In general, however, Australian companies have shied away from office properties because of the high vacancy rate.

The company has never shied away from spending whatever it took.

"In the past, companies have shied away from so much risk that they end up connecting to nobody," he said.

But most companies, even those in California, which has electricity shortages, are shying away from fuel cells' high cost.

There are revenue losses, too, as companies shy away from high-risk routes.

But other companies have shied away from online selling, in large part because they feel such measures are not enough.

And the company has shied away from acquisitions, preferring to build restaurants to its own design.

But the emphasis on the machines as aesthetic showpieces is not something the company shies away from.

Losing all his money in six months, the company shied away from manufacturing to focus on being a middleman.

Some companies and investors shy away from businesses that are heavily reliant on government contracts.