Reliance Industries on Thursday reported a better-than-expected third-quarter profit, helped by strong performance across its energy, retail and digital services segments.

Reliance Industries Ltd on Thursday (January 16) reported a 7.4% rise in its December quarter net profit, as its retail business rebounded and telecom earnings rose.

Shares of Reliance Industries climbed as much as 5% in early trade on Friday, after the country's most valuable company topped quarterly profit estimates on strong demand in its retail and telecom units.

Reliance Industries Ltd on Thursday reported a 7.4 per cent rise in its December quarter net profit as retail business rebounded, telecom earnings surged on higher tariffs and mainstay oil and petrochemicals business delivered consistent performance.