11/21/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/21/2024 12:11
November 2024
Pricing Supplement No. 4,953
Registration Statement Nos. 333-275587; 333-275587-01
Dated November 19, 2024
Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Structured Investments
Opportunities in Commodities and U.S. and International Equities
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Fully and Unconditionally Guaranteed by Morgan Stanley
Principal at Risk Securities
The securities are unsecured obligations of Morgan Stanley Finance LLC ("MSFL") and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Morgan Stanley. The securities have the terms described in the accompanying prospectus supplement, index supplement and prospectus, as supplemented or modified by this document. The securities do not guarantee the repayment of principal and do not provide for the regular payment of interest. Instead, the securities will pay a contingent quarterly coupon (as well as any contingent quarterly coupons for any prior quarterly periods for which a contingent quarterly coupon was not paid) but only if the determination closing price of each of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust, which we refer to collectively as the underlying shares, is greater than or equal to 85% of the respective initial share price, which we refer to as the respective coupon threshold level, on the related observation date. If, however, the determination closing price of either of the underlying shares is less than the respective coupon threshold level on any observation date, we will pay no interest for the related quarterly period. In addition, beginning on August 21, 2025, we will redeem the securities on any quarterly redemption date for a redemption payment equal to the stated principal amount plus the contingent quarterly coupon with respect to the related observation date (and any contingent quarterly coupons for any prior quarterly periods for which a contingent quarterly coupon was not paid), if and only if the output of a risk neutral valuation model on a business day, as selected by the calculation agent, that is no earlier than three business days before the observation date preceding such redemption date and no later than such observation date, based on the inputs indicated under "Call feature" below, indicates that redeeming on such date is economically rational for us as compared to not redeeming on such date. An early redemption of the securities will not automatically occur based on the performance of the underlying shares. At maturity, if the securities have not previously been redeemed and the final share price of each of the underlying shares has appreciated, has remained unchanged or has declined by an amount less than or equal to the buffer amount of 15%, the payment at maturity will be the stated principal amount and, if payable, the related contingent quarterly coupon as well as any previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupons otherwise due with respect to the final observation date. However, if the final share price of either of the underlying shares has declined from its initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 15%, investors will lose 1.1765% for every 1% decline of the worst performing underlying shares beyond the specified buffer amount. Accordingly, investors in the securities must be willing to accept the risk of losing up to their entire investment and also the risk of not receiving any contingent quarterly coupons throughout the entire 2.5-year term of the securities. The securities are for investors who are willing to risk their principal and seek an opportunity to earn interest at a potentially above-market rate in exchange for the risk of receiving no quarterly coupons over the entire 2.5-year term and in exchange for the possibility of an early redemption of the securities based on the output of a risk neutral valuation model. Because the payment of contingent quarterly coupons is based on the worst performing of the underlying shares, the fact that the securities are linked to two underlying shares does not provide any asset diversification benefits and instead means that a decline beyond the respective coupon threshold level and/or by an amount greater than the buffer amount by either of the underlying shares will result in no contingent quarterly coupon payments and/or a significant loss of your investment, as applicable, even if the other underlying shares have appreciated or have not declined as much. Investors will not participate in any appreciation of either of the underlying shares. The securities are notes issued as part of MSFL's Series A Global Medium-Term Notes program.
All payments are subject to our credit risk. If we default on our obligations, you could lose some or all of your investment. These securities are not secured obligations and you will not have any security interest in, or otherwise have any access to, any underlying reference asset or assets.
FINAL TERMS |
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Issuer: |
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC |
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Guarantor: |
Morgan Stanley |
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Underlying shares: |
VanEck® Gold Miners ETF (the "GDX Shares") and iShares® Silver Trust (the "SLV Shares") |
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Aggregate principal amount: |
$1,000,000 |
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Stated principal amount: |
$1,000 per security |
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Issue price: |
$1,000 per security (see "Commissions and issue price" below) |
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Pricing date: |
November 19, 2024 |
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Original issue date: |
November 22, 2024 (3 business days after the pricing date) |
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Maturity date: |
May 21, 2027 |
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Call feature: |
Beginning on August 21, 2025, an early redemption, in whole but not in part, will occur on a redemption date if and only if the output of a risk neutral valuation model on a business day, as selected by the calculation agent, that is no earlier than three business days before the observation date preceding such redemption date and no later than such observation date (the "determination date"), taking as input: (i) prevailing reference market levels, volatilities and correlations, as applicable and in each case as of the determination date and (ii) Morgan Stanley's credit spreads as of the pricing date, indicates that redeeming on such date is economically rational for us as compared to not redeeming on such date. If we call the securities, we will give you notice no later than the observation date preceding the redemption date specified in the notice. Even if we call the securities in a quarter in which the contingent quarterly coupon would not otherwise be payable, you will receive such contingent quarterly coupon payment in addition to any previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupon payments. No further payments will be made on the securities once they have been redeemed. |
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Redemption payment: |
The redemption payment will be an amount equal to (i) the stated principal amount for each security you hold plus (ii) the contingent quarterly coupon with respect to the related observation date (and any contingent quarterly coupons for any prior quarterly periods for which a contingent quarterly coupon was not paid). |
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Determination closing price: |
With respect to each of the underlying shares, the closing price of such underlying shares on any observation date (other than the final observation date), multiplied by the adjustment factor on such observation date |
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Redemption dates: |
Beginning on August 21, 2025, quarterly. See "Observation Dates, Coupon Payment Dates and Redemption Dates" below. If any such day is not a business day, the redemption payment will be made on the next succeeding business day and no adjustment will be made to any redemption payment made on that succeeding business day |
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Contingent quarterly coupon: |
If, on any observation date, the determination closing price of each of the underlying shares is greater than or equal to its respective coupon threshold level, we will pay a contingent quarterly coupon at an annual rate of 14.50% (corresponding to approximately $36.25 per quarter per security) on the related contingent coupon payment date. If the contingent quarterly coupon is not paid on any coupon payment date (because the determination closing price of either of the underlying shares is less than its respective coupon threshold level on the related observation date), such unpaid contingent quarterly coupon will be paid on a later coupon payment date but only if the determination closing price of each of the underlying shares on the related observation date is greater than or equal to its respective coupon threshold level. Any such unpaid contingent quarterly coupon will be paid on the first subsequent coupon payment date for which the determination closing price of both of the underlying shares on the related observation date is greater than or equal to its respective coupon threshold level; provided, however, in the case of any such payment of a previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupon, no additional interest will accrue or be payable in respect of such unpaid contingent quarterly coupon from and after the end of the original interest payment period for such unpaid contingent quarterly coupon. If, on any observation date, the determination closing price of either of the underlying shares is less than its respective coupon threshold level, no contingent quarterly coupon will be paid with respect to that observation date. It is possible that one or both of the underlying shares will remain below the respective coupon threshold level(s) for extended periods of time or even throughout the entire term of the securities so that you will receive few or no contingent quarterly coupons. |
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Payment at maturity: |
If the securities are not redeemed prior to maturity, investors will receive a payment at maturity determined as follows: ●If the final share price of each of the underlying shares is greater than or equal to 85% of the respective initial share price, meaning that neither of the underlying shares has decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 15% from its respective initial share price: the stated principal amount and, if payable, the contingent quarterly coupon otherwise due with respect to the final observation date as well as any previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupons with respect to the prior observation dates ●If the final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than 85% of the respective initial share price, meaning that either underlying shares has decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 15% from its respective initial share price: ●$1,000 + [$1,000 × (share percent change of the worst performing underlying shares + 15%) × downside factor] Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less than the stated principal amount of $1,000 and could be zero. |
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Terms continued on the following page |
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Agent: |
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC ("MS & Co."), an affiliate of MSFL and a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. See "Supplemental information regarding plan of distribution; conflicts of interest." |
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Estimated value on the pricing date: |
$988.10 per security. See "Investment Summary" beginning on page 3. |
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Commissions and issue price: |
Price to public(1) |
Agent's commissions and fees(2) |
Proceeds to us(3) |
Per security |
$1,000 |
$0 |
$1,000 |
Total |
$1,000,000 |
$0 |
$1,000,000 |
(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 $1,000 per security, for further sale to certain fee-based advisory accounts at the price to public of $1,000 per security. MS & Co. will not receive a sales commission with respect to the securities. See "Supplemental information regarding plan of distribution; conflicts of interest." For additional information, see "Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)" in the accompanying prospectus supplement.
(3)See "Use of proceeds and hedging" on page 38.
The securities involve risks not associated with an investment in ordinary debt securities. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 13.
The Securities and Exchange Commission and state securities regulators have not approved or disapproved these securities, or determined if this document or the accompanying prospectus supplement, index supplement and prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency or instrumentality, nor are they obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank.
You should read this document together with the related prospectus supplement, index supplement and prospectus, each of which can be accessed via the hyperlinks below. When you read the accompanying prospectus supplement and index supplement, please note that all references in such supplements to the prospectus dated November 16, 2023, or to any sections therein, should refer instead to the accompanying prospectus dated April 12, 2024 or to the corresponding sections of such prospectus, as applicable. Please also see "Additional Terms of the Securities" and "Additional Information About the Securities" at the end of this document.
As used in this document, "we," "us" and "our" refer to Morgan Stanley or MSFL, or Morgan Stanley and MSFL collectively, as the context requires.
Prospectus Supplementdated November 16, 2023 Index Supplement dated November 16, 2023 Prospectus dated April 12, 2024
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
Terms continued from previous page: |
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Coupon threshold level: |
With respect to the GDX Shares, $31.467, which is equal to 85% of the initial share price With respect to the SLV Shares, $24.123, which is equal to 85% of the initial share price |
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Buffer amount: |
15%. As a result of the buffer amount of 15%, the value at or above which each of the underlying shares must close on the final observation date so that investors do not lose some of their investment at maturity is: With respect to the GDX Shares, $31.467, which is equal to 85% of the initial share price With respect to the SLV Shares, $24.123, which is equal to 85% of the initial share price |
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Downside factor: |
1.1765 |
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Initial share price: |
With respect to the GDX Shares, $37.02, which is the closing price on November 18, 2024 With respect to the SLV Shares, $28.38, which is the closing price on November 18, 2024 |
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Coupon payment dates: |
Quarterly, as set forth under "Observation Dates, Coupon Payment Dates and Redemption Dates" below. If any such day is not a business day, that coupon payment will be made on the next succeeding business day and no adjustment will be made to any coupon payment made on that succeeding business day; provided further that the contingent quarterly coupon, if any, with respect to the final observation date will be paid on the maturity date. |
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Observation dates: |
Quarterly, as set forth under "Observation Dates, Coupon Payment Dates and Redemption Dates" below, subject, independently in the case of each of the underlying shares, to postponement for non-trading days and certain market disruption events. We also refer to May 18, 2027 as the final observation date. |
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Final share price: |
With respect to each of the underlying shares, the respective closing price on the final observation date multiplied by the adjustment factor on such date |
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Adjustment factor: |
With respect to each of the underlying shares, 1.0, subject to adjustment in the event of certain events affecting such underlying shares |
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Worst performing underlying shares: |
The underlying shares with the larger percentage decrease from the respective initial share price to the respective final share price |
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Share percent change: |
With respect to each of the underlying shares, (final share price - initial share price) / initial share price |
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CUSIP / ISIN: |
61776WR39 / US61776WR397 |
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Listing: |
The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange. |
Observation Dates, Coupon Payment Dates and Redemption Dates
Observation Dates |
Coupon Payment Dates / Redemption Dates |
February 18, 2025 |
February 21, 2025* |
May 19, 2025 |
May 22, 2025* |
August 18, 2025 |
August 21, 2025 |
November 18, 2025 |
November 21, 2025 |
February 18, 2026 |
February 23, 2026 |
May 18, 2026 |
May 21, 2026 |
August 18, 2026 |
August 21, 2026 |
November 18, 2026 |
November 23, 2026 |
February 18, 2027 |
February 23, 2027 |
May 18, 2027 (final observation date) |
May 21, 2027 (maturity date) |
* The securities are not subject to early redemption until the third coupon payment date, which is August 21, 2025.
November 2024 Page 2
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
Investment Summary
Callable Contingent Income Securities
Principal at Risk Securities
Callable Contingent Income Securities due May 21, 2027 All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust (the "securities") do not provide for the regular payment of interest. Instead, the securities will pay a contingent quarterly coupon (as well as any contingent quarterly coupons for any prior quarterly periods for which a contingent quarterly coupon was not paid) at an annual rate of 14.50% but only if the determination closing price of each of the underlying shares is greater than or equal to 85% of the respective initial share price, which we refer to as the respective coupon threshold level, on the related observation date. If the determination closing price of either of the underlying shares is less than the respective coupon threshold level on any observation date, we will pay no coupon for the related quarterly period. In addition, beginning on August 21, 2025, we will redeem the securities on any quarterly redemption date for a redemption payment equal the stated principal amount plus the contingent quarterly coupon with respect to the related observation date (and any contingent quarterly coupons for any prior quarterly periods for which a contingent quarterly coupon was not paid), if and only if the output of a risk neutral valuation model on a business day, as selected by the calculation agent, that is no earlier than three business days before the observation date preceding such redemption date and no later than such observation date, based on the inputs indicated under "Call feature" on the cover page, indicates that redeeming on such date is economically rational for us as compared to not redeeming on such date. An early redemption of the securities will not automatically occur based on the performance of the underlying shares. At maturity, if the securities have not previously been redeemed and the final share price of both underlying shares has appreciated, remained unchanged or declined by an amount less than or equal to the buffer amount of 15%, the payment at maturity will be the stated principal amount and the related contingent quarterly coupon as well as any previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupons. If, however, the final share price of either of the underlying shares has declined from its initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 15%, investors will lose 1.1765% for every 1% the decline of the worst performing underlying shares beyond the specified buffer amount. Accordingly, investors in the securities must be willing to accept the risk of losing up to their entire principal amount if either underlying shares declines by an amount greater than the buffer amount and also the risk of not receiving any contingent quarterly payments throughout the entire 2.5-year term of the securities.
