MS-P Morgan Stanley

October 2024

Pricing Supplement No. 3,978

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

Dated October 10, 2024

Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Structured Investments

Opportunities in U.S. Equities

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due October 15, 2029, With 1-Year Initial Non-Call Period

Based on the Performance of the S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index

Fully and Unconditionally Guaranteed by Morgan Stanley

Principal at Risk Securities

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities, with 1-Year Initial Non-Call Period offer the opportunity for investors to earn a fixed monthly coupon at an annual rate of 7.00%. In addition, starting one year after the original issue date, if the index closing value of the underlying index is greater than or equal to the initial index value on any monthly redemption determination date, the securities will be automatically redeemed for an amount per security equal to the stated principal amount and the related monthly coupon. No further payments will be made on the securities once they have been redeemed. However, if the securities are not automatically redeemed prior to maturity, the payment at maturity due on the securities will be, in addition to the final monthly coupon payment, as follows: (i) if the final index value is greater than or equal to 85% of the initial index value, meaning that the underlying index has not declined by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 15%, investors will receive the stated principal amount, or (ii) if the final index value is less than the initial index value by an amount greater than the specified buffer amount, investors will be fully exposed to the decline in the final index value of the underlying index beyond the buffer amount of 15% on a 1-to-1 basis, subject to the minimum payment at maturity of 15% of the stated principal amount. Accordingly, investors may lose up to 85% of the stated principal amount of the securities. Investors will not participate in any appreciation of the underlying index. These long-dated securities are for investors who are willing to risk their principal and who seek the opportunity to earn interest at a potentially above-market rate in exchange for the risk of losing some or a significant portion of their investment, and the possibility of an automatic early redemption prior to maturity. The securities are unsecured obligations of Morgan Stanley Finance LLC (“MSFL”) and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Morgan Stanley. The securities are issued as part of MSFL’s Series A Global Medium-Term Notes program.

The S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index (the “Index” or the “underlying index”) is a rules-based, long-only index that was developed by S&P® Dow Jones Indices LLC (“S&P®”), in coordination with Morgan Stanley, and was established on March 14, 2022. The underlying index employs a rules-based quantitative strategy that consists of a risk-adjusted, momentum-based, or trend following, approach to construct a portfolio composed of equity futures contracts. In addition, the strategy applies an overall volatility-targeting feature upon the resulting portfolio and is subject to a 4.0% per annum daily decrement.

The goal of the underlying index is to provide rules-based exposure to unfunded, rolling positions in equity futures contracts, with a maximum exposure to the futures contracts of 400%. The index components are selected from a universe of three equity futures contracts – the E-Mini Nasdaq-100 Futures (“NQ”), which reference the Nasdaq-100 Index®, the E-Mini S&P 500 Futures (“ES”), which reference the S&P 500® Index, and the E-Mini Russell 2000 Futures (“QR”), which reference the Russell 2000® Index. We refer to the E-Mini Nasdaq-100 Futures, the E-Mini S&P 500 Futures and the E-Mini Russell 2000 Futures as the Index Components.

There are seven discrete steps in calculating the underlying index level: (1) a risk-adjusted momentum signal is calculated for each Index Component; (2) the index composition (the “Base Index”) is calculated using the risk-adjusted momentum signals; (3) the realized volatility level of the Base Index (the “Base Volatility”) is calculated; (4) theoretical leverage is calculated based on the Base Volatility and the underlying index’s targeted volatility; (5) the theoretical leverage is compared to the actual leverage; (6) if necessary, the actual leverage is adjusted; and (7) a 4.0% per annum daily decrement is applied.

For more information see “Annex A—S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index” below and “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Underlying Index” below.

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.

(1)Selected dealers and their financial advisors will collectively receive from the agent, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, a fixed sales commission of $35 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.

(2)See “Use of proceeds and hedging” on page 20.

