CALGARY, March 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - PENN WEST PETROLEUM LTD. (TSX - PWT) (NYSE - PWE) ("PENN WEST" or the "COMPANY") is pleased to announce its results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2013. All figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.






                                                                          

                       Three months ended December       Year ended December 31
                                                31

                             2013      2012      %        2013      2012      %
                                            change                       change

    Financial                                       
    (millions, except
    per share
    amounts)                                                                   

    Gross revenues                                  
    (1,2)               $     613 $     799   (23)   $   2,835 $   3,283   (14)

    Funds flow (2)            216       295   (27)       1,054     1,248   (16)

       Basic per                                    
       share (2)             0.44      0.62   (29)        2.17      2.62   (17)

       Diluted per                                  
       share (2)             0.44      0.62   (29)        2.17      2.62   (17)

    Net income (loss)       (728)      (78)  (100)       (838)       149  (100)

       Basic per                                    
       share               (1.49)    (0.16)  (100)      (1.72)      0.31  (100)

       Diluted per                                  
       share               (1.49)    (0.16)  (100)      (1.72)      0.31  (100)

    Development                                     
    capital
    expenditures (3)          208       348   (40)         816     1,752   (53)

    Long-term debt at                               
    period-end          $   2,458 $   2,690    (9)   $   2,458 $   2,690    (9)

                                                                               

    Dividends                                       
    (millions)                                                                 

    Dividends paid                                  
    (4)                 $      68 $     129   (47)   $     458 $     512   (11)

    DRIP                     (14)      (31)   (55)        (95)     (117)   (19)

    Dividends paid in                               
    cash                $      54 $      98   (45)   $     363 $     395    (8)

                                                                               

    Operations                                                                 

    Daily production                                
    (average)                                                                  

       Light oil and                                
       NGL (bbls/d)        64,056    82,224   (22)      69,587    86,783   (20)

       Heavy oil                                    
       (bbls/d)            14,601    16,847   (13)      15,511    17,361   (11)

       Natural gas                                  
       (mmcf/d)               272       329   (17)         300       342   (12)

    Total production                                
    (boe/d)(5)            123,995   153,931   (19)     135,093   161,195   (16)

    Average sales                                   
    price                                                                      

       Light oil and                                
       NGL (per bbl)    $   77.43 $   75.91      2   $   83.25 $   77.16      8

       Heavy oil (per                               
       bbl)                 58.66     59.85    (2)       65.12     63.67      2

       Natural gas                                  
       (per mcf)        $    3.53 $    3.28      8   $    3.31 $    2.45     35

    Netback per boe                                                            

       Sales price      $   54.65 $   54.10      1   $   57.71 $   53.60      8

       Risk                                         
       management
       gain                  0.62      0.51     22        0.16      0.81   (80)

       Net sales                                    
       price                55.27     54.61      1       57.87     54.41      6

       Royalties                                                       
                          (10.13)   (10.10)      -     (10.29)   (10.07)      2

       Operating                                                       
       expenses           (17.86)   (17.16)      4     (17.30)   (17.26)      -

       Transportation                                                  
                           (0.62)    (0.51)     22      (0.59)    (0.50)     18

       Netback (2)      $   26.66 $   26.84    (1)   $   29.69 $   26.58     12








    (1)  Gross revenues include realized gains and losses on commodity
         contracts.

    (2)  The terms "gross revenues", "funds flow", "funds flow per
         share-basic", "funds flow per share-diluted" and "netback" are
         non-GAAP measures. Please refer to the "Calculation of Funds Flow"
         and "Non-GAAP Measures Advisory" sections below.

    (3)  Includes the effect of capital carried by partners.

    (4)  Includes dividends paid prior to amounts reinvested in shares
         under the dividend reinvestment plan.

    (5)  Please refer to the "Oil and Gas Information Advisory" section
         below for information regarding the term "boe".



PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Four months ago, we began discussing a new vision for Penn West. We promised focus on the Company's industry leading light-oil positions in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin; application of best-in-class operating practices; relentless cost control; and to de-lever the balance sheet to deliver shareholder value. We are pleased to say we are on plan.

We have instilled a value-first culture at Penn West in which we challenge the cost/benefit of every activity we engage in and question the profitability of every barrel we produce. We are ahead of our asset disposition plans to date, achieving better than planned realizations from a net operating income multiple perspective, and our organization is 35 percent smaller than the beginning of 2013. Our capital efficiency improvements continue as we realize game changing capital cost reductions across our key plays.

Our 2013 development capital totaled $816 million compared to a $900 million budget with more activity completed than planned. We are already at or within reach of our per well capital cost targets outlined in our long-term plan and will continue to drive efficiencies to further enhance returns and extend the economic longevity of our plays. These improvements were also a component of our strong finding and development ("F&D") cost performance in 2013. Inclusive of the change in future development costs, our proved plus probable F&D costs were $9.47 per boe ((1)) in 2013 with 76 percent of additions comprising oil and natural gas liquids. This compares to $25.50 per boe in 2012, a 63 percent improvement to an important capital investment indicator. Excluding the change in future development costs, the proved plus probable F&D cost was $17.17 per boe and is in line with our operated development capital cost target of $15 - $20 per boe in our long-term plan.

