Canada Dividend Investor: PWT - <span class="simulate_din_font">Penn West Exploration Announces its Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2011</span> (CAD 0.27)

Company: Penn West Petroleum Ltd.
Stock Name: PWT
Amount: CAD 0.27
Announcement Date: 16/02/2012
Record Date: 28/03/2012

Dividend Detail:

CALGARY, February 16, 2012 /CNW/ - PENN WEST PETROLEUM LTD. (TSX: PWT) (NYSE: PWE) ("PENN WEST") is pleased to announce its results for the fourth quarter ended
December 31, 2011

Penn West has the largest light-oil asset base in Canada with the
greatest leverage to the application of horizontal multi-frac
technology. After several years of significant appraisal activity, we
have moved into large-scale development. We believe our recent results
are reflecting the potential of our company.

Highlights

Production for the fourth quarter was 168,801 boe ⁽¹⁾ per day, an increase of more than 7,000 boe per day over our third
quarter production. We met the mid-point of both our 2011 annual and
second half average production guidance. Exit production, before the
impact of asset dispositions, was approximately 172,000 boe per day.
Cardium production originally planned for exit 2011 is now on-stream.

Reserve replacement ⁽²⁾ exceeded 230 percent, prior to the impact of economic natural gas price
revisions and asset dispositions. Greater than 70 percent of added
reserves were light oil and liquids contributing $2.70 per share to our
net asset value ⁽³⁾, after the effect of downward revisions of future natural gas prices.

Funds flow ⁽⁴⁾ was $437 million ($0.93 per share-basic ⁽⁴⁾) in the fourth quarter of 2011, a 43 percent increase from the $305
million ($0.67 per share-basic) reported in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Stronger funds flow was driven by greater oil and liquids weighting, an
increase in production and strengthening crude oil prices.

Our portfolio management program is on-track with net realized proceeds
of approximately $440 million in 2011 and 2012 to-date from the sale of
approximately 5,500 boe per day. These dispositions support our
strategy of prudent balance sheet management while facilitating our
shift from light-oil appraisal to development.

Penn West entered 2012 with significant operating momentum launched by
strong fourth quarter execution. We ramped up development activity
across our light-oil projects with 108 net wells drilled in the fourth
quarter of 2011. We advanced some of our 2012 drilling and facilities
projects to the fourth quarter of 2011 to provide greater certainty of
first quarter 2012 production additions.

Production

Average production increased to 168,801 boe per day for the fourth
quarter of 2011 from 161,323 boe per day in the third quarter of 2011.

Penn West's exit production was weighted approximately 65 percent to oil
and liquids.

Average oil and liquids production was approximately 108,000 barrels per
day in the fourth quarter of 2011, an increase of seven percent over
the third quarter of 2011.

Our second half 2011 production averaged 165,062 boe per day, meeting
our second-half guidance.

Annual 2011 production averaged 163,094 boe per day, in line with
guidance.

(1)	Please refer to the "Oil and Gas Information Advisory" section below for information regarding the term "boe".
(2)	Reserve replacement is calculated by dividing reserve additions by production on a proved plus probable reserve basis.
(3)	Net asset value per share contribution is calculated as the change in the net present value of future net revenue before income taxes discounted at 10 percent on a proved plus probable reserves basis from the prior year over the total outstanding shares at December 31, 2011.
(4)	The terms "funds flow" and "funds flow per share-basic" are non-GAAP measures. Please refer to the "Calculation of Funds Flow" and "Non-GAAP Measures Advisory" sections below.

Reserves

In 2011, Penn West added approximately 138 million boe of reserves on a
proved plus probable basis (2010 - 72 million boe), a reserve
replacement ratio of 234 percent (2010 - 122 percent), excluding the
effect of acquisitions and dispositions and economic factors, with
approximately 73 percent of the additions being crude oil and liquids
(2010 - 65 percent).

Total working interest proved plus probable reserves were 719 mmboe at
December 31, 2011 (2010 - 661 mmboe), weighted approximately 71 percent
to crude oil and liquids (2010 - 69 percent).

Proved plus probable oil and liquids reserves of approximately 513
million barrels represents a 13 percent increase over 2010.

Adjusted finding and development costs ("F&D")⁽¹⁾ on a proved plus probable basis, including the change in future
development capital were $22.64 per boe for 2011 (2010 - $21.97 per
boe).

The net present value of proved plus probable reserves at a 10 percent
discount rate increased 12 percent over 2010, after the effect of
downward revisions of future natural gas prices.

Financial

Funds flow was $437 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, a 43 percent
increase from the $305 million reported in the fourth quarter of 2010
and a 26 percent increase from the $348 million reported in the third
quarter of 2011. The increase was attributed to stronger crude oil
prices and our increased oil and liquids production. Funds flow was
$0.93 per share-basicin the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to $0.67 per share-basic in the
fourth quarter of 2010 and $0.74 per share-basic in the third quarter
of 2011.

Funds flow for 2011 totalled $1,537 million compared to $1,185 million
in 2010 as a result of stronger commodity prices and a year-over-year
increase in our light-oil production.

Net income for 2011 totalled $638 million compared to $1,110 million in
2010. The prior period included significant gains on asset dispositions
including a $572 million after-tax gain recorded on the formation of
the Peace River Oil Partnership and a $368 million gain on the
formation of our joint venture in the Cordova Embayment.

Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2011 was $62 million ($0.13 per
share-basic) compared to a net loss of $37 million ($0.08 per
share-basic) in the fourth quarter of 2010 and net income of $138
million ($0.29 per share-basic) in the third quarter of 2011. The net
loss in the fourth quarter of 2011 was primarily due to unrealized risk
management losses.

Capital expenditures for the fourth quarter of 2011, including net
property dispositions, totalled $583 million compared to $469 million
for the fourth quarter of 2010.

