.S. Holders

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

an individual who is classified as a nonresident alien;

a foreign corporation; or

a foreign trust or estate.

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

 a holder who is an individual present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of disposition and who is not otherwise a resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

certain former citizens or residents of the United States; or

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

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

Tax Treatment of the Securities

In general. Assuming the treatment of the securities as set forth above is respected, and subject to the discussions below concerning backup withholding, FATCA, the possible application of Section 871(m) of the Code and the discussion above concerning the possible application of Section 897 of the Code, a Non-U.S. Holder of the securities generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax in respect of amounts paid to the Non-U.S. Holder, except for withholding on coupon payments discussed below.

Subject to the discussions regarding the possible application of Sections 871(m) and 897 of the Code and FATCA, if all or any portion of a security were recharacterized as a debt instrument, any payment made to a Non-U.S. Holder with respect to the securities would not be subject to U.S. federal

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withholding tax, provided that:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Possible Alternative Tax Treatments of an Investment in the Securities. In 2007, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS released a notice requesting comments on the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar instruments. Among the issues addressed in the notice is the degree, if any, to which any income with respect to instruments described in the notice should be subject to U.S. withholding tax. It is possible that any Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after consideration of this issue could materially and adversely affect the withholding tax consequences of ownership and disposition of the securities, possibly on a retroactive basis. Non-U.S. Holders should note that we currently do not intend to withhold on any payment (other than the stated coupon payments) made with respect to the securities to Non-U.S. Holders (subject to compliance by such holders with the certification requirement described above and to the discussions below regarding Section 871(m), backup withholding and FATCA). However, in the event of a change of law or any formal or informal guidance by the IRS, the U.S. Treasury Department or Congress, we may decide to withhold on payments made with respect to the securities to Non-U.S. Holders, and we will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld. Accordingly, Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding all aspects of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities, including the possible implications of the notice referred to above.

Section 871(m) Withholding Tax on Dividend Equivalents

Section 871(m) of the Code and Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder (“Section 871(m)”) generally impose a 30% (or a lower applicable treaty rate) withholding tax on dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid to Non-U.S. Holders with respect to certain financial instruments linked to U.S. equities or indices that include U.S. equities (each, an “Underlying Security”). Subject to certain exceptions, Section 871(m) generally applies to securities that substantially replicate the economic performance of one or more Underlying Securities, as determined based on tests set forth in the applicable Treasury regulations (a “Specified Security”). However, pursuant to an IRS notice, Section 871(m) will not apply to securities issued before January 1, 2025 that do not have a delta of one with respect to any Underlying Security.

Based on our determination that the securities do not have a delta of one with respect to any Underlying Security, the securities should not be Specified Securities and, therefore, should not be subject to Section 871(m).

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

U.S. Federal Estate Tax

Individual Non-U.S. Holders and entities the property of which is potentially includible in such an individual’s gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes (for example, a trust funded by such an individual and with respect to which the individual has retained certain interests or powers) should note

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Dual Directional Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Performance of the S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index due October 13, 2028

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that, absent an applicable treaty exemption, the securities may be treated as U.S.-situs property subject to U.S. federal estate tax. Prospective investors that are non-U.S. individuals, or are entities of the type described above, should consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal estate tax consequences of an investment in the securities.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

Information returns will be filed with the IRS in connection with the stated coupon payments and may be filed with the IRS in connection with the payment at maturity on the securities and the payment of proceeds from a sale, exchange or other disposition. A Non-U.S. Holder may be subject to backup withholding in respect of amounts paid to the Non-U.S. Holder, unless such Non-U.S. Holder complies with certification procedures to establish that it is not a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise establishes an exemption.

The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a Non-U.S. Holder will be allowed as a credit against the Non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the Non-U.S. Holder to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS. Compliance with the certification procedures described above under “―Tax Treatment of the Securities – Certification Requirement” will satisfy the certification requirements necessary to avoid backup withholding as well.