The securities 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 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 Auto-Callable Securities dated November 16, 2023  ​Index Supplement dated November 16, 2023

Prospectus dated April 12, 2024

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due October 15, 2029, with 1-Year Initial Non-Call Period

Based on the Performance of the S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index

Principal at Risk Securities

October 2024 Page 2

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due October 15, 2029, with 1-Year Initial Non-Call Period

Based on the Performance of the S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index

Principal at Risk Securities

Investment Summary

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities

Principal at Risk Securities

The Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due October 15, 2029, with 1-Year Initial Non-Call Period Based on the Performance of the S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index, which we refer to as the securities, provide for a minimum payment at maturity of only 15% of the stated principal amount. The securities offer the opportunity for investors to earn a fixed monthly coupon at an annual rate of 7.00%. In addition, starting one year after the original issue date, if the index closing value of the underlying index is greater than or equal to the initial index value on any monthly redemption determination date, the securities will be automatically redeemed for an amount per security equal to the stated principal amount and the related monthly coupon. No further payments will be made on the securities once they have been redeemed. However, if the securities are not automatically redeemed prior to maturity, the payment at maturity due on the securities will be, in addition to the final monthly coupon payment, as follows: (i) if the final index value is greater than or equal to 85% of the initial index value, meaning that the underlying index has not declined by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 15%, investors will receive the stated principal amount, or (ii) if the final index value is less than the initial index value by an amount greater than the specified buffer amount, investors will be fully exposed to the decline in the final index value of the underlying index beyond the buffer amount of 15% on a 1-to-1 basis, subject to the minimum payment at maturity of 15% of the stated principal amount. Accordingly, investors could lose up to 85% of the stated principal amount of the securities.

The original issue price of each security is $1,000. This price includes costs associated with issuing, selling, structuring and hedging the securities, which are borne by you, and, consequently, the estimated value of the securities on the pricing date is less than $1,000. We estimate that the value of each security on the pricing date is $921.70.

What goes into the estimated value on the pricing date?

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

What determines the economic terms of the securities?

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

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

October 2024 Page 3

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due October 15, 2029, with 1-Year Initial Non-Call Period

Based on the Performance of the S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index

Principal at Risk Securities

Key Investment Rationale

The securities offer the opportunity for investors to earn a fixed monthly coupon at an annual rate of 7.00%. The securities may be redeemed prior to maturity for the stated principal amount per security plus the related monthly coupon, and the payment at maturity will vary depending on the final index value, as follows:

October 2024 Page 4

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due October 15, 2029, with 1-Year Initial Non-Call Period

Based on the Performance of the S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index

Principal at Risk Securities

How the Securities Work

The following diagrams illustrate the potential outcomes for the securities depending on (1) the index closing value on each monthly redemption determination date (starting after one year) and (2) the final index value.

Diagram #1: Automatic Early Redemption (Starting After One Year)

Diagram #2: Payment at Maturity if No Automatic Early Redemption Occurs

October 2024 Page 5

Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due October 15, 2029, with 1-Year Initial Non-Call Period

Based on the Performance of the S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index

Principal at Risk Securities

Hypothetical Examples

The below examples are based on the following terms:

1 The actual monthly coupon will be an amount determined by the calculation agent based on the number of days in the applicable payment period, calculated on a 30/360 day-count basis. The hypothetical monthly coupon of $5.833 is used in these examples for ease of analysis.

In Example 1, the index closing value of the underlying index is greater than or equal to the initial index value on one of the monthly redemption determination dates. Because the index closing value is greater than or equal to the initial index value on such a date, the securities are automatically redeemed on the related early redemption date. In Examples 2 and 3, the index closing value is less than the initial index value on each redemption determination date, and, consequently, the securities are not automatically redeemed prior to, and remain outstanding until, maturity.

Example 1—The securities are automatically redeemed following the monthly redemption determination date in October 2025, as the index closing value is greater than or equal to the initial index value on such redemption determination date. Therefore, investors receive (i) the monthly coupons with respect to the 11 months prior to (and excluding) the early redemption date, totaling $5.833 × 11 = $64.163, and (ii) the early redemption payment calculated as $1,000 + $5.833 = $1,005.833.

The total payment over the 1-year term of the securities is $64.163 + $1,005.833 = $1,069.996. No further payments will be made on the securities after they have been redeemed, and investors do not participate in any appreciation of the underlying index.

Example 2—The securities are not redeemed prior to maturity, as the index closing value is less than the initial index value on each monthly redemption determination date. The index closing value on the final observation date is 1,200, which is above 85% of the initial index value. Therefore, you would receive (i) the monthly coupons with respect to the 59 months prior to (and excluding) the final observation date, totaling $5.833 × 59 = $344.147, and (ii) the payment at maturity calculated as $1,000 + $5.833 = $1,005.833.

