September 2024

Preliminary Pricing Supplement No. 3,835

Registration Statement Nos. 333-275587; 333-275587-01

Dated September 6, 2024

Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Structured Investments

Opportunities in U.S. Equities

Accelerated Return Securities Based on the iShares® Russell 2000® ETF due March 10, 2026

Fully and Unconditionally Guaranteed by Morgan Stanley

Principal at Risk Securities

The securities offered are unsecured obligations of Morgan Stanley Finance LLC (“MSFL”) and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Morgan Stanley. The securities 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. At maturity, if the underlying shares have appreciated in value, investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment plus leveraged upside performance of the underlying shares, subject to the maximum payment at maturity. If the underlying shares have depreciated in value, but the underlying shares have not declined by more than the specified buffer amount, the securities will redeem for par. However, if the underlying shares have declined by more than the buffer amount, investors will lose 1% for every 1% decline 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 securities. The securities are for investors who seek an equity fund-based return and who are willing to risk their principal and forgo current income and upside above the maximum payment at maturity in exchange for the leverage and buffer features that in each case apply to a limited range of performance of the underlying shares. The securities are notes issued as part of MSFL’s Series A Global Medium-Term Notes program.

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

SUMMARY TERMS

Issuer:

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Guarantor:

Morgan Stanley

Maturity date:

March 10, 2026

Underlying shares:

Shares of the iShares® Russell 2000® ETF (the “Fund”)

Aggregate principal amount:

$

Payment at maturity per security:

If the final share price is greater than the initial share price:
$1,000 + leveraged upside payment

In no event will the payment at maturity exceed the maximum payment at maturity.

 

If the final share price is less than or equal to the initial share price but has decreased from the initial share price by an amount less than or equal to the buffer amount of 10%: $1,000

 

If the final share price is less than the initial share price and has decreased from the initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 10%:

 

($1,000 × the share performance factor) + $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 securities pay less than $100 per security at maturity.

Leveraged upside payment:

$1,000 × leverage factor × share percent increase

Share percent increase:

(final share price – initial share price) / initial share price

Share performance factor:

final share price / initial share price

Initial share price:

$211.93, which is the closing price of one underlying share on September 5, 2024

Final share price:

The closing price of one underlying share on the valuation date times the adjustment factor on such date

Adjustment factor:

1.0, subject to adjustment in the event of certain events affecting the underlying shares

Valuation date:

March 5, 2026, subject to postponement for non-trading days and certain market disruption events

Leverage factor:

150%

Buffer amount:

10%. As a result of the buffer amount of 10%, the value at or above which the underlying shares must close on the valuation date so that investors do not suffer a loss on their initial investment in the securities is $190.737, which is 90% of the initial share price.

Minimum payment at maturity:

$100 per security (10% of the stated principal amount)

Maximum payment at maturity:

At least $1,200 per security (120% of the stated principal amount). The actual maximum payment at maturity will be determined on the pricing date.

Interest:

None

Stated principal amount:

$1,000 per security

Issue price:

$1,000 per security

Pricing date:

September 6, 2024

Original issue date:

September 11, 2024 (3 business days after the pricing date)

CUSIP:

61776RWW0

ISIN:

US61776RWW05

Listing:

The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange.

Agent:

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

Estimated value on the pricing date:

Approximately $973.50 per security, or within $25.00 of that estimate. See “Investment Summary” on page 2.

Commissions and issue price:

Price to public

Agent’s commissions and fees

Proceeds to us(3)

Per security

$1,000

$15(1)

 

 

 

$1(2)

$984

Total

$

$

$

(1)Selected dealers and their financial advisors will collectively receive from the agent, MS & Co., a fixed sales commission of up to $15 for each security they sell. 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.

(2)Reflects a structuring fee payable to selected dealers by the agent or its affiliates of $1 for each security.

(3)See “Use of proceeds and hedging” on page 16.

 

The securities involve risks not associated with an investment in ordinary debt securities. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 6.

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

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

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

As used in this document, “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Morgan Stanley or MSFL, or Morgan Stanley and MSFL collectively, as the context requires.

