Mitesh Dhruv
Analyst · Raymond James. Please proceed with your question.
Sure, Brian. So, yeah, let’s talk about the channel performance in ‘18 and then we will talk about the -- how we see ‘19 shaping up in terms of penetration and then what it means for margin and profit for the business model. So look generally it has been a crown jewel, it’s been a stellar performing vector for us, $180 million business, growing 80% quarter of our business. So it’s been amazing in that sense. And if you look at 2019 versus ‘18, we are still, if you talk to channel partners, it’s still in the very, very early stages, so both internationally and in the U.S. So the playbook is going to be similar where we are going to be adding some key channel partners in ‘19 and then that’s A, and part B is also densifying our coverage within the channel partners we have, so sort of a two-pronged approach there, which has been serving as well. Now as relates to profit and economics, as you know, Brian, for us, it’s always profitable growth and not really grow at all costs and we really look to that mantra there. So if you run the channel through the model -- channel economics through the model, the cumulative profit dollars for channel are accretive to the business and a higher than direct for three reasons, one, is that the payback is faster, there is no other incremental material sales and marketing dollars you have to spend, and the overall churn is lower in the channel. So these three vectors actually offset -- more than offset the upfront costs we have to pay and the residual payments we have to pay for the channel. So and then, again, cherry on top, if the channel does free up extra investment dollars for us to invest those dollars in the direct sales and marketing, which then accelerate the growth. So I think, net-net, I think, channel is here to stay and it’s accretive to the business.