Another cornerstone of our business plan is to operate in a continuous and deliberate manner to drive cost efficiencies and predictable production performance. Our teams are already operating under these principles with the expectation that our production profile will shift as the effects of the front-end loaded programs of the past dissipate. In the Cardium, we have been running ahead of cost, time and performance expectations - including best-in-play drilling performance - and anticipate being able to advance drilling activities above our stated business plan in 2014 and future years within the planned capital allocations. With the testing of drilling and completion techniques to significantly reduce costs in the Slave Point and industry leading cost and well performance in the Viking, our organizational energy is being fueled by success. Waterflood programs across these assets, pivotal to sustainable performance, are proceeding as planned.

To date in 2014, we have benefited from stronger than planned commodity prices and a favorable currency climate; however, we remain conservative in our commodity outlook for the remainder of the year. Operating excellence and investment discipline will continue to be key organic levers while we progress through phase two of our asset divestiture strategy and deliver a laser focused portfolio and improve our balance sheet.

FOURTH QUARTER KEY POINTS

        --  Non-core asset dispositions totalling approximately $486
            million with associated production of 10,800 boe per day were
            closed in the fourth quarter of 2013. Asset dispositions in
            2013 resulted in an approximate $90 million reduction to our
            decommissioning liability.
        --  As a result of our focus on cost reductions, our recycle ratio
            (2), on a proved plus probable basis and including the change
            in future development costs ("FDC"), improved to 3.1 in 2013
            compared to 1.0 in 2012.
        --  Development capital was $208 million for the fourth quarter of
            2013 and $816 million for 2013. For 2013, our development
            capital came in below our budget of $900 million primarily due
            to the cost reductions we realized across our plays.
        --  Further operational improvements were experienced during the
            fourth quarter with continued reduction in drilling and
            completion costs and cycle times, notably in the Lodgepole and
            Crimson Lake areas of the Cardium and the Dodsland area of the
            Viking.






    (1)  For detailed calculations and disclaimers, see "Finding and
         Development costs" below.

    (2)  Recycle ratio is a non-GAAP measure. Please refer to our "Non-GAAP
         Measures Advisory" section below.



RESERVE HIGHLIGHTS

        --  Proved plus probable finding and development cost ("F&D")
            including the change in FDC for 2013 was $9.47 per boe (2012 -
            $25.50 per boe). The improvement includes the effects of
            reductions in FDC due to significant declines in our drilling
            and completion costs and removal of certain capital costs
            associated with properties no longer carrying reserves, and
            technical revisions to our current reserve base.
        --  Excluding the impact of dispositions, our reserve replacement
            ratio (1) was 97 percent in 2013.
        --  Total working interest (gross) proved plus probable reserves
            were 625 mmboe at December 31, 2013 (2012 - 676 mmboe),
            weighted approximately 70 percent to liquids (2012 - 71
            percent), and including the effect of 50 mmboe of oil weighted
            asset dispositions completed in 2013.
        --  Proved plus probable net present value discounted at 10 percent
            (before income taxes) remained relatively consistent
            year-over-year with December 31, 2013 at $8.9 billion (2012 -
            $9.1 billion) which included a reduction of approximately $450
            million related to asset dispositions completed in 2013.
        --  Reserve additions for 2013 were weighted 76 percent to oil,
            excluding technical revisions.
        --  During 2013, we completed or updated contingent resource
            studies covering our interests in the Cardium, Viking, Slave
            Point and Swan Hills areas substantiating our appraisal
            activities and confirming significant recoverable oil resources
            in these areas.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

        --  Funds flow for the fourth quarter of 2013 was $216 million
            ($0.44 per share - basic), a decrease from $293 million ($0.60
            per share - basic) in the third quarter of 2013, mainly due to
            lower crude oil prices and lower production volumes as a result
            of asset dispositions in the fourth quarter of 2013.
        --  For the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded a net loss of $728
            million ($1.49 per share - basic). The net loss was primarily
            due to non-cash PP&E impairment charges and unrealized foreign
            exchange losses on the translation of our US denominated
            senior, unsecured notes.
        --  Disposition proceeds received during 2013 were applied toour
            credit facilities with a net reduction in long-term debt of
            $356 million during the year, prior to foreign currency
            translations.

ASSET IMPAIRMENTS

        --  During the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded non-cash
            impairment charges of $742 million related to PP&E. These
            impairment charges were the result of limited planned
            development capital in certain non-core natural gas assets and
            lower estimated reserve recoveries at our Manitoba properties.
            Our five-year plan is focused on the integrated development of
            our large light-oil areas in the Cardium, Slave Point and
            Viking.

DIVIDENDS

On March 6, 2014, our Board of Directors declared a first quarter 2014 dividend of $0.14 per share to be paid on April 15, 2014 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 31, 2014. Shareholders are advised that this dividend is designated as an "eligible dividend" for Canadian income tax purposes.






    (1)  Reserve replacement ratio is calculated by dividing reserve
         additions by production on a proved plus probable basis.



PLAY UPDATES

Cardium

During 2013, significant cost reductions and cycle time improvements were realized with a continued focus on further reductions as we move through 2014. Compared to 2012, drilling and completion ("D&C") costs decreased by approximately 35 - 40 percent, notably in the Lodgepole and Crimson Lake areas. In the fourth quarter of 2013, development activities were concentrated in these two areas and we maintained momentum as we moved into the first quarter of 2014 with a four-rig program. Also in the fourth quarter, horizontal waterflood development began in the Willesden Green area with the initiation of one pilot project and the construction of another which began water injection in early 2014.

