Madras Cements has posted a 43.8 per cent jump in net profit, at Rs 18.8 crore for the quarter ended September 30, ’05, compared with Rs 13.1 crore in the corresponding period last year. Topline grew 25.5 per cent to Rs 246.1 crore.  The board has declared an interim dividend of 50%. During the quarter, total expenditure was higher at Rs 194.7 crore (Rs 153.9 crore). This included higher raw material consumption at Rs 37.4 crore (Rs 31.7 crore), increase in power & fuel costs at Rs 71 crore (Rs 52.4 crore), besides increased transportation and handling costs at Rs 40 crore.