Our 2011 net capital expenditures of $1,580 million were substantially
in line with our previous forecast of $1.4 billion - $1.5 billion, net
of asset dispositions. We advanced certain projects in our 2012 capital
program into late 2011.

On December 31, 2011 the PWT.DB.F convertible debentures matured and
were settled in cash totalling $224 million. We now have no convertible
debentures outstanding.

Dividend

On February 15, 2012, our Board of Directors declared a first quarter
2012 dividend of $0.27 per share to be paid on April 13, 2012 to
shareholders of record on March 30, 2012. Shareholders are advised that
this dividend is designated as an "eligible dividend" for Canadian
income tax purposes.

(1)	Refer to "finding and development costs" table below for a discussion on Adjusted F&D.

Risk Management

For 2012, we have 60,000 barrels per day of our liquids production
hedged between US$85.53 per barrel and US$101.16 per barrel and 20,000
barrels per day of our liquids production for 2013 hedged between
US$90.00 per barrel and US$106.31 per barrel.

In 2012, we have 50,000 mcf per day of our natural gas production hedged
at an average price of $4.30 per mcf.

We have foreign exchange contracts to swap US$156 million per month of
US dollar revenue for 2012 to Canadian dollars at an average rate of
1.02 Canadian dollars per US dollar.

2011 OPERATIONS

Penn West continued its oil focused capital program during the fourth
quarter of 2011 with 20-25 rigs deployed throughout this period.
Production results in the second half of 2011 have met our expectations
as we resolved the operational issues resulting from severe flooding
and wild fires in the second quarter of 2011. In 2011, capital
expenditures including net property dispositions totalled $1,580
million including land expenditures of $181 million. We moved to
large-scale development in our key light-oil resource plays. We
acquired significant land positions based on proprietary knowledge to
expand key resource plays as well as to gain strategic holdings in
emerging plays.

Drilling Statistics

	Three months ended December 31				Year ended December 31
	2011		2010		2011		2010
	Gross	Net	Gross	Net	Gross	Net	Gross	Net
Oil	135	101	134	93	457	353	351	245
Natural gas	7	4	15	13	53	36	53	38
Dry	-	-	1	-	-	-	3	2
	142	105	150	106	510	389	407	285
Stratigraphic and service	12	3	16	10	89	37	54	34
Total	154	108	166	116	599	426	461	319
Success rate ⁽¹⁾		100%		100%		100%		99%

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

Oil Development

Carbonates - We added key strategic infrastructure and significantly grew our land
position. Drilling activity evolved from appraisal to focused
development in the Slave Point and Swan Hills trends with over 40 net
wells drilled.

Cardium - Penn West has the largest position in the industry on the Cardium oil
trend. We moved to full-scale development in portions of this play with
approximately 100 net wells drilled with focus at Alder Flats,
Willesden Green and West Pembina.

Viking - Through our legacy land positions and Crown land sale acquisitions
over the past three years, Penn West has a significant land position
with over 750,000 net acres on the trend. Our Viking capital program
included both tight-oil development and exploration drilling. We
believe the potential exists to meaningfully expand our oil resource on
this play.

Spearfish - We drilled approximately 95 net wells in 2011. We began facility
expansion and accelerated drilling activity in the fourth quarter to
provide greater certainty for future production additions.

2012 OPERATIONS

In 2012, we continue to focus on light-oil plays and the strong returns
that these development areas are providing. The results of our drilling
and completion activities remain positive and our production rates and
capital costs are consistent with our expectations. The size and scale
of our program helps provide certainty of supply for our drilling,
completions, and facilities requirements.

Oil Development

Carbonates - With seven active drilling rigs, we anticipate spending between $300
million and $350 million. The focus of our program will continue to be
on the Slave Point to take advantage of the predictability of this play
and our pre-built infrastructure.

Cardium - 2012 development capital for the Cardium is expected to be $225
million to $275 million. Five drilling rigs continue to focus on the
Willesden Green, Alder Flats and West Pembina areas where results have
consistently exceeded industry averages.

Spearfish - We have five active rigs drilling and expansion of our Waskada oil
battery is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2012. This
will increase production capacity to 13,500 barrels of oil per day. We
have planned a capital program of between $200 million and $250
million.

Viking - Our 2012 capital plan is to spend between $125 million and $175
million, with development on the Saskatchewan side of the play and
further appraisal of the oil potential in Alberta.

Resource Appraisal

We have established four major resource appraisal initiatives. Each
component has significant value-creation potential and optionality for
Penn West beyond our substantial primary light-oil development.

Enhanced Oil Recovery ("EOR") - The combination of proven EOR techniques, including waterfloods and
horizontal multi-frac technology, has opened an avenue for a material
increase in oil recovery from our legacy fields.

Exploration - We have used our knowledge in tight oil, information from major
source rock developments around the world, and the leverage of our
existing infrastructure, to establish significant land positions on
several trends for future development.

Peace River Oil Partnership - We continue to appraise the parameters for commercial thermal
development in this oil sands resource. Initial testing of the thermal
application was very positive and we are committed to moving this
project ahead.

Cordova Joint Venture - Appraisal of this shale-gas resource and productivity testing continues,
including the drilling of additional multi-well pads.

