Tyco International

Of all the ways a company might become more valuable, this has got to be the most superficial: a simple change of name. And yet a study of corporate name changes shows that it works. From 1-800 Flowers.com to Philip Morris-Altria Group, here are some of the most noteworthy nominal transformations.

Using sex in advertising is a tried and true way to sell a product. But one company is betting that fear may be just as effective. Broadview Security (formerly branded as Brinks Home Security) has been airing ads that feature a series of scenarios that play on women's darkest fears.

Shares of Tyco International looked intriguing even before Tuesday's deal to buy Brink's Home Security. Now, with the business boosting its ADT unit, the stock appears too undervalued to ignore.