The Cost of Mutual Fund Distribution Fees

Journal of Financial Research

Posted: 7 Apr 1998

See all articles by Edward S. O'Neal

Edward S. O'Neal

Wake Forest University - Babcock Graduate School of Management

Miles Livingston

University of Florida - Department of Finance, Insurance and Real Estate

Abstract

Many individuals purchase shares in mutual funds as investments. With a lack of evidence supporting performance persistence in fund returns, investors should consider expenses as a fund-selection tool since fund expenses have a definite negative effect on fund returns. One of the largest expenses incurred by fund investors is distribution expenses, which include both load charges and annual fees. Close to two-thirds of all equity funds charge investors for fund distribution. The true cost of these distribution fees to investors is hard to measure because a myriad of distribution arrangements have evolved that vary both the timing and magnitude of distribution charges. We derive a simple methodology that expresses the present value of distribution costs as a percent of the original investment in fund shares for any expected holding period. This methodology allows direct comparison of the effect on investors of distribution fees for mutal funds with different types of sales arrangements.

JEL Classification: G12

Suggested Citation

O'Neal, Edward S. and Livingston, Miles B., The Cost of Mutual Fund Distribution Fees. Journal of Financial Research, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=74229

Edward S. O'Neal (Contact Author)

Wake Forest University - Babcock Graduate School of Management ( email )

3142 Worrell Professional Center
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
United States
336-758-4976 (Phone)
336-758-4514 (Fax)

Miles B. Livingston

University of Florida - Department of Finance, Insurance and Real Estate ( email )

P.O. Box 117168
Gainsville, FL 32611-7168
United States
352-392-4316 (Phone)
352-392-0301 (Fax)

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