Value investors' patience in cigarettes-to-hotels conglomerate ITC may be paying off finally. The stock has gained 30% so far in 2022 to its highest level this year as against the 9% decline in the benchmark Sensex, emerging as one of the top gainers among bluechips in a period that has seen market values of several companies erode amid shrinking investor appetite to risky assets. The stock surged 4% on Friday to close at ₹284.35 on Friday.