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MORGAN STANLEY — Capital/Financing Update 2024
May 1, 2024
29766_prs_2024-05-01_b36b57c3-f010-4b1f-b761-c8cc095697c8.zip
Capital/Financing Update
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May 2024
Preliminary Pricing Supplement No. 2,144 Registration Statement Nos. 333-275587; 333-275587-01 Dated May 1, 2024 Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
STRUCTURED INVESTMENTS
Opportunities in U.S. Equities and Commodities
Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the SPDR ® Gold Trust and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund due May 12, 2025
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside Securities SM
Fully and Unconditionally Guaranteed by Morgan Stanley
Principal at Risk Securities
The Buffered PLUS are unsecured obligations of Morgan Stanley Finance LLC (“MSFL”) and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Morgan Stanley. The Buffered PLUS will pay no interest, provide a minimum payment at maturity of only 10% of the stated principal amount and have the terms described in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS, index supplement and prospectus, as supplemented or modified by this document. The payment at maturity on the Buffered PLUS will be based on the value of the worst performing of the SPDR ® Gold Trust and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund which we refer to as the underlying shares. At maturity, if the final share price of each of the underlying shares is greater than its respective initial share price, investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment plus leveraged upside performance of the worst performing underlying shares. If the final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than or equal to its respective initial share price but the final share price of each of the underlying shares is greater than or equal to 90% of its respective initial share price, meaning that neither of the underlying shares has decreased from its initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 10%, investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment. However, if the final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than 90% of its respective initial share price, meaning that either of the underlying shares has decreased from its respective initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 10%, investors will lose 1% for every 1% decline in the worst performing underlying shares beyond the specified buffer amount, subject to the minimum payment at maturity of 10% of the stated principal amount. Investors may lose up to 90% of the stated principal amount of the Buffered PLUS. Because the payment at maturity of the Buffered PLUS is based on the worst performing of the underlying shares, a decline in either of the underlying shares beyond the buffer amount will result in a loss, and potentially a significant loss, of your investment even if the other underlying shares have appreciated or have not declined as much. The Buffered PLUS are for investors who seek a return based on the performance of the underlying shares and who are willing to risk their principal, risk exposure to the worst performing of two underlying shares and forgo current income in exchange for the leverage and buffer features that in each case apply to a limited range of performance of the worst performing underlying shares. The Buffered PLUS are notes issued as part of MSFL’s Series A Global Medium-Term Notes program.
All payments are subject to our credit risk. If we default on our obligations, you could lose some or all of your investment. These Buffered PLUS are not secured obligations and you will not have any security interest in, or otherwise have any access to, any underlying reference asset or assets.
| SUMMARY TERMS — Issuer: | Morgan Stanley Finance LLC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Guarantor: | Morgan Stanley | ||
| Maturity date: | May 12, 2025 | ||
| Underlying shares: | Shares of the SPDR ® Gold Trust (the “GLD Shares”) and Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund (the “XLE Shares”) | ||
| Aggregate principal amount: | $ | ||
| Payment at maturity: | If the final share price of each of the underlying shares is greater than its respective initial share price, | ||
| $1,000 + ($1,000 × leverage factor × share percent change of the worst performing underlying shares) | |||
| If the final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than or equal to its respective initial share price but the final share price of each of the underlying shares is greater than or equal to 90% of its respective initial share price, meaning that neither of the underlying shares has decreased from its initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 10%, | |||
| $1,000 | |||
| If the final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than 90% of its initial share price, meaning that either of the underlying shares has decreased from its respective initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 10%, | |||
| ($1,000 × share performance factor of the worst performing underlying shares) + $100 | |||
| Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less than the stated principal amount of $1,000. However, under no circumstances will the Buffered PLUS pay less than $100 per Buffered PLUS at maturity | |||
| Share percent change: | With respect to each of the underlying shares, (final share price – initial share price) / initial share price | ||
| Worst performing underlying shares: | The underlying shares with the lesser share percent change | ||
| Share performance factor: | With respect to each of the underlying shares, final share price / initial share price | ||
| Initial share price: | With respect to the GLD Shares, $ , which is the closing price of such underlying shares on the pricing date With respect to the XLE Shares, $ , which is the closing price of such underlying shares on the pricing date | ||
| Final share price: | With respect to each of the underlying shares, the closing price of such underlying shares on the valuation date times the adjustment factor of such underlying shares on such date | ||
| Adjustment factor: | With respect to each of the underlying shares, 1.0, subject to adjustment in the event of certain events affecting such underlying shares | ||
| Valuation date: | May 7, 2025, subject to adjustment for non-trading days and certain market disruption events | ||
| Leverage factor: | At least 208%. The actual leverage factor will be determined on the pricing date. | ||
| Minimum payment at maturity: | $100 per Buffered PLUS (10% of the stated principal amount) | ||
| Buffer amount: | 10% | ||
| Stated principal amount: | $1,000 per Buffered PLUS | ||
| Issue price: | $1,000 per Buffered PLUS | ||
| Pricing date: | May 6, 2024 | ||
| Original issue date: | May 9, 2024 (3 business days after the pricing date) | ||
| CUSIP / ISIN: | 61776LS57 / US61776LS570 | ||
| Listing: | The Buffered PLUS will not be listed on any securities exchange. | ||
| Agent: | Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (“MS & Co.”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley and an affiliate of MSFL. See “Supplemental information regarding plan of distribution; conflicts of interest.” | ||
| Estimated value on the pricing date: | Approximately $979.00 per Buffered PLUS, or within $25.00 of that estimate. See “Investment Summary” on page 2. | ||
| Commissions and issue price: | Price to public (1) | Agent’s commissions and fees (2) | Proceeds to us (3) |
| Per Buffered PLUS | $1,000 | $ | $ |
| Total | $ | $ | $ |
[if IE]<![endif] (1) [if IE]<![endif] The Buffered PLUS will be sold only to investors purchasing the Buffered PLUS in fee-based advisory accounts.
[if IE]<![endif] (2) [if IE]<![endif] MS & Co. expects to sell all of the Buffered PLUS that it purchases from us to an unaffiliated dealer at a price of $ per Buffered PLUS, for further sale to certain fee-based advisory accounts at the price to public of $1,000 per Buffered PLUS. MS & Co. will not receive a sales commission with respect to the Buffered PLUS. See “Supplemental information regarding plan of distribution; conflicts of interest.” For additional information, see “Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS.
(3) See “Use of proceeds and hedging” on page 25.
The Buffered PLUS involve risks not associated with an investment in ordinary debt securities. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 7.
The Securities and Exchange Commission and state securities regulators have not approved or disapproved these securities, or determined if this document or the accompanying product supplement, index supplement and prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The Buffered PLUS are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency or instrumentality, nor are they obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank.
You should read this document together with the related product supplement, index supplement and prospectus, each of which can be accessed via the hyperlinks below. When you read the accompanying product supplement and index supplement, please note that all references in such supplements to the prospectus dated November 16, 2023, or to any sections therein, should refer instead to the accompanying prospectus dated April 12, 2024 or to the corresponding sections of such prospectus, as applicable. Please also see “Additional Terms of the Buffered PLUS” and “Additional Information About the Buffered PLUS” at the end of this document.
References to “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Morgan Stanley or MSFL, or Morgan Stanley and MSFL collectively, as the context requires.
Product Supplement for PLUS dated November 16, 2023 Index Supplement dated November 16, 2023 Prospectus dated April 12, 2024
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of Worst Performing of the SPDR ® Gold Trust and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund due May 12, 2025
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside Securities SM
Principal at Risk Securities
Investment Summary
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside Securities
Principal at Risk Securities
The Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of the Worst Performing of the SPDR ® Gold Trust and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund due May 12, 2025 (the “Buffered PLUS”) can be used:
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] To gain exposure to the worst performing of a commodity-based underlying and an equity underlying
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] To potentially outperform the worst performing of the SPDR ® Gold Trust and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund by taking advantage of the leverage factor
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] To obtain a buffer against a specified level of negative performance in the worst performing underlying shares
If the final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than 90% of its respective initial share price, investors will be negatively exposed to the decline in the worst performing underlying shares beyond the buffer amount and will lose some or a substantial portion of their investment.
| Maturity: | Approximately 1 year |
|---|---|
| Leverage factor: | At least 208%. The actual leverage factor will be determined on the pricing date. |
| Minimum payment at maturity: | $100 per Buffered PLUS (10% of the stated principal amount). Investors may lose up to 90% of the stated principal amount of the Buffered PLUS. |
| Buffer amount: | 10%, with 1-to-1 downside exposure to the worst performing underlying shares below the buffer |
| Coupon: | None |
| Listing: | The Buffered PLUS will not be listed on any securities exchange |
The original issue price of each Buffered PLUS is $1,000. This price includes costs associated with issuing, selling, structuring and hedging the Buffered PLUS, which are borne by you, and, consequently, the estimated value of the Buffered PLUS on the pricing date will be less than $1,000. We estimate that the value of each Buffered PLUS on the pricing date will be approximately $979.00, or within $25.00 of that estimate. Our estimate of the value of the Buffered PLUS as determined on the pricing date will be set forth in the final pricing supplement.