 

Product Supplement for PLUS dated November 16, 2023Index Supplement dated November 16, 2023 Prospectus dated April 12, 2024

 

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Accelerated Return Securities Based on the iShares® Russell 2000® ETF due March 10, 2026

Principal at Risk Securities

Investment Summary

Accelerated Return Securities

 Principal at Risk Securities

The Accelerated Return Securities Based on the iShares® Russell 2000® ETF due March 10, 2026 (the “securities”) can be used:

As an alternative to direct exposure to the underlying shares that enhances returns for a certain range of positive performance of the underlying shares, subject to the maximum payment at maturity.

To enhance returns and potentially outperform the underlying shares in a moderately bullish scenario.

To achieve similar levels of upside exposure to the underlying shares as a direct investment, subject to the maximum payment at maturity, while using fewer dollars by taking advantage of the leverage factor.

To obtain a buffer against a specified level of negative performance in the underlying shares.

Maturity:

Approximately 1.5 years

Leverage factor:

150%

Maximum payment at maturity:

At least $1,200 per security (120% of the stated principal amount). The actual maximum payment at maturity will be determined on the pricing date.

Minimum payment at maturity:

$100 per security (10% of the stated principal amount). Investors may lose up to 90% of the stated principal amount of the securities.

Buffer amount:

10%

Coupon:

None

 

The original issue price of each security is $1,000. This price includes costs associated with issuing, selling, structuring and hedging the securities, which are borne by you, and, consequently, the estimated value of the securities on the pricing date will be less than $1,000. We estimate that the value of each security on the pricing date will be approximately $973.50, or within $25.00 of that estimate. Our estimate of the value of the securities 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 securities on the pricing date, we take into account that the securities comprise both a debt component and a performance-based component linked to the underlying shares. The estimated value of the securities is determined using our own pricing and valuation models, market inputs and assumptions relating to the underlying shares, instruments based on the underlying shares, volatility and other factors including current and expected interest rates, as well as an interest rate related to our secondary market credit spread, which is the implied interest rate at which our conventional fixed rate debt trades in the secondary market.

What determines the economic terms of the securities?

In determining the economic terms of the securities, including the leverage factor, the maximum payment at maturity, 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 securities would be more favorable to you.

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

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

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

September 2024 Page 2

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Accelerated Return Securities Based on the iShares® Russell 2000® ETF due March 10, 2026

Principal at Risk Securities

Key Investment Rationale

The securities offer leveraged upside exposure to the underlying shares, subject to the maximum payment at maturity, while providing limited protection against negative performance of the underlying shares. Once the underlying shares have decreased in price by more than a specified buffer amount, investors are exposed to the negative performance of the underlying shares, subject to the minimum payment at maturity. At maturity, if the underlying shares have appreciated, investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment plus leveraged upside performance of the underlying shares, subject to the maximum payment at maturity. At maturity, if the underlying shares have depreciated and (i) if the closing price of the underlying shares has not declined from the initial share price by more than the specified buffer amount, the securities will redeem for par, or (ii) if the closing price of the underlying shares has declined by more than the buffer amount, the investor will lose 1% for every 1% decline 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 securities.

Leveraged Performance up to a Cap

The securities offer investors an opportunity to capture enhanced returns for a certain range of positive performance relative to a direct investment in the underlying shares, subject to the maximum payment at maturity.

Upside Scenario

The underlying shares increase in price, and, at maturity, the securities redeem for the stated principal amount of $1,000 plus 150% of the share return, subject to the maximum payment at maturity of at least $1,200 per security (120% of the stated principal amount). The actual maximum payment at maturity will be determined on the pricing date.

Par Scenario

The underlying shares decline in price by no more than 10%, and, at maturity, the securities redeem for the stated principal amount of $1,000.

Downside Scenario

The underlying shares decline in price by more than 10%, and, at maturity, the securities redeem for less than the stated principal amount by an amount that is proportionate to the percentage decrease of the underlying shares from the initial share price, plus the buffer amount of 10%. (Example: if the underlying shares decrease in price by 35%, investors would lose 25% of their principal and the securities will redeem for $750, or 75% of the stated principal amount.) The minimum payment at maturity is $100 per security.

September 2024 Page 3

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Accelerated Return Securities Based on the iShares® Russell 2000® ETF due March 10, 2026

Principal at Risk Securities

How the Securities Work

Payoff Diagram

The payoff diagram below illustrates the payment at maturity on the securities based on the following terms:

 

Stated principal amount:

$1,000 per security

Leverage factor:

150%

Buffer amount:

10%

Hypothetical maximum payment at maturity:

$1,200 per security (120% of the stated principal amount). The actual maximum payment at maturity will be determined on the pricing date.