The total payment over the 5-year term of the securities is $344.147 + $1,005.833 = $1,349.98.

This example represents the hypothetical maximum amount payable over the 5-year term of the securities.

Example 3—The securities are not redeemed prior to maturity, as the index closing value is less than the initial index value on each monthly redemption determination date. The index closing value on the final observation date is 200, meaning that the underlying index has decreased by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 15% and investors are exposed to the downside performance of the underlying index at maturity beyond the buffer amount of 15%. Therefore, you would receive (i) the monthly coupons with respect to the 59 months prior to (and excluding) the final observation date, totaling $5.833 × 59 = $344.147, and (ii) the payment at maturity calculated as $5.833 + $1,000 + [$1,000 × (-80% + 15%)] = $355.833.

The total payment over the 5-year term of the securities is $344.147 + $355.833 = $699.98, representing a substantial loss on the initial investment.

If the securities are not automatically redeemed prior to maturity and the final index value is less than the initial index value by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 15%, you will lose some, and up to 85%, of your investment in the securities.

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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due October 15, 2029, with 1-Year Initial Non-Call Period

Based on the Performance of the S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index

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, index supplement and prospectus. You should also consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisers in connection with your investment in the securities.

Risks Relating to an Investment in the Securities

￭The securities provide a minimum payment at maturity of only 15% of your principal. The terms of the securities differ from those of ordinary debt securities in that the securities provide a minimum payment at maturity of only 15% of the stated principal amount of the securities. If the securities have not been automatically redeemed prior to maturity and if the final index value has declined from the initial index value by an amount greater than the buffer amount of 15%, you will receive for each security that you hold at maturity an amount that is less than the stated principal amount by an amount proportionate to the decline in the value of the underlying index beyond the buffer amount. You could lose up to 85% of your investment in the securities.

￭Investors will not participate in any appreciation in the value of the underlying index. Investors will not participate in any appreciation in the value of the underlying index, and the return on the securities will be limited to the monthly coupon that is paid for each interest period until early redemption or maturity.

￭Reinvestment risk. The term of your investment in the securities may be shortened due to the automatic early redemption feature of the securities. If the securities are redeemed prior to maturity, you will receive no more monthly coupons and may be forced to invest in a lower interest rate environment and may not be able to reinvest at comparable terms or returns. However, under no circumstances will the securities be redeemed in the first year of the term of the securities.

￭The market price will be influenced by many unpredictable factors. Several factors 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. Although we expect that generally the index closing value of the underlying index on any day will affect the value of the securities more than any other single factors, other factors that may influence the value of the securities include:

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

ogeopolitical conditions and economic, financial, political, regulatory or judicial events that affect the Index Components or securities markets generally and which may affect the value of the underlying index,

odividend rates on the securities underlying the indices referenced by the Index Components,

othe time remaining until the securities mature,

ointerest and yield rates in the market,

othe availability of comparable instruments,

othe composition of the underlying index, the compositions of the indices referenced by the Index Components and changes in the constituent stocks of such indices, and

oany actual or anticipated changes in our credit ratings or credit spreads.

Generally, the longer the time remaining to maturity, the more the market price of the securities will be affected by the other factors described above. Some or all of these factors will influence the price that you will receive if you sell your securities prior to maturity. In particular, if the underlying index has closed near or below 85% of its initial index value, the market value of the securities is expected to decrease substantially and you may have to sell your securities at a substantial discount from the stated principal amount of $1,000 per security.

You cannot predict the future performance of the underlying index based on its historical performance. If the final index value is less than 85% of the initial index value, you will be exposed to the decline in the final index value beyond the buffer amount of 15% on a 1-to-1 basis. There can be no assurance that the final index value will be greater than or equal to 85% of the initial index value on the final observation date so that you do not suffer a loss on your initial investment in the securities. See “S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index Overview” below.

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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due October 15, 2029, with 1-Year Initial Non-Call Period

Based on the Performance of the S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index

Principal at Risk Securities

￭The securities are subject to our credit risk, and any actual or anticipated changes to our credit ratings or credit spreads may adversely affect the market value of the securities. You are dependent on our ability to pay all amounts due on the securities on each coupon payment date, upon automatic redemption or 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 MSFL should accordingly assume that in any such proceedings they would not have any priority over and should be treated pari passu with the claims of other unsecured, unsubordinated creditors of Morgan Stanley, including holders of Morgan Stanley-issued securities.