What goes into the estimated value on the pricing date?
In valuing the Buffered PLUS on the pricing date, we take into account that the Buffered PLUS comprise both a debt component and a performance-based component linked to the underlying shares. The estimated value of the Buffered PLUS is determined using our own pricing and valuation models, market inputs and assumptions relating to the underlying shares, instruments based on the underlying shares, volatility and other factors including current and expected interest rates, as well as an interest rate related to our secondary market credit spread, which is the implied interest rate at which our conventional fixed rate debt trades in the secondary market.
What determines the economic terms of the Buffered PLUS?
In determining the economic terms of the Buffered PLUS, including the leverage factor, the buffer amount and the minimum payment at maturity, we use an internal funding rate, which is likely to be lower than our secondary market credit spreads and therefore advantageous to us. If the issuing, selling, structuring and hedging costs borne by you were lower or if the internal funding rate were higher, one or more of the economic terms of the Buffered PLUS would be more favorable to you.
What is the relationship between the estimated value on the pricing date and the secondary market price of the Buffered PLUS?
The price at which MS & Co. purchases the Buffered PLUS in the secondary market, absent changes in market conditions, including those related to the underlying shares, may vary from, and be lower than, the estimated value on the pricing date, because the secondary market price takes into account our secondary market credit spread as well as the bid-offer spread that MS & Co. would charge in a secondary market transaction of this type and other factors. However, because the costs associated with issuing, selling, structuring and hedging the Buffered PLUS are not fully deducted upon issuance, for a period of up to 6 months following the issue date, to the extent that MS & Co. may buy or sell the Buffered PLUS in the secondary market, absent changes in market conditions, including those related to the underlying shares, and to our secondary market credit spreads, it would do so based on values higher than the estimated value. We expect that those higher values will also be reflected in your brokerage account statements.
MS & Co. may, but is not obligated to, make a market in the Buffered PLUS, and, if it once chooses to make a market, may cease doing so at any time.
May 2024 Page 2
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of Worst Performing of the SPDR ® Gold Trust and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund due May 12, 2025
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside Securities SM
Principal at Risk Securities
Key Investment Rationale
The Buffered PLUS offer leveraged exposure to the worst performing of the SPDR ® Gold Trust and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund to the extent that the final share price of each of the underlying shares is greater than its respective initial share price. At maturity, if the final share price of each of the underlying shares is greater than its respective initial share price, investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment plus leveraged upside performance of the worst performing underlying shares. If the final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than or equal to its respective initial share price but the final share price of each of the underlying shares is greater than or equal to 90% of its respective initial share price, investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment. However, if the final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than its 90% of its respective initial share price, investors will lose 1% of the stated principal amount for every 1% of decline in the worst performing underlying shares beyond the specified buffer amount, subject to the minimum payment at maturity. Investors may lose up to 90% of the stated principal amount of the Buffered PLUS. All payments on the Buffered PLUS are subject to our credit risk.
| Leveraged Performance | The Buffered PLUS offer investors an opportunity to receive at least 208% (to be determined on the pricing date) of the positive return of the worst performing of the underlying shares if both underlying shares have appreciated in value. |
|---|---|
| Upside Scenario | Both underlying shares increase in value, and, at maturity, the Buffered PLUS redeem for the stated principal amount of $1,000 plus at least 208% of the share percent change of the worst performing underlying shares. The actual leverage factor will be determined on the pricing date. |
| Par Scenario | The final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than or equal to its respective initial share price but the final share price of each of the underlying shares is greater than or equal to 90% of its initial share price. At maturity, the Buffered PLUS redeem for the stated principal amount of $1,000. |
| Downside Scenario | The final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than 90% of its respective initial share price. In this case, the Buffered PLUS redeem for less than the stated principal amount, and this decrease will be by an amount proportionate to the full decline in the value of the worst performing underlying shares over the term of the Buffered PLUS, plus the buffer amount of 10%. Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be less than the stated principal amount per Buffered PLUS. For example, if the final share price of the worst performing underlying shares is 50% less than its initial share price, the Buffered PLUS will be redeemed at maturity for a loss of 40% of principal at $600, or 60% of the stated principal amount. The minimum payment at maturity is $100 per Buffered PLUS. You could lose up to 90% of your investment |
Because the payment at maturity of the Buffered PLUS is based on the worst performing of the underlying shares, a decline in either of the underlying shares beyond the specified buffer amount will result in a loss, and potentially a significant loss, of your investment, even if the other underlying shares have appreciated or have not declined as much.
May 2024 Page 3
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of Worst Performing of the SPDR ® Gold Trust and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund due May 12, 2025
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside Securities SM
Principal at Risk Securities
Hypothetical Examples
The following hypothetical examples illustrate how to calculate the payment at maturity on the Buffered PLUS. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only. The actual initial share price for each of the underlying shares and the actual leverage factor will be determined on the pricing date. Any payment at maturity on the Buffered PLUS is subject to our credit risk. The below examples are based on the following terms:
| Stated principal amount: | $1,000 per Buffered PLUS |
|---|---|
| Hypothetical leverage factor: | 208% |
| Hypothetical initial share price: | With respect to the GLD Shares: $140 With respect to the XLE Shares: $80 |
| Minimum payment at maturity: | $100 per Buffered PLUS (10% of the stated principal amount) |
| Buffer amount: | 10% |
EXAMPLE 1: The final share price of each of the underlying shares is greater than its respective initial share price.
| Final share price | GLD Shares: $154 | |
|---|---|---|
| XLE Shares: $112 | ||
| Share percent change | GLD Shares: ($154 – $140) / $140 = 10% XLE Shares: ($112 – $80) / $80 = 40% | |
| Payment at maturity | = | $1,000 + ($1,000 × leverage factor × share percent change of the worst performing underlying shares) |
| = | $1,000 + ($1,000 × 208% × 10%) | |
| = | $1,208 |
In example 1, the final share prices of both the GLD Shares and the XLE Shares are greater than their initial share prices. The GLD Shares have appreciated by 10% while the XLE Shares have appreciated by 40%. Therefore, investors receive at maturity the stated principal amount plus 208% of the appreciation of the worst performing underlying shares, which are the GLD Shares in this example. Investors receive $1,208 per Buffered PLUS at maturity.
EXAMPLE 2: The final share price of one of the underlying shares is greater than its respective initial share price while the final share price of the other underlying shares is less than its respective initial share price but neither of the underlying shares has decreased from its initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 10%.
| Final share price | GLD Shares: $196 | |
|---|---|---|
| XLE Shares: $76 | ||
| Share percent change | GLD Shares: ($196 – $140) / $140 = 40% XLE Shares: ($76 – $80) / $80 = -5% | |
| Payment at maturity | = | $1,000 |
In example 2, the final share price of the GLD Shares is greater than its respective initial share price, while the final share price of the XLE Shares is less than its respective initial share price. While the GLD Shares have appreciated by 40%, the XLE Shares have declined by 5%, but neither of the underlying shares has decreased from its initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 10%. Therefore, investors receive at maturity the stated principal amount. Investors receive $1,000 per Buffered PLUS at maturity.
EXAMPLE 3: The final share price of one of the underlying shares is greater than its respective initial share price while the final share price of the other underlying shares is less than its 90% of its respective initial share price.
May 2024 Page 4
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of Worst Performing of the SPDR ® Gold Trust and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund due May 12, 2025
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside Securities SM
Principal at Risk Securities
| Final share price | GLD Shares: $154 | |
|---|---|---|
| XLE Shares: $40 | ||
| Share percent change | GLD Shares: ($154 – $140) / $140 = 10% XLE Shares: ($40 – $80) / $80 = -50% | |
| Share performance factor | GLD Shares: $154 / $140 = 110% XLE Shares: $40 / $80 = 50% | |
| Payment at maturity | = | $1,000 × share performance factor of the worst performing underlying shares + $100 |
| = | $(1,000 × 50%) + $100 | |
| = | $600 |
In example 3, the final share price of the GLD Shares is greater than its respective initial share price, while the final share price of the XLE Shares is less than 90% of its respective initial share price. While the GLD Shares have appreciated by 10%, the XLE Shares have declined by 50%. Therefore, investors are exposed to the negative performance of the XLE Shares, which are the worst performing underlying shares in this example, beyond the buffer amount of 10%, and receive a payment at maturity of $600 per Buffered PLUS. In this example, investors are exposed to the negative performance of the worst performing underlying shares even though the other underlying shares have appreciated in value by 10%, because the final share price of each of the underlying shares is not greater than or equal to 90% of its respective initial share price.
