Geometric-sum moment-generating function ($M_S(t)=p{M}_X(t)/(1-(1-p)M_X(t))$)

For a geometric distribution count on the positive integers, independent of independent and identically distributed random variables $X_i$, the moment-generating function of $S={\sum }_{i=1}^N{X}_i$ is the displayed expression. Condition on the count and sum a geometric series. For real $t$, the finite domain requires $M_X(t)<\infty$ and $(1-p)M_X(t)<1$. Positive summands always permit $t\le 0$, even when no positive exponential moment exists; this gives a Laplace transform of a nonnegative random variable. The aggregate has no mass at zero when all summands are strictly positive.

Let the summands have gamma distribution with shape two and rate $\beta$, and let the independent positive-support geometric distribution count have parameter $p$. Put $a=\beta (1-\sqrt{1-p})$ and $b=\beta (1+\sqrt{1-p})$. The aggregate moment-generating function factors as $ab/((a-t)(b-t))$, so it is the sum of two independent exponential distributions of rates $a,b$. Its probability density function is $ab(e^{-as}-e^{-bs})/(b-a)$ for $s>0$, nonnegative and integrating to one. This contrasts with the geometric sum of exponential variables, which is itself exponential.