The term "applicable sales charge" refers to a fee that is charged when an investor buys or redeems mutual fund shares. This fee compensates brokers and other intermediaries for their services in selling the funds to investors. The amount of the applicable sales charge varies depending on the type of fund, its level of expenses, and the class of shares being purchased. Common types of sales charges include front-end loads (which are charged at the time of purchase), back-end loads (charged when selling funds within a certain period), and no-load funds (which do not have any sales charge).