EXAMPLE 4 : The final share price of each of the underlying shares is less than its respective initial share price, but neither of the underlying shares has decreased from its initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 10%.
| Final share price | GLD Shares: $133 | |
|---|---|---|
| XLE Shares: $73.60 | ||
| Share percent change | GLD Shares: ($133 – $140) / $140 = -5% XLE Shares: ($73.60 – $80) / $80 = -8% | |
| Payment at maturity | = | $1,000 |
In example 4, the final share price of each of the underlying shares is less than its respective initial share price, but neither of the underlying shares has decreased from its initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 10%. The GLD Shares have declined by 5% while the XLE Shares have declined by 8%. Therefore, investors receive at maturity the stated principal amount. Investors receive $1,000 per Buffered PLUS at maturity.
EXAMPLE 5 : The final share price of each of the underlying shares is less than 90% of its respective initial share price.
| Final share price | GLD Shares: $42 | |
|---|---|---|
| XLE Shares: $32 | ||
| Share percent change | GLD Shares: ($42 – $140) / $140 = -70% XLE Shares: ($32 – $80) / $80 = -60% | |
| Share performance factor | GLD Shares: $42 / $140 = 30% XLE Shares: $32 / $80 = 40% | |
| Payment at maturity | = | $1,000 × (share performance factor of the worst performing underlying shares) + $100 |
| = | $(1,000 × 30%) + $100 | |
| = | $400 |
In example 5, the final share prices of both the GLD Shares and the XLE Shares are less than their respective initial share prices by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 10%. The GLD Shares have declined by 70% while the XLE Shares have declined by 60%. Therefore, investors are exposed to the negative performance of the GLD Shares, which are the worst performing underlying shares in this example, beyond the buffer amount of 10%, and receive a payment at maturity of $400 per Buffered PLUS.
May 2024 Page 5
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of Worst Performing of the SPDR ® Gold Trust and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund due May 12, 2025
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside Securities SM
Principal at Risk Securities
Because the payment at maturity of the Buffered PLUS is based on the worst performing of the underlying shares, a decline in either of the underlying shares beyond the buffer amount of 10% will result in a loss, and potentially a significant loss, of your investment, even if the other underlying shares have appreciated or have not declined as much.
May 2024 Page 6
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of Worst Performing of the SPDR ® Gold Trust and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund due May 12, 2025
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside Securities SM
Principal at Risk Securities
Risk Factors
This section described the material risks relating to the Buffered PLUS. For further discussion of these and other risks, you should read the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS, index supplement and prospectus. We also urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisers in connection with your investment in the Buffered PLUS.
Risks Relating to an Investment in the Buffered PLUS
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] The Buffered PLUS do not pay interest and provide a minimum payment at maturity of only 10% of the stated principal amount. The terms of the Buffered PLUS differ from those of ordinary debt securities in that the Buffered PLUS do not pay interest and provide a minimum payment at matuirty of only 10% of the stated principal amount of the Buffered PLUS. If the final share price of either of the underlying shares is less than 90% of its respective initial share price, you will receive for each Buffered PLUS that you hold a payment at maturity that is less than the stated principal amount of each Buffered PLUS by an amount proportionate to the decline in the value of the worst performing underlying shares from its initial share price, plus $100 per Buffered PLUS. Accordingly, investors may lose up to 90% of the stated principal amount of the Buffered PLUS.
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] The market price of the Buffered PLUS will be influenced by many unpredictable factors. Several factors will influence the value of the Buffered PLUS in the secondary market and the price at which MS & Co. may be willing to purchase or sell the Buffered PLUS in the secondary market, including the value, volatility and dividend yield of the underlying shares, interest and yield rates, time remaining to maturity, geopolitical conditions and economic, financial, political and regulatory or judicial events and any actual or anticipated changes in our credit ratings or credit spreads. The levels of the underlying shares may be, and have recently been, extremely volatile, and we can give you no assurance that such volatility will lessen. See “SPDR ® Gold Trust Overview” and “Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund Overview” below. You may receive less, and possibly significantly less, than the stated principal amount per Buffered PLUS if you try to sell your Buffered PLUS prior to maturity.
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] The Buffered PLUS are subject to our credit risk, and any actual or anticipated changes to our credit ratings or credit spreads may adversely affect the market value of the Buffered PLUS. You are dependent on our ability to pay all amounts due on the Buffered PLUS at maturity and therefore you are subject to our credit risk. If we default on our obligations under the Buffered PLUS, your investment would be at risk and you could lose some or all of your investment. As a result, the market value of the Buffered PLUS prior to maturity will be affected by changes in the market’s view of our creditworthiness. Any actual or anticipated decline in our credit ratings or increase in the credit spreads charged by the market for taking our credit risk is likely to adversely affect the market value of the Buffered PLUS.
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] 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.
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] The amount payable on the Buffered PLUS is not linked to the values of the underlying shares at any time other than the valuation date. The final share price of each of the underlying shares will be based on the closing price of such underlying shares on the valuation date, subject to adjustment for non-trading days and certain market disruption events. Even if both underlying shares appreciate prior to the valuation date but the value of either of the underlying shares drops by the valuation date to less than 90% of its initial share price, the payment at maturity will be significantly less than it would have been had the payment at maturity been linked to the values of the underlying shares prior to
May 2024 Page 7
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of Worst Performing of the SPDR ® Gold Trust and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund due May 12, 2025
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside Securities SM
Principal at Risk Securities
such drop. Although the actual values of the underlying shares on the stated maturity date or at other times during the term of the Buffered PLUS may be higher than their respective final share prices, the payment at maturity will be based solely on the closing prices on the valuation date.
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] Investing in the Buffered PLUS is not equivalent to investing in the underlying shares or their components. Investing in the Buffered PLUS is not equivalent to investing in the underlying shares, in the commodity that constitutes the underlying shares with respect to the GLD Shares, or in the share underlying index or the stocks that constitute the share underlying index with respect to the XLE Shares. Investors in the Buffered PLUS will not have voting rights or rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to each of the components that constitute the underlying shares or the stocks composing the share underlying index.
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] The rate we are willing to pay for securities of this type, maturity and issuance size is likely to be lower than the rate implied by our secondary market credit spreads and advantageous to us. Both the lower rate and the inclusion of costs associated with issuing, selling, structuring and hedging the Buffered PLUS in the original issue price reduce the economic terms of the Buffered PLUS, cause the estimated value of the Buffered PLUS to be less than the original issue price and will adversely affect secondary market prices. Assuming no change in market conditions or any other relevant factors, the prices, if any, at which dealers, including MS & Co., may be willing to purchase the Buffered PLUS in secondary market transactions will likely be significantly lower than the original issue price, because secondary market prices will exclude the issuing, selling, structuring and hedging-related costs that are included in the original issue price and borne by you and because the secondary market prices will reflect our secondary market credit spreads and the bid-offer spread that any dealer would charge in a secondary market transaction of this type as well as other factors.
The inclusion of the costs of issuing, selling, structuring and hedging the Buffered PLUS in the original issue price and the lower rate we are willing to pay as issuer make the economic terms of the Buffered PLUS less favorable to you than they otherwise would be.
However, because the costs associated with issuing, selling, structuring and hedging the Buffered PLUS are not fully deducted upon issuance, for a period of up to 6 months following the issue date, to the extent that MS & Co. may buy or sell the Buffered PLUS in the secondary market, absent changes in market conditions, including those related to the underlying shares, and to our secondary market credit spreads, it would do so based on values higher than the estimated value, and we expect that those higher values will also be reflected in your brokerage account statements.
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] The estimated value of the Buffered PLUS is determined by reference to our pricing and valuation models, which may differ from those of other dealers and is not a maximum or minimum secondary market price. These pricing and valuation models are proprietary and rely in part on subjective views of certain market inputs and certain assumptions about future events, which may prove to be incorrect. As a result, because there is no market-standard way to value these types of securities, our models may yield a higher estimated value of the Buffered PLUS than those generated by others, including other dealers in the market, if they attempted to value the Buffered PLUS. In addition, the estimated value on the pricing date does not represent a minimum or maximum price at which dealers, including MS & Co., would be willing to purchase your Buffered PLUS in the secondary market (if any exists) at any time. The value of your Buffered PLUS at any time after the date of this document will vary based on many factors that cannot be predicted with accuracy, including our creditworthiness and changes in market conditions. See also “The market price of the Buffered PLUS will be influenced by many unpredictable factors” above.