For 2014, we have allocated $270 million of development capital to the Cardium with further expansion of our planned EOR pilot work along with a focused development drilling program (67 net wells) as we continue to methodically increase our activity in the area, consistent with our five-year plan.

Viking

During 2013, we became an industry leader in the area due to significant D&C cost reductions and superior well performance. These cost savings were experienced in a short time frame with average D&C costs per well during the first half of the year of $1.2 million compared to approximately $850,000 per well in the second half; close to a 30 percent reduction. The results from our development programs, primarily in the Dodsland area, consistently exceeded both our own and competitors' type curves. We plan to continue to build on these successes in 2014, with $150 million budgeted for the area (104 net wells) as we leverage our existing infrastructure and complete a down-spaced development program. In 2014, we have plans to initiate the first and second phases of a waterflood pilot in the Avon Hills area with the third phase beginning in 2015.

Slave Point

In the Slave Point, our fourth quarter activities were focused on a selective drilling program in the Red Earth area and the initiation of a waterflood pilot in the Otter area. For 2014 we allocated $145 million to the Slave Point with a focus on completing a low-risk development drilling program in Sawn, Otter and Red Earth (21 net wells), continued expansion of the Otter waterflood pilot and the initiation of a waterflood pilot in Sawn.

DISPOSITION UPDATE

On January 21, 2014 we announced a non-core asset disposition for expected proceeds of $175 million, expected to close in mid-March 2014. The assets to be disposed are primarily located in the central and southwestern parts of Alberta with associated production of approximately 6,700 boe per day weighted 58 percent to natural gas and 1,800 currently producing or suspended wellbores.

DRILLING STATISTICS


                                Three months ended           Year ended
                                       December 31          December 31

                                   2013       2012      2013       2012

                              Gross Net Gross  Net Gross Net Gross  Net

    Oil                          67  53    55   31   274 201   349  263

    Natural gas                   3   2     -    -     6   4    23   19

    Dry                           1   1     -    -     1   1     -    -

                                 71  56    55   31   281 206   372  282

    Stratigraphic and service     5   1     9    1    41  18    72   32

    Total                        76  57    64   32   322 224   444  314

    Success rate (1)                98%       100%       99%       100%









    (1)  Success rate is calculated excluding stratigraphic and service
         wells.





CAPITAL EXPENDITURES


                               Three months ended                Year ended
                                      December 31               December 31

    (millions)                 2013          2012         2013         2012

    Land             
    acquisition and
    retention         $           - $           1 $          4 $         37

    Drilling and     
    completions                 118           160          543        1,148

    Facilities and   
    well equipping              102           205          332          675

    Geological and   
    geophysical                   1             3           10           13

    Corporate                     3             3           10           16

    Capital carried                                                       
    by partners                (16)          (24)         (83)        (137)

    Development      
    capital
    expenditures
    (1)                         208           348          816        1,752

    Property         
    acquisitions
    (dispositions),                                                       
    net                       (473)       (1,264)        (525)      (1,615)

    Total                                       
    expenditures      $       (265) $       (916) $        291 $        137









    (1) Development capital includes costs related to Property, Plant and
        Equipment and Exploration and Evaluation activities.



In the fourth quarter of 2013, we increased our development activity levels in the Cardium and Viking areas by reallocating capital to these plays. Cost reductions realized during 2013 on drilling and completion activities enabled us to expand our program.

LAND


                                                              As at December 31

                                       Producing              Non-producing

                                                   %                          %
                               2013    2012   change      2013    2012   change

    Gross acres (000s)        4,836   5,733     (16)     2,842   2,680        6

    Net acres (000s)          3,308   3,841     (14)     1,957   1,896        3

    Average working
    interest                    68%     67%        1       69%     71%      (2)



COMMON SHARE DATA


                              Three months ended                 Year ended
                                     December 31                December 31

    (millions of                               %                          %
    shares)                2013    2012   change      2013    2012   change

    Weighted average                                                       

      Basic               489.5   478.9        2     485.8   475.6        2

      Diluted             489.5   478.9        2     485.8   475.8        2

      Outstanding as at                              489.1   479.3        2
      December 31



RESERVES DATA

Our reserves continue to reflect a high percentage of oil and liquids at 70 percent (2012 - 71 percent) and proved reserves continue to reflect a high percentage of developed reserves. Of total proved reserves, 75 percent were developed at December 31, 2013 (2012 - 78 percent). At December 31, 2013, total proved reserves as a percentage of proved plus probable reserves were 67 percent (2012 - 66 percent). In 2013, all of our reserves were evaluated or audited by Sproule Associates Limited ("SAL"), an independent, qualified engineering firm. Approximately 25 percent of total proved plus probable reserves were internally evaluated and then audited by SAL.