Maturity: |
Approximately 2.5 years, unless redeemed earlier based on the output of a risk neutral valuation model |
Contingent quarterly coupon: |
If, on any observation date, the determination closing price of each of the underlying shares is greater than or equal to its respective coupon threshold level, we will pay a contingent quarterly coupon at an annual rate of 14.50% (corresponding to approximately $36.25 per quarter per security) on the related contingent coupon payment date. If the contingent quarterly coupon is not paid on any coupon payment date (because the determination closing price of either of the underlying shares is less than its respective coupon threshold level on the related observation date), such unpaid contingent quarterly coupon will be paid on a later coupon payment date but only if the determination closing price of each of the underlying shares on the related observation date is greater than or equal to its respective coupon threshold level. Any such unpaid contingent quarterly coupon will be paid on the first subsequent coupon payment date for which the determination closing price on the related observation date is greater than or equal to its respective coupon threshold level; provided, however, in the case of any such payment of a previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupon, no additional interest will accrue or be payable in respect of such unpaid contingent quarterly coupon from and after the end of the original interest payment period for such unpaid contingent quarterly coupon. You will not receive payment for any unpaid contingent quarterly coupons if the determination closing price of either of the underlying shares is less than its respective coupon threshold level on each subsequent observation date. If the determination closing price of either of the underlying shares is less than its respective coupon threshold level on each observation date, you will not receive any contingent quarterly coupons for the entire term of the securities. |
Early redemption: |
Beginning on August 21, 2025, we will redeem the securities on any quarterly redemption date for a redemption payment equal to the stated principal amount plus the contingent quarterly coupon with respect to the related observation date (and any contingent quarterly coupons for any prior quarterly periods for which a contingent quarterly coupon was not paid), if and only if the output of |
November 2024 Page 3
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
a risk neutral valuation model on a business day, as selected by the calculation agent, that is no earlier than three business days before the observation date preceding such redemption date and no later than such observation date, based on the inputs indicated under "Call feature" on the cover page, indicates that redeeming on such date is economically rational for us as compared to not redeeming on such date. An early redemption of the securities will not automatically occur based on the performance of the underlying shares. In accordance with the risk neutral valuation model determination noted herein, it is more likely that we will redeem the securities when it would otherwise be advantageous for you to continue to hold the securities. As such, we will be more likely to redeem the securities when the determination closing price of each of the underlying shares on the observation dates is greater than or equal to the respective coupon threshold level, which would otherwise result in an amount of interest payable on the securities that is greater than instruments of a comparable maturity and credit rating trading in the market. In other words, we will be more likely to redeem the securities at a time when the securities are paying an above-market coupon. If the securities are redeemed prior to maturity, you will receive no more contingent quarterly coupon payments, may be forced to invest in a lower interest rate environment and may not be able to reinvest at comparable terms or returns. On the other hand, we will be less likely to redeem the securities when the determination closing price of either of the underlying shares is less than the respective coupon threshold level and/or when the final share price of either of the underlying shares is expected to have declined from its respective initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount, such that you will receive no contingent quarterly coupons and/or that you will suffer a significant loss on your initial investment in the securities at maturity. Therefore, if we do not redeem the securities, it is more likely that you will receive few or no contingent quarterly coupons and suffer a significant loss at maturity. |
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Payment at maturity: |
If the securities have not previously been redeemed, investors will receive on the maturity date a payment at maturity determined as follows: If the final share price of each of the underlying shares is greater than or equal to 85% of its respective initial share price, meaning that neither of the underlying shares has decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 15% from its respective initial share price: the stated principal amount and, if payable, the contingent quarterly coupon otherwise due with respect to the final observation date and with respect to any prior observation date for which a contingent quarterly coupon was not paid ●If the final share price of either underlying shares is less than 85% of its respective initial share price, meaning that either underlying shares has decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 15% from its respective initial share price: ● $1,000 + [$1,000 × (share percent change of the worst performing underlying shares + 15%) × downside factor] Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less than the stated principal amount of $1,000 and could be zero. No quarterly coupon will be payable at maturity, and investors will not receive payment of any previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupons |
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 $988.10.
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 shares. The estimated value of the securities is determined using our own pricing and valuation models, market inputs and assumptions relating to the underlying shares, instruments based on the underlying shares, volatility and other factors including current and expected interest rates, as well as an interest rate related to our secondary market credit spread, which is the implied interest rate at which our conventional fixed rate debt trades in the secondary market.
November 2024 Page 4
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
What determines the economic terms of the securities?
In determining the economic terms of the securities, including the contingent quarterly coupon rate, the coupon threshold levels, the buffer amount and the downside factor, we use an internal funding rate, which is likely to be lower than our secondary market credit spreads and therefore advantageous to us. If the issuing, selling, structuring and hedging costs borne by you were lower or if the internal funding rate were higher, one or more 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 shares, may vary from, and be lower than, the estimated value on the pricing date, because the secondary market price takes into account our secondary market credit spread as well as the bid-offer spread that MS & Co. would charge in a secondary market transaction of this type and other factors. However, because the costs associated with issuing, selling, structuring and hedging the 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 shares, and to our secondary market credit spreads, it would do so based on values higher than the estimated value. We expect that those higher values will also be reflected in your brokerage account statements.
MS & Co. may, but is not obligated to, make a market in the securities, and, if it once chooses to make a market, may cease doing so at any time.
November 2024 Page 5
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
Key Investment Rationale
The securities do not provide for the regular payment of interest and instead will pay a contingent quarterly coupon (as well as any contingent quarterly coupons for any prior quarterly periods for which a contingent quarterly coupon was not paid) but only if the determination closing price of each of the underlying shares is at or above 85% of its initial share price, which we refer to as the respective coupon threshold level, on the related observation date. These securities are for investors who are willing to risk their principal and seek an opportunity to earn interest at a potentially above-market rate in exchange for the risk of receiving no quarterly interest if either of the underlying shares closes below the coupon threshold level for such underlying shares on the observation dates, and the risk of an early redemption of the securities based on the output of a risk neutral valuation model. The following scenarios are for illustrative purposes only to demonstrate how the payment at maturity and contingent quarterly coupon (if the securities have not previously been redeemed) are determined, and do not attempt to demonstrate every situation that may occur. Accordingly, the securities may or may not be redeemed based on the output of a risk neutral valuation model, the contingent quarterly coupon may be payable with respect to none of, or some but not all of, the quarterly periods during the 2.5-year term of the securities, and the payment at maturity may be less than 85% of the stated principal amount of the securities and could be zero. Investors will not participate in any appreciation in either of the underlying shares.
Scenario 1: The securities are redeemed prior to maturity |
This scenario assumes that the securities are redeemed prior to the maturity date on one of the quarterly redemption dates, starting on August 21, 2025, based on the output of a risk neutral valuation model. Prior to early redemption, both of the underlying shares close at or above their respective coupon threshold level on some quarterly observation dates, but one or both of the underlying shares close below their respective coupon threshold level(s) on the others. Investors receive the contingent quarterly coupon, corresponding to a return of 14.50% per annum, for the quarterly periods for which both of the underlying shares is at or above their respective coupon threshold level on the related observation date, but not for the quarterly periods for which one or both of the underlying shares close below the respective coupon threshold level(s) on the related observation date. However, any unpaid contingent quarterly coupon will be paid on a later coupon payment date if the determination closing price of the underlying shares on the related observation date is greater than or equal to its respective coupon threshold level. In this scenario, on one of the quarterly redemption dates, investors receive the redemption payment equal to the stated principal amount plus the contingent quarterly coupon with respect to the related observation date (and any contingent quarterly coupons for any prior quarterly periods for which a contingent quarterly coupon was not paid). Even if we call the securities in a quarter in which the contingent quarterly coupon would not otherwise be payable, you will receive such contingent quarterly coupon payment in addition to any previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupon payments. No further payments will be made on the securities once they have been redeemed. |
Scenario 2: The securities are not redeemed prior to maturity, and investors receive principal back at maturity |
This scenario assumes that we do not redeem the securities on any of the quarterly redemption dates, and, as a result, investors hold the securities to maturity. During the term of the securities, both of the underlying shares close at or above the respective coupon threshold levels on some quarterly observation dates, but one or both of the underlying shares close below the respective coupon threshold level(s) on other quarterly observation dates. Investors receive the contingent quarterly coupon for the quarterly periods for which the determination closing prices of both of the underlying shares are at or above their respective coupon threshold levels on the related observation date, but not for the quarterly periods for which the determination closing price(s) of one or both underlying shares are below the respective coupon threshold level(s) on the related observation date. However, any unpaid contingent quarterly coupon will be paid on a later coupon payment date if the determination closing price of the underlying shares on the related observation date is greater than or equal to its respective coupon threshold level. On the final observation date, neither of the underlying shares has declined from its initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount. At maturity, investors will receive the stated principal amount and the contingent quarterly coupon with respect to the final observation date and with respect to any prior observation date(s) for which a contingent quarterly coupon was not paid. |
November 2024 Page 6
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
Scenario 3: The securities are not redeemed prior to maturity, and investors suffer a loss of principal at maturity |
This scenario assumes that we do not redeem the securities on any of the quarterly redemption dates, and, as a result, investors hold the securities to maturity. During the term of the securities, one or both of the underlying shares close below the respective coupon threshold level(s) on every quarterly observation date. Since one or both of the underlying shares close below the respective coupon threshold level(s) on every quarterly observation date, investors do not receive any contingent quarterly coupon or payment of any previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupons from the prior observation dates. On the final observation date, one or both of the underlying shares have declined from the respective initial share price(s) by an amount greater than the buffer amount. At maturity, investors will lose 1.1765% for every 1% decline of the worst performing underlying shares beyond the specified buffer amount. Investors will lose some, and may lose up to all, of the stated principal amount of the securities in this scenario. |
November 2024 Page 7
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
Hypothetical Examples
The following hypothetical examples illustrate how to determine whether a contingent quarterly coupon is paid with respect to an observation date and how to calculate the payment at maturity, if any, assuming the securities are not redeemed prior to maturity. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only. Whether you receive a contingent quarterly coupon will be determined by reference to the determination closing price of each of the underlying shares on each quarterly observation date. The amount you will receive at maturity, if any, will be determined by reference to the final share price of each of the underlying shares on the final observation date. Any early redemption of the securities will be based on the output of a risk neutral valuation model. The actual initial share price and coupon threshold level for each of the underlying shares are set forth on the cover of this document. All payments on the securities, if any, are subject to our credit risk. The below examples are based on the following terms:
Contingent Quarterly Coupon: |
If, on any observation date, the determination closing price of each of the underlying shares is greater than or equal to its respective coupon threshold level, we will pay a contingent quarterly coupon at an annual rate of 14.50% (corresponding to approximately $36.25 per quarter per security)1 on the related contingent coupon payment date. If the contingent quarterly coupon is not paid on any coupon payment date (because the determination closing price of either of the underlying shares is less than its respective coupon threshold level on the related observation date), such unpaid contingent quarterly coupon will be paid on a later coupon payment date but only if the determination closing price of each of the underlying shares on the related observation date is greater than or equal to its respective coupon threshold level. Any such unpaid contingent quarterly coupon will be paid on the first subsequent coupon payment date for which the determination closing price of each of the underlying shares on the related observation date is greater than or equal to its respective coupon threshold level. It is possible that both of the underlying shares will remain below the respective coupon threshold level(s) for extended periods of time or even throughout the entire term of the securities so that you will receive few or no contingent quarterly coupons. |
Call feature: |
Beginning on August 21, 2025, an early redemption, in whole but not in part, will occur on a redemption date if and only if the output of a risk neutral valuation model on a business day, as selected by the calculation agent, that is no earlier than three business days before the observation date preceding such redemption date and no later than such observation date (the "determination date"), taking as input: (i) prevailing reference market levels, volatilities and correlations, as applicable and in each case as of the determination date and (ii) Morgan Stanley's credit spreads as of the pricing date, indicates that redeeming on such date is economically rational for us as compared to not redeeming on such date. If we call the securities, we will give you notice no later than the observation date preceding the redemption date specified in the notice. Any redemption payment will be equal to the stated principal amount plus the contingent quarterly coupon with respect to the related observation date (and any contingent quarterly coupons for any prior quarterly periods for which a contingent quarterly coupon was not paid). Even if we call the securities in a quarter in which the contingent quarterly coupon would not otherwise be payable, you will receive such contingent quarterly coupon payment in addition to any previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupon payments. If the securities are redeemed prior to maturity, you will receive no more contingent quarterly coupon payments, may be forced to invest in a lower interest rate environment and may not be able to reinvest at comparable terms or returns. |
Payment at Maturity (if the securities are not redeemed prior to maturity): |
If the final share price of each of the underlying shares is greater than or equal to 85% of its respective initial share price, meaning that neither of the underlying shares has decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 15% from its respective initial share price: the stated principal amount and, if payable, the contingent quarterly coupon otherwise due with respect to the final observation date as well as any previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupons with respect to the prior observation dates If the final share price of either underlying shares is less than 85% of its respective initial share price, meaning that either underlying shares has decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 15% from its respective initial share price: |
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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
$1,000 + [$1,000 × (share percent change of the worst performing underlying shares +15%) × downside factor] Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less than the stated principal amount of $1,000 and could be zero. |
|
Stated Principal Amount: |
$1,000 |
Hypothetical Initial Share Price: |
With respect to the GDX Shares: $40.00 With respect to the SLV Shares: $30.00 |
Hypothetical Coupon Threshold Level: |
With respect to the GDX Shares: $34.00, which is 85% of the hypothetical initial share price With respect to the SLV Shares: $25.50, which is 85% of the hypothetical initial share price |
Buffer Amount: |
15% |
Downside Factor: |
1.1765 |
1 The actual contingent quarterly coupon will be an amount determined by the calculation agent based on the number of days in the applicable payment period, calculated on a 30/360 day-count basis. The hypothetical contingent quarterly coupon of $36.25 is used in these examples for ease of analysis.