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] The Buffered PLUS will not be listed on any securities exchange and secondary trading may be limited. The Buffered PLUS will not be listed on any securities exchange. Therefore, there may be little or no secondary market for the Buffered PLUS. MS & Co. may, but is not obligated to, make a market in the Buffered PLUS and, if it once chooses to make a market, may cease doing so at any time. When it does make a market, it will generally do so for transactions of routine secondary market size at prices based on its estimate of the current value of the Buffered PLUS, taking into account its bid/offer spread, our credit spreads, market volatility, the notional size of the proposed sale, the cost of unwinding any related hedging positions, the time remaining to maturity and the likelihood that it will be able to resell the Buffered PLUS. Even if there is a secondary market, it may not provide enough liquidity to allow you to trade or sell the Buffered PLUS easily. Since other broker-dealers may not participate significantly in the secondary market for the Buffered PLUS, the price at which you may be able to trade your Buffered PLUS is likely to depend on the price, if any,
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Principal at Risk Securities
at which MS & Co. is willing to transact. If, at any time, MS & Co. were to cease making a market in the Buffered PLUS, it is likely that there would be no secondary market for the Buffered PLUS. Accordingly, you should be willing to hold your Buffered PLUS to maturity.
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] Hedging and trading activity by our affiliates could potentially adversely affect the value of the Buffered PLUS. One or more of our affiliates and/or third-party dealers expect to carry out hedging activities related to the Buffered PLUS (and possibly to other instruments linked to the underlying shares, the underlying commodity with respect to the GLD Shares or the share underlying index with respect to the XLE Shares), including trading in the securities that constitute the share underlying index. As a result, these entities may be unwinding or adjusting hedge positions during the term of the Buffered PLUS, and the hedging strategy may involve greater and more frequent dynamic adjustments to the hedge as the valuation date approaches. Some of our affiliates also trade the underlying shares and other financial instruments related to the underlying shares and their components on a regular basis as part of their general broker-dealer and other businesses. Any of these hedging or trading activities on or prior to the pricing date could potentially affect the initial share price of either of the underlying shares, and, therefore, could increase the value at or above which such underlying shares must close on the valuation date so that investors do not suffer a loss on their initial investment in the Buffered PLUS (depending also on the performance of the other underlying shares). Additionally, such hedging or trading activities during the term of the Buffered PLUS, including on the valuation date, could adversely affect the value of either of the underlying shares on the valuation date, and, accordingly, the amount of cash an investor will receive at maturi ty (depending also on the performance of the other underlying shares).
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] The calculation agent, which is a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley and an affiliate of MSFL, will make determinations with respect to the Buffered PLUS. As calculation agent, MS & Co. will determine the initial share prices and the final share prices, including whether either of the underlying shares have decreased to below 90% of the respective initial share price, whether a market disruption event has occurred and whether to make any adjustments to the adjustment factors, and will calculate the amount of cash you receive at maturity. Moreover, certain determinations made by MS & Co., in its capacity as calculation agent, may require it to exercise discretion and make subjective judgments, such as with respect to the occurrence or non-occurrence of market disruption events or calculation of the final share price in the event of a market disruption event. These potentially subjective determinations may adversely affect the payout to you at maturity. For further information regarding these types of determinations, see “Description of PLUS—Postponement of Valuation Date(s),” “—Alternate Exchange Calculation in case of an Event of Default” and “—Calculation Agent and Calculations” and related definitions in the accompanying product supplement. In addition, MS & Co. has determined the estimated value of the Buffered PLUS on the pricing date.
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] The U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Buffered PLUS are uncertain. Please read the discussion under “Additional Information—Tax considerations” in this document and the discussion under “United States Federal Taxation” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS (together, the “Tax Disclosure Sections”) concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Buffered PLUS. As discussed in the Tax Disclosure Sections, there is a substantial risk that the “constructive ownership” rule could apply, in which case all or a portion of any long-term capital gain recognized by a U.S. Holder could be recharacterized as ordinary income and an interest charge could be imposed. In addition, long-term capital gain that a U.S. Holder would otherwise recognize in respect of the Buffered PLUS up to the amount of the “net underlying long-term capital gain” could, if the U.S. Holder is an individual or other non-corporate investor, be subject to tax at the higher rates applicable to “collectibles” instead of the general rates that apply to long-term capital gain. If the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) were successful in asserting an alternative treatment, the timing and character of income on the Buffered PLUS might differ significantly from the tax treatment described in the Tax Disclosure Sections. For example, under one possible treatment, the IRS could seek to recharacterize the Buffered PLUS as debt instruments. In that event, U.S. Holders would be required to accrue into income original issue discount on the Buffered PLUS every year at a “comparable yield” determined at the time of issuance and recognize all income and gain in respect of the Buffered PLUS as ordinary income. The risk that financial instruments providing for buffers, triggers or similar downside protection features, such as the Buffered PLUS, would be recharacterized as debt is greater than the risk of recharacterization for comparable financial instruments that do not have such features. We do not plan to request a ruling from the IRS regarding the tax treatment of the Buffered PLUS, and the IRS or a court may not agree with the tax treatment described in the Tax Disclosure Sections.
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In 2007, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS released a notice requesting comments on the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar instruments. The notice focuses in particular on whether to require holders of these instruments to accrue income over the term of their investment. It also asks for comments on a number of related topics, including the character of income or loss with respect to these instruments; whether short-term instruments should be subject to any such accrual regime; the relevance of factors such as the exchange-traded status of the instruments and the nature of the underlying property to which the instruments are linked; the degree, if any, to which income (including any mandated accruals) realized by non-U.S. investors should be subject to withholding tax; and whether these instruments are or should be subject to the “constructive ownership” rule, as discussed in this document. While the notice requests comments on appropriate transition rules and effective dates, any Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the Buffered PLUS, possibly with retroactive effect. Both U.S. and Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Buffered PLUS, including possible alternative treatments, the potential application of the constructive ownership rule, the issues presented by this notice and any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.
Risks Relating to the Underlying S hares
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] Because the Buffered PLUS are linked to the performance of the worst performing underlying shares, you are exposed to greater risk of sustaining a loss on your investment than if the Buffered PLUS were linked to just one of the underlying shares. The risk that you will suffer a loss on your investment is greater if you invest in the Buffered PLUS as opposed to substantially similar securities that are linked to the performance of just one of the underlying shares. With two underlying shares, it is more likely that either of the underlying shares will decline to below 90% of its initial share price as of the valuation date than if the Buffered PLUS were linked to only one of the underlying shares. Therefore it is more likely that you will suffer a loss on your investment.
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] You are exposed to the price risk of both underlying shares. Your return on the Buffered PLUS it not linked to a basket consisting of both underlying shares. Rather, it will be based upon the independent performance of each of the underlying shares. Unlike an instrument with a return linked to a basket of underlying assets in which risk is mitigated and diversified among all the components of the basket, you will be exposed to the risks related to both underlying shares. Poor performance by either of the underlying shares over the term of the securities will negatively affect your return and will not be offset or mitigated by any positive performance by the other underlying shares. If either of the underlying shares declines to below 90% of its respective share price as of the valuation date, you will lose some or a significant portion of your investment, even if the other underlying shares have appreciated or have not declined as much. Accordingly, your investment is subject to the price risk of both underlying shares.
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] Single commodity prices tend to be more volatile than, and may not correlate with, the prices of commodities generally. The SPDR ® Gold Trust is linked exclusively to the price of gold and not to a diverse basket of commodities or a broad-based commodity index. The price of gold may not correlate with, and may diverge significantly from, the prices of commodities generally. Because the Buffered PLUS are linked to the GLD 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 gold may be, and has recently been, highly volatile, and we can give you no assurance that such volatility will lessen.
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] The Buffered PLUS are subject to risks associated with gold. The investment objective of the SPDR ® Gold Trust is to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the SPDR ® Gold Trust’s expenses. The price of gold to which the return on the Buffered PLUS is linked is the afternoon London gold price per troy ounce of gold for delivery in London through a member of the LBMA authorized to effect such delivery. The market for gold bullion is global, and gold prices are subject to volatile price movements over short periods of time. Specific factors affecting the price of gold include economic factors, such as, 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 (as 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, as well as wars and political and civil
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upheavals. 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 that hold gold, sales of gold recycled from jewelry, as opposed to newly produced gold, in particular as the result of financial crises, levels of gold production and production costs in major gold-producing nations such as South Africa, the United States and Australia, non-concurrent trading hours of gold markets and short-term changes in supply and demand because of trading activities in the gold markets. It is not possible to predict the aggregate effect of any or all of these factors. The price of gold may be, and has recently been, extremely volatile, and we can give you no assurance that such volatility will lessen.