The reserves estimates have been calculated in compliance with National Instrument 51-101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities ("NI 51-101"). Under NI 51-101, proved reserves estimates are defined as having a high degree of certainty to be recoverable with a targeted 90 percent probability in aggregate that actual reserves recovered over time will equal or exceed proved reserve estimates. For proved plus probable reserves under NI 51-101, the targeted probability is an equal (50 percent) likelihood that the actual reserves to be recovered will be equal to or greater than the proved plus probable reserves estimate. The reserves estimates set forth below are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual reserves may be greater than or less than the estimates provided herein.

a) Working Interest (Gross) Reserves using forecast prices and costs


                                                                

    Penn West as
    at                                                          
    December 31,
    2013

                                                     Natural   Barrels of
                     Light &               Natural       Gas          Oil
    Reserve       Medium Oil   Heavy Oil       Gas   Liquids   Equivalent

    Estimates
    Category (1)                                              
    (2)              (mmbbl)     (mmbbl)     (bcf)   (mmbbl)      (mmboe)

                                                                         

    Proved                                                               

    Developed            141          38       585        22          299
    producing

    Developed              5           -        30         1           11
    non-producing

    Undeveloped           72           4       142         7          106

    Total Proved         218          42       757        30          415

    Probable              96          40       366        13          209

    Total Proved         314          82     1,123        42          625
    plus Probable








    (1) Working interest (gross) reserves are before royalty burdens and
        exclude royalty interests.

    (2) Columns may not add due to rounding.



b) Net after Royalty Interest Reserves using forecast prices and costs


                                                                         

    Penn West as                                              
    at
    December 31,
    2013                                                                 

                                                     Natural   Barrels of
                     Light &               Natural       Gas          Oil
    Reserve       Medium Oil   Heavy Oil       Gas   Liquids   Equivalent

    Estimates
    Category (1)                                              
    (2)              (mmbbl)     (mmbbl)     (bcf)   (mmbbl)      (mmboe)

                                                                         

    Proved                                                               

    Developed                                                 
    producing            122          34       517        16          259

    Developed                                                 
    non-producing          4           -        25         1            9

    Undeveloped           61           3       123         5           90

    Total Proved         187          38       664        22          358

    Probable              80          35       316         9          176

    Total Proved                                              
    plus Probable        267          73       980        31          534








    (1) Net after royalty reserves are working interest reserves including
        royalty interests and deducting royalty burdens.

    (2) Columns may not add due to rounding.



Additional reserve disclosures, as required under NI 51-101, will be contained in our Annual Information Form that will be filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

c) Reconciliation of Working Interest (Gross) Reserves using forecast prices and costs


                        Light and Medium Oil                  Heavy Oil
                               (mmbbl)                         (mmbbl)

                                        Proved                       Proved
    Reconciliation                        plus                         plus
    Items (1)        Proved Probable  probable     Proved Probable probable

    December 31,        243      108       351         46       44       90
    2012

    Extensions            -        1         1          1        -        1

    Infill Drilling      14        7        21          2        -        2

    Improved              -        5         6          -        -        1
    Recovery

    Technical           (9)     (17)      (26)          4      (2)        2
    Revisions

    Acquisitions          -        -         -          -        -        -

    Dispositions       (11)      (8)      (19)        (7)      (3)      (9)

    Economic Factors      1        -         2          -        -        1

    Production         (22)        -      (22)        (6)        -      (6)

    December 31,        218       96       314         41       40       82
    2013

                                                                    

                         Natural Gas Liquids                Natural Gas
                               (mmbbl)                         (bcf)

                                        Proved                       Proved
    Reconciliation                        plus                         plus
    Items (1)        Proved Probable  probable     Proved Probable probable

    December 31,         27       11        38        773      413    1,186
    2012

    Extensions            -        -         -         13       28       41

    Infill Drilling       1        -         1         12        6       18

    Improved              -        -         -          -        2        2
    Recovery

    Technical             6        2         8        121      (8)      113
    Revisions

    Acquisitions          -        -         -          1        -        1

    Dispositions        (1)      (1)       (1)       (46)     (76)    (121)

    Economic Factors      -        -         -        (8)        1      (7)

    Production          (4)        -       (4)      (109)        -    (109)

    December 31,         30       13        42        757      366    1,123
    2013

                                                                    

                     Barrels of Oil Equivalent                             
                              (mmboe)

                                        Proved                             
    Reconciliation                        plus
    Items (1)        Proved Probable  probable

    December 31,        445      231       676                             
    2012

    Extensions            3        5         9                             

    Infill Drilling      18        9        27                             

    Improved              1        6         7                             
    Recovery

    Technical            22     (19)         4                             
    Revisions

    Acquisitions          -        -         -                             

    Dispositions       (26)     (24)      (50)                             

    Economic Factors      -        -         1                             

    Production         (49)        -      (49)                             

    December 31,        415      209       625
    2013








    (1)  Columns may not add due to rounding.



Our focused drilling program during the year highlighted by the realization of significant drilling and completions cost reductions and the potential of our waterflood programs partially offset oil weighted dispositions that occurred primarily in the fourth quarter of 2013. The dispositions noted in our reserve numbers are primarily attributable to the dispositions we closed during the fourth quarter of 2013.

d) Net present value of future net revenue using forecast prices and costs (millions) at December 31, 2013


                      Net present value of future net revenue before income
                                              taxes
                                         (discounted @)

    Reserve Category
    (1)                       0%       5%     10%     15%               20%

                                                                           

    Proved                                                                 

      Developed         $  9,826 $  6,927 $ 5,412 $ 4,487 $           3,864
      producing

      Developed              279      202     156     127               107
      non-producing

      Undeveloped          3,465    1,923   1,157     714               432

      Total proved      $ 13,570 $  9,052 $ 6,726 $ 5,329 $           4,403

    Probable               7,991    3,785   2,153   1,353               899

    Total proved plus   $ 21,561 $ 12,836 $ 8,879 $ 6,682 $           5,302
    probable








    (1)  Columns may not add due to rounding.