November 2024 Page 9
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
How to determine whether a contingent quarterly coupon is payable with respect to an observation date (if the securities have not been previously redeemed):
Determination Closing Price |
Contingent Quarterly Coupon |
||
GDX Shares |
SLV Shares |
||
Hypothetical Observation Date 1 |
$60.00 (at or above the coupon threshold level) |
$50.00 (at or above the coupon threshold level) |
$36.25 |
Hypothetical Observation Date 2 |
$10.00 (below the coupon threshold level) |
$55.00 (at or above the coupon threshold level) |
$0 |
Hypothetical Observation Date 3 |
$50.00 (at or above the coupon threshold level) |
$40.00 (at or above the coupon threshold level) |
$36.25 + 36.25 = $72.50 |
Hypothetical Observation Date 4 |
$8.00 (below the coupon threshold level) |
$10.00 (below the coupon threshold level) |
$0 |
On hypothetical observation date 1, both the GDX Shares and SLV Shares close at or above the respective coupon threshold levels. Therefore, a contingent quarterly coupon of $36.25 is paid on the relevant coupon payment date.
On hypothetical observation date 2, one of the underlying shares closes at or above the respective coupon threshold level but the other underlying shares closes below the respective coupon threshold level. Therefore, no contingent quarterly coupon is paid on the relevant coupon payment date.
On hypothetical observation date 3, both of the underlying shares close at or above the respective coupon threshold level. Therefore, investors receive the contingent quarterly coupon with respect to the third observation date as well as the previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupon with respect to the second observation date.
On hypothetical observation date 4, both of the underlying shares close below the respective coupon threshold levels and accordingly, no contingent quarterly coupon is paid on the relevant coupon payment date.
If the contingent quarterly coupon is not paid on any coupon payment date (because the determination closing price of either of the underlying shares is less than its respective coupon threshold level on the related observation date), such unpaid contingent quarterly coupon will be paid on a later coupon payment date but only if the determination closing price of both of the underlying shares on the related observation date is greater than or equal to its respective coupon threshold level. Any such unpaid contingent quarterly coupon will be paid on the first subsequent coupon payment date for which the determination closing price for both of the underlying shares on the related observation date is greater than or equal to its respective coupon threshold level. You will not receive payment for any unpaid contingent quarterly coupons if the determination closing price of either of the underlying shares is less than its respective coupon threshold level on each subsequent observation date. If the determination closing price of either of the underlying shares is less than its respective coupon threshold level on each observation date, you will not receive any contingent quarterly coupons for the entire term of the securities.
November 2024 Page 10
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
How to calculate the payment at maturity (if the securities have not been redeemed early):
Final Share Price |
Payment at Maturity |
||
GDX Shares |
SLV Shares |
||
Example 1: |
$50.00 (at or above the coupon threshold level, has not decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount) |
$70.00 (at or above the coupon threshold level, has not decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount) |
$1,036.25 (the stated principal amount plus the contingent quarterly coupon with respect to the final observation date) + any previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupons with respect to the prior observation dates |
Example 2: |
$60.00 (at or above the coupon threshold level, has not decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount) |
$12.00 (below the coupon threshold level, has decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount) |
$1,000 + [$1,000 × (share percent change of the worst performing underlying shares + 15%) × downside factor] = $1,000 + [$1,000 × (-60% + 15%) × 1.1765] = $470.575 |
Example 3: |
$16.00 (below the coupon threshold level, has decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount) |
$60.00 (at or above the coupon threshold level, has not decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount) |
$1,000 + [$1,000 × (share percent change of the worst performing underlying shares + 15%) × downside factor] = $1,000 + [$1,000 × (-60% + 15%) × 1.1765] = $470.575 |
Example 4: |
$12.00 (below the coupon threshold level, has decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount) |
$12.00 (below the coupon threshold level, has decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount) |
$1,000 + [$1,000 × (share percent change of the worst performing underlying shares + 15%) × downside factor] = $1,000 + [$1,000 × (-70% + 15%) × 1.1765] = $352.925 |
Example 5: |
$16.00 (below the coupon threshold level, has decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount) |
$9.00 (below the coupon threshold level, has decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount) |
$1,000 + [$1,000 × (share percent change of the worst performing underlying shares + 15%) × downside factor] = $1,000 + [$1,000 × (-70% + 15%) × 1.1765] = $352.925 |
In example 1, the final share price of both the GDX Shares and SLV Shares are at or above their coupon threshold levels and neither of the underlying shares has declined from its initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount. Therefore, investors receive at maturity the stated principal amount of the securities and the contingent quarterly coupon with respect to the final observation date and any previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupons with respect to the prior observation dates. However, investors do not participate in the appreciation of either underlying shares.
In examples 2 and 3, the final share price of one underlying shares is at or above its coupon threshold level and has not declined from the initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount, but the final share price of the other underlying shares has declined from the initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount from the initial share price. Therefore, investors lose 1.1765% for every 1% decline in the worst performing underlying shares beyond the buffer amount of 15%. Moreover, investors do not receive a contingent quarterly coupon with respect to the final quarterly period, and do not receive any previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupons with respect to the prior observation dates.
Similarly, in examples 4 and 5, the final share price value of each of the underlying shares has declined from its initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount, and each of the underlying shares closes below its respective coupon threshold level. As a result, investors lose 1.1765% for every 1% decline in the worst performing underlying shares beyond the buffer amount of 15%. In example 4, the GDX Shares has declined 70% from its initial share price to its final share price, while the SLV Shares has declined 60% from its initial share price to its final share price. Therefore, investors lose 1.1765% for every 1% decline in the final share price of the GDX Shares from its initial share price beyond the buffer amount of 15%. Moreover, investors do not receive a contingent quarterly
November 2024 Page 11
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
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coupon with respect to the final quarterly period, and do not receive any previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupons with respect to the prior observation dates. In example 5, the GDX Shares has declined 60% from its initial share price, while the SLV Shares has declined 70% from its initial share price to its final share price. Therefore, investors lose 1.1765% for every 1% in the final share price of the SLV Shares beyond the buffer amount of 15%. Moreover, investors do not receive a contingent quarterly coupon with respect to the final quarterly period, and do not receive any previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupons with respect to the prior observation dates.
If the securities have not been redeemed prior to maturity and the final share price of EITHER underlying shares has declined from its initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount, you will be exposed on a leveraged basis to the downside performance of the worst performing underlying shares beyond the buffer amount at maturity, and you will lose some or all of your initial investment in the securities.
November 2024 Page 12
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
Risk Factors
This section describes the material risks relating to the securities. For further discussion of these and other risks, you should read the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the accompanying prospectus supplement, index supplement and prospectus. You should also consult with 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 they do not guarantee the repayment of principal. If the securities have not been redeemed prior to maturity and the final share price of either of the underlying shares has declined from its initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 15%, you will lose 1.1765% for every 1% decline in the value of the worst performing underlying shares beyond the buffer amount of 15%. In this case, the payment at maturity will be less than the stated principal amount and could be zero. You could lose your entire investment in the securities.
■The securities do not provide for the regular payment of interest and may pay no interest over the entire term of the securities. The terms of the securities differ from those of ordinary debt securities in that they do not provide for the regular payment of interest. Instead, the securities will pay a contingent quarterly coupon but only if the determination closing price of each of the underlying shares is greater than or equal to 85% of the respective initial share price, which we refer to as the respective coupon threshold level, on the related observation date. If, however, the determination closing price of either of the underlying shares is less than the respective coupon threshold level on the relevant observation date for any interest period, we will pay no coupon on the applicable coupon payment date. However, if the contingent quarterly coupon is not paid on any coupon payment date because the determination closing price of either of the underlying shares is less than its respective coupon threshold level on the related observation date, such unpaid contingent quarterly coupon will be paid on a later coupon payment date but only if the determination closing price of both of the underlying shares on the related observation date is greater than or equal to its respective coupon threshold level. Therefore, you will not receive payment for such unpaid contingent quarterly coupon if the determination closing price of either of the underlying shares is less than its respective coupon threshold level on each subsequent observation date. If the determination closing price of either of the underlying shares is less than its respective coupon threshold level on each observation date, you will not receive any contingent quarterly coupon for the entire term of the securities. It is possible that the determination closing price of either of the underlying shares could remain below the respective coupon threshold level for extended periods of time or even throughout the entire 2.5-year term of the securities so that you will receive few or no contingent quarterly coupons. If you do not earn sufficient contingent quarterly coupons over the term of the securities, the overall return on the securities may be less than the amount that would be paid on a conventional debt security of ours of comparable maturity.
■The contingent coupon, if any, is based only on the determination closing prices of the underlying shares on the related quarterly observation date at the end of the related interest period. Whether the contingent coupon will be paid on any coupon payment date will be determined at the end of the relevant interest period based on the determination closing price of each of the underlying shares on the relevant quarterly observation date. As a result, you will not know whether you will receive the contingent quarterly coupon on any coupon payment date until near the end of the relevant quarterly period. Moreover, because the contingent quarterly coupon is based solely on the value of each of the underlying shares on quarterly observation dates, if the determination closing price of either of the underlying shares on an observation date is less than the respective coupon threshold level, you will receive no coupon for the related interest period, or any previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupons, even if the price(s) of one or both of the underlying shares were higher on other days during that interest period.
■The securities have early redemption risk. The term of the securities, and thus your opportunity to earn a potentially above-market coupon if the determination closing price of each of the underlying shares is greater than or equal to the respective coupon threshold levels on quarterly observation dates, will be limited if we redeem the securities based on the output of a risk neutral valuation model on any quarterly redemption date, beginning August 21, 2025. The term of your investment in the securities may be limited to as short as nine months. In accordance with the risk neutral valuation model determination noted herein, it is more likely that we will redeem the securities when it would be advantageous for you to continue to hold the securities. As such, we will be more likely to redeem the securities when the determination closing price of each of the underlying shares on the observation dates is greater than or equal to the respective coupon threshold level, which would otherwise result in an amount of interest payable on the securities that is greater than instruments of a comparable maturity and credit rating trading in the market. In other words, we will be more likely to redeem the securities when the securities are paying an above-market coupon. If the securities are redeemed prior to maturity, you will receive no more contingent quarterly coupon payments, may be forced to invest in a lower interest rate environment and may not be able to reinvest at comparable terms or returns.
November 2024 Page 13
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
On the other hand, we will be less likely to redeem the securities when the determination closing price of either of the underlying shares is less than the respective coupon threshold level and/or when the final share price of either of the underlying shares is expected to have declined from its respective initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount, such that you will receive no contingent quarterly coupons and/or that you will suffer a loss on your initial investment in the securities at maturity. Therefore, if we do not redeem the securities, it is more likely that you will receive few or no contingent quarterly coupons and suffer a loss at maturity.
■Investors will not participate in any appreciation in the price of either of the underlying shares. Investors will not participate in any appreciation in the price of either of the underlying shares from the respective initial share prices, and the return on the securities will be limited to the contingent quarterly coupon, if any, that is paid with respect to each observation date on which both determination closing prices are greater than or equal to the respective coupon threshold levels, if any.
■The market price will be influenced by many unpredictable factors. Several factors, many of which are beyond our control, will influence the value of the securities in the secondary market and the price at which MS & Co. may be willing to purchase or sell the securities in the secondary market. We expect that generally the level of interest rates available in the market and the prices of the underlying shares on any day, including in relation to the respective coupon threshold levels, will affect the value of the securities more than any other factors. Other factors that may influence the value of the securities include:
othe trading price and volatility (frequency and magnitude of changes in value) of each of the underlying shares, the underlying commodity with respect to the SLV Shares or the stocks constituting the share underlying index with respect to the GDX Shares,
owhether the determination closing price of either of the underlying shares has been below the respective coupon threshold level on any observation date,
odividend rates on the stocks constituting the share underlying index with respect to the GDX Shares,
ogeopolitical conditions and economic, financial, political, regulatory or judicial events that affect the underlying shares or equity or commodity markets generally and which may affect the prices of the underlying shares,
othe time remaining until the securities mature,
ointerest and yield rates in the market,
othe availability of comparable instruments,
othe occurrence of certain events affecting the underlying shares that may or may not require an adjustment to an adjustment factor,
othe composition of the GDX Shares and changes in the constituent stocks of the GDX Shares,
othe exchange rates of the U.S. dollar relative to the currencies in which the stocks constituting the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index trade, and
oany actual or anticipated changes in our credit ratings or credit spreads.
Some or all of these factors will influence the price that 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 of $1,000 per security if the price of either of the underlying shares at the time of sale is near or below the respective coupon threshold level or if market interest rates rise.
The price of either or both of the underlying shares may be, and have recently been, volatile, and we can give you no assurance that the volatility will lessen. The prices of either or both of the underlying shares may decrease and be below the respective coupon threshold level(s) on each observation date so that you will receive no return on your investment, or the price of either or both of the underlying shares decline from the respective initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount on the final observation date so that you lose some or all of your initial investment in the securities. There can be no assurance that the determination closing price of the underlying shares will be at or above the respective coupon threshold level on any observation date so that you will receive a coupon payment on the securities for the applicable interest period or that they will not have declined from their respective initial share prices by an amount greater than the buffer amount as of the final observation date so that you do not suffer a loss on your initial investment in the securities. See "VanEck® Gold Miners ETF Overview" and "iShares® Silver Trust Overview" below.
■The securities are subject to our credit risk, and any actual or anticipated changes to our credit ratings or credit spreads may adversely affect the market value of the securities. You are dependent on our ability to pay all amounts due on the
November 2024 Page 14
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
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securities on any coupon payment date and at maturity and therefore you are subject to our credit risk. The securities are not guaranteed by any other entity. If we default on our obligations under the securities, your investment would be at risk and you could lose some or all of your investment. As a result, the market value of the securities prior to maturity will be affected by changes in the market's view of our creditworthiness. Any actual or anticipated decline in our credit ratings or increase in the credit spreads charged by the market for taking our credit risk is likely to adversely affect the market value of the securities.