￭Investing in the securities is not equivalent to investing in the underlying index. Investing in the securities is not equivalent to investing in the underlying index, the Index Components or the component stocks of the indices referenced by the Index Components. As an investor in the securities, you will not have voting rights or rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the component stocks of the indices referenced by the Index Components, and you will not participate in any appreciation of the underlying index.

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

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

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

However, because the costs associated with issuing, selling, structuring and hedging the securities are not fully deducted upon issuance, for a period of up to 6 months following the issue date, to the extent that MS & Co. may buy or sell the securities in the secondary market, absent changes in market conditions, including those related to the underlying index,

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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due October 15, 2029, with 1-Year Initial Non-Call Period

Based on the Performance of the S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index

Principal at Risk Securities

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 will be influenced by many unpredictable factors” above.

￭Hedging and trading activity by our affiliates could potentially adversely affect the value of the securities. One or more of our affiliates and/or third-party dealers expect to carry out hedging activities related to the securities (and to other instruments linked to the underlying index, the Index Components or the component stocks of the indices referenced by the Index Components), including trading in the Index Components and the stocks that constitute the indices referenced by the Index Components as well as in other instruments related to the underlying index. As a result, these entities may be unwinding or adjusting hedge positions during the term of the securities, and the hedging strategy may involve greater and more frequent dynamic adjustments to the hedge as the final observation date approaches. Some of our affiliates also trade the stocks that constitute the indices referenced by the Index Components and other financial instruments related to the underlying index on a regular basis as part of their general broker-dealer and other businesses. Any of these hedging or trading activities on or prior to the pricing date could potentially increase the initial index value, and, therefore, could increase the value at or above which the underlying index must close on the final observation date so that you are not exposed to the negative performance of the underlying index at maturity. Additionally, such hedging or trading activities during the term of the securities could potentially affect the value of the underlying index on the redemption determination dates and the final observation date, and, accordingly, whether the securities are automatically called prior to maturity and, if the securities are not called prior to maturity, the payout to you at maturity.

￭The calculation agent, which is a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley and an affiliate of MSFL, will make determinations with respect to the securities. As calculation agent, MS & Co. will determine the initial index value, the index closing value on each redemption determination date, the final index value, whether the securities will be redeemed following any redemption determination date, whether a market disruption event has occurred, and the payment that you will receive upon an automatic early redemption or 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 and the selection of a successor index or calculation of the index closing value in the event of a market disruption event or discontinuance of the underlying index. These potentially subjective determinations may affect the payout to you upon an automatic early redemption or at maturity. For further information regarding these types of determinations, see “Description of Auto-Callable Securities—Alternate Exchange Calculation in Case of an Event of Default,” “—Discontinuance of Any Underlying Index; Alteration of Method of Calculation” 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.

￭The U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities are uncertain. There is no direct legal authority as to the proper treatment of the securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and, therefore, significant aspects of the tax treatment of the securities are uncertain.

Please read the discussion under “Additional Information―Tax considerations” in this document concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities. We intend to treat a security for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a unit consisting of (i) a Put Right (as defined below under “Additional Information―Tax considerations”) written by you to us that, if exercised, requires you to pay to us an amount equal to the Deposit (as defined below under “Additional Information―Tax considerations”), in exchange for a cash amount based on the performance of the underlying index, and (ii) a Deposit with us of a fixed amount of cash to secure your obligation under the Put Right. Alternative U.S. federal income tax treatments of the securities are possible, and if the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) were successful

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Morgan Stanley Finance LLC

Fixed Income Buffered Auto-Callable Securities due October 15, 2029, with 1-Year Initial Non-Call Period

Based on the Performance of the S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index

Principal at Risk Securities

in asserting such an alternative tax treatment for the securities the timing and the character of income on the securities might differ significantly from the tax treatment described herein. For example, the IRS could seek to treat the securities as debt instruments subject to Treasury regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments. The risk that financial instruments providing for buffers, triggers or similar downside protection features, such as the securities, would be recharacterized as debt is greater than the risk of recharacterization for comparable financial instruments that do not have such features. We do not plan to request a ruling from the IRS regarding the tax treatment of the securities, and the IRS or a court may not agree with the tax treatment described herein.