Net present values take into account wellbore abandonment liabilities and are based on the price assumptions that are contained in the following table. It should not be assumed that the estimated future net revenues represent fair market value of the reserves. There is no assurance that the forecast price and cost assumptions will be attained and variances could be material.

e) Summary of pricing and inflation rate assumptions using forecast prices and costs as of December 31, 2013


                                            Oil                                                     

                                     Western                                                Exchange
                  WTI     Edmonton    Canada     Cromer   Natural gas                         rate
               Cushing,     Par       Select      LSB         AECO      Edmonton  Inflation   (US$
               Oklahoma   40o API   20.5o API   35o API    gas price    propane     rate     equals
    Year       ($US/bbl) ($CAD/bbl) ($CAD/bbl) ($CAD/bbl) ($CAD/MMbtu) ($CAD/bbl)    (%)    $1 CAD)

                                                                                                    

    Historical                                                                                      

    2009           61.60      66.32      58.66      63.86         4.20      38.30       0.3     0.88

    2010           79.42      78.02      67.21      76.57         4.17      44.36       1.8     0.97

    2011           94.83      95.15      77.09      89.68         3.68      50.17       3.0     1.01

    2012           94.15      86.70      73.08      84.42         2.44      47.20       1.5     1.00

    2013           97.98      93.24      74.20      91.59         3.13      38.62       0.8     0.97

    Forecast                                                                                        

    2014           94.65      92.64      77.81      90.64         4.00      45.78       1.5     0.94

    2015           88.37      89.31      75.02      87.31         3.99      44.14       1.5     0.94

    2016           84.25      89.63      75.29      87.63         4.00      44.30       1.5     0.94

    2017           95.52     101.62      85.36      99.62         4.93      50.22       1.5     0.94

    2018           96.96     103.14      86.64     101.14         5.01      50.98       1.5     0.94

    2019           98.41     104.69      87.94     102.69         5.09      51.74       1.5     0.94

    2020           99.89     106.26      89.26     104.26         5.18      52.52       1.5     0.94

    2021          101.38     107.86      90.60     105.86         5.26      53.30       1.5     0.94

    2022          102.91     109.47      91.96     107.47         5.35      54.10       1.5     0.94

    2023          104.45     111.12      93.34     109.12         5.43      54.92       1.5     0.94

    Thereafter
    escalating
    at              1.5%       1.5%       1.5%       1.5%         1.5%       1.5%         -        -



f) Finding and development costs ("F&D costs")


                                                     Year ended December 31

                                  2013      2012      2011   3-Year average

                                                                           

    F&D costs including FDC                                                
    (1)

      F&D costs per boe -      $  9.47   $ 25.50   $ 26.79   $        22.49
      proved plus probable

      F&D costs per boe -      $ 16.51   $ 30.96   $ 37.05   $        31.02
      proved

                                                                           

    F&D costs excluding FDC                                                
    (2)

      F&D costs per boe -      $ 17.17   $ 17.48   $ 15.07   $        16.33
      proved plus probable

      F&D costs per boe -      $ 18.00   $ 26.69   $ 23.55   $        23.31
      proved








    (1)      The calculation of F&D includes the change in FDC and excludes
             the effects of acquisitions and dispositions.

    (2)      The calculation of F&D excludes the change in FDC and excludes
             the effects of acquisitions and dispositions.

              



Capital expenditures for 2013 have been reduced by $83 million related to joint venture carried capital (2012 - $137 million). F&D costs are calculated in accordance with NI 51-101, which include the change in FDC, on a proved and proved plus probable basis. For comparative purposes we also disclose F&D costs excluding FDC.

The aggregate of the exploration and development costs incurred in the most recent financial year and the change during that year in estimated future development costs generally will not reflect total finding and development costs related to reserves additions for that year.

g) Future development costs using forecast prices and costs (millions)


                                                      At December 31, 2013

                                Proved Future         Proved plus Probable
    Year                    Development Costs     Future Development Costs

    2014                    $             704     $                    840

    2015                                  973                        1,533

    2016                                  419                          726

    2017                                   58                          149

    2018                                   35                           92

    2019 and subsequent                    60                          166

    Undiscounted total      $           2,249     $                  3,506

    Discounted @ 10%/yr     $           1,941     $                  2,958

                                                                          

                                                      At December 31, 2012

    Undiscounted total      $           2,563     $                  4,118

    Discounted @10%/yr      $           2,175     $                  3,411



Outlook

This outlook section is included to provide shareholders with information about our expectations as at March 6, 2014 for production and capital expenditures in 2014 and readers are cautioned that the information may not be appropriate for any other purpose. This information constitutes forward-looking information. Readers should note the assumptions, risks and discussion under "Forward-Looking Statements" and are cautioned that numerous factors could potentially impact our capital expenditure levels and production performance for 2014, including our non-core asset disposition program.

