Mutual Fund Share Classes – Part 1?

Answer 1

When you invest in mutual funds you are usually given the choice of share class. Let’s explore the differences so you understand what you’re being asked to decide. The main difference between share classes is the fee structure of each. There are generally four main share classes you’ll run into out there and they are lettered; A, B, C, & I. Class A shares are the most popular share class these days. These mutual fund shares charge an upfront fee, usually called a front-end load that is generally anywhere from 3% - 5% of the amount invested. It’s important to remember that this reduces the amount you have to actually invest in fund shares. Despite the upfront fee, class A shares are popular because they get the fee out of the way upfront, and they do not charge a fee when you redeem the shares so you don’t have to worry about it later on down the road. Also, class A shares usually offer a breakpoint discount for large orders. So if you’re investing a large amount of money, the load you pay may be reduced. Make sure to check the prospectus and ask your advisor about breakpoint discounts. Class B shares have fallen out of style due to regulatory issues with them. They hold much less of the market share for mutual fund shares than they did a decade ago. Still, it’s important to understand how they differ from Class A and C shares. Class B can be differentiated from class A shares in that they do not charge an upfront load. However, they do usually charge you a back-end load when you sell the shares. This back-end load is often referred to as a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (or CDSC). Class B shares also are charged an ongoing 12b-1 fee. This is a percentage of assets that is paid out to the advisor from whom you made the original purchase of shares. The CDSC usually is paid annually, and can decrease to zero over time if the shares are held long enough. After a certain period of time Class B shares can convert to Class A shares, or sometimes Class C shares, but all of this depends on the mutual fund family and their prescribed rules. The details of fees, charges, and conversions must be spelled out in the prospectus, so make sure you read it carefully before making any investment decisions. I’ll discuss Class C and Class I, as well as wrap this subject up in my next post. Stay tuned.