HIGHLIGHTS

		Three months ended December 31					Year ended December 31
		2011		2010		% change	2011		2010		% change
Financial (millions, except per share amounts)
Gross revenues ⁽¹⁾		$	979	$	782	25	$	3,604	$	3,034	19
Funds flow			437		305	43		1,537		1,185	30
	Basic per share		0.93		0.67	39		3.29		2.68	23
	Diluted per share ⁽²⁾		0.93		0.66	41		3.29		2.65	24
Net income (loss)⁽²⁾			(62)		(37)	68		638		1,110	(43)
	Basic per share ⁽²⁾		(0.13)		(0.08)	63		1.37		2.51	(45)
	Diluted per share ⁽²⁾		(0.13)		(0.08)	63		1.36		2.48	(45)
Capital expenditures, net ⁽³⁾			583		469	24		1,580		(119)	100
Long-term debt at period-end			3,219		2,496	29		3,219		2,496	29
Convertible debentures			-		255	(100)		-		255	(100)
Dividends paid ⁽⁴⁾		$	127	$	123	3	$	420	$	708	(41)
Payout ratio ⁽⁵⁾			29%		40%	(11)		27%		60%	(33)
Operations
Daily production
	Light oil and NGL (bbls/d)		90,185		88,447	2		85,316		80,706	6
	Heavy oil (bbls/d)		17,886		16,849	6		17,892		18,260	(2)
	Natural gas (mmcf/d)		364		365	-		359		394	(9)
Total production (boe/d)			168,801		166,148	2		163,094		164,633	(1)
Average sales price
	Light oil and NGL (per bbl)	$	88.76	$	71.05	25	$	86.19	$	69.29	24
	Heavy oil (per bbl)		76.88		61.87	24		69.07		60.55	14
	Natural gas (per mcf)	$	3.47	$	3.79	(8)	$	3.78	$	4.20	(10)
Netback per boe
	Sales price	$	63.05	$	52.43	20	$	60.99	$	50.74	20
	Risk management loss		(0.84)		(1.51)	(44)		(1.06)		(0.34)	100
	Net sales price		62.21		50.92	22		59.93		50.40	19
	Royalties		(11.47)		(9.14)	25		(11.09)		(9.07)	22
	Operating expenses		(17.48)		(15.92)	10		(17.40)		(15.71)	11
	Transportation		(0.48)		(0.52)	(8)		(0.49)		(0.55)	(11)
	Netback	$	32.78	$	25.34	29	$	30.95	$	25.07	23

(1)	Gross revenues include realized gains and losses on commodity contracts.
(2)	Comparative figures have been revised to comply with IFRS.
(3)	Excludes business combinations.
(4)	Includes dividends paid prior to those reinvested in shares under the dividend reinvestment plan. In 2011, we began paying dividends on a quarterly basis. The last monthly distribution payment as a Trust was declared in December 2010 and paid in January 2011 ($0.09 per unit). Our first quarterly dividend ($0.27 per share) as a corporation was paid in April 2011.
(5)	Payout ratio is calculated as dividends paid divided by funds flow. The term "payout ratio" is a non-GAAP measure. See "Non-GAAP Measures Advisory" section below.

LAND

	As at December 31
	Producing				Non-producing
	2011	2010	% change	2011	2010	% change
Gross acres (000s)	6,144	6,354	(3)	2,980	3,012	(1)
Net acres (000s)	4,093	4,185	(2)	2,105	2,093	1
Average working interest	67%	66%	1	71%	69%	2

Acreage figures are comparable year-over-year as strategic land
acquisitions have offset land lease expiries in non-core areas and net
asset dispositions.

COMMON SHARES DATA

		Three months ended December 31			Year ended December 31
(millions of shares)		2011	2010	% change		2011	2010	% change
Weighted average
	Basic	471.1	457.0	3		467.2	441.8	6
	Diluted	471.2	463.8	2		467.4	451.6	4
Outstanding as at December 31						471.4	459.7	3

RESERVES DATA

a) Working Interest Reserves using forecast prices and costs


Penn West as at December 31, 2011 Reserve Estimates Category ⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾	Light & Medium Oil	Heavy Oil	Natural Gas	Natural Gas Liquids	Barrels of Oil Equivalent
	(mmbbl)	(mmbbl)	(bcf)	(mmbbl)	(mmboe)

Proved
Developed producing	205	48	661	23	385
Developed non-producing	6	1	35	1	13
Undeveloped	78	2	88	4	99
Total Proved	288	51	783	28	498
Probable	113	22	452	12	222
Total Proved plus Probable	401	73	1,235	39	719

(1)	Working interest 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, 2011 Reserve Estimates Category ⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾	Light & Medium Oil	Heavy Oil	Natural Gas	Natural Gas Liquids	Barrels of Oil Equivalent
	(mmbbl)	(mmbbl)	(bcf)	(mmbbl)	(mmboe)

Proved
Developed producing	176	44	582	17	334
Developed non-producing	5	1	29	1	11
Undeveloped	67	2	78	3	86
Total Proved	248	47	689	21	430
Probable	93	19	383	9	186
Total Proved plus Probable	342	66	1,073	30	616

(1)	Net after royalty reserves are working interest reserves including royalty interests and deducting royalty burdens.
(2)	Columns may not add due to rounding.

Our proved reserves continue to reflect a high percentage of developed
reserves. Of total proved reserves, 80 percent were developed at
December 31, 2011 (2010 - 86 percent). At December 31, 2011, total
proved reserves as a percentage of proved plus probable reserves were
69 percent (2010 - 73 percent). In 2011, all of our reserves were
evaluated or audited by independent, qualified engineering firms GLJ
Petroleum Consultants Ltd. ("GLJ") or Sproule Associates Limited
("SAL"). Approximately 16 percent of total proved plus probable
reserves were internally evaluated and audited by our independent
qualified reserve evaluators.

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 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 above 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.