For 2014, our development capital expenditures budget is $900 million. Our forecast 2014 average production is 101,000 boe per day to 106,000 boe per day.

For the first quarter of 2014, our development capital budget is approximately $230 million.

There have been no changes to our guidance from our 2014 forecast average production outlined in our January 21, 2014 press release "Penn West Provides Fourth Quarter 2013 Operational Update and Announces Additional Non-Core Asset Dispositions for Expected Proceeds of Approximately $175 Million" and our 2014 development capital expenditures budget outlined in our November 6, 2013 press release "Penn West Announces its Financial Results for the Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2013" released and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

Non-GAAP Measures Advisory

This news release includes non-GAAP measures not defined under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") including funds flow, funds flow per share-basic, funds flow per share-diluted, netback, gross revenues and recycle ratio. Non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Funds flow is cash flow from operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital and decommissioning expenditures. Funds flow is used to assess our ability to fund dividends and planned capital programs. See "Calculation of Funds Flow" below. Netback is a per-unit-of-production measure of operating margin used in capital allocation decisions, to economically rank projects and is the per unit of production amount of revenue less royalties, operating costs, transportation and realized risk management gains and losses. Gross revenue is total revenues including realized risk management gains and losses and is used to assess the cash realizations on commodity sales. Recycle ratio is a comparison of our netback to our finding and development costs and is used to assess the cost of finding reserves compared to the cash received.

Calculation of Funds Flow


                                  Three months ended          Year ended
                                         December 31         December 31
    (millions, except per share
    amounts)                          2013      2012      2013      2012

    Cash flow from operating       $   329   $   441   $ 1,039   $ 1,193
    activities

    Change in non-cash working       (129)     (178)      (51)      (37)
    capital

    Decommissioning expenditures        16        32        66        92

    Funds flow                     $   216   $   295   $ 1,054   $ 1,248

                                                                        

    Basic per share                $  0.44   $  0.62   $  2.17   $  2.62

    Diluted per share              $  0.44   $  0.62   $  2.17   $  2.62

                                                                    



Oil and Gas Information Advisory

Barrels of oil equivalent ("boe") may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of crude oil is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency conversion ratio of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis is misleading as an indication of value.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this document constitute forward-looking statements or information (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the "safe harbour" provisions of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "budget", "may", "will", "project", "could", "plan", "intend", "should", "believe", "outlook", "objective", "aim", "potential", "target" and similar words suggesting future events or future performance. In addition, statements relating to "reserves" or "resources" are deemed to be forward-looking statements as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves and resources described exist in the quantities predicted or estimated and can be profitably produced in the future. In particular, this document contains forward-looking statements pertaining to, without limitation, the following: under "President's Message" - our intention to focus on our industry leading light-oil positions in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin, the application of best-in-class operating practices, relentless cost control and to de-lever the balance sheet to deliver shareholder value; our belief that our capital efficiency improvements will continue as we realize game changing capital cost reductions across our key plays; our intention to continue to drive efficiencies to further enhance returns and extend the economic longevity of our plays; our operated development capital cost targets in our long-term plan; our intention to operate in a continuous and deliberate manner to drive cost efficiencies and predictable production performance; our expectation that our production profile will shift as the effects of the front-end loaded programs of the past dissipate; our expectation that we will be able to advance drilling activities in the Cardium above our stated business plan in 2014 and future years within the planned capital allocations; our intention that operating excellence and investment discipline will continue to be key organic levers while we progress through phase two of our asset divestiture strategy and deliver a laser focused portfolio and improve our balance sheet; under "Dividends" - the details of our first quarter 2014 dividend payment; under "Play Updates" - the details of our exploration and development programs in 2014 and beyond on our Cardium, Viking and Slave Point plays, including the amount of capital budgeted for each play in 2014, the number of net wells we plan to drill on each play in 2014, the EOR and waterflood projects we intend to undertake, our continued focus on further cost reductions and cycle time improvements, and our plans for down-spacing; under "Disposition Update" - the details of our pending non-core asset disposition; under "Reserves Data" - the estimated future development costs of our reserves; and under "Outlook" - our forecast 2014 annual and first quarter development capital expenditures budget and forecast 2014 average daily production.

With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this document, we have made assumptions regarding, among other things: the terms and timing of asset sales completed under our ongoing program to sell between $1.5 billion and $2.0 billion of non-core assets, including the asset sale anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2014; our ability to execute or long-term plan as described herein and the impact that the successful execution of such plan will have on our Company and our shareholders; the economic returns anticipated from expenditures on our assets; future crude oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas prices and differentials between light, medium and heavy oil prices and Canadian, WTI and world oil and natural gas prices; future capital expenditure levels; future crude oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production levels; drilling results; future exchange rates and interest rates; the amount of future cash dividends that we intend to pay and the level of participation in our dividend reinvestment plan; our ability to execute our capital programs as planned without significant adverse impacts from various factors beyond our control, including weather, infrastructure access and delays in obtaining regulatory approvals and third party consents; our ability to obtain equipment in a timely manner to carry out development activities and the costs thereof; our ability to market our oil and natural gas successfully to current and new customers; our ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms, including our ability to renew or replace our credit facility and our ability to finance the repayment of our senior unsecured notes on maturity; and our ability to add production and reserves through our development and exploitation activities. In addition, many of the forward-looking statements contained in this document are located proximate to assumptions that are specific to those forward-looking statements, and such assumptions should be taken into account when reading such forward-looking statements: see in particular the assumptions identified under the heading "Outlook".