■As a finance subsidiary, MSFL has no independent operations and will have no independent assets. As a finance subsidiary, MSFL has no independent operations beyond the issuance and administration of its securities and will have no independent assets available for distributions to holders of MSFL securities if they make claims in respect of such securities in a bankruptcy, resolution or similar proceeding. Accordingly, any recoveries by such holders will be limited to those available under the related guarantee by Morgan Stanley and that guarantee will rank pari passu with all other unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of Morgan Stanley. Holders will have recourse only to a single claim against Morgan Stanley and its assets under the guarantee. Holders of securities issued by MSFL should accordingly assume that in any such proceedings they would not have any priority over and should be treated pari passu with the claims of other unsecured, unsubordinated creditors of Morgan Stanley, including holders of Morgan Stanley-issued securities.
■Investing in the securities is not equivalent to investing in the underlying shares, in the underlying commodity composing the SLV Shares or in the stocks constituting the share underlying index with respect to the GDX Shares. Investing in the securities is not equivalent to investing in the underlying shares, in the commodity that constitutes the SLV Shares or in the stocks that constitute the share underlying index with respect to the GDX Shares. 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 underlying shares, in the commodity that constitutes the SLV Shares or in the stocks that constitute the share underlying index with respect to the GDX Shares.
■The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange and secondary trading may be limited, and accordingly, you should be willing to hold your securities for the entire 2.5-year term of the securities. The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange. Therefore, there may be little or no secondary market for the securities. MS & Co. may, but is not obligated to, make a market in the securities and, if it once chooses to make a market, may cease doing so at any time. When it does make a market, it will generally do so for transactions of routine secondary market size at prices based on its estimate of the current value of the securities, taking into account its bid/offer spread, our credit spreads, market volatility, the notional size of the proposed sale, the cost of unwinding any related hedging positions, the time remaining to maturity and the likelihood that it will be able to resell the securities. Even if there is a secondary market, it may not provide enough liquidity to allow you to trade or sell the securities easily. Since other broker-dealers may not participate significantly in the secondary market for the securities, the price at which you may be able to trade your securities is likely to depend on the price, if any, at which MS & Co. is willing to transact. If, at any time, MS & Co. were to cease making a market in the securities, it is likely that there would be no secondary market for the securities. Accordingly, you should be willing to hold your securities to maturity.
■The rate we are willing to pay for securities of this type, maturity and issuance size is likely to be lower than the rate implied by our secondary market credit spreads and advantageous to us. Both the lower rate and the inclusion of costs associated with issuing, selling, structuring and hedging the securities in the original issue price reduce the economic terms of the securities, cause the estimated value of the securities to be less than the original issue price and will adversely affect secondary market prices. Assuming no change in market conditions or any other relevant factors, the prices, if any, at which dealers, including MS & Co., may be willing to purchase the securities in secondary market transactions will likely be significantly lower than the original issue price, because secondary market prices will exclude the issuing, selling, structuring and hedging-related costs that are included in the original issue price and borne by you and because the secondary market prices will reflect our secondary market credit spreads and the bid-offer spread that any dealer would charge in a secondary market transaction of this type as well as other factors.
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 shares, and to our secondary market credit spreads, it would do so based on values higher than the estimated value, and we expect that those higher values will also be reflected in your brokerage account statements.
■The estimated value of the 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
November 2024 Page 15
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
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may prove to be incorrect. As a result, because there is no market-standard way to value these types of securities, our models may yield a higher estimated value of the securities than those generated by others, including other dealers in the market, if they attempted to value the securities. In addition, the estimated value on the pricing date does not represent a minimum or maximum price at which dealers, including MS & Co., would be willing to purchase your securities in the secondary market (if any exists) at any time. The value of your securities at any time after the date of this document will vary based on many factors that cannot be predicted with accuracy, including our creditworthiness and changes in market conditions. See also "The market price will be influenced by many unpredictable factors" above.
■Hedging and trading activity by our affiliates could potentially affect the value of the securities. One or more of our affiliates and/or third-party dealers expect to carry out hedging activities related to the securities (and possibly to other instruments linked to the underlying shares, the share underlying index with respect to the GDX Shares or the underlying commodity with respect to the SLV Shares), including trading in the underlying shares. Some of our affiliates also trade the underlying shares and other financial instruments related to the underlying shares, the share underlying index with respect to the GDX Shares and the underlying commodity with respect to the SLV Shares on a regular basis as part of their general broker dealer and other businesses. As a result, these entities may be unwinding or adjusting hedge positions during the term of the securities, and the hedging strategy may involve greater and more frequent dynamic adjustments to the hedge as the final observation date approaches. Any of these hedging or trading activities on or prior to November 18, 2024 could potentially increase the initial share price of either of the underlying shares, and, therefore, could increase (i) the coupon threshold level for such underlying shares, which, if the securities have not been redeemed, is the value at or above which such underlying shares must close on the observation dates in order for you to earn a contingent quarterly coupon or to receive any unpaid contingent quarterly coupons from prior observation dates (depending also on the performance of the other underlying shares), and (ii) the value at or above which such underlying shares must close on the final observation date so that you are not exposed to the negative performance of the worst performing underlying shares at maturity (depending also on the performance of the other underlying shares). Additionally, such hedging or trading activities during the term of the securities could potentially affect the value of either of the underlying shares on the observation dates, and, accordingly, whether we pay a contingent quarterly coupon on the securities and the amount of cash you will receive at maturity, if any (depending also on the performance of the other underlying shares).
■The calculation agent, which is a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley and an affiliate of MSFL, will make determinations with respect to the securities. As calculation agent, MS & Co. will determine the initial share prices, the coupon threshold levels, the final share prices, the payment at maturity, if any, whether you receive a contingent quarterly coupon on each coupon payment date and/or at maturity, whether you receive any previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupons, whether a market disruption event has occurred and whether to make any adjustments to the adjustment factors. 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 certain adjustments to the adjustment factors. These potentially subjective determinations may affect the payout to you upon an early redemption or at maturity, if any. For further information regarding these types of determinations, see "Additional Terms of the Securities-Additional Terms-Calculation agent," "-Market disruption event," "-Postponement of observation dates," "-Discontinuance of the GDX Shares and/or the share underlying index; alteration of method of calculation," "-"Discontinuance of the SLV Shares; alteration of method of calculation" and "-Alternate exchange calculation in case of an event of default" below. In addition, MS & Co. has determined the estimated value of the securities on the pricing date.
■The U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities are uncertain. There is no direct legal authority as to the proper treatment of the securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and, therefore, significant aspects of the tax treatment of the securities are uncertain.
Please read the discussion under "Additional Information-Tax considerations" in this document concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities. We intend to treat a security for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a single financial contract that provides for a coupon that will be treated as gross income to you at the time received or accrued, in accordance with your regular method of tax accounting. Under this treatment, the ordinary income treatment of the coupon payments, in conjunction with the capital loss treatment of any loss recognized upon the sale, exchange or settlement of the securities, could result in adverse tax consequences to holders of the securities because the deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. We do not plan to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") regarding the tax treatment of the securities, and the IRS or a court may not agree with the tax treatment described herein. If the IRS were successful in asserting an alternative treatment for the securities, the timing and character of income or loss on the securities might differ significantly from the tax treatment described herein. For example, under one possible treatment, the IRS could seek to recharacterize the securities as debt instruments. In that event, U.S. Holders (as defined below) would be required to accrue into income original issue discount on the securities every year at a "comparable yield" determined at the time of issuance (as adjusted based on the difference, if any, between the actual and the projected amount of any contingent payments on the securities) and
November 2024 Page 16
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Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
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. Moreover, future legislation, Treasury regulations or IRS guidance could adversely affect the U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the securities, possibly retroactively.
Non-U.S. Holders (as defined below) should note that we currently intend to withhold on any coupon paid to Non-U.S. Holders generally at a rate of 30%, or at a reduced rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty under an "other income" or similar provision, and will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld.
Both U.S. and Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities, including possible alternative treatments, as well as tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.
Risks Relating to the Underlying Shares
■You are exposed to the price risk of both of the underlying shares, with respect to both the contingent quarterly coupons, if any, and the payment at maturity, if any. Your return on the securities is not linked to a basket consisting of both of the underlying shares. Rather, it will be contingent upon the independent performance of each of the underlying shares. Unlike an instrument with a return linked to a basket of underlying assets, in which risk is mitigated and diversified among all the components of the basket, you will be exposed to the risks related to both of the underlying shares. Poor performance by either of the underlying shares over the term of the securities may negatively affect your return and will not be offset or mitigated by any positive performance by the other underlying shares. To receive any contingent quarterly coupons, both of the underlying shares must close at or above the respective coupon threshold levels on the applicable observation date. In addition, if either of the underlying shares has declined from its initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount as of the final observation date, you will be exposed to the decline in the price of the worst performing underlying shares on a leveraged basis beyond the buffer amount, even if the other underlying shares have appreciated or have not declined as much. Under this scenario, the payment at maturity will be less than the stated principal amount and could be zero. Accordingly, your investment is subject to the price risk of both of the underlying shares.
■Investing in the securities exposes investors to risks associated with investments in securities with a concentration in the gold and silver mining industry. The securities are subject to certain risks applicable to the gold and silver mining industry. The stocks included in the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index and that are generally tracked by the GDX Shares are stocks of companies primarily engaged in the mining of gold or silver. The underlying shares may be subject to increased price volatility as they are linked to a single industry, market or sector and may be more susceptible to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting that industry, market or sector.
Because the GDX Shares primarily invests in stocks, American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") of companies that are involved in the gold mining industry, the underlying shares are subject to certain risks associated with such companies.
Competitive pressures may have a significant effect on the financial condition of companies in the gold mining industry. Also, gold mining companies are highly dependent on the price of gold. Gold prices are subject to volatile price movements over short periods of time and are affected by numerous factors. These include economic factors, including, among other things, the structure of and confidence in the global monetary system, expectations of the future rate of inflation, the relative strength of, and confidence in, the U.S. dollar (the currency in which the price of gold is generally quoted), interest rates and gold borrowing and lending rates, and global or regional economic, financial, political, regulatory, judicial or other events. Gold prices may also be affected by industry factors such as industrial and jewelry demand, lending, sales and purchases of gold by the official sector, including central banks and other governmental agencies and multilateral institutions which hold gold, levels of gold production and production costs, and short-term changes in supply and demand because of trading activities in the gold market.
The GDX Shares invests to a lesser extent in stocks, ADRs and GDRs of companies involved in the silver mining industry. Silver mining companies are highly dependent on the price of silver. Silver prices can fluctuate widely and may be affected by numerous factors. These include general economic trends, technical developments, substitution issues and regulation, as well as specific factors including industrial and jewelry demand, expectations with respect to the rate of inflation, the relative strength of the U.S. dollar (the currency in which the price of silver is generally quoted) and other currencies, interest rates, central bank sales, forward sales by producers, global or regional political or economic events, and production costs and disruptions in major silver producing countries such as Mexico and Peru. The supply of silver consists of a combination of new mine production and existing stocks of bullion and fabricated silver held by governments, public and private financial institutions, industrial organizations and private
November 2024 Page 17
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individuals. In addition, the price of silver has on occasion been subject to very rapid short-term changes due to speculative activities. From time to time, above-ground inventories of silver may also influence the market. The major end-uses for silver include industrial applications, jewelry, photography and silverware.
■There are risks associated with investments in securities linked to the value of foreign equity securities. The price of the GDX Shares tracks the performance of the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index, which measures the value of foreign equity securities. Investments in securities linked to the value of foreign equity securities involve risks associated with the securities markets in those countries, including risks of volatility in those markets, governmental intervention in those markets and cross-shareholdings in companies in certain countries. Also, there is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies than about U.S. companies that are subject to the reporting requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and foreign companies are subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements different from those applicable to U.S. reporting companies. The prices of securities issued in foreign markets may be affected by political, economic, financial and social factors in those countries, or global regions, including changes in government, economic and fiscal policies and currency exchange laws. Local securities markets may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of holdings difficult or impossible at times. Moreover, the economies in such countries may differ unfavorably from the economy in the United States in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources, self-sufficiency and balance of payment positions between countries.
■The securities are subject to currency exchange risk. Because the price of the GDX Shares tracks the performance of the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index, holders of the securities will be exposed to currency exchange rate risk with respect to each of the currencies in which such component securities trade. Exchange rate movements for a particular currency are volatile and are the result of numerous factors including the supply of, and the demand for, those currencies, as well as relevant government policy, intervention or actions, but are also influenced significantly from time to time by political or economic developments, and by macroeconomic factors and speculative actions related to the relevant region. An investor's net exposure will depend on the extent to which the currencies of the component securities strengthen or weaken against the U.S. dollar and the relative weight of each security. If, taking into account such weighting, the dollar strengthens against the currencies of the component securities represented in the share underlying index, the price of the GDX Shares will be adversely affected and the payment at maturity on the securities may be reduced.
Of particular importance to potential currency exchange risk are:
oexisting and expected rates of inflation;
oexisting and expected interest rate levels;
othe balance of payments between countries; and
othe extent of governmental surpluses or deficits in the countries represented in the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index and the United States.
All of these factors are in turn sensitive to the monetary, fiscal and trade policies pursued by the governments of various countries represented in the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index and the United States and other countries important to international trade and finance.
■Single commodity prices tend to be more volatile than, and may not correlate with, the prices of commodities generally. The iShares® Silver Trust is linked exclusively to the price of silver and not to a diverse basket of commodities or a broad-based commodity index. The price of silver may not correlate with, and may diverge significantly from, the prices of commodities generally. Because the securities are linked to the SLV Shares, which reflect the performance of the price of a single commodity, they carry greater risk and may be more volatile than a security linked to the prices of multiple commodities or a broad-based commodity index. The price of silver may be, and has recently been, highly volatile, and we can give you no assurance that such volatility will lessen.