Minimum payment at maturity:

$100 per security

 

Securities Payoff Diagram

 

How it works

Upside Scenario. If the final share price is greater than the initial share price, investors will receive the $1,000 stated principal amount plus 150% of the appreciation of the underlying shares over the term of the securities, subject to the maximum payment at maturity. An investor will realize the hypothetical maximum payment at maturity of $1,200 per security (120% of the stated principal amount) at a final share price of approximately 113.333% of the initial share price.

If the value of the underlying shares appreciates 2%, the investor would receive a 3% return, or $1,030 per security.

Given the hypothetical maximum payment at maturity of $1,200 per security (120% of the stated principal amount), if the value of the underlying shares appreciates 400%, the investor would receive only the hypothetical maximum payment at maturity of $1,200 per security, or 120% of the stated principal amount.

Par Scenario. If the final share price is less than or equal to the initial share price but has decreased from the initial share price by an amount less than or equal to the buffer amount of 10%, investors will receive the stated principal amount of $1,000 per security.

September 2024 Page 4

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Accelerated Return Securities Based on the iShares® Russell 2000® ETF due March 10, 2026

Principal at Risk Securities

Downside Scenario. If the final share price is less than the initial share price and has decreased from the initial share price by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 10%, investors will receive an amount that is less than the stated principal amount by an amount that is proportionate to the percentage decrease in the value of the underlying shares from the initial share price, plus the buffer amount of 10%. The minimum payment at maturity is $100 per security.

For example, if the value of the underlying shares depreciates 45%, investors would lose 35% of their principal and receive only $650 per security at maturity, or 65% of the stated principal amount.

September 2024 Page 5

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Accelerated Return Securities Based on the iShares® Russell 2000® ETF due March 10, 2026

Principal at Risk Securities

Risk Factors

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

Risks Relating to an Investment in the Securities

The securities do not pay interest and provide a minimum payment at maturity of only 10% of your principal. The terms of the securities differ from those of ordinary debt securities in that the securities do not pay interest, and provide a minimum payment at maturity of only 10% of the stated principal amount of the securities, subject to our credit risk. If the final share price is less than 90% of the initial share price, you will receive for each security that you hold a payment at maturity that is less than the stated principal amount of each security by an amount proportionate to the decline in the closing value of the underlying shares from the initial share price, plus $100 per security. Accordingly, investors may lose up to 90% of the stated principal amount of the securities.

The appreciation potential of the securities is limited by the maximum payment at maturity. The appreciation potential of the securities is limited by the maximum payment at maturity of at least $1,200 per security, or 120% of the stated principal amount. The actual maximum payment at maturity will be determined on the pricing date. Although the leverage factor provides 150% exposure to any increase in the final share price over the initial share price, because the payment at maturity will be limited to 120% of the stated principal amount for the securities (assuming a maximum payment at maturity of $1,200 per security), any increase in the final share price over the initial share price by more than approximately 13.333% of the initial share price will not further increase the return on the securities.

The market price of the securities will be influenced by many unpredictable factors. Several factors, many of which are beyond our control, will influence the value of the securities in the secondary market and the price at which MS & Co. may be willing to purchase or sell the securities in the secondary market, including the trading price, volatility (frequency and magnitude of changes in value) and dividends of the underlying shares and of the stocks composing the Russell 2000® Index (the “share underlying index”), interest and yield rates in the market, time remaining until the securities mature, geopolitical conditions and economic, financial, political, regulatory or judicial events that affect the underlying shares or equities markets generally and which may affect the final share price of the underlying shares, the occurrence of certain events affecting the underlying shares that may or may not require an adjustment to the adjustment factor, and any actual or anticipated changes in our credit ratings or credit spreads. Generally, the longer the time remaining to maturity, the more the market price of the securities will be affected by the other factors described above. The price of the underlying shares may be, and has recently been, volatile, and we can give you no assurance that the volatility will lessen. See “iShares® Russell 2000® ETF Overview” below. You may receive less, and possibly significantly less, than the stated principal amount per security if you try to sell your securities prior to maturity.