In 2007, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS released a notice requesting comments on the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar instruments. While it is not clear whether the securities would be viewed as similar to the prepaid forward contracts described in the notice, it is possible that any Treasury regulations or other guidance issued after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the securities, possibly with retroactive effect. The notice focuses on a number of issues, the most relevant of which for holders of the securities are the character and timing of income or loss (including whether the entire coupon on the securities should be required to be included currently as ordinary income) and the degree, if any, to which income realized by non-U.S. investors should be subject to withholding tax.

Non-U.S. Holders should note that we currently do not intend to withhold on any payments made with respect to the securities to Non-U.S. Holders (subject to compliance by such holders with certification necessary to establish an exemption from withholding and to the discussion under “Additional Information―Tax considerations—FATCA”). However, in the event of a change of law or any formal or informal guidance by the IRS, the U.S. Treasury Department or Congress, we may decide to withhold on payments made with respect to the securities to Non-U.S. Holders and will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld.

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

Risks Relating to the Underlying Index

￭No assurance can be given that the investment strategy used to construct the underlying index will achieve its intended results or that the underlying index will be successful or will outperform any alternative index or strategy that might reference the Index Components. No assurance can be given that the investment strategy on which the underlying index is based will be successful or that the underlying index will outperform any alternative strategy that might be employed with respect to the Index Components. The underlying index has been developed based on predetermined rules that may not prove to be advantageous or successful, and that will not be adjusted for market conditions.

￭The decrement of 4% per annum will adversely affect the performance of the underlying index in all cases, whether the underlying index appreciates or depreciates. The S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index includes a decrement feature, whereby 4% per annum is deducted daily from the level of the underlying index. The level of the Base Index will track the performance of an index from which no such decrement is deducted, and as a result, the underlying index will underperform the tracked index in all cases. The level of the underlying index may decline even if the constituents of the Base Index appreciate. Because of the deduction of the decrement, the underlying index will underperform the performance of an identical index without such a decrement feature.

￭The underlying index is subject to risks associated with the use of significant leverage. At times, the underlying index will use significant leverage in an effort to achieve its target volatility. When the underlying index employs leverage, any declines in the prices of the Index Components will be magnified, resulting in accelerated losses.

￭The underlying index may not be fully invested. On a weekly index rebalance day, the underlying index’s exposure to the Index Components will be less than 100% when the implied volatility of the Index Components is above 40%. If the underlying index’s exposure to the Index Components is less than 100%, the underlying index will not be fully invested, and any uninvested portion will earn no return. The underlying index may be significantly uninvested on any given day, and will realize only a portion of any gains due to appreciation of the Index Components on any such day. Additionally, the 4.0% per annum decrement is deducted daily, even when the underlying index is not fully invested.

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￭The underlying index was established on March 14, 2022 and therefore has very limited operating history. The performances of the underlying index and some of the component data have been retrospectively simulated for the period from January 1, 2019 to March 11, 2022. As such, performance for periods prior to the establishment of the underlying index has been retrospectively simulated by Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC on a hypothetical basis. A retrospective simulation means that no actual investment which allowed a tracking of the performance of the underlying index existed at any time during the period of the retrospective simulation. The methodology and the underlying index used for the calculation and retrospective simulation of the underlying index has been developed with the advantage of hindsight. In reality, it is not possible to invest with the advantage of hindsight and therefore this historical performance is purely theoretical and may not be indicative of future performance.

￭As the underlying index is new and has very limited historical performance, any investment in the underlying index may involve greater risk than an investment in an index with longer actual historical performance and a proven track record. All information regarding the performance of the underlying index prior to March 14, 2022 is hypothetical and back-tested, as the underlying index did not exist prior to that time. It is important to understand that hypothetical back-tested index performance information is subject to significant limitations, in addition to the fact that past performance is never a guarantee of future performance. In particular:

oS&P® Dow Jones Indices LLC developed the rules of the underlying index with the benefit of hindsight - that is, with the benefit of being able to evaluate how the underlying index rules would have caused the underlying index to perform had it existed during the hypothetical back-tested period.

oThe hypothetical back-tested performance of the underlying index might look different if it covered a different historical period. The market conditions that existed during the historical period covered by the hypothetical back-tested index performance information in this note are not necessarily representative of the market conditions that will exist in the future.

oIt is impossible to predict whether the underlying index will rise or fall. The actual future performance of the underlying index may bear little relation to the historical or hypothetical back-tested levels of the underlying index.