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this document, and the assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are made, are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements included in this document, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which the forward-looking statements are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur, which may cause our actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any estimates or projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: the possibility that we are unable to execute some or all of our ongoing non-core asset disposition program on favourable terms or at all, including the disposition discussed herein that is scheduled to close in the first quarter of 2014, whether due to the failure to receive requisite regulatory approvals or satisfy applicable closing conditions or for other reasons that we cannot anticipate; the possibility that we will not be able to successfully execute our long-term plan in part or in full, and the possibility that some or all of the benefits that we anticipate will accrue to our Company and our securityholders as a result of the successful execution of such plan do not materialize; the impact of weather conditions on seasonal demand; the impact of weather conditions on our ability to execute capital programs; the risk that we will be unable to execute our capital programs as planned without significant adverse impacts from various factors beyond our control, including weather, infrastructure access and delays in obtaining regulatory approvals and third party consents; risks inherent in oil and natural gas operations; uncertainties associated with estimating reserves and resources; competition for, among other things, capital, acquisitions of reserves, resources, undeveloped lands and skilled personnel; incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions; geological, technical, drilling and processing problems; general economic and political conditions in Canada, the U.S. and globally; industry conditions, including fluctuations in the price of oil and natural gas, price differentials for crude oil and natural gas produced in Canada as compared to other markets, and transportation restrictions, including pipeline and railway capacity constraints; royalties payable in respect of our oil and natural gas production and changes to government royalty frameworks; changes in government regulation of the oil and natural gas industry, including environmental regulation; fluctuations in foreign exchange or interest rates; unanticipated operating events or environmental events that can reduce production or cause production to be shut-in or delayed, including extreme cold during winter months, wild fires and flooding; failure to obtain regulatory, industry partner and other third-party consents and approvals when required, including for acquisitions, dispositions and mergers; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of dispositions, acquisitions, joint ventures and partnerships, including those discussed herein; changes in tax and other laws that affect us and our securityholders; the potential failure of counterparties to honour their contractual obligations; stock market volatility and market valuations; OPEC's ability to control production and balance global supply and demand of crude oil at desired price levels; political uncertainty, including the risks of hostilities, in the petroleum producing regions of the world; and the other factors described in our public filings (including our Annual Information Form) available in Canada at www.sedar.com and in the United States at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

The forward-looking statements contained in this document speak only as of the date of this document. Except as expressly required by applicable securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.






                                   Penn West Petroleum Ltd.

                                 Consolidated Balance Sheets

                                                                 

                                                     As at December 31

    (CAD millions, unaudited)                          2013       2012

                                                                      

    Assets                                                            

    Current                                                           

       Accounts receivable                        $     263   $    364

       Other                                             57         79

       Deferred funding assets                          139        187

       Risk management                                    2         76

                                                        461        706

    Non-current                                                       

       Deferred funding assets                          184        238

       Exploration and evaluation assets                645        609

       Property, plant and equipment                  9,392     10,892

       Goodwill                                       1,912      1,966

       Risk management                                   50         26

                                                     12,183     13,731

    Total assets                                  $  12,644   $ 14,437

                                                                      

    Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                              

    Current                                                           

       Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   $     654   $    764

       Dividends payable                                 68        129

       Current portion of long-term debt                 64          5

       Risk management                                   24          9

                                                        810        907

    Non-current                                                       

       Long-term debt                                 2,394      2,685

       Decommissioning liability                        603        635

       Risk management                                   16         35

       Deferred tax liability                         1,102      1,350

       Other non-current liabilities                      9          5

                                                      4,934      5,617

    Shareholders' equity                                              

       Shareholders' capital                          9,124      8,985

       Other reserves                                    80         97

       Deficit                                      (1,494)      (262)

                                                      7,710      8,820

    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity    $  12,644   $ 14,437

                                                                   








                                       Penn West Petroleum Ltd.

                           Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

     

                                   Three months ended            Year ended
                                          December 31           December 31

    (CAD millions, except per         2013       2012        2013      2012
    share amounts, unaudited)

                                                                           

        Oil and natural gas      $     606   $    791   $   2,827   $ 3,235
        sales

        Royalties                    (115)      (144)       (507)     (595)

                                       491        647       2,320     2,640

                                                                           

        Risk management gain                                               
        (loss)

          Realized                       7          8           8        48

          Unrealized                  (13)         10        (94)       156

                                       485        665       2,234     2,844

                                                                           

    Expenses                                                               

        Operating                      204        243         853     1,019

        Transportation                   7          7          29        29

        General and                     34         46         160       172
        administrative

        Restructuring                    -         13          38        13

        Share-based                      2       (12)          32      (10)
        compensation

        Depletion,                     980        598       1,792     1,525
        depreciation and
        impairment

        Impairment of goodwill          48          -          48         -

        Loss (gain) on                  19      (254)          14     (359)
        dispositions

        Exploration and                 44         15          44        17
        evaluation

