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Apple's gross margin, at 39.1% in the June quarter, was one of the industry's highest. Links of London in a July conference call, Apple said iPhone 4 and iPad sales would be negative for the margin because of their high cost structure. That is especially true for the iPad. And the company has new challengers: The Google-backed Android smartphone operating system has gained more market share than Apple has. There also is Apple's cash hoard -- it had $45.8 billion in cash and securities in June. Given current super-low rates, Apple can't make much sitting in cash. Links of London I Charm has some investors hankering for a dividend. Plus, the surge in Apple's share price past $300 last week sets a high expectations bar. For now, though, such matters are small worries. Even if the company sticks to its usual conservatism in forecasting the current quarter, investors are likely to remain as enthusiastic as Apple's own customers. Though the Valley softball team's celebration was brief and subdued after its win against Lyons on Saturday, it might as well have been Links of London Dome Jade Charm ticker-tape parade compared to the Vikings' postgame demeanor a couple hours earlier. Valley dropped a 6-5 heartbreaker to their rival Platte Valley, but the Vikings regrouped minutes later, punching their ticket to next week's state tournament with a 5-2 win against Lyons at the Class 3A District 3 softball tournament. "We have great leaders on this team," Valley junior catcher Hope Asbury said. "(Seniors) Ashley Ray and Taylor Hutton are great leaders, and they just helped us pull through. What we learned against Platte Valley came into play against Lyons. We were very patient, and our hitters did great." The Vikings (17-5) started their district tournament with a strong 10-1 win against Strasburg early Saturday afternoon. By going 2-1 on the day, Links of London Disc charm earned one of the district's three automatic bids to state.