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

￭Suspensions or disruptions of market trading in futures markets could adversely affect the price of the securities. Securities markets and futures markets are subject to temporary distortions or other disruptions due to various factors, including the lack of liquidity in the markets, the participation of speculators and government regulation and intervention. In addition, U.S. futures exchanges and some foreign exchanges have regulations that limit the amount of fluctuation in futures contract prices which may occur during a single business day. These limits are generally referred to as “daily price fluctuation limits” and the maximum or minimum price of a contract on any given day as a result of these limits is referred to as a “limit price.” Once the limit price has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made at a different price. Limit prices have the effect of precluding trading in a particular contract or forcing the liquidation of contracts at disadvantageous times or prices. These circumstances could adversely affect the value of the underlying index, and, therefore, the value of the securities.

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

￭The E-mini Russell 2000 Futures are one of the Index Components and are subject to risks associated with small-capitalization companies. The E-mini Russell 2000 Futures are one of the Index Components and are based on the Russell 2000® Index, which consists of stocks issued by companies with relatively small market capitalization. Therefore, at times, the underlying index will be based in part on 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 E-mini Russell 2000 Futures may be more volatile than futures contracts based on indices 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 index could adversely affect the value of the securities. The publisher of the underlying index may add, delete or substitute the Index Components or make other methodological changes that could change the value of the underlying index. Any of these actions could adversely affect the value of the securities. The publisher of the underlying index may also discontinue or suspend calculation or publication of the underlying index at any time. In these circumstances, MS & Co., as the calculation agent, will have the sole discretion to substitute a successor index that is comparable to the discontinued index. MS & Co. could have an economic interest that is different than that of investors in the securities insofar as, for example, MS & Co. is permitted to consider indices that are calculated and published by MS & Co. or any of its affiliates.

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S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index Overview

The S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index is a rules-based, long-only index that was developed by S&P®, in coordination with Morgan Stanley, and was established on March 14, 2022. The underlying index employs a rules-based quantitative strategy that consists of a risk-adjusted, momentum-based, or trend following, approach to construct a portfolio composed of equity futures contracts. In addition, the strategy applies an overall volatility-targeting feature upon the resulting portfolio and is subject to a 4.0% per annum daily decrement. For additional information about the S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index, see the information set forth under “Annex A—S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index” below.

The inception date for the underlying index was March 14, 2022. The information regarding the underlying index prior to March 14, 2022 is a hypothetical retrospective simulation calculated by the underlying index publisher, using the same methodology as is currently employed for calculating the underlying index based on historical data. A retrospective simulation means that no actual investment which allowed a tracking of the performance of the index existed at any time during the period of the retrospective simulation. Investors should be aware that no actual investment which allowed a tracking of the performance of the underlying index was possible at any time prior to March 14, 2022. Such data must be considered illustrative only.

Information as of market close on October 10, 2024:

The following graph sets forth the daily closing values of the underlying index for the period from January 1, 2019 through October 10, 2024. The related table sets forth the published high and low closing values, as well as end-of-quarter closing values, of the underlying index for each quarter in the same period. The closing value of the underlying index on October 10, 2024 was 1,200.40. We obtained the information in the table and graph below from Bloomberg Financial Markets, without independent verification. The underlying index has at times experienced periods of high volatility, and you should not take the historical values of the underlying index as an indication of its future performance. No assurance can be given as to the closing value of the underlying index on the final observation date.

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“S&P®” is a trademark of S&P® Global, Inc. For more information, see “Annex A—S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index” below.

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Additional Terms of the Securities

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

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Additional Information About the Securities

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Annex A—S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index

Overview

The S&P® U.S. Equity Momentum 40% VT 4% Decrement Index (the “Index”) is a rules-based, long-only index that was developed by S&P® Dow Jones Indices LLC (“S&P®”), in coordination with Morgan Stanley, and was established on March 14, 2022. The Index employs a rules-based quantitative strategy that consists of a risk-adjusted, momentum-based, or trend following, approach to construct a portfolio composed of equity futures contracts. In addition, the strategy applies an overall volatility-targeting feature upon the resulting portfolio and is subject to a 4.0% per annum daily decrement.