FATCA

Legislation commonly referred to as “FATCA” generally imposes a withholding tax of 30% on payments to certain non-U.S. entities (including financial intermediaries) with respect to certain financial instruments, unless various U.S. information reporting and due diligence requirements have been satisfied. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and the non-U.S. entity’s jurisdiction may modify these requirements. FATCA generally applies to certain financial instruments that are treated as paying U.S.-source interest or other U.S.-source “fixed or determinable annual or periodical” income (“FDAP income”). Withholding (if applicable) applies to payments of U.S.-source FDAP income and to payments of gross proceeds of the disposition (including upon retirement) of certain financial instruments treated as providing for U.S.-source interest or dividends. Under proposed regulations (the preamble to which specifies that taxpayers are permitted to rely on them pending finalization), no withholding will apply on payments of gross proceeds (other than amounts treated as FDAP income). While the treatment of the securities is unclear, you should assume that the stated coupon payments on the securities will be subject to the FATCA rules. If withholding applies to the securities, we will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld. Both U.S. and Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the potential application of FATCA to the securities.

Use of proceeds and hedging:

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

On or prior to the pricing date, we will hedge our anticipated exposure in connection with the securities by entering into hedging transactions with our affiliates and/or third-party dealers. We expect our hedging counterparties to take positions in the futures contract, in the stocks constituting the reference index, in futures and/or options contracts on the reference index or the stocks constituting the reference 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 value of the underlying index on the pricing date, and, therefore, could increase the value at or above which the underlying index must close on the valuation date so that investors do not suffer a significant loss on their initial investment in the securities. In addition, through our affiliates, we are likely to modify our hedge position throughout the term of the securities, including on the valuation date, by purchasing and selling the stocks constituting the reference index, futures or options contracts on the reference index or the stocks constituting the reference 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 securities, 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 index, and, therefore, adversely affect the value of the securities 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.

Additional considerations:

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

Supplemental information regarding plan of distribution; conflicts of interest:

MS & Co. expects to sell all of the securities that it purchases from us to an unaffiliated dealer at a price of $991.50 per security, for further sale to certain fee-based advisory accounts at the price to public of $1,000 per security. MS & Co. will not receive a sales commission with respect to the

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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Performance of the S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index due October 13, 2028

Principal at Risk Securities

 

securities.

MS & Co. is an affiliate of MSFL and a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, and it and other affiliates of ours expect to make a profit by selling, structuring and, when applicable, hedging the securities.

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.

Validity of the securities:

In the opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, as special counsel to MSFL and Morgan Stanley, when the securities 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 securities 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’ 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 securities 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:

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

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

Product Supplement for Jump Securities dated November 16, 2020

Index Supplement dated November 16, 2020

Prospectus dated November 16, 2020

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

 

 

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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Performance of the S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index due October 13, 2028

Principal at Risk Securities

 

Annex A — S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index

The S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index (the “underlying index”) is an equity futures index calculated, maintained and published by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (“S&P”). S&P is a joint venture between S&P Global, Inc. (73% owner) and CME Group Inc. (27% owner), owner of CME Group Index Services LLC. The underlying index is reported by Bloomberg under the ticker symbol “SPXFP.” All information contained in this document regarding the underlying index has been derived from publicly available information, without independent verification.

The underlying index is the excess return version of the S&P 500 Futures Index, which measures the performance of the nearest maturing quarterly E-mini S&P 500 futures contract trading on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”). The underlying index includes a provision for the replacement of the E-mini futures contract as the contract approaches maturity (also referred to as “rolling” or “the roll”). This replacement occurs over a one-day rolling period every March, June, September and December, effective after the close of trading five business days preceding the last trading date of the E-mini S&P futures contract.

E-Mini S&P 500 Futures Contract

The underlying index is constructed from the front-month E-mini S&P 500 futures contract (the “futures contract”). Futures contracts are contracts that legally obligate the holder to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined delivery price during a specified future time period. The futures contract is rolled forward once a quarter, with one-third of the contract being rolled forward on each of the fourth, third, and second day prior to expiration.

The E-mini S&P 500 futures (“ES”) contracts are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts, based on the S&P 500® Index (the “reference index”), traded on the CME, representing a contract unit of $50 multiplied by the reference index, measured in cents per index point. The ES contracts listed for the nearest nine quarters, for each March, June, September and December, and the nearest three Decembers are available for trading. Trading of the ES contracts terminates at 9:30 A.M. Eastern time on the third Friday of the contract month. The daily settlement prices of the ES contracts are based on trading activity in the relevant contract (and in the case of a lead month also being the expiry month, together with trading activity on lead month-second month spread contracts) on the CME during a specified settlement period. The final settlement price of ES contracts is based on the opening prices of the component stocks in the reference index, determined on the third Friday of the contract month. For more information about the reference index, see “S&P 500® Index” in the accompanying index supplement.