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

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

September 2024 Page 6

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Accelerated Return Securities Based on the iShares® Russell 2000® ETF due March 10, 2026

Principal at Risk Securities

MSFL should accordingly assume that in any such proceedings they would not have any priority over and should be treated pari passu with the claims of other unsecured, unsubordinated creditors of Morgan Stanley, including holders of Morgan Stanley-issued securities.

The amount payable on the securities is not linked to the value of the underlying shares at any time other than the valuation date. The final share price will be based on the closing price on the valuation date, subject to postponement for non-trading days and certain market disruption events. Even if the value of the underlying shares appreciates prior to the valuation date but then drops by the valuation date by more than 10%, the payment at maturity will be less, and may be significantly less, than it would have been had the payment at maturity been linked to the value of the underlying shares prior to such drop. Although the actual value of the underlying shares on the stated maturity date or at other times during the term of the securities may be higher than the closing price on the valuation date, the payment at maturity will be based solely on the closing price on the valuation date.

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 2024 Page 7

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Accelerated Return Securities Based on the iShares® Russell 2000® ETF due March 10, 2026

Principal at Risk Securities

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

The calculation agent, which is a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley and an affiliate of MSFL, will make determinations with respect to the securities. As calculation agent, MS & Co. will determine the initial share price and the final share price, 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 judgements, such as with respect to the occurrence or non-occurrence of market disruption events and the selection of a successor index or calculation of the final share price in the event of a market disruption event or discontinuance of the share underlying index. 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),” “—Discontinuance of Any ETF Shares and/or Share Underlying Index; Alteration of Method of Calculation,” “—Alternate Exchange Calculation in case of an Event of Default and “—Calculation Agent and Calculations” in the accompanying product supplement. In addition, MS & Co. has determined the estimated value of the securities on the pricing date.

Hedging and trading activity by our affiliates could potentially adversely affect the value of the securities. One or more of our affiliates and/or third-party dealers expect to carry out hedging activities related to the securities (and to other instruments linked to the underlying shares or the share underlying index), including trading in the underlying shares and in other instruments related to the underlying shares or the share underlying index. As a result, these entities may be unwinding or adjusting hedge positions during the term of the securities, and the hedging strategy may involve greater and more frequent dynamic adjustments to the hedge as the valuation date approaches. Some of our affiliates also trade the underlying shares or the stocks that constitute the share underlying index and other financial instruments related to the share underlying index on a regular basis as part of their general broker-dealer and other businesses. Any of these hedging or trading activities on or prior to September 5, 2024 could potentially increase the initial share price, and, therefore, could increase the price at or above which the shares of the Fund must close on the valuation date so that investors do not suffer a loss on their initial investment in the securities. Additionally, such hedging or trading activities during the term of the securities, including on the valuation date, could adversely affect the closing price of the shares of the Fund on the valuation date, and, accordingly, the amount of cash an investor will receive at maturity.

The U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities 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 securities. As discussed in the Tax Disclosure Sections, there is a risk that the “constructive ownership” rule could apply, in which case all or a portion of any long-term capital gain recognized by a U.S. Holder could be recharacterized as ordinary income and an interest charge could be imposed. In addition, there is no direct legal authority regarding the proper U.S. federal tax treatment of the securities, and we do not plan to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”). Consequently, significant aspects of the tax treatment of the securities are uncertain, and the IRS or a court might not agree with the tax treatment of a security as a single financial contract that is an “open transaction” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the IRS were successful in asserting an alternative treatment of the securities, the tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the securities, including the timing and character of income recognized by U.S. Holders and the withholding tax consequences to Non-U.S. Holders, might be materially and adversely affected. Moreover, future legislation, Treasury regulations or IRS guidance could adversely affect the U.S. federal tax treatment of the securities, possibly retroactively.

Both U.S. and Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities, including possible alternative treatments, as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.

September 2024 Page 8

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Accelerated Return Securities Based on the iShares® Russell 2000® ETF due March 10, 2026

Principal at Risk Securities

Risks Relating to the Underlying Shares

The securities are linked to the iShares® Russell 2000® ETF and are subject to risks associated with small-capitalization companies.  As the iShares® Russell 2000® ETF tracks the performance of stocks issued by companies with relatively small market capitalization, the securities are linked to the value of small-capitalization companies. These companies often have greater stock price volatility, lower trading volume and less liquidity than large-capitalization companies and therefore the iShares® Russell 2000® ETF may be more volatile than indices or funds that consist of stocks issued by large-capitalization companies. Stock prices of small-capitalization companies are also more vulnerable than those of large-capitalization companies to adverse business and economic developments, and the stocks of small-capitalization companies may be thinly traded. In addition, small capitalization companies are typically less well-established and less stable financially than large-capitalization companies and may depend on a small number of key personnel, making them more vulnerable to loss of personnel. Such companies tend to have smaller revenues, less diverse product lines, smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources and less competitive strengths than large-capitalization companies and are more susceptible to adverse developments related to their products.