        Unrealized risk               (21)          6        (48)         5
        management loss (gain)

        Unrealized foreign              63         22         126      (32)
        exchange loss (gain)

        Financing                       45         52         184       199

        Accretion                       10         22          43        54

                                     1,435        758       3,315     2,632

    Income (loss) before taxes       (950)       (93)     (1,081)       212

                                                                           

        Deferred tax expense         (222)       (15)       (243)        63
        (recovery)

                                                                           

    Net and comprehensive        $   (728)   $   (78)   $   (838)   $   149
    income (loss)

                                                                           

    Net income (loss) per                                                  
    share

        Basic                    $  (1.49)   $ (0.16)   $  (1.72)   $  0.31

        Diluted                  $  (1.49)   $ (0.16)   $  (1.72)   $  0.31

    Weighted average shares                                                
    outstanding (millions)

        Basic                        489.5      478.9       485.8     475.6

        Diluted                      489.5      478.9       485.8     475.8

                                                                           








                                       Penn West Petroleum Ltd.

                             Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     

                                   Three months ended            Year ended
                                          December 31           December 31

    (CAD millions, unaudited)        2013        2012      2013        2012

                                                                           

    Operating activities                                                   

      Net income (loss)           $ (728)   $    (78)   $ (838)   $     149

      Depletion, depreciation         980         598     1,792       1,525
      and impairment

      Impairment of goodwill           48           -        48           -

      Loss (gain) on                   19       (254)        14       (359)
      dispositions

      Exploration and                  44          15        44          17
      evaluation

      Accretion                        10          22        43          54

      Deferred tax expense          (215)        (15)     (236)          63
      (recovery)

      Share-based compensation          3        (11)        15        (18)

      Unrealized risk                 (8)         (4)        46       (151)
      management loss (gain)

      Unrealized foreign               63          22       126        (32)
      exchange loss (gain)

      Decommissioning                (16)        (32)      (66)        (92)
      expenditures

      Change in non-cash              129         178        51          37
      working capital

                                      329         441     1,039       1,193

    Investing activities                                                   

      Capital expenditures          (208)       (348)     (816)     (1,752)

      Property dispositions           473       1,264       525       1,615
      (acquisitions), net

      Change in non-cash               61           8      (44)       (168)
      working capital

                                      326         924     (335)       (305)

    Financing activities                                                   

      Decrease in long-term         (608)     (1,267)     (356)       (496)
      debt

      Issue of equity                   4           -        12           3

      Dividends paid                 (51)        (98)     (360)       (395)

                                    (655)     (1,365)     (704)       (888)

                                                                           

    Change in cash                      -           -         -           -

    Cash, beginning of period           -           -         -           -

    Cash, end of period           $     -   $       -   $     -   $       -

                                                                     








                                      Penn West Petroleum Ltd.

                      Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity

                                                                          

                                                                          
    (CAD
    millions,       Shareholders'          Other
    unaudited)            Capital       Reserves     Deficit         Total

                                                                          

    Balance at                                97   $   (262)   $     8,820
    January 1,
    2013            $       8,985   $

    Net and                                    -       (838)         (838)
    comprehensive
    loss                        -    

    Share-based                               15           -            15
    compensation                -    

    Issued on                               (32)           -            12
    exercise of
    options and
    share rights               44    

    Issued to                                  -           -            95
    dividend
    reinvestment
    plan                       95    

    Dividends                                  -       (394)         (394)
    declared                    -    

    Balance at                                80   $ (1,494)   $     7,710
    December 31,
    2013            $       9,124   $

                                                                  

                                                                          

    (CAD                                            Retained
    millions,       Shareholders'          Other    Earnings
    unaudited)            Capital       Reserves   (Deficit)         Total

                                                                          

    Balance at                                95   $     103   $     9,038
    January 1,
    2012            $       8,840   $

    Net and                                    -         149           149
    comprehensive
    income                      -    

    Share-based                               27           -            27
    compensation                -    

    Issued on                                              -             3
    exercise of                             (25)
    options and
    share rights               28    

    Issued to                                  -           -           117
    dividend
    reinvestment
    plan                      117    

    Dividends                                  -                     (514)
    declared                    -                      (514)

    Balance at                                97   $           $     8,820
    December 31,                                       (262)
    2012            $       8,985   $

                                                                  



Investor Information

------------------------------

Penn West shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PWT and on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PWE.

A conference call and webcast presentation will be held to discuss the matters noted above at 9:00am Mountain Time (11:00am Eastern Time) on Friday, March 7, 2014. The duration of the conference call is expected to be approximately 30 minutes.

To listen to the conference call, please call 647-427-7450 or 1-888-231-8191 (toll-free). This call will be broadcast live on the Internet and may be accessed directly at the following URL: http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=754668&s=1&k=EBF7E3EFF18CA391A6490D4CEB866F66

A digital recording will be available for replay two hours after the call's completion, and will remain available until March 21, 2014 21:59 Mountain Time (23:59 Eastern Time). To listen to the replay, please dial 416-849-0833 or 1-855-859-2056 (toll-free) and enter Conference ID 2959082, followed by the pound (#) key.

We expect to file our annual Management's Discussion and Analysis and audited annual consolidated financial statements on SEDAR and EDGAR shortly.

SOURCE Penn West