COMMERCE PROJECT 12
COMMERCE PROJECT 12
1. Introduction
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), a Fortune Global 500 company, is one of the most diversified and
influential conglomerates in India. Founded in 1966 by Dhirubhai Ambani, RIL has grown into a
global leader in various industries, including energy, petrochemicals, retail, telecommunications, and
digital services.
Reliance has transformed India’s economic landscape through its innovations and investments. From
pioneering the world’s largest oil refinery to disrupting the telecom industry with Jio, Reliance
continues to redefine industries. The company’s commitment to sustainability and digitalization
further cements its role in shaping the future of business.
This project aims to analyze Reliance Industries in terms of ownership, capital structure,
profitability, and strategic positioning. Additionally, a SWOT analysis is presented to assess the
company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
Reliance Industries was established in 1966 as a small trading business dealing in polyester yarn.
Founded by Dhirubhai Ambani, the company gained prominence in 1977 when it became a publicly
listed entity. Dhirubhai’s vision to make India self-reliant in manufacturing laid the foundation for
RIL’s rapid expansion.
Key Milestones
1. 1980s:
o Entered petrochemicals, becoming a vertically integrated business.
o Established polyester filament yarn manufacturing facilities.
2. 1990s:
o Launched India’s first private-sector oil refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
o Expanded into plastics and chemicals, becoming a leader in the petrochemical sector.
3. 2000s:
o Transitioned to a family-run conglomerate after the split between Mukesh Ambani and Anil
Ambani in 2002.
o Mukesh retained control of refining, petrochemicals, and exploration businesses.
4. 2010s:
o Launched Reliance Jio in 2016, disrupting the Indian telecom industry with affordable data
and voice plans.
o Invested in retail and digital services, diversifying revenue streams.
5. 2020s:
o Shifted focus toward green energy and sustainability with significant investments in
hydrogen and solar energy.
Global Achievements
Reliance is now a Fortune Global 500 company, ranked among the world’s most profitable
businesses.
It is India’s largest company by market capitalization, surpassing $220 billion as of 2023.
Oil Refining: Operates the world’s largest refining complex in Jamnagar, with a capacity of 1.24
million barrels per day.
Petrochemicals: Produces essential materials like plastics, chemicals, and synthetic fibers used in
packaging, textiles, and construction.
Natural Gas Exploration: Partners with BP for offshore gas exploration in the Krishna-Godavari
basin.
2. Telecommunications
Reliance Jio:
o Revolutionized India’s telecom market with free voice calls and affordable data plans.
o Expanded into broadband (JioFiber), digital apps (JioCinema, JioSaavn), and e-commerce
(JioMart).
o Jio’s subscriber base crossed 450 million in 2023, making it the largest telecom operator in
India.
3. Retail
4. Digital Platforms
Jio Platforms: Integrates digital services with telecommunications to create a seamless ecosystem.
Secured investments from global tech giants like Facebook, Google, and Qualcomm, raising over $20
billion.
Green Energy Investments: Announced a $10 billion investment plan to transition to renewable
energy.
Hydrogen Economy: Aims to become a global leader in green hydrogen production by 2030.
Solar Power: Acquired REC Solar to establish a presence in photovoltaic manufacturing.
Ownership
Reliance Industries is primarily owned and managed by the Ambani family, with Mukesh Ambani
serving as the Chairman and Managing Director.
Promoters (Ambani family) hold approximately 50% of the shares, with institutional and retail
investors owning the rest.
The company is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE).
Capital Structure
Reliance raises capital through equity (public shares), debt (bonds and loans), and retained earnings.
Key fundraising milestones include:
o 2020: Raised ₹2 lakh crores by selling stakes in Jio Platforms and Reliance Retail to investors
like Facebook and Google.
o Issuance of non-convertible debentures to fund green energy projects.
Profitability
Revenue: ₹9.76 lakh crores in FY23, making RIL India’s largest company by revenue.
Profit: Net profit of ₹73,670 crores in FY23, driven by retail and telecom.
Diversified Earnings: Retail and digital businesses now account for 45% of operating profits, reducing
reliance on refining.
Reliance Industries is a key player in global trade, exporting refined products to over 60 countries.
Collaborates with international companies like BP (energy), Meta, and Google (digital services).
Its green energy initiatives align with global efforts to combat climate change, enhancing its
international reputation.
Investments in advanced technologies and renewable energy position Reliance as a leader in
sustainable development.
6. Rise and Fall in Profit
Growth Periods
2016-2020: The launch of Jio boosted revenues by capturing market share in telecom.
2021-2023: Retail and digital services drove growth, offsetting volatility in oil prices.
Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic reduced demand for refined products, impacting profits in 2020.
Oil price fluctuations and high capital expenditure continue to pose challenges.
Visual Aid: Include a graph showing revenue and profit trends over the last decade.
7. SWOT Analysis
Strengths Weaknesses
Opportunities Threats
8. Conclusion
Reliance Industries Limited stands as a testament to the power of innovation, strategic foresight, and
resilience. Over the decades, the company has transitioned from a small textile business to one of the
world’s largest and most diversified conglomerates. By maintaining a balance between traditional
industries like petrochemicals and forward-looking sectors such as telecommunications, digital
services, and renewable energy, Reliance has consistently adapted to changing market dynamics.
Its ability to secure global partnerships, drive technological innovation, and invest in sustainability
has positioned it as a leader in India’s economic transformation. The launch of Jio revolutionized
India’s digital landscape, while the focus on green energy initiatives underscores its commitment to a
sustainable future.
Reliance’s diversification strategy and global ambitions ensure its resilience against economic
challenges. As the company continues to grow, it remains a vital force shaping India’s progress on
the global stage.
9. Bibliography