Adjustments to the underlying shares or to the share underlying index could adversely affect the value of the securities. The investment adviser to the Fund (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 adviser may add, delete or substitute the stocks composing the Fund. Any of these actions could adversely affect the price of the underlying shares and, consequently, the value of the securities. The publisher of the share underlying index is responsible for calculating and maintaining the 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 underlying shares and the value of the securities. 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. Any of these actions could adversely affect the price of the underlying shares, and consequently, the value of the securities.

The performance and market price of the Fund, particularly during periods of market volatility, may not correlate with the performance of the share underlying index, the performance of the component securities of the share underlying index or the net asset value per share of the Fund. The Fund does not fully replicate the share underlying index and may hold securities that are different than those included in the share underlying index.  In addition, the performance of the Fund 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 Fund and the share underlying index.  In addition, corporate actions (such as mergers and spin-offs) with respect to the equity securities underlying the Fund may impact the variance between the performances of the Fund and the share underlying index.  Finally, because the shares of the Fund are traded on  an exchange and are subject to market supply and investor demand, the market price of one share of the Fund may differ from the net asset value per share of the Fund.

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

For all of the foregoing reasons, the performance of the Fund may not correlate with the performance of the share underlying index, the performance of the component securities of the share underlying index or the net asset value per share of the Fund.  Any of these events could materially and adversely affect the price of the shares of the Fund and, therefore, the value of the securities.  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 securities.  If the calculation agent determines that no market disruption event has taken place, the payment at

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Principal at Risk Securities

maturity would be based solely on the published closing price per share of the Fund on the valuation date, even if the Fund’s shares are underperforming the share underlying index or the component securities of the share underlying index and/or trading below the net asset value per share of the Fund.

The antidilution adjustments the calculation agent is required to make do not cover every event that could affect the shares of the iShares® Russell 2000® ETF. MS & Co., as calculation agent, will adjust the amount payable at maturity for certain events affecting the shares of the iShares® Russell 2000® ETF. However, the calculation agent will not make an adjustment for every event that could affect the shares of the iShares® Russell 2000® ETF. If an event occurs that does not require the calculation agent to adjust the adjustment factor, the market price of the securities may be materially and adversely affected.

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iShares® Russell 2000® ETF Overview

The iShares® Russell 2000® ETF is an exchange-traded fund that seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Russell 2000® Index. The iShares® Russell 2000® ETF is managed by iShares® Trust (“iShares”), a registered investment company that consists of numerous separate investment portfolios, including the iShares® Russell 2000® ETF. Information provided to or filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) by iShares pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 can be located by reference to Commission file numbers 333-92935 and 811-09729, respectively, through the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information may be obtained from other publicly available sources. Neither the issuer nor the agent makes any representation that any such publicly available information regarding the iShares® Russell 2000® ETF is accurate or complete.

Information as of market close on September 5, 2024:

Bloomberg Ticker Symbol:

IWM UP

Current Share Price:

$211.93

52 Weeks Ago:

$186.83

52 Week High (on 7/16/2024):

$224.60

52 Week Low (on 10/27/2023):

$162.21

 

The following graph sets forth the daily closing price of the underlying shares for the period from January 1, 2019 through September 5, 2024. The related table sets forth the published high and low closing prices as well as the end-of-quarter closing prices of the underlying shares for each quarter in the same period. The closing price of the underlying shares on September 5, 2024 was $211.93. We obtained the information in the table and graph below from Bloomberg Financial Markets, without independent verification. The historical prices of the underlying shares should not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the closing price of the underlying shares on the valuation date.