Index Strategy

The goal of the Index is to provide rules-based exposure to unfunded, rolling positions in equity futures contracts, with a maximum exposure to the futures contracts of 400%. The index components are selected from a universe of three equity futures contracts – the E-Mini Nasdaq-100 Futures (“NQ”), which reference the Nasdaq-100 Index®, the E-Mini S&P 500 Futures (“ES”), which reference the S&P 500® Index, and the E-Mini Russell 2000 Futures (“QR”), which reference the Russell 2000® Index. We refer to the E-Mini Nasdaq-100 Futures, the E-Mini S&P 500 Futures and the E-Mini Russell 2000 Futures as the Index Components. For more information on the E-Mini Nasdaq-100 Futures, the E-Mini S&P 500 Futures and the E-Mini Russell 2000 Futures, see “Index Components” below.

Calculation of Index Level

There are seven discrete steps in calculating the Index level: (1) a risk-adjusted momentum signal is calculated for each Index Component (see “Determining the Risk-Adjusted Momentum Signal for Each Futures Contract”); (2) the index composition (the “Base Index”) is calculated using the risk-adjusted momentum signals (see “Calculation of the Base Index”); (3) the realized volatility level of the Base Index (the “Base Volatility”) is calculated (see “Volatility Targeting”); (4) theoretical leverage is calculated based on the Base Volatility and the Index’s targeted volatility (see “Leverage” and “Volatility Targeting”); (5) the theoretical leverage is compared to the actual leverage (see “Leverage”); (6) if necessary, the actual leverage is adjusted (see “Leverage”); and (7) a 4.0% per annum daily decrement is applied (see “Decrement Deduction”).

Determining the Risk-Adjusted Momentum Signal for Each Futures Contract

The Base Index is rebalanced daily according to each Index Component’s risk-adjusted momentum signal. To calculate the risk-adjusted momentum signals, each Index Component’s longer-term moving average price is divided by its shorter-term moving average price. The resulting value is then divided by that Index Component’s volatility, with the quotient representing the risk-adjusted momentum signal. Each Index Component’s longer-term moving average price is calculated over a period of two months and the shorter-term moving average price is calculated over a period of one month.

Calculation of the Base Index

The Base Index for the Index is calculated daily. At any given time, the Base Index is composed of either two or three of the Index Components. The Base Index is calculated based on the risk-adjusted momentum signal (see “Determining the Risk-Adjusted Momentum Signal for Each Index Component”). On a daily basis, the top two Index Components, as measured by risk-adjusted momentum signal, are weighted in the Base Index at 50% each. In a scenario where all three Index Components have identical risk-adjusted momentum signals, each Index Component is weighted as 33.333% of the Base Index. In a scenario where one Index Component has the highest risk-adjusted momentum signal, and the other two Index Components have identical risk-adjusted momentum signals, the Index Component with the highest risk-adjusted momentum signal is weighted as 50% of the Base Index and the other two Index Components are each weighted as 25% of the Base Index.

Volatility Targeting

On a daily basis, the Index’s exposure to the Index Components is adjusted in an effort to seek a target volatility of 40%. If the Base Volatility is less than the target volatility of 40%, the Index will employ leveraged exposure of up to four times (meaning the Index can have up to 400% exposure to the Index Components comprising the Base Index) to seek to achieve the target volatility, subject to the filter described below (see “Leverage”). Under no circumstances will the Index seek to employ exposure of greater than 400% to the Index Components. Subject to the filter described below (see “Leverage”), if the Base Volatility is above 40%, the Index’s exposure to the Index Components will be reduced to be less than 100% in an effort to seek the target volatility of 40%.

Leverage

The targeted leverage based on the realized volatility of the Base Index (the “theoretical leverage”) will often differ from the actual leverage the Index employs at a given time because the Index employs a filter (the “Filter”) that regulates changes to the

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actual leverage. The Filter operates in such a way so that the actual leverage is adjusted only when the difference between the actual leverage and the theoretical leverage exceeds a 5% threshold. The theoretical leverage and actual leverage are calculated daily, and when the difference between the two exceeds the 5% threshold, a change in actual leverage is implemented, with a two-day lag.

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Decrement Deduction

The Index applies a 4.0% per annum daily decrement that will reduce the level of the Index, regardless of whether the Index appreciates or depreciates. The decrement is applied daily at a rate of 4.0% per annum, even when the Index is not fully invested in the Base Index. The decrement is applied daily after any leverage has been applied. Because of the deduction of the decrement, the Index will underperform the performance of an identical index without such a decrement feature.

