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

In the December quarter, Reliance Retail's total number of transactions also went up almost 11 per cent to 35.5 crore from 32 crore a year earlier.

Reliance Industries beat expectations for third-quarter profit on Thursday, as its retail business benefited from strong festive demand, while its telecom unit was bolstered by higher cellular tariffs and a rise in 5G subscribers.

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.