 

Shares of the iShares® Russell 2000® ETF
Daily Closing Prices
January 1, 2019 to September 5, 2024

 

 

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iShares® Russell 2000® ETF (CUSIP 464287655)

High ($)

Low ($)

Period End ($)

2019

 

 

 

First Quarter

158.24

132.25

153.09

Second Quarter

160.71

145.86

155.50

Third Quarter

157.90

144.85

151.34

Fourth Quarter

166.68

146.46

165.67

2020

 

 

 

First Quarter

169.53

99.90

114.46

Second Quarter

153.09

104.62

143.18

Third Quarter

158.46

139.07

149.79

Fourth Quarter

199.14

152.18

196.06

2021

 

 

 

First Quarter

234.42

193.50

220.94

Second Quarter

232.89

211.85

229.37

Third Quarter

231.39

211.73

218.75

Fourth Quarter

242.56

212.12

222.45

2022

 

 

 

First Quarter

225.32

191.52

205.27

Second Quarter

207.91

163.90

169.36

Third Quarter

201.07

164.17

164.92

Fourth Quarter

188.05

166.81

174.36

2023

 

 

 

First Quarter

198.32

170.25

178.40

Second Quarter

187.93

170.40

187.27

Third Quarter

198.71

174.36

176.74

Fourth Quarter

204.82

162.21

200.71

2024

 

 

 

First Quarter

210.30

189.48

210.30

Second Quarter

209.44

192.84

202.89

Third Quarter (through September 5, 2024)

224.60

200.87

211.93

 

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

Neither we nor any of our affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of the underlying shares.

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

“iShares®” is a registered trademark of BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”). The securities are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by BFA. BFA makes no representations or warranties to the owners of the securities or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in the securities. BFA has no obligation or liability in connection with the operation, marketing, trading or sale of the securities.

Russell 2000® Index. The Russell 2000® Index is an index calculated, published and disseminated by FTSE International Limited (“FTSE Russell”), and measures the capitalization-weighted price performance of 2,000 U.S. small-capitalization stocks listed on eligible U.S. exchanges. The Russell 2000® Index is designed to track the performance of the small-capitalization segment of the U.S. equity market. The companies included in the Russell 2000® Index are the middle 2,000 (i.e., those ranked 1,001 through 3,000) of the companies that form the Russell 3000E™ Index. The Russell 2000® Index

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Principal at Risk Securities

represents approximately 7% of the U.S. equity market. For additional information about the Russell 2000® Index, see the information set forth under “Russell Indices—Russell 2000® Index” in the accompanying index supplement.

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Principal at Risk Securities

Additional Terms of the Securities

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

Additional Terms:

 

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

Share underlying index:

Russell 2000® Index

Share underlying index publisher:

FTSE Russell, or any successor thereof.

Postponement of

maturity date:

If the scheduled valuation date is not a trading day or if a market disruption event occurs on that day so that the valuation date as postponed falls less than two business days prior to the scheduled maturity date, the maturity date of the securities will be postponed to the second business day following that valuation date as postponed.

Denominations:

$1,000 per security and integral multiples thereof

Trustee:

The Bank of New York Mellon

Calculation agent:

MS & Co.

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

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

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 securities, on or prior to 10:30 a.m. (New York City time) on the business day preceding the maturity date, and (ii) deliver the aggregate cash amount due with respect to the securities to the trustee for delivery to the depositary, as holder of the securities, on the maturity date.

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Accelerated Return Securities Based on the iShares® Russell 2000® ETF due March 10, 2026

Principal at Risk Securities

Additional Information About the Securities

Additional Information:

 

Minimum ticketing size:

$1,000 / 1 security

Tax considerations:

There is uncertainty regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities due to the lack of governing authority. Our counsel, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, is unable to render a definitive opinion on the tax treatment of the securities at this time as such opinion is dependent in part upon market conditions on the pricing date. Our counsel’s opinion will therefore be provided only on the pricing date. However, under current law, and based on current market conditions, our counsel believes that it is at least reasonable to treat a security as a single financial contract that is an “open transaction” for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Assuming this treatment of the securities 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 securities prior to settlement, other than pursuant to a sale or exchange.

Upon sale, exchange or settlement of the securities, 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 securities. 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 securities for more than one year, and short-term capital gain or loss otherwise.

There is a risk that the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) may seek to treat all or a portion of the gain on the securities as ordinary income. For example, there is a risk (which, depending on the market conditions on the pricing date, could be substantial) that the IRS could seek to recharacterize the securities as debt instruments. In that event, U.S. Holders would be required to accrue into income original issue discount on the securities every year at a “comparable yield” determined at the time of issuance and recognize all income and gain in respect of the securities as ordinary income.