■The securities are subject to risks associated with silver. The iShares® Silver Trust seeks to reflect generally the performance of the price of silver, less the iShares® Silver Trust's expenses and liabilities. The price of silver is primarily affected by global demand for and supply of silver. Silver prices can fluctuate widely and may be affected by numerous factors. These include general economic trends, technical developments, substitution issues and regulation, as well as specific factors including industrial and jewelry demand, expectations with respect to the rate of inflation, the relative strength of the U.S. dollar (as the currency in which the price of silver is generally quoted) and other currencies, interest rates, central bank sales, forward sales by producers, global or regional political or economic events and production costs and disruptions in major silver-producing countries, such as Mexico, China and Peru. The demand for and supply of silver affect silver prices, but not necessarily in the same manner as supply and
November 2024 Page 18
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demand affect the prices of other commodities. The supply of silver consists of a combination of new mine production and existing stocks of bullion and fabricated silver held by governments, public and private financial institutions, industrial organizations and private individuals. In addition, the price of silver has on occasion been subject to very rapid short-term changes due to speculative activities. From time to time, above-ground inventories of silver may also influence the market. The major end-uses for silver include industrial applications, jewelry and silverware. It is not possible to predict the aggregate effect of any or all of these factors.
■There are risks relating to trading of commodities on the London Bullion Market Association. The investment objective of the iShares® Silver Trust seeks to reflect generally the performance of the price of silver, less the iShares® Silver Trust's expenses and liabilities. The price of silver is determined by the LBMA or an independent service-provider appointed by the LBMA. The LBMA is a self-regulatory association of bullion market participants. Although all market-making members of the LBMA are supervised by the Bank of England and are required to satisfy a capital adequacy test, the LBMA itself is not a regulated entity. If the LBMA should cease operations, or if bullion trading should become subject to a value added tax or other tax or any other form of regulation not currently in place, the role of LBMA prices as a global benchmark for the value of silver may be adversely affected. The LBMA is a principals' market that operates in a manner more closely analogous to an over-the-counter physical commodity market than a regulated futures markets, and certain features of U.S. futures contracts are not present in the context of LBMA trading. For example, there are no daily price limits on the LBMA that would otherwise restrict fluctuations in the prices of LBMA contracts. In a declining market, it is possible that prices would continue to decline without limitation within a trading day or over a period of trading days. The LBMA may alter, discontinue or suspend calculation or dissemination of the LBMA silver price, which could adversely affect the value of the securities. The LBMA, or an independent service-provider appointed by the LBMA, will have no obligation to consider your interests in calculating or revising LBMA prices.
■Suspensions or disruptions of market trading in commodity and related futures markets could adversely affect the price of the securities. The commodity 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 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 commodity that constitutes the SLV Shares, and, therefore, the value of the securities.
■Adjustments to the GDX Shares or the index tracked by the GDX Shares could adversely affect the value of the securities. The investment adviser to the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF, VanEck Associates Corporation (the "Investment Adviser"), seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index. Pursuant to its investment strategy or otherwise, the Investment Adviser may add, delete or substitute the stocks composing the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index. Any of these actions could adversely affect the price of the GDX Shares and, consequently, the value of the securities. ICE Data Indices, LLC ("IDI") is responsible for calculating and maintaining the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index. IDI may add, delete or substitute the securities constituting the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index or make other methodological changes that could change the value of the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index. IDI may discontinue or suspend calculation or publication of the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index at any time. If trading in the GDX Shares is permanently discontinued and/or the GDX Shares are liquidated or otherwise terminated, and IDI discontinues the publication of the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index, the calculation agent will have the sole discretion to substitute a successor index that is comparable to the discontinued NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index and is permitted to consider indices that are calculated and published by the calculation agent or any of its affiliates. Adjustments to the GDX Shares or to the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index could adversely affect the price of the GDX Shares and, consequently, the value of the securities.
■The antidilution adjustments the calculation agent is required to make do not cover every event that could affect the underlying shares. MS & Co., as calculation agent, will adjust the adjustment factors for certain events affecting the underlying shares. However, the calculation agent will not make an adjustment for every event that can affect the underlying shares. If an event occurs that does not require the calculation agent to adjust an adjustment factor, the market price of the securities may be materially and adversely affected.
■The performance and market price of the underlying shares, particularly during periods of market volatility, may not correlate with the performance of the underlying commodity, with respect to the SLV Shares, the share underlying index with respect to the GDX Shares, the component securities of the share underlying index with respect to the GDX Shares or the net asset value per share of the relevant underlying shares. The SLV Shares do not fully replicate the underlying commodity, the GDX Shares do not fully replicate the share underlying and the GDX Shares may hold securities that are different than those included in the share underlying index.
November 2024 Page 19
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Principal at Risk Securities
With respect to the SLV Shares, the underlying shares do not fully replicate the performance of their underlying commodity due to the fees and expenses charged by the underlying shares or by restrictions on access to the underlying commodity due to other circumstances. The SLV Shares do not generate any income, and as the SLV Shares regularly sell their underlying commodity to pay for ongoing expenses, the amount of its underlying commodity represented by each share gradually declines over time. The SLV Shares sell its underlying commodity to pay expenses on an ongoing basis irrespective of whether the trading price of the shares rises or falls in response to changes in the price of its underlying commodity. The sale by the SLV Shares of its underlying commodity to pay expenses at a time of relatively low prices for its underlying commodity could adversely affect the value of the securities. Additionally, there is a risk that part or all of the holdings of the SLV Shares in its underlying commodity could be lost, damaged or stolen due to war, terrorism, theft, natural disaster or otherwise.
With respect to the GDX Shares, the performance of the underlying shares will reflect additional transaction costs and fees that are not included in the calculation of the share underlying index. All of these factors may lead to a lack of correlation between the performance of the GDX Shares and the share underlying index. In addition, corporate actions (such as mergers and spin-offs) with respect to the securities underlying the GDX Shares may impact the variance between the performances of the GDX Shares and the share underlying index.
Additionally, because the shares of each of the underlying shares are traded on an exchange and are subject to market supply and investor demand, the market price of one share of each of the underlying shares may differ from the net asset value per share of such underlying shares.
In particular, during periods of market volatility, or unusual trading activity, trading in the components underlying each of the underlying shares may be disrupted or limited, or such components may be unavailable in the secondary market. Under these circumstances, the liquidity of each of the underlying shares may be adversely affected, market participants may be unable to calculate accurately the net asset value per share of each of the underlying shares, and their ability to create and redeem shares of each of the underlying shares may be disrupted. Under these circumstances, the market price of shares of each of the underlying shares may vary substantially from the net asset value per share of each underlying share, the performance of its underlying commodity, with respect to the SLV Shares, or the level of the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index, with respect to the GDX Shares.
For all of the foregoing reasons, the performance of the SLV Shares may not correlate with the performance of its underlying commodity and the performance of the GDX Shares may not correlate with the performance of the share underlying index or the component securities of the share underlying index, and the performance of each of the underlying shares may not correlate with the performance of the net asset value per share of such underlying shares. Any of these events could materially and adversely affect the prices of each of the underlying shares and, therefore, the value of the securities. Additionally, if market volatility or these events were to occur on the final observation date, the calculation agent would maintain discretion to determine whether such market volatility or events have caused a market disruption event to occur, and such determination would affect the payment at maturity of the securities. If the calculation agent determines that no market disruption event has taken place, the payment at maturity would be based solely on the published closing price per share of each of the underlying shares on the final observation date, even if the SLV Shares are underperforming the underlying commodity, the GDX Shares are underperforming the share underlying index or the component securities of the share underlying index and/or either of the underlying shares are trading below the net asset value per share of such underlying shares.
November 2024 Page 20
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VanEck® Gold Miners ETF Overview
The VanEck® Gold Miners ETF is an exchange-traded fund managed by VanEck, a registered investment company that seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index. VanEck® ETF Trust is an investment portfolio managed by VanEck. Information provided to or filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") by the VanEck® ETF Trust pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 can be located by reference to Commission file numbers 333-123257 and 811-10325, respectively, through the Commission's website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information may be obtained from other publicly available sources. Neither the issuer nor the agent makes any representation that any such publicly available information regarding the GDX Shares is accurate or complete.
Information as of market close on November 19, 2024:
Ticker Symbol: |
GDX UP |
Current Share Price: |
$37.88 |
52 Weeks Ago: |
$28.51 |
52 Week High (on 10/22/2024): |
$44.09 |
52 Week Low (on 2/28/2024): |
$25.78 |
The following graph sets forth the daily closing prices of the GDX Shares for the period from January 1, 2019 through November 19, 2024. The related table sets forth the published high and low closing prices, as well as the end-of-quarter closing prices, of the GDX Shares for each quarter in the same period. The closing price of the GDX Shares on November 19, 2024 was $37.88. We obtained the information in the graph and table below from Bloomberg Financial Markets, without independent verification. The GDX Shares have at times experienced periods of high volatility, and you should not take the historical performance of the GDX Shares as an indication of future performance of the GDX Shares. No assurance can be given as to the closing price of the GDX Shares at any time, including on the observation dates.
Shares of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF - Daily Closing Prices |
* The black solid line indicates the coupon threshold level, which is 85% of the initial share price.
November 2024 Page 21
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VanEck® Gold Miners ETF (CUSIP 92189F106) |
High ($) |
Low ($) |
Period End ($) |
2019 |
|||
First Quarter |
23.36 |
20.31 |
22.42 |
Second Quarter |
26.17 |
20.17 |
25.56 |
Third Quarter |
30.95 |
24.58 |
26.71 |
Fourth Quarter |
29.49 |
26.19 |
29.28 |
2020 |
|||
First Quarter |
31.05 |
19.00 |
23.04 |
Second Quarter |
37.21 |
24.03 |
36.68 |
Third Quarter |
44.53 |
36.17 |
39.16 |
Fourth Quarter |
41.42 |
33.42 |
36.02 |
2021 |
|||
First Quarter |
38.51 |
30.90 |
32.50 |
Second Quarter |
39.68 |
33.60 |
33.98 |
Third Quarter |
35.09 |
28.91 |
29.47 |
Fourth Quarter |
34.90 |
29.33 |
32.03 |
2022 |
|||
First Quarter |
38.91 |
29.30 |
38.35 |
Second Quarter |
40.87 |
27.38 |
27.38 |
Third Quarter |
28.16 |
21.86 |
24.12 |
Fourth Quarter |
30.04 |
22.68 |
28.66 |
2023 |
|||
First Quarter |
33.27 |
26.68 |
32.35 |
Second Quarter |
35.87 |
29.22 |
30.11 |
Third Quarter |
32.63 |
26.91 |
26.91 |
Fourth Quarter |
31.98 |
25.91 |
31.01 |
2024 |
|||
First Quarter |
31.62 |
25.78 |
31.62 |
Second Quarter |
37.24 |
32.03 |
33.93 |
Third Quarter |
41.64 |
33.89 |
39.82 |
Fourth Quarter (through November 19, 2024) |
44.09 |
35.51 |
37.88 |
This document relates only to the securities referenced hereby and does not relate to the GDX Shares. We have derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding the VanEck® ETF Trust from the publicly available documents described above. In connection with the offering of the securities, neither we nor the agent has participated in the preparation of such documents or made any due diligence inquiry with respect to the VanEck® ETF Trust. Neither we nor the agent makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding the VanEck® ETF Trust is accurate or complete. Furthermore, we cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of the GDX Shares (and therefore the price of the GDX Shares at the time we priced the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning the VanEck® ETF Trust could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.
Neither we nor any of our affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of the GDX Shares.
We and/or our affiliates may presently or from time to time engage in business with the VanEck® ETF Trust. In the course of such business, we and/or our affiliates may acquire non-public information with respect to the VanEck® ETF Trust, and neither we nor any of our affiliates undertakes to disclose any such information to you. In addition, one or more of our affiliates may publish research reports with respect to the GDX Shares. The statements in the preceding two sentences are not intended to affect the rights of investors in the securities under the securities laws. As a purchaser of the securities, you should undertake an independent investigation of the VanEck® ETF Trust as in your judgment is appropriate to make an informed decision with respect to an investment linked to the GDX Shares.
November 2024 Page 22
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MarketVector℠ is a service mark of Van Eck Associates Corporation ("Van Eck"). The securities are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by Van Eck. Van Eck makes no representations or warranties to the owners of the securities or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in the securities. Van Eck has no obligation or liability in connection with the operation, marketing, trading or sale of the securities.
NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index. The NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index is a modified market capitalization weighted index comprised of publicly traded companies involved primarily in the mining of gold and silver. The NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index includes common stocks, ADRs or GDRs of selected companies involved in the mining for gold and silver ore and are listed for trading and electronically quoted on a major stock market that is accessible by foreign investors. For additional information about the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index, please see the information set forth under "NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index" in the accompanying index supplement.
November 2024 Page 23
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iShares® Silver Trust Overview
The iShares® Silver Trust (the "Silver Trust") is an investment trust sponsored by iShares® Delaware Trust Sponsor LLC , which seeks to provide investment results that reflect the performance of the price of silver, less the iShares® Silver Trust's expenses and liabilities. The assets of the iShares® Silver Trust consists primarily of silver held by a custodian on behalf of the iShares® Silver Trust. Information provided to or filed with the Commission by the iShares® Silver Trust pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 can be located by reference to Commission file number 001-32863 through the Commission's website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information may be obtained from other publicly available sources. Neither the issuer nor the agent makes any representation that any such publicly available information regarding the iShares® Silver Trust is accurate or complete.