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] There are risks relating to trading of commodities on the London Bullion Market Association. The investment objective of the SPDR ® Gold Trust is to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the SPDR ® Gold Trust’s expenses. The price of gold 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 gold prices as global benchmarks for the values of gold 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 LBMA gold prices, which could adversely affect the value of the Buffered PLUS. The LBMA, or an independent service-provider appointed by the LBMA, will have no obligation to consider your interests in calculating or revising LBMA gold prices.
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] The performance and market price of the XLE Shares and the GLD Shares, particularly during periods of market volatility, may not correlate with the performance of the share underlying index or the component securities of the share underlying index, with respect to the XLE Shares, or the underlying commodity, with respect to the GLD Shares, or the net asset value per share of the respective underlying shares. The XLE Shares do not fully replicate the share underlying index and may hold securities that are different than those included in the share underlying index, and the GLD Shares do not fully replicate their underlying commodity.
With respect to the XLE 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 XLE Shares and the share underlying index. In addition, corporate actions (such as mergers and spin-offs) with respect to the securities underlying the XLE Shares may impact the variance between the performances of the XLE Shares and the share underlying index. With respect to the GLD 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 GLD Shares do not generate any income, and as the GLD 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 GLD 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 GLD 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 Buffered PLUS. Additionally, there is a risk that part or all of the holdings of the GLD Shares in its underlying commodity could be lost, damaged or stolen due to war, terrorism, theft, natural disaster or otherwise.
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.
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Principal at Risk Securities
Under these circumstances, the liquidity of each underlying shares may be adversely affected, market participants may be unable to calculate accurately the net asset value per share of each of the underlying shares, and their ability to create and redeem shares of each of the underlying shares may be disrupted. Under these circumstances, the market price of shares of each of the underlying shares may vary substantially from the net asset value per share of each underlying share, the level of the share underlying index, with respect to the XLE Shares, or the performance of its underlying commodity, with respect to the GLD Shares.
For all of the foregoing reasons, the performance of the XLE 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 the GLD Shares may not correlate with the performance of its underlying commodity, 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 Buffered PLUS. Additionally, if market volatility or these events were to occur on the valuation date, the calculation agent would maintain discretion to determine whether such market volatility or events have caused a market disruption event to occur, and such determination would affect the payment at maturity of the Buffered PLUS. If the calculation agent determines that no market disruption event has taken place, the payment at maturity would be based solely on the published closing price per share of each of the underlying shares on the valuation date, even if the XLE Shares are underperforming the share underlying index or the component securities of the share underlying index, the GLD Shares are underperforming its underlying commodity and/or any of the underlying shares is trading below the net asset value per share of such underlying shares.
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] Suspensions or disruptions of market trading in commodity and related futures markets could adversely affect the price of the Buffered PLUS. 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 commodities that constitute the underlying shares, and, therefore, the value of the Buffered PLUS.
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] Investing in the Buffered PLUS exposes investors to risks associated with investments with a concentration in the energy sector. The stocks included in the Energy Select Sector Index and that are generally tracked by the XLE Shares are stocks of companies whose primary business is directly associated with the energy sector, including the following sub-sectors: (i) oil, gas and consumable fuels and (ii) energy equipment and services. Because the value of the Buffered PLUS is linked to the performance of the XLE Shares, an investment in the Buffered PLUS exposes investors to risks associated with investments in securities with a concentration in the energy sector.
Energy companies develop and produce crude oil and natural gas and/or provide drilling and other energy resources production and distribution related services. Stock prices for these types of companies are mainly affected by the business, financial and operating condition of the particular company, as well as changes in prices for oil, gas and other types of fuels, which in turn largely depend on supply and demand for various energy products and services. Some of the factors that may influence supply and demand for energy products and services include: general economic conditions and growth rates, weather conditions, the cost of exploring for, producing and delivering oil and gas, technological advances affecting energy efficiency and energy consumption, the ability of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to set and maintain production levels of oil, currency fluctuations, inflation, natural disasters, civil unrest, acts of sabotage or terrorism and other regional or global events. The profitability of energy companies may also be adversely affected by existing and future laws, regulations, government actions and other legal requirements relating to protection of the environment, health and safety matters and others that may increase the costs of conducting their business or may reduce or delay available business opportunities. Increased supply or weak demand for energy products and services, as well as various developments leading to higher costs of doing business or missed business opportunities, would adversely impact the performance of companies in the energy
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Principal at Risk Securities
sector. The value of the Buffered PLUS may be subject to greater volatility and be more adversely affected by a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence affecting the energy sector or one of the sub-sectors of the energy sector than a different investment linked to securities of a more broadly diversified group of issuers.
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] Adjustments to the XLE Shares or the index tracked by the XLE Shares could adversely affect the value of the Buffered PLUS. The investment advisor to the XLE Shares, BlackRock Fund Advisors, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the share underlying index. Pursuant to its investment strategy or otherwise, the investment advisor may add, delete or substitute the stocks composing the XLE Shares. Any of these actions could adversely affect the price of the XLE Shares and, consequently, the value of the Buffered PLUS. The publisher of the share underlying index is responsible for calculating and maintaining the relevant share underlying index. The publisher may add, delete or substitute the securities constituting the share underlying index or make other methodological changes that could change the value of the share underlying index, and, consequently, the price of the XLE Shares and the value of the Buffered PLUS. The publisher of the share underlying index may discontinue or suspend calculation or publication of the share underlying index at any time. In these circumstances, the calculation agent will have the sole discretion to substitute a successor index that is comparable to the discontinued share underlying index and will be permitted to consider indices that are calculated and published by the calculation agent or any of its affiliates.
[if IE]<![endif] ■ [if IE]<![endif] 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
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Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside Securities SM
Principal at Risk Securities
SPDR ® Gold Trust Overview
The SPDR ® Gold Trust (the “Gold Trust”) is an investment trust sponsored by World Gold Trust Services, LLC and marketed by State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC, which seeks to provide investment results that reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the SPDR ® Gold Trust’s expenses. The SPDR ® Gold Trust holds gold bars. Information provided to or filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“the Commission”) by the Trust pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 can be located by reference to Commission file number 001-32356 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 SPDR ® Gold Trust is accurate or complete.
We have derived all information regarding the SPDR ® Gold Trust, including its make-up and method of calculation, from publicly available information, without independent verification. This information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by, the Gold Trust and World Gold Trust Services, LLC (“World Gold”), the sponsor of the Gold Trust. BNY Mellon Asset Servicing, a division of The Bank of New York Mellon, is the trustee of the Gold Trust, and HSBC Bank plc is the custodian of the Gold Trust. The Gold Trust is an investment trust. Shares of the Gold Trust trade under the ticker symbol “GLD” on the NYSE Arca, Inc.
The investment objective of the Gold Trust is to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the Gold Trust’s expenses. The Gold Trust holds gold bars. The Gold Trust issues shares in exchange for deposits of gold and distributes gold in connection with the redemption of shares. The shares of the Gold Trust are intended to offer investors an opportunity to participate in the gold market through an investment in securities. The ownership of the shares of the Gold Trust is intended to overcome certain barriers to entry in the gold market, such as the logistics of buying, storing and insuring gold.
The shares of the Gold Trust represent units of fractional undivided beneficial interest in and ownership of the Gold Trust, the primary asset of which is allocated (or secured) gold. The Gold Trust is not managed like a corporation or an active investment vehicle. The gold held by the Gold Trust will be sold only: (1) on an as-needed basis to pay the Gold Trust’s expenses, (2) in the event the Gold Trust terminates and liquidates its assets or (3) as otherwise required by law or regulation. Effective July 17, 2015, the Gold Trust’s only recurring fixed expense is World Gold’s fee, which accrues daily at an annual rate equal to 0.40% of the daily net asset value of the Gold Trust, in exchange for World Gold assuming the responsibility to pay all ordinary fees and expenses of the Gold Trust.