Even if the treatment of the securities as "open transactions" is respected, because the securities are linked to shares of an exchange-traded fund, although the matter is not clear, there is a risk that an investment in the securities 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 securities could be recharacterized as ordinary income (in which case an interest charge will be imposed). As a result of certain features of the securities, including the leveraged upside payment, it is unclear how to calculate the amount of gain that would be recharacterized if an investment in the securities were treated as a constructive ownership transaction. Due to the lack of governing authority, our counsel is unable to opine as to whether or how Section 1260 of the Code applies to the securities. U.S. investors should read the section entitled “United States Federal Taxation—Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders—Possible Application of Section 1260 of the Code” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS for additional information and consult their tax advisers regarding the potential application of the “constructive ownership” rule.

We do not plan to request a ruling from the IRS regarding the treatment of the securities. An alternative characterization of the securities could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of ownership and disposition of the securities, including the timing and character of income recognized. In addition, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS have requested comments on various issues regarding the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar financial instruments and have indicated that such transactions may be the subject of future regulations or other guidance. Furthermore, members of Congress have proposed legislative changes to the tax treatment of derivative contracts. Any legislation, Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the securities, 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,

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Principal at Risk Securities

Section 871(m) will not apply to securities issued before January 1, 2027 that do not have a delta of one with respect to any Underlying Security. Based on the terms of the securities and current market conditions, we expect that the securities 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 securities do not have a delta of one with respect to any Underlying Security, our counsel is of the opinion that the securities should not be Specified Securities and, therefore, should not be subject to Section 871(m).

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

Both U.S. and non-U.S. investors considering an investment in the securities 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 securities, including possible alternative treatments, the potential application of the constructive ownership rule, and any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.

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

Use of proceeds and hedging:

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

On or prior to September 5, 2024, we will hedge our anticipated exposure in connection with the securities, by entering into hedging transactions with our affiliates and/or third-party dealers. We expect our hedging counterparties to take positions in underlying shares, futures and options contracts on the underlying shares, and any component stocks of the share underlying index listed on major securities markets or positions in any other available securities or instruments that they may wish to use in connection with such hedging. Such purchase activity could potentially increase the price of the underlying shares on September 5, 2024, and, therefore, could increase the price at or above which the underlying shares must close on the valuation date so that investors do not suffer a loss on their initial investment in the securities. In addition, through our affiliates, we are likely to modify our hedge position throughout the term of the securities, including on the valuation date, by purchasing and selling the underlying shares, futures or options contracts on the underlying shares or component stocks of the share underlying index listed on major securities markets or positions in any other available securities or instruments that we may wish to use in connection with such hedging activities. As a result, these entities may be unwinding or adjusting hedge positions during the term of the securities, and the hedging strategy may involve greater and more frequent dynamic adjustments to the hedge as the valuation date approaches. We cannot give any assurance that our hedging activities will not affect the value of the underlying shares, and, therefore, adversely affect the value of the securities or the payment you will receive at maturity. For further information on our use of proceeds and hedging, see “Use of Proceeds and Hedging” in the accompanying product supplement for PLUS.

Additional considerations:

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

Supplemental information regarding plan of distribution; conflicts of interest:

Selected dealers, which may include our affiliates, and their financial advisors will collectively receive from the agent a fixed sales commission of up to $15 for each security they sell. In addition, selected dealers will receive a structuring fee of $1 for each security from the agent or its affiliates.

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,

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hedging the securities. When MS & Co. prices this offering of securities, it will determine the economic terms of the securities, including the maximum payment at maturity, such that for each security 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 relating to this offering that Morgan Stanley and MSFL have filed with the SEC for more complete information about Morgan Stanley, MSFL and this offering. When you read the accompanying product supplement and index supplement, please note that all references in such supplements to the prospectus dated November 16, 2023, or to any sections therein, should refer instead to the accompanying prospectus dated April 12, 2024 or to the corresponding sections of such prospectus, as applicable. You may get these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Morgan Stanley, MSFL, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send you the product supplement for PLUS, index supplement and prospectus if you so request by calling toll-free 800-584-6837.

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

Product Supplement for PLUS dated November 16, 2023

Index Supplement dated November 16, 2023

Prospectus dated April 12, 2024

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

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

 

September 2024 Page 17


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