Let's face it, not every ASX share brings excitement to market watchers.
The Aussie bourse is crawling with incredibly interesting businesses aspiring to change the world, or at least make a significant dint in their industries. As a result, it's easy to overlook more traditional, arguably 'boring', stocks.
But those that did overlook these companies in favour of more exciting entities might be kicking themselves now. Let's take a look at three 'boring' ASX shares posting huge returns in 2022.
3 'boring' ASX shares posting massive 2022 gains
Inflation, interest rate hikes, the war in Ukraine, continued COVID-19 impacts, oh my – 2022 has been a hectic year for markets.
In the big end of town, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has slumped 5% this year. The benchmark All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), meanwhile, has slipped 7%.
But Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) has had a buoyant year amid volatile energy prices and a recent takeover bid.
Of course, the utilities sector isn't exciting to everyone. Still, the ASX utilities share has gained 50% since the final close of 2021.
As the above chart demonstrates, the Origin share price didn't truly kick off until last month. That was when suitors came knocking, offering the company $9 per share to take it off the market. That offer proved enough to grant the potential buyers due diligence.
Another perhaps dull ASX share outperforming this year is AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP). The 173-year-old financial institution's stock appears to have been driven by the divestment of its Collimate Capital businesses.
The AMP share price has gained 35% since the end of last year.
Collimate Capitals' domestic leg will be sold to Dexus Property Group (ASX: DXS), while its international business will go to DigitalBridge. AMP intends to return most of the proceeds to shareholders.
Finally, not many of us love going to the pharmacy, but shares in pharmaceutical distributor and wholesaler Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) have been rocketing this year.
It comes as the healthcare stock works to enhance its operating performance and reduce debt. The company posted a $1.5 million loss for the six months ended July despite its revenue lifting 6% to $1.8 billion.
The Sigma share price has lifted 28% from its final close of 2021.