All information contained in this document regarding the Silver Trust has been derived from publicly available information, without independent verification. This information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by, iShares® Delaware Trust Sponsor LLC, a subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc., the sponsor of the Silver Trust. The Bank of New York Mellon is the trustee of the Silver Trust, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. is the custodian of the Silver Trust. Shares of the Silver Trust trades under the ticker symbol "SLV" on NYSE Arca, Inc.
The Silver Trust seeks to reflect generally the performance of the price of silver, less the Silver Trust's expenses and liabilities. The assets of the Silver Trust consist primarily of silver held by a custodian on behalf of the Silver Trust. The Silver Trust issues shares in exchange for deposits of silver and distributes silver in connection with the redemption of shares. The shares of the Silver Trust are intended to constitute a simple and cost-effective means of making an investment similar to an investment in silver.
The Silver Trust does not engage in any activity designed to derive a profit from changes in the price of silver. The Silver Trust's only ordinary recurring expense is expected to be the sponsor's fee, which accrues daily at an annualized rate equal to 0.50% of the net asset value of the Silver Trust and is payable monthly in arrears. The trustee of the Silver Trust will, when directed by the sponsor of the Silver Trust, and, in the absence of such direction, may in its discretion, sell silver in such quantity and at such times as may be necessary to permit payment of the Silver Trust sponsor's fee and of Silver Trust expenses or liabilities not assumed by the sponsor. As a result of the recurring sales of silver necessary to pay the Silver Trust sponsor's fee and the Silver Trust expenses or liabilities not assumed by the Silver Trust sponsor, the net asset value of the Silver Trust will decrease over time.
Information as of market close on November 19, 2024:
Ticker Symbol: |
SLV UP |
Current Share Price: |
$28.50 |
52 Weeks Ago: |
$21.48 |
52 Week High (on 10/22/2024): |
$31.74 |
52 Week Low (on 2/13/2024): |
$20.20 |
The following graph sets forth the daily closing prices of the SLV Shares for the period from January 1, 2019 through November 19, 2024. The related table sets forth the published high and low closing prices, as well as the end-of-quarter closing prices, of the SLV Shares for each quarter in the same period. The closing price of the SLV Shares on November 19, 2024 was $28.50. We obtained the information in the graph and table below from Bloomberg Financial Markets, without independent verification. The SLV Shares have at times experienced periods of high volatility, and you should not take the historical performance of the SLV Shares as an indication of future performance of the SLV Shares. No assurance can be given as to the closing price of the SLV Shares at any time, including on the observation dates.
November 2024 Page 24
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Shares of the iShares® Silver Trust - Daily Closing Prices January 1, 2019 to November 19, 2024 |
* The black solid line indicates the coupon threshold level, which is 85% of the initial share price. |
November 2024 Page 25
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Principal at Risk Securities
iShares® Silver Trust (CUSIP 46428Q109) |
High ($) |
Low ($) |
Period End ($) |
2019 |
|||
First Quarter |
15.07 |
14.07 |
14.18 |
Second Quarter |
14.46 |
13.46 |
14.33 |
Third Quarter |
18.34 |
14.05 |
15.92 |
Fourth Quarter |
16.92 |
15.48 |
16.68 |
2020 |
|||
First Quarter |
17.40 |
11.21 |
13.05 |
Second Quarter |
17.10 |
13.02 |
17.01 |
Third Quarter |
27.00 |
16.71 |
21.64 |
Fourth Quarter |
24.76 |
21.05 |
24.57 |
2021 |
|||
First Quarter |
26.76 |
22.26 |
22.70 |
Second Quarter |
26.19 |
23.04 |
24.22 |
Third Quarter |
24.55 |
19.95 |
20.52 |
Fourth Quarter |
23.42 |
20.30 |
21.51 |
2022 |
|||
First Quarter |
24.45 |
20.51 |
22.88 |
Second Quarter |
23.87 |
18.64 |
18.64 |
Third Quarter |
19.17 |
16.38 |
17.50 |
Fourth Quarter |
22.23 |
16.81 |
22.02 |
2023 |
|||
First Quarter |
22.33 |
18.40 |
22.12 |
Second Quarter |
23.94 |
20.53 |
20.89 |
Third Quarter |
23.10 |
20.34 |
20.34 |
Fourth Quarter |
23.33 |
19.25 |
21.78 |
2024 |
|||
First Quarter |
23.29 |
20.20 |
22.75 |
Second Quarter |
29.27 |
22.86 |
26.57 |
Third Quarter |
29.38 |
24.33 |
28.41 |
Fourth Quarter (through November 19, 2024) |
31.74 |
27.57 |
28.50 |
This document relates only to the securities referenced hereby and does not relate to the SLV Shares. We have derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding the Silver Trust from the publicly available documents described above. In connection with the offering of the securities, neither we nor the agent has participated in the preparation of such documents or made any due diligence inquiry with respect to the Silver Trust. Neither we nor the agent makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding the Silver Trust is accurate or complete. Furthermore, we cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of the SLV Shares (and therefore the price of the SLV Shares at the time we priced the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning the Silver Trust could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.
Neither we nor any of our affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of the SLV Shares.
We and/or our affiliates may presently or from time to time engage in business with the Silver Trust. In the course of such business, we and/or our affiliates may acquire non-public information with respect to the Silver Trust, and neither we nor any of our affiliates undertakes to disclose any such information to you. In addition, one or more of our affiliates may publish research reports with respect to the SLV Shares. The statements in the preceding two sentences are not intended to affect the rights of investors in the securities under the securities laws. As a purchaser of the securities, you should undertake an independent investigation of the Silver Trust as in your judgment is appropriate to make an informed decision with respect to an investment linked to the SLV Shares.
November 2024 Page 26
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
Additional Terms of the Securities
Please read this information in conjunction with the terms on the front cover of this pricing supplement.
Additional Terms: |
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If the terms described herein are inconsistent with those described in the accompanying prospectus supplement, index supplement or prospectus, the terms described herein shall control. |
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Share underlying index (with respect to the GDX Shares): |
NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index |
Share underlying index publisher (with respect to the GDX Shares): |
ICE Data Indices, LLC, or any successor thereof |
Underlying commodity (with respect to the SLV Shares): |
Silver |
Denominations: |
$1,000 per security and integral multiples thereof |
Interest period: |
The quarterly period from and including the original issue date (in the case of the first interest period) or the previous scheduled coupon payment date, as applicable, to but excluding the following scheduled coupon payment date, with no adjustment for any postponement thereof. |
Senior security or subordinated security: |
Senior |
Specified currency: |
U.S. dollars |
Record date: |
The record date for each coupon payment date shall be the date one business day prior to such scheduled coupon payment date; provided, however, that any coupon payable at maturity (or upon early redemption) shall be payable to the person to whom the payment at maturity or redemption payment, as the case may be, shall be payable. |
Day-count convention: |
Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. |
Trustee: |
The Bank of New York Mellon |
Calculation agent: |
The calculation agent for the securities will be MS & Co. All determinations made by the calculation agent will be at the sole discretion of the calculation agent and will, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive for all purposes and binding on you, the trustee and us. All calculations with respect to the contingent quarterly coupon, the redemption payment and the payment at maturity, if any, shall be made by the calculation agent and shall be rounded to the nearest one hundred-thousandth, with five one-millionths rounded upward (e.g., .876545 would be rounded to .87655); all dollar amounts related to determination of the amount of cash payable per stated principal amount, if any, shall be rounded to the nearest ten-thousandth, with five one hundred-thousandths rounded upward (e.g., .76545 would be rounded up to .7655); and all dollar amounts paid on the aggregate principal amount of the securities shall be rounded to the nearest cent, with one-half cent rounded upward. Because the calculation agent is our affiliate, the economic interests of the calculation agent and its affiliates may be adverse to your interests as an investor in the securities, including with respect to certain determinations and judgments that the calculation agent must make in determining the payment that you will receive, if any, on each coupon payment date, upon early redemption or at maturity or whether a market disruption event has occurred. See "Market disruption event," "Discontinuance of the GDX Shares and/or the share underlying index; alteration of method of calculation" and "Discontinuance of the SLV Shares; alteration of method of calculation" below. MS & Co. is obligated to carry out its duties and functions as calculation agent in good faith and using its reasonable judgment. |
Business day: |
Any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or regulation to close in The City of New York. |
Trading day: |
Trading day means, in respect of the GDX Shares, a day, as determined by the calculation agent, that is a day on which the relevant exchange for such underlying shares is open for trading during its regular trading session, notwithstanding any such relevant exchange closing prior to its scheduled closing time. Trading day means, in respect of the SLV Shares, a day, as determined by the calculation agent, |
November 2024 Page 27
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
on which NYSE Arca (or if NYSE Arca is no longer the principal exchange or trading market for the SLV Shares, such exchange or principal trading market for the SLV Shares that serves as the price-source for the SLV Shares) is open for trading during its regular session, notwithstanding such exchange or principal trading market closing prior to its scheduled closing time. |
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Closing price: |
Subject to the provisions set out under "Discontinuance of the GDX Shares and/or the share underlying index; alteration of method of calculation" and "Discontinuance of the SLV Shares; alteration of method of calculation" below, the closing price for one share of an underlying shares (or one unit of any other security for which a closing price must be determined) on any trading day means: (i)if such underlying shares (or any such other security) are listed on a national securities exchange (other than the Nasdaq), the last reported sale price, regular way, of the principal trading session on such day on the principal national securities exchange registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, on which such underlying shares (or any such other security) are listed, (ii)if such underlying shares (or any such other security) are securities of the Nasdaq, the official closing price of such underlying shares published by the Nasdaq on such day, or (iii)if such underlying shares (or any such other security) are not listed on any national securities exchange but are included in the OTC Bulletin Board Service (the "OTC Bulletin Board") operated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA"), the last reported sale price of the principal trading session on the OTC Bulletin Board on such day for such underlying shares. If such underlying shares (or any such other security) are listed on any national securities exchange but the last reported sale price or the official closing price published by such exchange, or by the Nasdaq, as applicable, is not available pursuant to the preceding sentence, then the closing price for one share of such underlying shares (or one unit of any such other security) on any trading day will mean the last reported sale price of the principal trading session on the over-the-counter market as reported on the Nasdaq or the OTC Bulletin Board on such day. If a market disruption event (as defined below) occurs with respect to either of the underlying shares (or any such other security) or the last reported sale price or the official closing price published by the Nasdaq, as applicable, for such underlying shares (or any such other security) is not available pursuant to either of the two preceding sentences, then the closing price for any trading day will be the mean, as determined by the calculation agent, of the bid prices for such underlying shares (or any such other security) for such trading day obtained from as many recognized dealers in such security, but not exceeding three, as will make such bid prices available to the calculation agent. Bids of MS & Co. and its successors or any of its affiliates may be included in the calculation of such mean, but only to the extent that any such bid is the highest of the bids obtained. If no bid prices are provided from any third-party dealers, the closing price of such underlying shares will be determined by the calculation agent in its sole and absolute discretion (acting in good faith) taking into account any information that it deems relevant. The term "OTC Bulletin Board Service" will include any successor service thereto, or, if applicable, the OTC Reporting Facility operated by FINRA. See "Discontinuance of the GDX Shares and/or the share underlying index; alteration of method of calculation" and "Discontinuance of the SLV Shares; alteration of method of calculation" below. |
Market disruption event: |
With respect to the GDX Shares, market disruption event means: (i) the occurrence or existence of any of: (a) a suspension, absence or material limitation of trading of such underlying shares on the primary market for such underlying shares for more than two hours of trading or during the one-half hour period preceding the close of the principal trading session in such market; or a breakdown or failure in the price and trade reporting systems of the primary market for such underlying shares as a result of which the reported trading prices for such underlying shares during the last one-half hour preceding the close of the principal trading session in such market are materially inaccurate; or the suspension, absence or material limitation of trading on the primary market for trading in futures or options contracts related to such underlying shares, if available, during the one-half hour period preceding the close of the principal trading session in the applicable market, in each case as determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion; or (b) a suspension, absence or material limitation of trading of stocks then constituting 20 percent or more of the value of the share underlying index for such underlying shares on the relevant exchange(s) for such securities for more than two hours of trading or during the one-half hour period preceding the close of the principal trading session on such relevant exchange(s), in each case as determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion; or |
November 2024 Page 28
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
(c) the suspension, material limitation or absence of trading on any major U.S. securities market for trading in futures or options contracts related to the share underlying index or the underlying shares for more than two hours of trading or during the one-half hour period preceding the close of the principal trading session on such market, in each case as determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion; and (ii) a determination by the calculation agent in its sole discretion that any event described in clause (i) above materially interfered with our ability or the ability of any of our affiliates to unwind or adjust all or a material portion of the hedge position with respect to the securities. For the purpose of determining whether a market disruption event exists at any time, if trading in a security included in the share underlying index for the underlying shares is materially suspended or materially limited at that time, then the relevant percentage contribution of that security to the level of the share underlying index for such underlying shares will be based on a comparison of (x) the portion of the level of the share underlying index for such underlying shares attributable to that security relative to (y) the overall level of the share underlying index for such underlying shares, in each case immediately before that suspension or limitation. For the purpose of determining whether a market disruption event has occurred with respect to the underlying shares: (1) a limitation on the hours or number of days of trading will not constitute a market disruption event if it results from an announced change in the regular business hours of the relevant exchange or market, (2) a decision to permanently discontinue trading in the underlying shares or in the futures or options contract related to the share underlying index for the underlying shares or the underlying shares will not constitute a market disruption event, (3) a suspension of trading in futures or options contracts on the share underlying index for the underlying shares or the underlying shares by the primary securities market trading in such contracts by reason of (a) a price change exceeding limits set by such securities exchange or market, (b) an imbalance of orders relating to such contracts or (c) a disparity in bid and ask quotes relating to such contracts will constitute a suspension, absence or material limitation of trading in futures or options contracts related to the share underlying index for the underlying shares or the underlying shares and (4) a "suspension, absence or material limitation of trading" on any relevant exchange or on the primary market on which futures or options contracts related to the share underlying index for the underlying shares or the underlying shares are traded will not include any time when such securities market is itself closed for trading under ordinary circumstances. Regarding any permanent discontinuance of trading in the GDX Shares, see "Discontinuance of the GDX Shares and/or the share underlying index; alteration of method of calculation" below. With respect to the SLV Shares, market disruption event means: (i) the occurrence or existence of any of: (a) a suspension, absence or material limitation of trading of the SLV Shares on the primary market for the SLV Shares for more than two hours of trading or during the one-half hour period preceding the close of the principal trading session in such market; or a breakdown or failure in the price and trade reporting systems of the primary market for the SLV Shares as a result of which the reported trading prices for the SLV Shares during the last one-half hour preceding the close of the principal trading session in such market are materially inaccurate; or the suspension, absence or material limitation of trading on the primary market for trading in futures or options contracts related to the SLV Shares, if available, during the one-half hour period preceding the close of the principal trading session in the applicable market; or (b) a suspension, material limitation or absence of trading on any major U.S. securities market for trading in futures or options contracts related to the SLV Shares for more than two hours of trading or during the one-half hour period preceding the close of the principal trading session on such market, in each case as determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion, and (ii) a determination by the calculation agent in its sole discretion that any event described in clause (i) above materially interfered with our ability or the ability of any of our affiliates to unwind or adjust all or a material portion of the hedge position with respect to the securities. For the purpose of determining whether a market disruption event in respect of the SLV Shares has occurred: (1) a limitation on the hours or number of days of trading will not constitute a market disruption event if it results from an announced change in the regular business hours of the market, (2) a decision to permanently discontinue trading in the SLV Shares or in the relevant futures or options contract will not constitute a market disruption event, (3) a suspension of trading in futures or options contracts on the SLV Shares by the primary securities market trading in such contracts by reason of (a) a price change exceeding limits set by such securities exchange or market, (b) an imbalance of orders relating to such contracts or (c) a disparity in bid |
