It is Statoil's ambition to grow the annual cash dividend, measured in NOK per share, in line with long-term underlying earnings. When deciding the annual dividend level, the board will take into consideration expected cash flow, capital expenditure plans, financing requirements and appropriate financial flexibility.

In addition to cash dividend, Statoil may buy back shares as part of its total distribution of capital to the shareholders.

The direct link to the IFRS net income has been removed, and the focus will be on growing the annual cash dividend per share in line with long- term underlying earnings. The new policy does not entail a change in the long-term dividend level, including potential share buy-backs, compared with the previous policy. The Board emphasises the importance of also maintaining an attractive dividend level in the future.