Index Components

Futures contracts are contracts that legally obligate the holder to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined delivery price during a specified future time period. The Index Components are rolled forward once a quarter, with one-third of the contracts being rolled forward on each of the fourth, third, and second day prior to expiration.

E-Mini Nasdaq-100 Futures

E-mini Nasdaq-100 Futures (the “NQ”) are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts on the Nasdaq-100 Index® traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (the “CME”), where each futures contract references a value of $20 times the level of the Nasdaq-100 Index®. The CME is a derivatives marketplace based in Chicago that facilitates the trading of futures and options. The NQ trades in increments of 0.25 index points with each incremental movement, or “tick,” which in this case would be each 0.25-point movement, equaling five dollars.

NQ contracts listed for the nearest five quarters, for each March, June, September and December, and the nearest three Decembers are available for trading. Trading of the NQ contracts terminates at 9:30 A.M. Eastern time on the third Friday of the contract month.

The daily settlement prices of the NQ contracts are based on trading activity in the relevant contract (and in the case of a lead month also being the expiration month, together with trading activity on lead month-second month spread contracts) on the CME during a specified settlement period. The final settlement price of NQ contracts is based on the opening prices of the component stocks in the Nasdaq 100® Index, determined on the third Friday of the contract month. For more information on the Nasdaq-100® Index, see “Nasdaq-100® Index” in the accompanying index supplement.

E-Mini S&P 500 Futures

E-mini S&P 500 Futures (the “ES”) are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts, based on the S&P 500® Index, traded on the CME, representing a contract unit of $50 multiplied by the S&P 500® Index, measured in cents per index point.

ES contracts listed for the nearest nine quarters, for each March, June, September and December, and the nearest three Decembers are available for trading. Trading of the ES contracts terminates at 9:30 A.M. Eastern time on the third Friday of the contract month.

The daily settlement prices of the ES contracts are based on trading activity in the relevant contract (and in the case of a lead month also being the expiry month, together with trading activity on lead month-second month spread contracts) on the CME during a specified settlement period. The final settlement price of ES contracts is based on the opening prices of the component stocks in the S&P 500® Index, determined on the third Friday of the contract month. For more information on the S&P 500® Index, see “S&P® U.S. Indices—S&P 500® Index” in the accompanying index supplement.

E-Mini Russell 2000 Futures

E-mini Russell 2000 Futures (the “QR”) are a U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts, based on the Russell 2000® Index, traded on the CME, representing a contract unit of $50 multiplied by the Russell 2000® Index, measured in cents per index point. The QR trades in increments of 0.10 index points with each tick equaling five dollars.

QR contracts listed for the nearest five quarters, for each March, June, September and December, and the nearest three Decembers are available for trading. Trading of the ES contracts terminates at 9:30 A.M. Eastern time on the third Friday of the contract month.

The daily settlement prices of the QR contracts are based on trading activity in the relevant contract (and in the case of a lead month also being the expiry month, together with trading activity on lead month-second month spread contracts) on the CME during a specified settlement period. The final settlement price of QR contracts is based on the opening prices of the component stocks in the Russell 2000® Index, determined on the third Friday of the contract month. For more information on the Russell 2000® Index, see “Russell Indices—Russell 2000® Index” in the accompanying index supplement.

Overview of Futures Markets

Futures contracts are traded on regulated futures exchanges, in the over-the-counter market and on various types of electronic trading facilities and markets. As of the date of this pricing supplement, all of the Index Components are exchange-traded

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futures contracts. A futures contract provides for a specified settlement month in which the cash settlement is made by the seller (whose position is therefore described as “short”) and acquired by the purchaser (whose position is therefore described as “long”).

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

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

At any time prior to the expiration of a futures contract, a trader may elect to close out its position by taking an opposite position on the exchange on which the trader obtained the position, subject to the availability of a liquid secondary market. This operates to terminate the position and fix the trader’s profit or loss. Futures contracts are cleared through the facilities of a centralized clearing house and a brokerage firm that is a member of the clearing house.

Futures exchanges may adopt rules and take other actions that affect trading, including imposing speculative position limits, maximum price fluctuations and trading halts and suspensions and requiring liquidation of contracts in certain circumstances.

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