If you want to become wealthy then you should consider buying ASX shares.
When you think about what is the asset class that's increasing its underlying value the most I would say it's businesses. Arguably, the underlying value of a property is the strength of its rental income, which hasn't been growing much at all.
Some businesses are creating excellent wealth for shareholders, like these top picks:
Citadel Group Ltd (ASX: CGL)
Citadel is a software business that specialises in providing secure management systems, particularly for government agencies. Its most recent acquisition, Gruden, has a scalable eProcurement space used by the Federal Government, the Victorian Government and the New South Wales Government.
Citadel continues to win new contracts and it generates dependable revenue every year. Governments are usually the most reliable payers, even in a downturn.
It's trading at under 23x FY19's estimated earnings with a grossed-up dividend yield of 2.5%.
Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW)
Brickworks is one of the older businesses on the ASX, it's a large designer, developer, manufacturer and seller of building materials. It just purchased a major brick business in the US, which opens up a big opportunity with the size of the US market.
Growing populations, infrastructure projects and urban gentrification & rejuvenation should result in long-term growth for Brickworks.
It also has a large investment stake in investment business Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL).
It's trading at under 13x FY19's estimated earnings with a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.5%.
Naos Emerging Opportunities Company Ltd (ASX: NCC)
This is a listed investment company (LIC) that invests in shares with market capitalisations under $250 million. Often, these businesses are hidden gems that will become the mid-caps of the future.
Since inception in February 2013 Naos has delivered average returns per annum of 14.7% before fees but after expenses.
Naos is enriching shareholders along the way with a sustainable growing fully franked dividend. The grossed-up dividend yield is currently 8.9%.
Foolish takeaway
These three shares have provided market-beating returns over the past few years. At the current prices they seem like they could be excellent wealth-builders over the five years.
At the current prices, Citadel looks like a good value opportunity. However, the current market volatility may hurt its share price in the short-term.
