India's RIL posts steady Q3 FY26 growth on digital, retail strength

The consolidated profit after tax and share of profit from associates and joint ventures increased 1.6 per cent YoY to ₹22,290 crore. Capital expenditure for the quarter stood at ₹33,826 crore, largely towards O2C, new energy, and network expansion across Jio and retail.

Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL) recorded revenue growth of 8.1 per cent YoY to ₹97,605 crore, supported by festive and wedding demand. EBITDA rose marginally to ₹6,915 crore, while hyper-local deliveries saw a more than fourfold increase in average daily orders, RIL said in a press release.

Within retail, the Fashion and Lifestyle business delivered a steady performance during the quarter, supported by festive demand and effective seasonal assortment execution, even as part of the festive demand was spread across the second and third quarters. Operating the industry’s largest omni-channel network across more than 1,300 cities, the segment expanded its product portfolio across categories. Ajio recorded consistent growth, driven by promotions and festive buying, with average basket value rising 21 per cent YoY and its catalogue expanding 27 per cent to over 2.8 million options, alongside wider next-day delivery coverage and strong traction across Ajio Luxe, premium brands and Shein bookings.

The domestic polyester demand declined 3.8 per cent in Q3, reflecting mixed trends across the value chain. Demand for polyester staple fibre rose 4.9 per cent, supported by higher cotton prices driving substitution towards man-made fibres and relatively lower imports from China. In contrast, polyester filament yarn demand eased 0.8 per cent amid weak downstream consumption and higher partially oriented yarn (PTY) imports, while polyethylene terephthalate (PET) demand fell sharply by 15.3 per cent as prolonged monsoons curtailed beverage sector operations. Overall polyester chain margins edged down to $427 per tonne, weighed by muted textile demand and export market pressures, partly offset by stronger Paraxylene (PX) margins driven by new purified terephthalic acid (PTA) capacity and lower feedstock prices.

For the nine months (9M) period, Reliance Industries delivered a stronger earnings trajectory, reflecting sustained operating momentum across its core businesses. Consolidated gross revenue increased to ₹850,629 crore, up from ₹783,036 crore a year earlier. EBITDA rose 18.3 per cent YoY to ₹159,323 crore, with margins expanding to 18.7 per cent.

“Reliance’s consolidated performance in 3Q FY26 reflects consistent financial delivery and operational resilience across businesses. Our Retail business also had an eventful quarter, strengthening its portfolio with the onboarding of fresh new brands and product ranges. The demerger of consumer products business came into effect this quarter. With a broad and diverse product basket ranging from classic Indian brands to new age labels, the consumer products vertical is progressing on its accelerated growth trajectory with a focused organisational structure. Our deep, omni-channel presence across the nation and strong traction in hyperlocal quick deliveries supported a resilient performance by the retail business,” said Mukesh D Ambani, chairman and managing director, Reliance Industries Limited.

“Reliance Retail delivered a steady quarterly performance, serving millions of customers across their shopping needs. By prioritising trend-focused assortments and seamless omni-channel experiences, we continue to foster strong customer engagement and loyalty. As we navigate a shifting consumer landscape, we remain steadfast in our vision to redefine Indian retail through innovation and excellence,” said Isha M Ambani, executive director, Reliance Retail Ventures Limited.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)