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 Reserves using forecast prices
and costs

Reconciliation Items ⁽¹⁾	Light and Medium Oil and Natural Gas Liquids (mmbbl)				Heavy Oil (mmbbl)
Reconciliation Items ⁽¹⁾	Proved	Probable	Proved plus probable	Proved	Probable	Proved plus probable
December 31, 2010	283	103	387	54	14	68
Extensions	20	13	33	1	1	2
Improved Recovery	2	-	3	1	5	6
Infill Drilling	33	11	44	1	2	3
Technical Revisions	11	(2)	9	1	-	1
Discoveries	-	-	-	-	-	-
Acquisitions	6	2	7	-	-	-
Dispositions	(6)	(3)	(9)	-	-	(1)
Economic Factors	(2)	-	(2)	-	-	1
Production	(31)	-	(31)	(7)	-	(7)
December 31, 2011	316	124	440	51	22	73

Reconciliation Items ⁽¹⁾	Natural Gas (bcf)			Barrels of Oil Equivalent (mmboe)
Reconciliation Items ⁽¹⁾	Proved	Probable	Proved plus probable	Proved	Probable	Proved plus probable
December 31, 2010	865	370	1,235	481	179	661
Extensions	41	109	150	28	32	60
Improved Recovery	2	-	2	4	5	9
Infill Drilling	41	15	56	41	15	57
Technical Revisions	40	(29)	11	19	(7)	12
Discoveries	-	-	-	-	-	-
Acquisitions	13	4	16	8	2	10
Dispositions	(22)	(7)	(30)	(11)	(4)	(15)
Economic Factors	(68)	(10)	(79)	(13)	(1)	(14)
Production	(128)	-	(128)	(59)	-	(59)
December 31, 2011	783	452	1,235	498	222	719

(1)	Columns may not add due to rounding.

On a proved plus probable basis our reserves are weighted 71 percent to
crude oil and liquids (2010 - 69 percent) and 29 percent to natural gas
(2010 - 31 percent).

d) Net present value of future net revenue using forecast prices and
costs (millions) at December 31, 2011

		Net present value of future net revenue before income taxes (discounted @)
Reserve Category ⁽¹⁾			0%		5%		10%		15%		20%

Proved
	Developed producing	$	13,556	$	9,464	$	7,417	$	6,177	$	5,337
	Developed non-producing		418		298		232		191		163
	Undeveloped		3,870		2,242		1,406		916		603
	Total proved	$	17,844	$	12,004	$	9,055	$	7,283	$	6,103
Probable			9,218		4,785		2,988		2,070		1,530
Total proved plus probable		$	27,063	$	16,790	$	12,042	$	9,354	$	7,633

(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 as of December 31,
2011 using forecast prices and costs

	Oil
	WTI Cushing, Oklahoma		Edmonton Par 40^o API	Lloydminster Blend 21^o API	Cromer Medium 29^o API	Natural gas AECO gas price	Edmonton propane	Inflation rate	Exchange rate (US$ equals
Year	($US/bbl)		($CAD/bbl)	($CAD/bbl)	($CAD/bbl)	($CAD/mcf)	($CAD/bbl)	(%)	$1 CAD)

Historical
2007	72.24		77.02	52.03	66.30	6.65	46.85	2.1	0.94
2008	98.05		101.82	82.59	93.40	8.16	58.31	1.7	0.94
2009	61.60		66.32	58.39	62.98	4.20	37.99	0.3	0.88
2010	79.42		78.02	66.79	73.81	4.17	46.87	1.8	0.97
2011	94.83		95.15	76.37	87.57	3.68	53.47	3.0	1.01
Forecast
2012	97.53		97.42	81.83	90.11	3.32	56.15	2.0	1.00
2013	97.45		97.38	81.01	90.06	3.95	56.45	2.0	1.00
2014	96.00		95.95	79.79	88.23	4.36	55.80	2.0	1.00
2015	98.71		98.63	82.06	90.71	5.29	57.69	2.0	1.00
2016	99.68		99.59	82.88	91.61	5.58	58.20	2.0	1.00
2017	100.68		100.57	83.72	92.52	5.87	58.72	2.0	1.00
2018	102.37		102.26	85.13	94.08	6.05	59.67	2.0	1.00
2019	104.41		104.32	86.84	95.97	6.17	60.83	2.0	1.00
2020	106.50		106.42	88.59	97.90	6.30	62.01	2.0	1.00
2021	108.63		108.55	90.37	99.87	6.43	63.22	2.0	1.00
Thereafter escalating at		2%	2%	2%	2%	2%	2%	2.0	-

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

	Year ended December 31
	2011		2010		2009		3-Year average

Adjusted F&D costs including Future Development Costs ("FDC") ⁽¹⁾
F&D costs per boe - proved plus probable	$	22.64	$	21.97	$	15.18	$ 20.97
F&D costs per boe - proved	$	29.71	$	23.56	$	15.63	$ 24.70

Excluding FDC⁽²⁾
F&D costs per boe - proved plus probable	$	15.07	$	18.90	$	13.75	$ 15.81
F&D costs per boe - proved	$	23.55	$	21.50	$	16.10	$ 21.11

Including FDC ⁽³⁾
F&D costs per boe - proved plus probable	$	26.79	$	26.73	$	16.12	$ 24.51
F&D costs per boe - proved	$	37.05	$	28.01	$	16.19	$ 29.17

(1)	The calculation of adjusted F&D includes the change in FDC, excludes the effect of economic revisions related to downward revisions of natural gas prices and excludes land acquisition costs.
(2)	The calculation of F&D excludes the change in FDC and excludes the effects of acquisitions and dispositions.
(3)	The calculation of F&D includes the change in FDC and excludes the effects of acquisitions and dispositions.