November 2024 Page 29
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
and ask quotes relating to such contracts will constitute a suspension, absence or material limitation of trading in futures or options contracts related to the SLV Shares and (4) a "suspension, absence or material limitation of trading" on the primary market on which futures or options contracts related to the SLV Shares are traded will not include any time when such securities market is itself closed for trading under ordinary circumstances. |
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Discontinuance of the GDX Shares and/or the share underlying index; alteration of method of calculation; |
If trading in the GDX Shares on every applicable national securities exchange, on the OTC Bulletin Board and in the over-the-counter market is permanently discontinued or the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF is liquidated or otherwise terminated (a "GDX discontinuance or liquidation event"), the closing price of the GDX Shares on any trading day following the GDX discontinuance or liquidation event will be determined by the calculation agent and will be deemed to equal the product of (i) the closing value of the share underlying index for the GDX Shares (or any successor index, as described below) on such date (taking into account any material changes in the method of calculating the share underlying index following such GDX discontinuance or liquidation event) and (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the closing price of the GDX Shares and the denominator of which is the closing value of the share underlying index (or any successor index, as described below), each determined as of the last day prior to the occurrence of the GDX discontinuance or liquidation event on which a closing price was available. If, subsequent to a GDX discontinuance or liquidation event, the share underlying index publisher discontinues publication of the share underlying index and the share underlying index publisher or another entity (including MS & Co.) publishes a successor or substitute index that the calculation agent determines, in its sole discretion, to be comparable to the discontinued share underlying index (such index being referred to herein as a "successor index"), then any subsequent closing price for the GDX Shares on any trading day following a GDX discontinuance or liquidation event will be determined by reference to the published value of such successor index at the regular weekday close of trading on such trading day, and, to the extent the value of the successor index differs from the value of the share underlying index at the time of such substitution, proportionate adjustments shall be made by the calculation agent for purposes of calculating payments on the securities. Upon any selection by the calculation agent of a successor index, the calculation agent will cause written notice thereof to be furnished to the trustee, to us and to the depositary, as holder of the securities, within three business days of such selection. We expect that such notice will be made available to you, as a beneficial owner of the securities, in accordance with the standard rules and procedures of the depositary and its direct and indirect participants. If, subsequent to a GDX discontinuance or liquidation event, the share underlying index publisher discontinues publication of the share underlying index prior to, and such discontinuance is continuing on, an observation date, and the calculation agent determines, in its sole discretion, that no successor index is available at such time, then the calculation agent will determine the closing price for the GDX Shares for such date. Such closing price will be computed by the calculation agent in accordance with the formula for and method of calculating such share underlying index last in effect prior to such discontinuance, using the closing price (or, if trading in the relevant securities has been materially suspended or materially limited, its good faith estimate of the closing price that would have prevailed but for such suspension or limitation) at the close of the principal trading session of the relevant exchange on such date of each security most recently composing the share underlying index without any rebalancing or substitution of such securities following such discontinuance. |
Discontinuance of the SLV Shares; alteration of method of calculation: |
If trading in the SLV Shares on every applicable national securities exchange is permanently discontinued or the SLV Shares are liquidated or otherwise terminated (an "SLV discontinuance or liquidation event"), the securities will be deemed accelerated to the fifth business day following the date notice of such SLV discontinuance or liquidation event is provided to holders of the SLV Shares under the terms of the SLV Shares (the date of such notice, the "liquidation announcement date" and the fifth business day following the liquidation announcement date, the "acceleration date"), and the payment to you on the acceleration date will be equal to the fair market value of the securities on the trading day immediately following the liquidation announcement date as determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion based on its internal models, which will take into account the reasonable costs incurred by us or any of our affiliates in unwinding any related hedging arrangements. |
Postponement of observation dates: |
The observation dates are subject to postponement due to non-trading days or certain market disruption events, as described in the following paragraph. If a market disruption event with respect to either of the underlying shares occurs on any scheduled observation date, or if any such observation date is not a trading day, the closing price |
November 2024 Page 30
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
solely for such underlying shares for such date will be determined on the immediately succeeding trading day on which no market disruption event will have occurred with respect to such affected underlying shares; provided that the determination closing price for either of the underlying shares will not be determined on a date later than the fifth scheduled trading day after the scheduled observation date and if such date is not a trading day, or if there is a market disruption event on such date, the calculation agent will determine the closing price of the affected underlying shares on such fifth trading day based on the mean, as determined by the calculation agent, of the bid prices for such underlying shares for such date obtained from as many recognized dealers in such security, but not exceeding three, as will make such bid prices available to the calculation agent. Bids of MS & Co. or any of its affiliates may be included in the calculation of such mean, but only to the extent that any such bid is the highest of the bids obtained. If no bid prices are provided from any third-party dealers, the closing price will be determined by the calculation agent in its sole and absolute discretion (acting in good faith) taking into account any information that it deems relevant. |
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Postponement of coupon payment dates (including the maturity date) and redemption dates: |
If any scheduled coupon payment date or redemption date is not a business day, that contingent quarterly coupon, if any, or redemption payment shall be paid on the next succeeding business day; provided that the contingent quarterly coupon, if any, with respect to the final observation date shall be paid on the maturity date; provided further that if, due to a market disruption event or otherwise, any observation date with respect to either of the underlying shares 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 that observation date as postponed, by which date the closing price of each of the underlying shares has been determined. In any of these cases, no adjustment will be made to any contingent quarterly coupon payment, payment at maturity or redemption payment made on that postponed date. |
Antidilution adjustments: |
The adjustment factor with respect to each of the underlying shares shall be adjusted as follows: If such underlying shares are subject to a stock split or reverse stock split, then once such split has become effective, the adjustment factor for such underlying shares will be adjusted by the calculation agent to equal the product of the prior adjustment factor for such underlying shares and the number of shares issued in such stock split or reverse stock split with respect to one share of such underlying shares. No adjustment to an adjustment factor pursuant to the paragraph above will be required unless such adjustment would require a change of at least 0.1% in the amount being adjusted as then in effect. Any number so adjusted will be rounded to the nearest one hundred-thousandth with five one-millionths being rounded upward. The calculation agent will be solely responsible for the determination and calculation of any adjustments to the adjustment factors or method of calculating the adjustment factors and of any related determinations, and its determinations and calculations with respect thereto will be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. |
Issuer notices to registered security holders, the trustee and the depositary: |
In the event that the maturity date is postponed due to postponement of the final observation date, the issuer shall give notice of such postponement and, once it has been determined, of the date to which the maturity date has been rescheduled (i) to each registered holder of the securities by mailing notice of such postponement by first class mail, postage prepaid, to such registered holder's last address as it shall appear upon the registry books, (ii) to the trustee by facsimile, confirmed by mailing such notice to the trustee by first class mail, postage prepaid, at its New York office and (iii) to The 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 final observation date as postponed. In the event that any coupon payment date is postponed due to the postponement of the relevant observation date, the issuer shall give notice of such postponement and, once it has been determined, of the date to which the applicable coupon payment date has been rescheduled (i) to each registered holder of the securities by mailing notice of such postponement by first class mail, postage prepaid, to such registered holder's last address as it shall appear upon the registry books, (ii) to the trustee by facsimile confirmed by mailing such notice to the trustee by first class mail, postage prepaid, at its New York office and (iii) to the depositary by telephone or facsimile confirmed by mailing such notice to the depositary by first class mail, postage prepaid. Any notice that is mailed to a registered holder of the securities in the manner herein provided shall be |
November 2024 Page 31
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
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 any coupon payment date, the business day immediately preceding the applicable scheduled coupon payment date and (ii) with respect to notice of the date to which the applicable coupon payment date has been rescheduled, the business day immediately following the applicable observation date as postponed. The issuer shall, or shall cause the calculation agent to, (i) provide written notice to the trustee, on which notice the trustee may conclusively rely, and to the depositary of the amount of cash to be delivered as contingent quarterly coupon, if any, with respect to the securities on or prior to 10:30 a.m. (New York City time) on the business day preceding each coupon payment date, and (ii) deliver the aggregate cash amount due with respect to the applicable interest to the trustee for delivery to the depositary, as holder of the securities, on the applicable coupon payment date. The issuer shall, or shall cause the calculation agent to, (i) provide written notice to the trustee, on which notice the trustee may conclusively rely, and to the depositary of the amount of cash, if any, to be delivered with respect to the securities, on or prior to 10:30 a.m. (New York City time) on the business day preceding the redemption date or the business day preceding the maturity date, as applicable, and (ii) deliver the aggregate cash amount due with respect to the securities, if any, to the trustee for delivery to the depositary, as holder of the securities, on the redemption date or maturity date, as applicable. |
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Alternate exchange calculation in case of an event of default: |
If an event of default with respect to the securities shall have occurred and be continuing, the amount declared due and payable upon any acceleration of the securities (the "Acceleration Amount") will be an amount, determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion, that is equal to the cost of having a qualified financial institution, of the kind and selected as described below, expressly assume all our payment and other obligations with respect to the securities as of that day and as if no default or acceleration had occurred, or to undertake other obligations providing substantially equivalent economic value to you with respect to the securities. That cost will equal: ●the lowest amount that a qualified financial institution would charge to effect this assumption or undertaking, plus ●the reasonable expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred by the holders of the securities in preparing any documentation necessary for this assumption or undertaking. During the default quotation period for the securities, which we describe below, the holders of the securities and/or we may request a qualified financial institution to provide a quotation of the amount it would charge to effect this assumption or undertaking. If either party obtains a quotation, it must notify the other party in writing of the quotation. The amount referred to in the first bullet point above will equal the lowest-or, if there is only one, the only-quotation obtained, and as to which notice is so given, during the default quotation period. With respect to any quotation, however, the party not obtaining the quotation may object, on reasonable and significant grounds, to the assumption or undertaking by the qualified financial institution providing the quotation and notify the other party in writing of those grounds within two business days after the last day of the default quotation period, in which case that quotation will be disregarded in determining the Acceleration Amount. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, bankruptcy or insolvency of, or any analogous proceeding is filed with respect to MSFL or Morgan Stanley, then depending on applicable bankruptcy law, your claim may be limited to an amount that could be less than the Acceleration Amount. If the maturity of the securities is accelerated because of an event of default as described above, we shall, or shall cause the calculation agent to, provide written notice to the trustee at its New York office, on which notice the trustee may conclusively rely, and to the depositary of the Acceleration Amount and the aggregate cash amount, if any, due with respect to the securities as promptly as possible and in no event later than two business days after the date of such acceleration. Default quotation period The default quotation period is the period beginning on the day the Acceleration Amount first becomes due and ending on the third business day after that day, unless: ●no quotation of the kind referred to above is obtained, or ●every quotation of that kind obtained is objected to within five business days after the |
November 2024 Page 32
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
due date as described above. If either of these two events occurs, the default quotation period will continue until the third business day after the first business day on which prompt notice of a quotation is given as described above. If that quotation is objected to as described above within five business days after that first business day, however, the default quotation period will continue as described in the prior sentence and this sentence. In any event, if the default quotation period and the subsequent two business day objection period have not ended before the final observation date, then the Acceleration Amount will equal the principal amount of the securities. Qualified financial institutions For the purpose of determining the Acceleration Amount at any time, a qualified financial institution must be a financial institution organized under the laws of any jurisdiction in the United States or Europe, which at that time has outstanding debt obligations with a stated maturity of one year or less from the date of issue and rated either: ●A-2 or higher by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services or any successor, or any other comparable rating then used by that rating agency, or ●P-2 or higher by Moody's Investors Service or any successor, or any other comparable rating then used by that rating agency. |
November 2024 Page 33
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
Additional Information About the Securities
Additional Information: |
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Minimum ticketing size: |
$1,000 / 1 security |
Book entry security or certificated security: |
Book entry. The securities will be issued in the form of one or more fully registered global securities which will be deposited with, or on behalf of, the depositary and will be registered in the name of a nominee of the depositary. The depositary's nominee will be the only registered holder of the securities. Your beneficial interest in the securities will be evidenced solely by entries on the books of the securities intermediary acting on your behalf as a direct or indirect participant in the depositary. In this pricing supplement, all references to payments or notices to you will mean payments or notices to the depositary, as the registered holder of the securities, for distribution to participants in accordance with the depositary's procedures. For more information regarding the depositary and book entry notes, please read "The Depositary" in the accompanying prospectus supplement and "Forms of Securities-Global Securities-Registered Global Securities" in the accompanying prospectus. |
Tax considerations: |
Prospective investors should note that the discussion under the section called "United States Federal Taxation" in the accompanying prospectus supplement does not apply to the securities issued under this document and is superseded by the following discussion. The following is a general discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences and certain estate tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the securities. This discussion applies only to investors in the securities who: ●purchase the securities in the original offering; and ●hold the securities as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). This discussion does not describe all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to a holder in light of the holder's particular circumstances or to holders subject to special rules, such as: ●certain financial institutions; ●insurance companies; ●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; or ●tax-exempt entities, including "individual retirement accounts" or "Roth IRAs" as defined in Section 408 or 408A of the Code, respectively. If an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds the securities, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partnership holding the securities or a partner in such a partnership, you should consult your tax adviser as to the particular U.S. federal tax consequences of holding and disposing of the securities to you. As the law applicable to the U.S. federal income taxation of instruments such as the securities is technical and complex, the discussion below necessarily represents only a general summary. The effect of any applicable state, local or non-U.S. tax laws is not discussed, nor are any alternative minimum tax consequences or consequences resulting from the Medicare tax on investment income. Moreover, the discussion below does not address the consequences to taxpayers subject to special tax accounting rules under Section 451(b) of the Code. This discussion is based on the Code, administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions and final, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations, all as of the date hereof, changes to any of which subsequent to the date hereof may affect the tax consequences described herein. Persons |
