Applied Materials, Inc. reported record revenue and operating profit in its first quarter ended Jan. 28, 2018.   Compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2017, Applied grew net sales by 28% to $4.20 billion. On a GAAP basis, the company increased gross margin by 1.6 points to 45.7%, and grew operating income by 48% to $1.20 billion or 28.4% of net sales. GAAP earnings per share (EPS) declined to $0.13 due to a one-time charge related to recent US tax legislation that reduced EPS by approximatel...