When multiple analysts independently rate the same ASX share as a buy, it is worth paying attention. A single buy rating can reflect one firm’s optimism, but broad consensus across ten or more experts signals something more meaningful about a Company’s fundamentals and growth potential.
Figure 1: ASX branding displayed at the Australian Securities Exchange [Courtesy: ASX]
Two ASX shares are currently standing out for their strength of analyst conviction. Both are operating in sectors with durable demand, and both are reporting solid earnings growth. Here is a closer look at what the experts are saying about these ASX shares to buy in 2026.
Stock 1: Orica Limited — All Ten Analysts Rate It a Buy
Orica Limited (ASX: ORI) is one of the world’s leading mining and infrastructure solutions providers. The Company produces explosives, blasting systems, specialty mining chemicals, and geotechnical monitoring equipment.
Figure 2: Orica Limited (ASX: ORI) explosives transport vehicle [Courtesy: Nextmedia]
According to CMC Invest, all ten analyst ratings on the Orica Cleanaway ASX buy recommendation list place Orica firmly in buy territory. That level of consensus is rare and reflects strong confidence in the Company’s earnings trajectory.
Analyst Price Targets Point to Meaningful Upside
The average price target across those ten ratings sits at A$26.86 per share. That implies a potential rise of approximately 23% from current levels.
The most optimistic target reaches A$37.44, suggesting the possibility of more than 70% upside within the next year. Even the most conservative analyst target of A$24.04 implies a rise of more than 10%.
In the FY26 half-year result, Orica reported an underlying net profit increase of 8% to A$283.1 million. Underlying operating profit (EBIT) climbed 5% to A$512 million.
The dividend per share grew 14% to 28.5 cents per share. The Company is also progressing a cost-cutting programme targeting a reduction of at least A$100 million in its annual cost base.
Orica has also reached an agreement to acquire Nelson Brothers’ explosives business in North America, expanding its exposure to US quarries and construction sectors.
Stock 2: Cleanaway Waste Management Limited — Eight Analysts Back the Stock
Cleanaway Waste Management Limited (ASX: CWY) is Australia’s largest sustainable waste management and environmental services Company.
Figure 3: Cleanaway Waste Management (ASX: CWY) collection vehicle [Courtesy: Waste Management Review]
It operates a fleet of more than 6,400 vehicles and maintains an extensive network of recycling facilities, transfer stations, landfills, liquid treatment plants, and refineries.
According to CMC Invest, eight analysts currently rate Cleanaway as a buy. The average price target across those eight ratings is A$3.04, suggesting a potential rise of approximately 35% from current levels, if analysts prove correct.
A Clear Blueprint for Margin Expansion and Shareholder Returns
Cleanaway’s growth strategy is underpinned by GDP-linked revenue and favourable secular trends in waste management. The Company is targeting margin expansion of more than 260 basis points, optimising its branch network, and leveraging scale across its asset base.
It is also investing in technology, automation, data, and analytics to drive further efficiency. Selective investments in new, scalable growth platforms form part of its longer-term outlook.
In the FY26 half-year result, Cleanaway reported 13.7% revenue growth, 16.9% underlying EBIT growth, and 17.8% underlying net profit growth. The direction of these numbers reinforces why the Company continues to attract strong ASX analyst buy ratings.
Share Price Snapshot
Industry Outlook
Australia’s resources and waste management sectors are underpinned by structural growth tailwinds. Mining activity continues to drive demand for blasting and geotechnical solutions, benefiting companies like Orica across both domestic and international markets.
The waste management industry is experiencing a long-term shift toward sustainable and circular economy models, creating durable revenue streams for operators with the scale and infrastructure to capture that transition.
Both sectors are attracting institutional interest as investors seek defensive, GDP-linked earnings with visible growth catalysts.
Future Direction and Impact on ASX Investors
The analyst conviction behind these two ASX shares to buy in 2026 carries clear implications for investors:
- Orica holds a unanimous 10 out of 10 analyst buy rating, with a consensus price target of A$26.86 and a bull-case target of A$37.44 per share
- Orica’s FY26 half-year underlying net profit rose 8% to A$283.1 million, with the dividend per share growing 14% to 28.5 cents
- Orica’s cost reduction programme targets at least A$100 million in annual savings, with the Nelson Brothers acquisition expanding its North American footprint
- Cleanaway holds 8 out of 8 analyst buy ratings, with a consensus price target of A$3.04 per share
- Cleanaway’s FY26 half-year results showed 13.7% revenue growth, 16.9% underlying EBIT growth, and 17.8% underlying net profit growth
- Cleanaway is targeting margin expansion of more than 260 basis points and is investing in technology, automation, and new growth platforms
- Positive price targets are not guarantees of returns; investors should conduct their own research before making any decisions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why are analysts recommending these ASX shares to buy in 2026?
Ans. Both Orica and Cleanaway have strong earnings momentum, clear growth strategies, and broad analyst consensus. Orica has 10 buy ratings, and Cleanaway has 8, according to CMC Invest.
Q2. What is the analyst price target for Orica?
Ans. The average price target is A$26.86, with a bull-case target of A$37.44, implying potential upside of more than 70% from current levels.
Q3. What is the analyst price target for Cleanaway?
Ans. The average price target across eight analyst ratings is A$3.04 per share, implying potential upside of approximately 35% from current levels.
Q4. How did Orica perform in its latest half-year results?
Ans. Orica reported an 8% increase in underlying net profit to A$283.1 million and a 14% increase in its dividend per share to 28.5 cents for the FY26 half-year period.
Q5. What is Cleanaway’s growth strategy?
Ans. Cleanaway is targeting margin expansion of more than 260 basis points, investing in technology and automation, optimising its branch network, and exploring new scalable growth platforms.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. All content is based on the article published online. Share price and market capitalisation data reflect figures provided at the time of publication. These targets are not guarantees of returns. Investing in securities involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Readers should conduct their own research and seek independent financial advice before making any investment decisions. Colitco does not hold any position in the companies or organisations mentioned.
Sources
- https://www.fool.com.au/2026/05/11/2-asx-shares-highly-recommended-to-buy-experts/
- https://www.asx.com.au/markets/company/ORI
- https://www.asx.com.au/markets/company/CWY
Last modified: May 11, 2026