Capital expenditures for 2011 have been reduced by $107 million related
to joint venture carried capital (2010 -$17 million). We use Adjusted
F&D to assess the economic viability and the stage of development of
our resource plays. 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)

Year	Proved Future Development Costs		Proved plus Probable Future Development Costs
2012	$	972	$	1,382
2013		736		1,001
2014		424		631
2015		81		142
2016		53		80
2017 and subsequent		193		286
Undiscounted total	$	2,459	$	3,522
Discounted @ 10%/yr	$	2,063	$	2,952

Letter to our Shareholders

The world energy complex is forever evolving. Changes in supply, demand,
infrastructure, and technology all contribute to the market balances
for energy products. Some of these changes are subtle and take place
over extended periods of time while others are more immediate in nature
and occur rapidly. Anticipating, recognizing and proactively adjusting
to these market forces have become increasingly important as the rate
of change accelerates. No business will ever get all of the required
adjustments perfect, however millions of years of paleontology reminds
us that failure to adapt to the environment will result in extinction.
Penn West's response to these market pressures has been a combination
of long-term strategic evolutions coupled with short-term tactical
adjustments.

As Penn West began moving back to the E&P model, we recognized
significant shifts in the energy complex. It was becoming apparent that
the Asian market was of increasing importance with respect to oil
consumption. The requirements for capital to develop oil resources
continue to exceed current capital capabilities within Canada. Asia
provided an emerging source of capital. The creation of the Peace River
Oil Partnership was a response by Penn West to these market factors.
This positioned Penn West for the appraisal of significant oil
resources and supported building long-term relationships in Asia.

The technology changes to both drilling and completion techniques have
led to a reinvention of the conventional oil and gas business in North
America. The application of this technology to natural gas resources
has led to a structural change to the cost base of North American
natural gas. The combination of new technology and strong
capitalization led to significant natural gas supply additions over the
past several years. These supply additions in the land-locked market of
North America and flat domestic demand led to the current state of
oversupply of natural gas. North America has limited ability to ship
natural gas to world markets. This led to a significant weakening of
natural gas prices. We believe in the long term there will be a
demand-side response through transportation, electrical generation and
off-take initiatives which will result in a return to a balanced
natural gas market. Reacting to these conditions, we formed a joint
venture relationship in 2010 with Mitsubishi Corporation, one of the
world's largest LNG developers, to participate in the export of North
American natural gas.

In 2009, our concern over the low-cost shale gas supply in the US,
combined with the potential to apply new technologies to our vast
legacy oil assets prompted us to focus an increasing amount of our time
and attention on light oil. Since that time, we have allocated an
increasing portion of our annual capital spending program into these
assets. As we enter 2012, our capital budget is focused on large scale,
light-oil development projects.

We anticipate liquids production will grow in a meaningful way in North
America over the next few years. The differential that developed
between oil benchmarked off WTI, the former gold-standard in oil
pricing, and Brent crude highlights the importance of the oil
transportation balance in North America. We believe we must be
well-positioned to gain access to world markets and pricing. We have
begun committing volumes to pipeline projects that provide access to
the Gulf Coast, and other intra-North American refineries.

As the economic events of the last five years have unfolded, oil prices
have moved from below $40 per barrel to prices in excess of $100 per
barrel. We actively hedge our oil program with collars to limit our
exposure to the downside while still providing our shareholders with
participation in the upside. We have a significant portion of our 2012
program hedged at attractive prices and we are actively increasing our
2013 oil hedges.

The longevity of Penn West and the shareholder value created over the
past two decades is a reflection of our ability to adapt to a changing
energy, technology and capital markets landscape. The lessons learned
and the wisdom accumulated over this time is ingrained within the Penn
West corporate DNA.

(signed "Murray R. Nunns")

Murray R. Nunns

President and Chief Executive Officer

Calgary, Alberta

February 15, 2012

Outlook

This outlook section is included to provide shareholders with
information about our expectations as at February 15, 2012 for
production and capital expenditures for 2012 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".

Our prior forecast was released on November 2, 2011 with our third
quarter results and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Production was in-line with previous guidance for 2011 annual and 2011
second half production. Cardium production originally planned for exit
2011 came on-stream in early 2012. Capital expenditures guidance of
$1.4 billion to $1.5 billion, net of asset dispositions, was slightly
exceeded as we shifted the timing on some of our 2012 projects into the
fourth quarter of 2011 to partially mitigate the possibility of an
early spring break-up due to unseasonably warm weather.

Our estimated 2012 exploration and development capital program is
expected to be in the range of $1.6 billion to $1.7 billion prior to
asset dispositions. Our 2012 plan is to continue to focus on light-oil
plays and continue to move toward full-scale development at the
Cardium, Carbonates, Spearfish and Viking. Based on this level of
capital expenditures, we estimate average production to be
approximately 174,000 to 178,000 boe per day, prior to the effect of
asset dispositions.

Assuming there is no further significant acquisition or disposition
activity in 2012, our forecast average production for 2012 is between
168,500 and 172,500 boe per day and our estimated exploration and
development capital would be in the range of $1.3 billion to $1.4
billion, in each case after reflecting the impact of net asset
dispositions of $340 million to-date in 2012.

Non-GAAP Measures Advisory

This news release includes non-GAAP measures not defined under IFRS or
previous generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), including
funds flow, funds flow per share-basic, funds flow per share-diluted,
netback and payout 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. Payout ratio is calculated as dividends paid divided
by funds flow. We use payout ratio to assess the adequacy of retained
funds flow to finance capital programs.

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

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Please refer to
our discussion on forward-looking statements set forth at the end of
the management commentary attached below.