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Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
considering the purchase of the securities should consult their tax advisers with regard to the application of the U.S. federal income tax laws to their particular situations as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction. General Due to the absence of statutory, judicial or administrative authorities that directly address the treatment of the securities or instruments that are similar to the securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, no assurance can be given that the IRS or a court will agree with the tax treatment described herein. We intend to treat a security for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a single financial contract that provides for a coupon that will be treated as gross income to you at the time received or accrued in accordance with your regular method of tax accounting. In the opinion of our counsel, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, this treatment of the securities is reasonable under current law; however, there are other reasonable treatments that the IRS or a court may adopt, in which case the timing and character of any income or loss on the securities could be materially affected. You should consult your tax adviser regarding all aspects of the U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the securities (including possible alternative treatments of the securities). Unless otherwise stated, the following discussion is based on the treatment of each security as described in the previous paragraph. Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders This section applies to you only if you are a U.S. Holder. As used herein, the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of a security that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes: ●a citizen or individual resident of the United States; ●a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; or ●an estate or trust the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source. Tax Treatment of the Securities Assuming the treatment of the securities as set forth above is respected, the following U.S. federal income tax consequences should result. Tax Basis. A U.S. Holder's tax basis in the securities should equal the amount paid by the U.S. Holder to acquire the securities. Tax Treatment of Coupon Payments. Any coupon payment on the securities should be taxable as ordinary income to a U.S. Holder at the time received or accrued, in accordance with the U.S. Holder's regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Sale, Exchange or Settlement of the Securities. Upon a sale, exchange or settlement of the securities, a U.S. Holder should recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale, exchange or settlement and the U.S. Holder's tax basis in the securities sold, exchanged or settled. For this purpose, the amount realized does not include any coupon paid at settlement and may not include sale proceeds attributable to an accrued coupon, which may be treated in the same manner as a coupon payment. In general, any such gain or loss recognized should be short-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder has held the securities for one year or less at the time of the sale, exchange or settlement, and should be long-term capital gain or loss otherwise. The ordinary income treatment of the coupon payments, in conjunction with the capital loss treatment of any loss recognized upon the sale, exchange or settlement of the securities, could result in adverse tax consequences to holders of the securities because the deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Possible Alternative Tax Treatments of an Investment in the Securities Due to the absence of authorities that directly address the proper tax treatment of the securities, no assurance can be given that the IRS will accept, or that a court will uphold, the treatment described |
November 2024 Page 35
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
above. In particular, the IRS could seek to analyze the U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning the securities under Treasury regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments (the "Contingent Debt Regulations"). If the IRS were successful in asserting that the Contingent Debt Regulations applied to the securities, the timing and character of income thereon would be significantly affected. Among other things, a U.S. Holder would be required to accrue into income original issue discount on the securities every year at a "comparable yield" determined at the time of their issuance, adjusted upward or downward to reflect the difference, if any, between the actual and the projected amount of any contingent payments on the securities. Furthermore, any gain realized by a U.S. Holder at maturity or upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of the securities would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss realized would be treated as ordinary loss to the extent of the U.S. Holder's prior accruals of original issue discount and as capital loss thereafter. The risk that financial instruments providing for buffers, triggers or similar downside protection features, such as the securities, would be recharacterized as debt is greater than the risk of recharacterization for comparable financial instruments that do not have such features. We do not plan to request a ruling from the IRS regarding the treatment of the securities. Other alternative federal income tax treatments of the securities are possible, which, if applied, could significantly affect the timing and character of the income or loss with respect to the securities. In addition, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS have requested comments on various issues regarding the U.S. federal income tax treatment of "prepaid forward contracts" and similar financial instruments and have indicated that such transactions may be the subject of future regulations or other guidance. Furthermore, members of Congress have proposed legislative changes to the tax treatment of derivative contracts. Any legislation, Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the securities, possibly with retroactive effect. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities, including possible alternative treatments and potential changes in applicable law. Backup Withholding and Information Reporting Backup withholding may apply in respect of payments on the securities and the payment of proceeds from a sale, exchange or other disposition of the securities, unless a U.S. Holder provides proof of an applicable exemption or a correct taxpayer identification number and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. The amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules are not an additional tax and may be refunded, or credited against the U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS. In addition, information returns will be filed with the IRS in connection with payments on the securities and the payment of proceeds from a sale, exchange or other disposition of the securities, unless the U.S. Holder provides proof of an applicable exemption from the information reporting rules. Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders This section applies to you only if you are a Non-U.S. Holder. As used herein, the term "Non-U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of a security that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes: ●an individual who is classified as a nonresident alien; ●a foreign corporation; or ●a foreign estate or trust. The term "Non-U.S. Holder" does not include any of the following holders: ●a holder who is an individual present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of disposition and who is not otherwise a resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes; ●certain former citizens or residents of the United States; or ●a holder for whom income or gain in respect of the securities is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States. Such holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences |
November 2024 Page 36
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
of an investment in the securities. Although significant aspects of the tax treatment of each security are uncertain, we intend to withhold on any coupon paid to a Non-U.S. Holder generally at a rate of 30% or at a reduced rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty under an "other income" or similar provision. We will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld. In order to claim an exemption from, or a reduction in, the 30% withholding tax, a Non-U.S. Holder of the securities must comply with certification requirements to establish that it is not a U.S. person and is eligible for such an exemption or reduction under an applicable tax treaty. If you are a Non-U.S. Holder, you should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax treatment of the securities, including the possibility of obtaining a refund of any withholding tax and the certification requirement described above. Section 871(m) Withholding Tax on Dividend Equivalents Section 871(m) of the Code and Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder ("Section 871(m)") generally impose a 30% (or a lower applicable treaty rate) withholding tax on dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid to Non-U.S. Holders with respect to certain financial instruments linked to U.S. equities or indices that include U.S. equities (each, an "Underlying Security"). Subject to certain exceptions, Section 871(m) generally applies to securities that substantially replicate the economic performance of one or more Underlying Securities, as determined based on tests set forth in the applicable Treasury regulations (a "Specified Security"). However, pursuant to an IRS notice, Section 871(m) will not apply to securities issued before January 1, 2027 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, our counsel is of the opinion that the securities should not be Specified Securities and, therefore, should not be subject to Section 871(m). Our determination is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS may disagree with this determination. Section 871(m) is complex and its application may depend on your particular circumstances, including whether you enter into other transactions with respect to an Underlying Security. If Section 871(m) withholding is required, we will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to the amounts so withheld. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the potential application of Section 871(m) to the securities. U.S. Federal Estate Tax Individual Non-U.S. Holders and entities the property of which is potentially includible in such an individual's gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes (for example, a trust funded by such an individual and with respect to which the individual has retained certain interests or powers) should note that, absent an applicable treaty exemption, the securities may be treated as U.S.-situs property subject to U.S. federal estate tax. Prospective investors that are non-U.S. individuals, or are entities of the type described above, should consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal estate tax consequences of an investment in the securities. Backup Withholding and Information Reporting Information returns will be filed with the IRS in connection with any coupon payment and may be filed with the IRS in connection with the payment at maturity on the securities and the payment of proceeds from a sale, exchange or other disposition. A Non-U.S. Holder may be subject to backup withholding in respect of amounts paid to the Non-U.S. Holder, unless such Non-U.S. Holder complies with certification procedures to establish that it is not a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise establishes an exemption. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a Non-U.S. Holder will be allowed as a credit against the Non-U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the Non-U.S. Holder to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS. FATCA Legislation commonly referred to as "FATCA" generally imposes a withholding tax of 30% on payments to certain non-U.S. entities (including financial intermediaries) with respect to certain financial instruments, unless various U.S. information reporting and due diligence requirements have been satisfied. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and the non-U.S. entity's jurisdiction may modify these requirements. FATCA generally applies to certain financial instruments that are treated as paying U.S.-source interest or other U.S.-source "fixed or |
November 2024 Page 37
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
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 any coupon payment with respect to the securities will be subject to the FATCA rules. If withholding applies to the securities, we will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld. Both U.S. and Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the potential application of FATCA to the securities. The discussion in the preceding paragraphs, insofar as it purports to describe provisions of U.S. federal income tax laws or legal conclusions with respect thereto, constitutes the full opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP regarding the material U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the securities. |
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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 beginning on page 4 above comprise the agent's commissions and the cost of issuing, structuring and hedging the securities. On or prior to November 18, 2024, we expect to 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 underlying shares, in futures and/or options contracts on the underlying shares or any component stocks of the share underlying index with respect to the GDX Shares or the underlying commodity with respect to the SLV Shares, 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 initial share price of either of the underlying shares and therefore could increase (i) the coupon threshold level for such underlying shares, which, if the securities have not been redeemed, is the value at or above which such underlying shares must close on each observation date in order for you to earn a contingent quarterly coupon or to receive any unpaid contingent quarterly coupons from prior observation dates (depending also on the performance of the other underlying shares), and (ii) the value at or above which such underlying shares must close on the final observation date so that you are not exposed to the negative performance of the worst performing underlying shares at maturity (depending also on the performance of the other underlying shares). These entities may be unwinding or adjusting hedge positions during the term of the securities, and the hedging strategy may involve greater and more frequent dynamic adjustments to the hedge as the final observation date approaches. Additionally, our hedging activities, as well as our other trading activities, during the term of the securities could potentially affect the value of either of the underlying shares on the observation dates, and, accordingly, whether we pay a contingent quarterly coupon on the securities and the amount of cash you will receive at maturity, if any (depending also on the performance of the other underlying shares). |
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 $1,000 per security, for further sale to certain fee-based advisory accounts at the price to public of $1,000 per security. MS & Co. will not receive a sales commission with respect to the securities. MS & Co. is an affiliate of MSFL and a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, and it and other affiliates of ours expect to make a profit by selling, structuring and, when applicable, hedging the securities. MS & Co. will conduct this offering in compliance with the requirements of FINRA Rule 5121 of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., which is commonly referred to as FINRA, regarding a FINRA member firm's distribution of the securities of an affiliate and related conflicts of interest. MS & Co. or any of our other affiliates may not make sales in this offering to any discretionary account. In order to facilitate the offering of the securities, the agent may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities. Specifically, the agent may sell more securities than it is obligated to purchase in connection with the offering, creating a naked short |
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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Callable Contingent Income Buffered Securities due May 21, 2027
All Payments on the Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the VanEck® Gold Miners ETF and the iShares® Silver Trust
Principal at Risk Securities
position in the securities, for its own account. The agent must close out any naked short position by purchasing the securities in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the agent is concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the securities in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. As an additional means of facilitating the offering, the agent may bid for, and purchase, the securities in the open market to stabilize the price of the securities. Any of these activities may raise or maintain the market price of the securities above independent market levels or prevent or retard a decline in the market price of the securities. The agent is not required to engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time. An affiliate of the agent has entered into a hedging transaction with us in connection with this offering of securities. See "Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)" in the accompanying prospectus supplement and "Use of Proceeds and Hedging" above. |
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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 February 26, 2024, which is Exhibit 5-a to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed by Morgan Stanley on February 26, 2024. |
Where you can find more information: |
MSFL and Morgan Stanley have filed a registration statement (including a prospectus, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement and the index supplement) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, for the offering to which this communication relates. You should read the prospectus in that registration statement, the prospectus supplement, the index supplement and any other documents relating to this offering that MSFL and Morgan Stanley have filed with the SEC for more complete information about MSFL, Morgan Stanley and this offering. When you read the accompanying prospectus supplement and index supplement, please note that all references in such supplements to the prospectus dated November 16, 2023, or to any sections therein, should refer instead to the accompanying prospectus dated April 12, 2024 or to the corresponding sections of such prospectus, as applicable. You may get these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, MSFL, Morgan Stanley, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send you the prospectus, the prospectus supplement and the index supplement if you so request by calling toll-free 1-(800)-584-6837. You may access these documents on the SEC web site at www.sec.gov as follows: Prospectus Supplementdated November 16, 2023 Index Supplement dated November 16, 2023 Prospectus dated April 12, 2024 Terms used but not defined in this pricing supplement are defined in the prospectus supplement, in the index supplement or in the prospectus. |
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