Underlying Index Calculation

The underlying index, calculated from the price change of the futures contract, reflects the excess return of the S&P 500 Futures Index. The level of the underlying index on a trading day is calculated as follows:

IndexERd = IndexERd-1 × (1 + CDRd)

where:

IndexERd-1

=

The Excess Return Index level on the preceding business day, defined as any date on which the index is calculated

CDRd

=

The Contract Daily return, defined as:

 

where:

 

 

 

 

 

t

=

The business day on which the calculation is made

 

 

TDW0t

=

Total Dollar Weight Obtained on t, defined as:

CRW1t-1 × DCRP1t + CRW2t-1 × DCRP2t

 

 

TDWIt-1

=

Total Dollar Weight Invested on the business day preceding t, defined as:

CRW1t-1 × DCRP1t-1 + CRW2t-1 × DCRP2t-1

 

 

CRW1

=

The contract roll weight of the first nearby contract expiration

 

 

CRW2

=

The contract roll weight of the roll in contract expiration

 

 

DCRP t

=

The Daily Contract Reference Price (the official closing price per futures contract, as designated by the relevant exchange) of the futures contract

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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Dual Directional Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Performance of the S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index due October 13, 2028

Principal at Risk Securities

 

The underlying index is calculated on an excess return basis, meaning that the level of the underlying index is determined by its weighted return reduced by the return that could be earned on a notional cash deposit at the notional interest rate, which is a rate equal to the federal funds rate.

Overview of Futures Markets

Futures contracts are traded on regulated futures exchanges, in the over-the-counter market and on various types of electronic trading facilities and markets. As of the date of this pricing supplement, the futures contract is an exchange-traded futures contract. A futures contract provides for a specified settlement month in which the cash settlement is made by the seller (whose position is therefore described as “short”) and acquired by the purchaser (whose position is therefore described as “long”).

No purchase price is paid or received on the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Instead, an amount of cash or cash equivalents must be deposited with the broker as “initial margin.” This amount varies based on the requirements imposed by the exchange clearing houses, but it may be lower than 5% of the notional value of the contract. This margin deposit provides collateral for the obligations of the parties to the futures contract.

By depositing margin, which may vary in form depending on the exchange, with the clearing house or broker involved, a market participant may be able to earn interest on its margin funds, thereby increasing the total return that it may realize from an investment in futures contracts. However, the underlying index is not a total return index and does not reflect interest that could be earned on funds notionally committed to the trading of futures contracts.

At any time prior to the expiration of a futures contract, a trader may elect to close out its position by taking an opposite position on the exchange on which the trader obtained the position, subject to the availability of a liquid secondary market. This operates to terminate the position and fix the trader’s profit or loss. Futures contracts are cleared through the facilities of a centralized clearing house and a brokerage firm that is a member of the clearing house. Futures exchanges may adopt rules and take other actions that affect trading, including imposing speculative position limits, maximum price fluctuations and trading halts and suspensions and requiring liquidation of contracts in certain circumstances.

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The securities are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P. S&P makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the securities or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the securities particularly or the ability of the underlying index to track general stock market performance. The underlying index is determined, composed and calculated by S&P without regard to us or the securities. S&P has no obligation to take our needs or the needs of the owners of the securities into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the underlying index. S&P is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the securities to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the securities are to be converted into cash. S&P has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the securities.

S&P DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE S&P 500® FUTURES EXCESS RETURN INDEX, THE S&P 500® INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY MORGAN STANLEY, OWNERS OF THE SECURITIES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE S&P 500® FUTURES EXCESS RETURN INDEX, THE S&P 500® INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE S&P 500® FUTURES EXCESS RETURN INDEX, THE S&P 500® INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL S&P HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

“Standard & Poor’s®,” “S&P®,” “S&P 500®,” “Standard & Poor’s 500” and “500” are trademarks of Standard and Poor’s Financial Services LLC.

 

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