Penn West Petroleum Ltd. Consolidated Balance Sheets
(CAD millions, unaudited)		December 31, 2011			December 31, 2010

Assets
Current
	Accounts receivable		$	486	$	386
	Other			104		87
	Risk management			39		23
				629		496
Non-current
	Deferred funding assets			596		678
	Exploration and evaluation assets			418		128
	Property, plant and equipment			11,893		11,218
	Goodwill			2,020		2,020
	Risk management			28		3
				14,955		14,047
Total assets			$	15,584	$	14,543


Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	1,108	$	910
	Dividends payable			127		41
	Convertible debentures			-		255
	Risk management			114		85
				1,349		1,291
Non-current
	Long-term debt			3,219		2,496
	Decommissioning liability			607		648
	Risk management			46		67
	Deferred tax liability			1,287		1,452
	Other non-current liabilities			9		29
				6,517		5,983
Shareholders' equity
	Shareholders' capital			8,840		-
	Unitholders' capital			-		9,170
	Other reserves			95		-
	Retained earnings (deficit)			132		(610)
				9,067		8,560
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity			$	15,584	$	14,543

Penn West Petroleum Ltd. Consolidated Statements of Income

		Three months ended December 31					Year ended December 31
(CAD millions, except per share amounts, unaudited)			2011		2010		2011		2010

	Oil and natural gas sales		$	992	$	805	$	3,667	$	3,054
	Royalties			(179)		(139)		(661)		(545)
				813		666		3,006		2,509

	Risk management gain (loss)
	Realized			(13)		(23)		(63)		(20)
	Unrealized			(253)		(87)		8		23
				547		556		2,951		2,512

Expenses
	Operating			271		243		1,036		944
	Transportation			7		8		29		33
	General and administrative			30		41		142		145
	Share-based compensation expense			68		82		84		159
	Depletion and depreciation			308		294		1,158		1,169
	Gain on dispositions			(21)		-		(172)		(1,082)
	Exploration and evaluation expense			10		-		15		1
	Unrealized risk management gain			(23)		(12)		(25)		(2)
	Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain)			(53)		(55)		38		(82)
	Financing			48		43		190		174
	Accretion			12		14		45		44
				657		658		2,540		1,503
Income (loss) before taxes				(110)		(102)		411		1,009

Deferred tax recovery				(48)		(65)		(227)		(101)

Net and comprehensive income (loss)			$	(62)	$	(37)	$	638	$	1,110

Net income (loss) per share
	Basic		$	(0.13)	$	(0.08)	$	1.37	$	2.51
	Diluted		$	(0.13)	$	(0.08)	$	1.36	$	2.48
Weighted average shares outstanding (millions)
	Basic			471.1		457.0		467.2		441.8
	Diluted			471.2		463.8		467.4		451.6

Penn West Petroleum Ltd. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

		Three months ended December 31					Year ended December 31
(CAD millions, unaudited)		2011			2010		2011		2010


Operating activities
	Net income (loss)		$	(62)	$	(37)	$	638	$	1,110
	Depletion and depreciation			308		294		1,158		1,169
	Gain on dispositions			(21)		-		(172)		(1,082)
	Exploration and evaluation expense			10		-		15		1
	Accretion			12		14		45		44
	Deferred tax recovery			(48)		(65)		(227)		(101)
	Share-based compensation expense			61		79		75		151
	Unrealized risk management loss (gain)			230		75		(33)		(25)
	Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain)			(53)		(55)		38		(82)
	Decommissioning expenditures			(36)		(15)		(81)		(53)
	Change in non-cash working capital			83		13		(49)		85
				484		303		1,407		1,217
Investing activities
	Capital expenditures			(594)		(400)		(1,846)		(1,187)
	Acquisitions			(66)		(73)		(138)		(552)
	Proceeds from dispositions			77		4		404		1,148
	Business combinations			-		(85)		(166)		(85)
	Change in non-cash working capital			56		9		113		155
				(527)		(545)		(1,633)		(521)
Financing activities
	Increase (decrease) in bank loan			230		134		475		(1,101)
	Proceeds from issuance of notes			137		156		212		460
	Repayment of acquired credit facilities			-		(21)		(39)		(21)
	Issue of equity			1		73		161		557
	Dividends and distributions paid			(101)		(100)		(328)		(591)
	Settlement of convertible debentures			(224)		-		(255)		-
				43		242		226		(696)

Change in cash				-		-		-		-
Cash, beginning of period				-		-		-		-
Cash, end of period			$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-

Penn West Petroleum Ltd. Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity


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

Balance at January 1, 2011	$	9,170	$	-	$	(610)	$	8,560
Elimination of deficit		(610)		-		610		-
Net and comprehensive income		-		-		638		638
Implementation of Option Plan and CSRIP		-		81		-		81
Share-based compensation expense		-		41		-		41
Exercise of options and share rights		188		(27)		-		161
Issued to dividend reinvestment plan		92		-		-		92
Dividends declared		-		-		(506)		(506)
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	8,840	$	95	$	132	$	9,067


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

Balance at January 1, 2010	$	8,451	$	-	$	(1,034)	$	7,417
Net and comprehensive income		-		-		1,110		1,110
Exercise of trust unit rights		114		-		-		114
Issued to employee trust unit savings plan		42		-		-		42
Issued to distribution reinvestment plan		117		-		-		117
Issued to settle convertible debentures		18		-		-		18
Issued on trust unit placement		428		-		-		428
Distributions declared		-		-		(686)		(686)
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	9,170	$	-	$	(610)	$	8,560

MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2011

All dollar amounts contained in this Management Commentary are expressed
in millions of Canadian dollars unless noted otherwise.

Please refer to our disclaimer on forward-looking statements at the end
of this Management Commentary. 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.

On January 1, 2011, we completed our plan of arrangement under which
Penn West Petroleum Ltd. ("Penn West", "We", "Us", "Our" or the
"Company") converted from an income trust to a corporation, operating
under the trade name of Penn West Exploration. Prior to this date, our
consolidated financial results were presented as an income trust, Penn
West's former legal structure, as at and for the year ended December
31, 2010.

In the first quarter of 2011, we completed our change to International
Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") from Canadian Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles ("previous GAAP"). Our previously reported
consolidated financial statements were adjusted to be in compliance
with IFRS on January 1, 2010 (the "date of transition"). Previously
reported results and balances subsequent to the date of transition have
been revised to comply with IFRS.

