BP sees action on all fronts

After the best of a decade in which “oil spill-related payments” dominated commentary of its earnings results, BP (BP.) can be forgiven for trying to reclaim the narrative in these half-year numbers. That the fanfare should include its largest acquisition this century, first production from three new projects, the first quarterly dividend increase in four years, and vague promises to extend a nascent share buyback programme to $5bn-$6bn (£3.8bn-£4.6bn) might seem a bit overcooked.