Information as of market close on April 30, 2024:
| Bloomberg Ticker Symbol: | GLD UP |
|---|---|
| Current Share Price: | $211.87 |
| 52 Weeks Ago: | $184.80 |
| 52 Week High (on 4/16/2024): | $221.22 |
| 52 Week Low (on 10/5/2023): | $168.83 |
The following table sets forth the published high and low closing prices, as well as the end-of-quarter closing prices, of the GLD Shares for each quarter from January 1, 2019 through April 30, 2024. The closing price of the GLD Shares on April 30, 2024 was $211.87. We obtained the information in the table and graph below from Bloomberg Financial Markets, without independent verification. The GLD Shares have at times experienced periods of high volatility, and you should not take the historical values of the GLD Shares as an indication of future performance.
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| SPDR ® Gold Trust (CUSIP 78463V107) | High ($) | Low ($) | Period End ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | |||
| First Quarter | 126.70 | 121.02 | 122.01 |
| Second Quarter | 134.20 | 119.94 | 133.20 |
| Third Quarter | 146.66 | 130.62 | 138.87 |
| Fourth Quarter | 142.90 | 137.01 | 142.90 |
| 2020 | |||
| First Quarter | 157.81 | 138.04 | 148.05 |
| Second Quarter | 167.37 | 149.45 | 167.37 |
| Third Quarter | 193.89 | 166.62 | 177.12 |
| Fourth Quarter | 183.19 | 166.67 | 178.36 |
| 2021 | |||
| First Quarter | 182.87 | 157.49 | 159.96 |
| Second Quarter | 178.77 | 161.92 | 165.63 |
| Third Quarter | 171.17 | 161.32 | 164.22 |
| Fourth Quarter | 174.50 | 163.92 | 170.96 |
| 2022 | |||
| First Quarter | 191.51 | 166.99 | 180.65 |
| Second Quarter | 184.65 | 168.46 | 168.46 |
| Third Quarter | 168.32 | 151.23 | 154.67 |
| Fourth Quarter | 169.64 | 151.45 | 169.64 |
| 2023 | |||
| First Quarter | 185.74 | 168.35 | 183.22 |
| Second Quarter | 190.44 | 177.09 | 178.27 |
| Third Quarter | 183.67 | 171.45 | 171.45 |
| Fourth Quarter | 192.59 | 168.83 | 191.17 |
| 2024 | |||
| First Quarter | 205.72 | 184.42 | 205.72 |
| Second Quarter (through April 30, 2024) | 221.22 | 207.82 | 211.87 |
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Principal at Risk Securities
GLD Shares Daily Closing Prices January 1, 2019 to April 30, 2024
This document relates only to the Buffered PLUS offered hereby and does not relate to the GLD Shares. We have derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding the Gold Trust from the publicly available documents described above. In connection with the offering of the Buffered PLUS, neither we nor the agent has participated in the preparation of such documents or made any due diligence inquiry with respect to the Gold Trust. Neither we nor the agent makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding the Gold 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 GLD Shares (and therefore the price of the GLD Shares at the time we price the Buffered PLUS) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning the Gold Trust could affect the value received with respect to the Buffered PLUS and therefore the value of the Buffered PLUS.
Neither we nor any of our affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of the GLD Shares.
We and/or our affiliates may presently or from time to time engage in business with the Gold Trust. In the course of such business, we and/or our affiliates may acquire non-public information with respect to the Gold 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 GLD Shares. The statements in the preceding two sentences are not intended to affect the rights of investors in the Buffered PLUS under the securities laws. As a prospective purchaser of the Buffered PLUS, you should undertake an independent investigation of the Gold Trust as in your judgment is appropriate to make an informed decision with respect to an investment linked to the GLD Shares.
May 2024 Page 16
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Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of Worst Performing of the SPDR ® Gold Trust and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund due May 12, 2025
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside Securities SM
Principal at Risk Securities
Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund Overview
The Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund is an exchange-traded fund managed by the Select Sector SPDR ® Trust (the “Trust”), a registered investment company. The Trust consists of numerous separate investment portfolios, including the Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund. The Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Energy Select Sector Index. It is possible that this fund may not fully replicate the performance of the Energy Select Sector Index due to the temporary unavailability of certain securities in the secondary market or due to other extraordinary circumstances. Information provided to or filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) by the Trust pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 can be located by reference to Commission file numbers 333-57791 and 811-08837, 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 Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund is accurate or complete.
Information as of market close on April 30, 2024:
| Bloomberg Ticker Symbol: | XLE UP |
|---|---|
| Current Share Price: | $93.52 |
| 52 Weeks Ago: | $84.17 |
| 52 Week High (on 4/5/2024): | $98.08 |
| 52 Week Low (on 5/31/2023): | $76.59 |
The following table sets forth the published high and low closing prices, as well as the end-of-quarter closing prices, of the XLE Shares for each quarter from January 1, 2019 through April 30, 2024. The closing price of the XLE Shares on April 30, 2024 was $93.52. We obtained the information in the table and graph below from Bloomberg Financial Markets, without independent verification. The XLE Shares have at times experienced periods of high volatility, and you should not take the historical values of the XLE Shares as an indication of future performance.
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| Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund (CUSIP 81369Y506) | High ($) | Low ($) | Period End ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | |||
| First Quarter | 67.29 | 57.90 | 66.12 |
| Second Quarter | 68.61 | 58.77 | 63.71 |
| Third Quarter | 64.44 | 55.85 | 59.20 |
| Fourth Quarter | 61.99 | 55.90 | 60.04 |
| 2020 | |||
| First Quarter | 60.87 | 23.57 | 29.06 |
| Second Quarter | 46.86 | 27.62 | 37.85 |
| Third Quarter | 38.58 | 29.95 | 29.95 |
| Fourth Quarter | 41.60 | 27.71 | 37.90 |
| 2021 | |||
| First Quarter | 53.57 | 37.96 | 49.06 |
| Second Quarter | 56.19 | 47.07 | 53.87 |
| Third Quarter | 54.81 | 45.79 | 52.09 |
| Fourth Quarter | 59.14 | 53.01 | 55.50 |
| 2022 | |||
| First Quarter | 78.75 | 57.22 | 76.44 |
| Second Quarter | 92.28 | 70.66 | 71.51 |
| Third Quarter | 84.09 | 67.49 | 72.02 |
| Fourth Quarter | 94.08 | 76.09 | 87.47 |
| 2023 | |||
| First Quarter | 93.11 | 76.97 | 82.83 |
| Second Quarter | 87.23 | 76.59 | 81.17 |
| Third Quarter | 93.36 | 79.09 | 90.39 |
| Fourth Quarter | 91.96 | 81.20 | 83.84 |
| 2024 | |||
| First Quarter | 94.41 | 79.91 | 94.41 |
| Second Quarter (through April 30, 2024) | 98.08 | 93.52 | 93.52 |
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XLE Shares Daily Closing Prices January 1, 2019 to April 30, 2024
This document relates only to the Buffered PLUS offered hereby and does not relate to the XLE Shares. We have derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding the Trust from the publicly available documents described above. In connection with the offering of the Buffered PLUS, neither we nor the agent has participated in the preparation of such documents or made any due diligence inquiry with respect to the Trust. Neither we nor the agent makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding the Trust is accurate or complete. Furthermore, we cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of the XLE Shares (and therefore the price of the XLE Shares at the time we price the Buffered PLUS) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning the Trust could affect the value received with respect to the Buffered PLUS and therefore the value of the Buffered PLUS.
Neither we nor any of our affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of the XLE Shares.
We and/or our affiliates may presently or from time to time engage in business with the Trust. In the course of such business, we and/or our affiliates may acquire non-public information with respect to the Trust, and neither we nor any of our affiliates undertakes to disclose any such information to you. In addition, one or more of our affiliates may publish research reports with respect to the XLE Shares. The statements in the preceding two sentences are not intended to affect the rights of investors in the Buffered PLUS under the securities laws. As a prospective purchaser of the Buffered PLUS, you should undertake an independent investigation of the Trust as in your judgment is appropriate to make an informed decision with respect to an investment linked to the XLE Shares.
“Standard & Poor’s ® ,” “S&P ® ,” “S&P 500 ® ,” “SPDR ® ,” “Select Sector SPDR ® ” and “Select Sector SPDRs” are trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P ® ”), an affiliate of S&P ® Global Inc. The Buffered PLUS are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by S&P ® , S&P ® Global Inc. or the Trust. S&P ® , S&P ® Global Inc. and the Trust make no representations or warranties to the owners of the Buffered PLUS or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in the Buffered PLUS. S&P ® , S&P ® Global Inc. and the Trust have no obligation or liability in connection with the operation, marketing, trading or sale of the Buffered PLUS.