Non-GAAP measures including funds flow, funds flow per share-basic,
funds flow per share-diluted, netback, return on equity and return on
capital included in this Management Commentary are not defined nor have
a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS or previous GAAP;
accordingly, they may not be comparable to similar measures provided 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 dividend and planned
capital programs. See below for reconciliations of funds flow to its
nearest measure prescribed by GAAP. 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. Return on equity is the rate of return calculated by
comparing net income to shareholders' equity. Return on capital is
calculated using net income and financing charges compared to
shareholders' equity and long-term debt and is used to assess how well
Penn West utilizes the capital invested into the company.

Calculation of Funds Flow

		Three months ended				Year ended
		December 31				December 31
(millions, except per share amounts)		2011		2010		2011		2010
Cash flow from operating activities	$	484	$	303	$	1,407	$	1,217
Increase (decrease) in non-cash working capital		(83)		(13)		49		(85)
Decommissioning expenditures		36		15		81		53
Funds flow	$	437	$	305	$	1,537	$	1,185

Basic per share	$	0.93	$	0.67	$	3.29	$	2.68
Diluted per share	$	0.93	$	0.66	$	3.29	$	2.65

Annual Financial Summary

		Year ended December 31
(millions, except per share amounts)		2011		2010 ⁽¹⁾		2009 ⁽¹⁾
Gross revenues ⁽²⁾		$	3,604	$	3,034	$	3,203
Funds flow			1,537		1,185		1,493
	Basic per share		3.29		2.68		3.62
	Diluted per share		3.29		2.65		3.60
Net income (loss)			638		1,110		(144)
	Basic per share		1.37		2.51		(0.35)
	Diluted per share		1.36		2.48		(0.35)
Capital expenditures, net ⁽³⁾			1,580		(119)		319
Long-term debt at year-end			3,219		2,496		3,219
Convertible debentures			-		255		273
Dividends/ distributions paid ⁽⁴⁾			420		708		910
Total assets		$	15,584	$	14,543	$	13,876

(1)Comparative 2010 figures are presented under IFRS. Comparative
2009 figures are presented under previous GAAP.

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

(3)Excludes business combinations.

(4)Includes dividends paid and reinvested in shares under the
dividend reinvestment plan.

2011 Highlights

Funds flow for 2011 increased 30 percent to $1,537 million compared to
$1,185 million for 2010. The increase was due to higher revenues as a
result of higher liquids production as a percentage of total production
and stronger crude oil prices.

Net income was $638 million in 2011 compared to $1,110 million in 2010.
Prior year figures include a $572 million after-tax gain on the
formation of the Peace River Oil Partnership and a $368 million gain on
the formation of the Cordova Joint Venture.

Annual 2011 production averaged 163,094 boe per day, in line with our
previous annual guidance of 162,000 to 164,000 boe per day.

Capital expenditures totalled $1,580 million, net of joint venture
carried capital and proceeds on net asset dispositions of $266 million.
To-date in 2012, Penn West has closed net dispositions of approximately
$340 million.

Netbacks were $30.95 per boe compared to $25.07 per boe in 2010, due
primarily to higher liquid prices.

Fourth Quarter 2011 Highlights

Funds flow for the fourth quarter increased by 43 percent to $437
million ($0.93 per share-basic) compared to $305 million ($0.67 per
share-basic) in the fourth quarter of 2010. The increase was mainly due
to a higher weighting of our light-oil production and higher crude oil
prices.

Net loss was $62 million compared to a net loss of $37 million in the
fourth quarter of 2010. The change was primarily due to unrealized risk
management losses.

Production averaged 168,801 boe per day and was weighted 64 percent to
liquids and 36 percent to natural gas compared to 166,148 boe per day
with 63 percent liquids and 37 percent natural gas in the fourth
quarter of 2010.

Average oil and liquids production was approximately 108,000 barrels per
day in the fourth quarter of 2011, an increase of seven percent over
the third quarter of 2011.

Capital expenditures, net of joint venture carried capital and including
net property dispositions, totalled $583 million compared to $469
million in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Netbacks were $32.78 per boe in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to
$25.34 per boe in the fourth quarter of 2010. The increase resulted
primarily from higher oil prices.

Quarterly Financial Summary

(millions, except per share and production amounts) (unaudited)

				Dec. 31		Sep. 30		June 30		Mar. 31		Dec. 31		Sep. 30		June 30		Mar. 31
Three months ended				2011		2011		2011		2011		2010		2010		2010		2010
Gross revenues ⁽¹⁾		$	979		$	861	$	920	$	844	$	782	$	728	$	718	$	806
Funds flow				437		348		396		356		305		267		269		344
	Basic per share			0.93		0.74		0.85		0.77		0.67		0.59		0.62		0.81
	Diluted per share			0.93		0.74		0.85		0.77		0.66		0.58		0.61		0.81
Net income (loss)				(62)		138		271		291		(37)		304		745		98
	Basic per share			(0.13)		0.29		0.58		0.63		(0.08)		0.67		1.72		0.23
	Diluted per share			(0.13)		0.29		0.58		0.63		(0.08)		0.66		1.69		0.23
Dividends declared				127		127		127		125		123		177		196		190
	Per share	$		0.27	$	0.27	$	0.27	$	0.27	$	0.27	$	0.39	$	0.45	$	0.45
Production
Liquids (bbls/d) ⁽²⁾				108,071		101,392		98,998		104,349		105,296		98,380		95,777		96,317
Natural gas (mmcf/d)				364		360		343		371		365		394		408		410
Total (boe/d)				168,801		161,323		156,107		166,135		166,148		164,087		163,700		164,587

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

(2)Includes crude oil and natural gas liquids.

