ASX shares continue to rise with investor confidence seemingly growing every week.

Australia is getting close to the point of no new COVID-19 cases across the nation. Some ASX shares are soaring in reaction to how much better the outlook seems.

But there are still many places in the world where the number of infections is still rising.

With the current state of play domestically and abroad in mind, here are two ASX shares that I’d buy in a heartbeat:

Pushpay Holdings Ltd (ASX: PPH)

Pushpay is one of the businesses that is seeing an acceleration of growth due to the unfortunate circumstances. It’s an electronic donation business that enables people to digitally give to not-for-profit organisations.

A key part of US churches is the congregations. COVID-19 and social distancing makes church gatherings more difficult at the moment. That also means that getting cash donations can become problematic for those churches.

Pushpay’s system is perfect for this environment. The ASX share’s technology also allows churches to livestream to their congregations.

The large and medium church sector is a $1 billion revenue opportunity according to Pushpay’s management.

The ASX share is aiming to approximately double its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and foreign currency (EBITDAF) in FY21. Pushpay’s profit margins could keep rising as it gets bigger over time.

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL)

There are few ASX shares that have stood the test of time like Soul Patts. It has been operating since the early 1900s. So it has already survived through the Spanish Flu, two world wars, the recessions and so on.

Soul Patts is invested in businesses that should be able to remain robust this year. Some large positions include TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM), Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW) and Clover Corporation Limited (ASX: CLV).

The ASX share conglomerate continues to invest in new opportunities. It is reportedly about to start investing in regional data centres.

I think Soul Patts is one of those shares that you could invest in and potentially hold forever. Its ability to change its investments and invest in anything is very attractive.

A very nice bonus with this ASX share is that it has grown its dividend every year since 2000.

Foolish takeaway

I’d buy both of these ASX shares for the long-term in a heartbeat. Pushpay has a lot of exciting growth potential over the coming years. But Soul Patts could be a solid idea for long-term steady growth.

More reading

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• 3 top ASX shares to buy now to get rich later
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• How to become a millionaire before your parents with ASX shares
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Tristan Harrison owns shares of Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of PUSHPAY FPO NZX. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended PUSHPAY FPO NZX. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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I think that Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) is the best ASX blue chip share right now.

Wesfarmers doesn’t exactly have a ton of competition for the title of best ASX blue chip. ASX banks like Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and miners like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) have been patchy over the decades.

The (mostly) retail conglomerate seems like a reliable pick in most aspects. Here are some of the reasons why I think it’s a good pick:

Strong performing businesses

The crown jewel of Wesfarmers is Bunnings. The hardware business is now the key profit centre after the divestment of Coles Group Limited (ASX: COL). In good economic times Bunnings is a solid performer with a healthy construction industry.

During these COVID-19 times we saw that a lot of people went to Bunnings to do some home improvements during the lockdown.

Wesfarmers revealed in its retail trading update that in the second half of FY20 to May 2020, Bunnings sales were up 19.2%. We also heard that Officeworks’ sales were up 27.8% and Catch’s gross transaction value sales were up 68.7%.

I like businesses that can keep performing in all economic conditions.

Investment flexibility

One of the main things I like about Wesfarmers is its ability to regularly change what operating businesses it owns. It used to own Coles Group Limited (ASX: COL) and Kmart Tyre and Auto. Management was comfortable divesting those businesses.

In recent times Wesfarmers has acquired Catch (an online retailer) and Kidman Resources (a lithium miner).

Having the ability to evolve over time is important. The better growth opportunities may be in different industries in the coming years. Wesfarmers can pivot the overall business towards that growth will help it continue its solid earnings performance.

Wesfarmers is focused on shareholder returns

Ultimately, shareholder returns is what management should be focused on. As long as it doesn’t come at the expense of the long-term health of the company.

I like how Wesfarmers is willing to try new things, such as the attempt to take Bunnings to the UK. But management are also willing to end initiatives when appropriate. The closure of many Target stores is one recent example.

It’s a solid dividend share on the ASX and continues to reward shareholders.

Foolish takeaway

Wesfarmers certainly isn’t cheap at a share price of $44. But the ongoing strength of Bunnings, Officeworks and Catch justifies this price in my opinion. I’d be happy to buy a parcel of Wesfarmers at today’s price, but I’d only buy more if the ASX share market falls again.

More reading

• Leading brokers name 3 ASX 200 shares to sell today
• ASX 200 jumps 2.4%, unloved shares keep rising
• Not keen on Westpac? Then buy these top ASX dividend shares instead
• Can the Wesfarmers share price continue to rise after its market update today?
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: ASX bulls crash through 6,000 points

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of COLESGROUP DEF SET and Wesfarmers Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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