Energy Select Sector Index . The Energy Select Sector Index, which is one of the Select Sector sub-indices of the S&P 500 ® Index, is intended to give investors an efficient, modified market capitalization-based way to track the movements of certain public companies that represent the energy sector of the S&P 500 ® Index. The Energy Select Sector Index includes component stocks in industries such as energy equipment and services; and oil, gas & consumable fuels. For more information, see “S&P ® Select Sector Indices—Energy Select Sector Index” in the accompanying index supplement.
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Additional Terms of the Buffered PLUS
Please read this information in conjunction with the terms on the front cover of this document.
| Additional Terms: | |
|---|---|
| If the terms described herein are inconsistent with those described in the accompanying product supplement, index supplement or prospectus, the terms described herein shall control. | |
| Underlying commodity: | Gold |
| Share underlying index: | Energy Select Sector Index |
| Share underlying index publisher: | S&P ® Dow Jones Indices LLC, or any successor thereof. |
| Interest: | None |
| Denominations: | $1,000 per Buffered PLUS and integral multiples thereof |
| Postponement of maturity date: | If the scheduled valuation date is not a trading day with respect to either of the underlying shares or if a market disruption event occurs with respect to either of the underlying shares on that day so that the valuation date is postponed and falls less than two business days prior to the scheduled maturity date, the maturity date of the Buffered PLUS will be postponed to the second business day following the latest valuation date as postponed with respect to either of the underlying shares. |
| Trading day: | Trading day means, in respect of the GLD Shares, a day, as determined by the calculation agent, on which NYSE Arca (or if NYSE Arca is no longer the principal exchange or trading market for the GLD Shares, such exchange or principal trading market for the GLD Shares that serves as the price-source for the GLD Shares) is open for trading during its regular session, notwithstanding such exchange or principal trading market closing prior to its scheduled closing time. Trading day means, in respect of the XLE 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. |
| Market disruption event: | With respect to the GLD Shares, market disruption event means: (i) the occurrence or existence of any of: a. a suspension, absence or material limitation of trading of the GLD Shares on the primary market for the GLD 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 GLD Shares as a result of which the reported trading prices for the GLD 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 GLD 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 GLD 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 |
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position with respect to the securities. For the purpose of determining whether a market disruption event in respect of the GLD 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 GLD 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 GLD 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 GLD Shares and (4) a “suspension, absence or material limitation of trading” on the primary market on which futures or options contracts related to the GLD Shares are traded will not include any time when such securities market is itself closed for trading under ordinary circumstances. With respect to the XLE Shares, market disruption event means: (i) the occurrence or existence of any of: (a) a suspension, absence or material limitation of trading of the XLE Shares on the primary market for the XLE 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 XLE Shares as a result of which the reported trading prices for the XLE 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 XLE 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 securities then constituting 20 percent or more of the value of the share underlying index for the XLE Shares on the relevant exchange(s) for such securities for more than two hours of trading or during the one-half hour period preceding the close of the principal trading session on such relevant exchange(s), in each case as determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion; or (c) the suspension, material limitation or absence of trading on any major U.S. securities market for trading in futures or options contracts related to the share underlying index or the underlying shares for more than two hours of trading or during the one-half hour period preceding the close of the principal trading session on such market, in each case as determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion; and (ii) a determination by the calculation agent in its sole discretion that any event described in clause (i) above materially interfered with our ability or the ability of any of our affiliates to unwind or adjust all or a material portion of the hedge position with respect to the securities. For the purpose of determining whether a market disruption event exists at any time with respect to the XLE Shares, if trading in a security included in the share underlying index is materially suspended or materially limited at that time, then the relevant percentage contribution of that security to the level of the share underlying index will be based on a comparison of (x) the portion of the level of the share underlying index attributable to that security relative to (y) the overall level of the share underlying index, in each case immediately before that suspension or limitation. For the purpose of determining whether a market disruption event has occurred with respect to the XLE 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 XLE Shares or in the futures or options contract related to the share underlying index or the XLE Shares will not constitute a market disruption event, (3) a suspension of trading in futures or options contracts on the share
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| underlying index or the XLE Shares by the primary securities market trading in such contracts by reason of (a) a price change exceeding limits set by such securities exchange or market, (b) an imbalance of orders relating to such contracts or (c) a disparity in bid and ask quotes relating to such contracts will constitute a suspension, absence or material limitation of trading in futures or options contracts related to the share underlying index or the XLE 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 or the XLE 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 XLE Shares, see “Discontinuance of the XLE Shares and/or the share underlying index; alteration of method of calculation” below. | |
|---|---|
| Discontinuance of the GLD Shares; alteration of method of calculation: | If trading in the GLD Shares on every applicable national securities exchange is permanently discontinued or the GLD Shares are liquidated or otherwise terminated (a “GLD discontinuance or liquidation event”), the Buffered PLUS will be deemed accelerated to the fifth business day following the date notice of such GLD discontinuance or liquidation event is provided to holders of the GLD Shares under the terms of the GLD 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 Buffered PLUS 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. |
| Discontinuance of the XLE Shares and/or the share underlying index; alteration of method of calculation: | If trading in the XLE Shares on every applicable national securities exchange, on the OTC Bulletin Board and in the over-the-counter market is permanently discontinued or the Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund is liquidated or otherwise terminated (an “XLE discontinuance or liquidation event”), the closing price of the XLE Shares on any trading day following the XLE 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 XLE 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 XLE discontinuance or liquidation event) and (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the closing price of the XLE 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 XLE discontinuance or liquidation event on which a closing price was available. If, subsequent to an XLE discontinuance or liquidation event, the share underlying index publisher discontinues publication of the share underlying index and the share underlying index publisher or another entity (including MS & Co.) publishes a successor or substitute index that the calculation agent determines, in its sole discretion, to be comparable to the discontinued the share underlying index (such index being referred to herein as a “successor index”), then any subsequent closing price for the XLE Shares on any trading day following an XLE 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 |
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| 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 an XLE discontinuance or liquidation event, the share underlying index publisher discontinues publication of the share underlying index prior to, and such discontinuance is continuing on, the valuation 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 XLE 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. | |
|---|---|
| Trustee: | The Bank of New York Mellon |
| Calculation agent: | MS & Co. |
| Issuer notice to registered security holders, the trustee and the depositary : | In the event that the maturity date is postponed due to postponement of the valuation date, the issuer shall give notice of such postponement and, once it has been determined, of the date to which the maturity date has been rescheduled (i) to each registered holder of the Buffered PLUS by mailing notice of such postponement by first class mail, postage prepaid, to such registered holder’s last address as it shall appear upon the registry books, (ii) to the trustee by facsimile confirmed by mailing such notice to the trustee by first class mail, postage prepaid, at its New York office and (iii) to The Depository Trust Company (the “depositary”) by telephone or facsimile, confirmed by mailing such notice to the depositary by first class mail, postage prepaid. Any notice that is mailed to a registered holder of the Buffered PLUS in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given to such registered holder, whether or not such registered holder receives the notice. The issuer shall give such notice as promptly as possible, and in no case later than (i) with respect to notice of postponement of the maturity date, the business day immediately preceding the scheduled maturity date and (ii) with respect to notice of the date to which the maturity date has been rescheduled, the business day immediately following the actual valuation date. The issuer shall, or shall cause the calculation agent to, (i) provide written notice to the trustee and to the depositary of the amount of cash to be delivered with respect to each stated principal amount of the Buffered PLUS, on or prior to 10:30 a.m. (New York City time) on the business day preceding the maturity date, and (ii) deliver the aggregate cash amount due with respect to the Buffered PLUS to the trustee for delivery to the depositary, as holder of the Buffered PLUS, on the maturity date. |
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Additional Information About the Buffered PLUS
| Additional Information: | |
|---|---|
| Minimum ticketing size: | $1,000 / 1 Buffered PLUS |
| Tax considerations: | Although there is uncertainty regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Buffered PLUS due to the lack of governing authority, in the opinion of our counsel, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, under current law, and based on current market conditions, a Buffered PLUS should be treated as a single financial contract that is an “open transaction” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, because our counsel’s opinion is based in part on market conditions as of the date of this document, it is subject to confirmation on the pricing date. Assuming this treatment of the Buffered PLUS is respected and subject to the discussion in “United States Federal Taxation” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS, the following U.S. federal income tax consequences should result based on current law: ■ A U.S. Holder should not be required to recognize taxable income over the term of the Buffered PLUS prior to settlement, other than pursuant to a sale or exchange. ■ Upon sale, exchange or settlement of the Buffered PLUS , a U.S. Holder should recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Buffered PLUS . Subject to the discussion below concerning the potential application of the “constructive ownership” rule, such gain or loss should be long-term capital gain or loss if the investor has held the Buffered PLUS for more than one year, and short-term capital gain or loss otherwise. Because the Buffered PLUS are linked to shares of exchange-traded funds, although the matter is not clear, there is a substantial risk that an investment in the Buffered PLUS will be treated as a “constructive ownership transaction” under Section 1260 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). If this treatment applies, all or a portion of any long-term capital gain of the U.S. Holder in respect of the Buffered PLUS could be recharacterized as ordinary income (in which case an interest charge will be imposed). As a result of certain features of the Buffered PLUS, including the leveraged upside payment and the fact that the Buffered PLUS are linked to more than one exchange traded fund, it is unclear how to calculate the amount of gain that would be recharacterized if an investment in the Buffered PLUS were treated as a constructive ownership transaction. In addition, long-term capital gain that a U.S. Holder would otherwise recognize in respect of the Buffered PLUS up to the amount of the “net underlying long-term capital gain” could, if the U.S. Holder is an individual or other non-corporate investor, be subject to tax at the higher rates applicable to “collectibles” instead of the general rates that apply to long-term capital gain. Due to the lack of governing authority, our counsel is unable to opine as to whether or how Section 1260 of the Code applies to the Buffered PLUS. U.S. investors should read the section entitled “United States Federal Taxation—Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders—Possible Application of Section 1260 of the Code” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS for additional information and consult their tax advisers regarding the potential application of the “constructive ownership” rule. In 2007, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) released a notice requesting comments on the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar instruments. The notice focuses in particular on whether to require holders of these instruments to accrue income over the term of their investment. It also asks for comments on a number of related topics, including the character of income or loss with respect to these instruments; whether short-term instruments should be subject to any such accrual regime; the relevance of factors such as the exchange-traded status of the instruments and the nature of the underlying property to which the instruments are linked; the degree, if any, to which income (including any mandated accruals) realized by non-U.S. investors should be subject to |
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| withholding tax; and whether these instruments are or should be subject to the “constructive ownership” rule, as discussed above. While the notice requests comments on appropriate transition rules and effective dates, any Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the Buffered PLUS, possibly with retroactive effect. As discussed in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS, Section 871(m) of the Code and Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder (“Section 871(m)”) generally impose a 30% (or a lower applicable treaty rate) withholding tax on dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid to Non-U.S. Holders with respect to certain financial instruments linked to U.S. equities or indices that include U.S. equities (each, an “Underlying Security”). Subject to certain exceptions, Section 871(m) generally applies to securities that substantially replicate the economic performance of one or more Underlying Securities, as determined based on tests set forth in the applicable Treasury regulations (a “Specified Security”). However, pursuant to an IRS notice, Section 871(m) will not apply to securities issued before January 1, 2025 that do not have a delta of one with respect to any Underlying Security. Based on the terms of the Buffered PLUS and current market conditions, we expect that the Buffered PLUS will not have a delta of one with respect to any Underlying Security on the pricing date. However, we will provide an updated determination in the final pricing supplement. Assuming that the Buffered PLUS do not have a delta of one with respect to any Underlying Security, our counsel is of the opinion that the Buffered PLUS should not be Specified Securities and, therefore, should not be subject to Section 871(m). Our determination is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS may disagree with this determination. Section 871(m) is complex and its application may depend on your particular circumstances, including whether you enter into other transactions with respect to an Underlying Security. If withholding is required, we will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to the amounts so withheld. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the potential application of Section 871(m) to the Buffered PLUS. Both U.S. and non-U.S. investors considering an investment in the Buffered PLUS should read the discussion under “Risk Factors” in this document and the discussion under “United States Federal Taxation” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS and consult their tax advisers regarding all aspects of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Buffered PLUS, including possible alternative treatments, the potential application of the constructive ownership rule, the issues presented by the aforementioned notice and any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction. The discussion in the preceding paragraphs under “Tax considerations” and the discussion contained in the section entitled “United States Federal Taxation” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS, insofar as they purport to describe provisions of U.S. federal income tax laws or legal conclusions with respect thereto, constitute the full opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP regarding the material U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the Buffered PLUS. | |
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| Use of proceeds and hedging: | The proceeds from the sale of the Buffered PLUS will be used by us for general corporate purposes. We will receive, in aggregate, $1,000 per Buffered PLUS issued, because, when we enter into hedging transactions in order to meet our obligations under the Buffered PLUS, our hedging counterparty will reimburse the cost of the agent’s commissions. The costs of the Buffered PLUS borne by you and described on page 2 above comprise the agent’s commissions and the cost of issuing, structuring and hedging the Buffered PLUS. On or prior to the pricing date, we will hedge our anticipated exposure in connection with the Buffered PLUS by entering into hedging transactions with our affiliates and/or |
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| third-party dealers. We expect our hedging counterparties to take positions in underlying shares, futures and/or options contracts on the underlying shares, or the underlying commodity with respect to the GLD Shares or any component stocks of the share underlying index with respect to the XLE 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 value of one or both of the underlying shares on the pricing date, and therefore could increase the price at or above which such underlying shares must close on the valuation date so that investors do not suffer a loss on their initial investment in the Buffered PLUS (depending also on the performance of the other underlying shares). In addition, through our affiliates, we are likely to modify our hedge position throughout the term of the Buffered PLUS, including on the valuation date, by purchasing and selling the stocks constituting the underlying shares, futures or options contracts on the underlying shares, the underlying commodity with respect to the GLD Shares or the share underlying index with respect to the XLE Shares, or positions in any other available securities or instruments that we may wish to use in connection with such hedging activities. As a result, these entities may be unwinding or adjusting hedge positions during the term of the Buffered PLUS, and the hedging strategy may involve greater and more frequent dynamic adjustments to the hedge as the valuation date approaches. We cannot give any assurance that our hedging activities will not affect the value of either of the underlying shares, and, therefore, adversely affect the value of the Buffered PLUS or the payment you will receive at maturity (depending also on the performance of the other underlying shares). For further information on our use of proceeds and hedging, see “Use of Proceeds and Hedging” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS. | |
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| Additional considerations: | Client accounts over which Morgan Stanley, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management or any of their respective subsidiaries have investment discretion are not permitted to purchase the Buffered PLUS, either directly or indirectly. |
| Supplemental information regarding plan of distribution; conflicts of interest: | MS & Co. expects to sell all of the Buffered PLUS that it purchases from us to an unaffiliated dealer at a price of $ per Buffered PLUS, for further sale to certain fee-based advisory accounts at the price to public of $1,000 per Buffered PLUS. MS & Co. will not receive a sales commission with respect to the Buffered PLUS. MS & Co. is an affiliate of MSFL and a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, and it and other affiliates of ours expect to make a profit by selling, structuring and, when applicable, hedging the Buffered PLUS. When MS & Co. prices this offering of Buffered PLUS, it will determine the economic terms of the Buffered PLUS, including the leverage factor, such that for each Buffered PLUS the estimated value on the pricing date will be no lower than the minimum level described in “Investment Summary” on page 2. MS & Co. will conduct this offering in compliance with the requirements of FINRA Rule 5121 of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., which is commonly referred to as FINRA, regarding a FINRA member firm’s distribution of the securities of an affiliate and related conflicts of interest. MS & Co. or any of our other affiliates may not make sales in this offering to any discretionary account. See “Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” and “Use of Proceeds and Hedging” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS. |
| Where you can find more information: | Morgan Stanley and MSFL have filed a registration statement (including a prospectus, as supplemented by the product supplement for PLUS and the index supplement) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, for the offering to which this communication relates. You should read the prospectus in that registration statement, the product supplement for PLUS, the index supplement and any other documents |
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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC
Buffered PLUS Based on the Value of Worst Performing of the SPDR ® Gold Trust and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ® Fund due May 12, 2025
Buffered Performance Leveraged Upside Securities SM
Principal at Risk Securities
relating to this offering that Morgan Stanley and MSFL have filed with the SEC for more complete information about Morgan Stanley, MSFL and this offering. When you read the accompanying product supplement and index supplement, please note that all references in such supplements to the prospectus dated November 16, 2023, or to any sections therein, should refer instead to the accompanying prospectus dated April 12, 2024 or to the corresponding sections of such prospectus, as applicable. You may get these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Morgan Stanley or MSFL will arrange to send you the product supplement for PLUS, index supplement and prospectus if you so request by calling toll-free 800-584-6837. You may access these documents on the SEC web site at www.sec.gov . as follows: Product S upplement for PLUS dated November 16, 2023 Index Supplement dated November 16, 2023 Prospectus dated April 12, 2024 Terms used but not defined in this document are defined in the product supplement for PLUS, in the index supplement or in the prospectus. “Performance Leveraged Upside Securities SM ” and “PLUS SM ” are our service marks.
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