Business Strategy

Over the past several years, we have focused our capital program on
appraisal activities across our light-oil plays in the Cardium,
Carbonates, Spearfish and Viking where we have significant land and
infrastructure positions. In 2011, we concentrated on moving these
projects from the resource appraisal phase into full-scale development.
In 2012, our focus remains on these key light-oil projects with a
further shift toward full-scale development across portions of our
positions. The application of horizontal multi-stage drilling
technologies continues to be a key component of our success along with
continuous operations and the use of pad drilling techniques to drive
improved capital efficiencies. In 2012, we plan to continue the
appraisal activities within the Peace River Oil Partnership and the
Cordova Joint Venture with our partners. Further appraisal of our
extended portfolio of light-oil and liquids-rich gas plays will
continue at a less aggressive pace than in 2010 and 2011. Our unique
ownership of light-oil and liquids-rich resources combined with
successful resource appraisal over the past several years and our
increasing expertise in new drilling and completions technologies
provides us significant opportunities for large-scale oil development
in a politically stable environment.

Business Environment

Crude oil markets were volatile in 2011 due to a number of factors.
Supply concerns resulting from social unrest in the Middle East and
North Africa led to a rise in crude oil prices in the first half of the
year. The loss of crude oil exports from Libya led to prices peaking
early in the second quarter. In the second half of 2011, exports
resumed from Libya at a faster than expected rate resulting in lower
crude oil prices. European sovereign debt concerns reduced confidence
in the outlook for global economic growth thus also exerted downward
pressure on crude oil prices. Since the latter part of 2011, crude oil
prices have recovered to above US$95 WTI as the market fundamentals
re-balanced. As we enter 2012, the European Union continues to address
its debt issues; however, it is not clear when significant issues will
be resolved. Analysts are currently forecasting a modest level of
global GDP growth in 2012 which is expected to result in incremental
demand for crude oil. Crude oil prices have also strengthened to date
in 2012 due to tightening unutilized OPEC capacity and geo-political
tensions in certain parts of the world including in Iran where economic
sanctions on Iran's oil trade could result in future oil supply
volatility.

Historically, WTI has traded at a premium to Brent however in 2011 WTI
traded at a significant discount to Brent and other world benchmark
crudes. This spread peaked at US$27 per barrel during 2011, but has
recently settled at approximately US$20 per barrel. A number of factors
contributed to this spread, notably; WTI is priced at Cushing, Oklahoma
thus is a "land-locked" crude that does not fully participate in price
increases in comparison to crude oil that has ocean access; the loss of
Libyan exports earlier in 2011 caused European buyers to place a
premium on other streams such as Brent; inventory levels at Cushing
rose to high levels; and, North Sea production problems further
contributed to premium Brent pricing. In order for this price
differential to fully reverse, additional transportation between
Cushing and the Gulf Coast is believed to be required. Currently, both
TransCanada and Enbridge have pipeline projects that if approved, will
enable Canadian crudes to be transported to the Gulf Coast where they
will have greater access to world prices. In January 2012, the US
government rejected TransCanada's permit for the Keystone XL pipeline
project, however, TransCanada has the option to reapply for a permit in
the future. We have made commitments that will allow us to participate
in one of these development projects and we continue to monitor the
progress and assess the merits of other projects.

In February 2012, differentials for Canadian oil to WTI have widened
compared to historical levels. Lower refinery runs due to earlier than
normal turnarounds and the need to work down high gasoline inventory
levels have recently softened demand for Canadian crudes. We expect
these differentials will normalize as refineries come back on-line and
as inventory levels re-balance.

Despite 2011 increases in demand in the industrial and power generation
sectors, North America natural gas markets continue to be
over-supplied. The drilling activities in "liquids-rich" shale gas
plays remain robust resulting in increasing natural gas production
despite weak natural gas pricing. The combination of increased supply
and a mild 2011 winter to date has led to lower heating demand and
record levels of inventory. Over the next several years, North American
access to international gas markets through the development of LNG
infrastructure appears to be an important part of rebalancing North
American supply and demand.

Crude Oil

In 2011, WTI crude oil prices averaged US$95.14 per barrel compared to
US$79.55 per barrel in 2010. During the fourth quarter of 2011, crude
oil prices averaged WTI US$94.02 per barrel compared to WTI US$89.81
per barrel in the third quarter of 2011 and WTI US$85.18 per barrel in
the fourth quarter of 2010. Over the past year, Canadian producers
experienced delays delivering their production to market due to
increasing supply and a number of pipeline interruptions. Some
transportation issues continue in 2012 due to increased repair and
maintenance programs and reduced capacity on some lines which have
encountered operational issues. As an alternative, the use of rail
transportation has increased to address congestion. In the future, the
benefits of increased maintenance schedules and various expansion
projects are expected to minimize disruptions.

Penn West's average crude oil price for 2011 before the impact of the
realized portion of risk management was $83.22 per barrel. Currently
Penn West has 60,000 barrels per day of its 2012 crude oil production
hedged between US$85.53 and US$101.16 per barrel and 20,000 barrels per
day of its forecast 2013 production hedged between US$90.00 and
US$106.31 per barrel.

Natural Gas

In 2011, the AECO Monthly Index averaged $3.67 per mcf compared to $4.12
per mcf in 2010. During the fourth quarter of 2011, the AECO Monthly
Index averaged $3.47 per mcf compared to $3.72 per mcf in the third
quarter of 2011 and $3.58 per mcf in the fourth quarter of 2010. The
continued drilling activity in liquids-rich shale gas plays in the U.S.
is reducing the demand for Canadian gas exports. Currently, Western
Canadian gas producers face two specific challenges compared to their
U.S. competitors. Firstly, certain Western Canadian gas streams are
drier than many of the U.S. shale gas plays thus price realizations are
lower due to lower liquids content, and secondly, the longer distance
to end markets means that Western Canadian gas producers incur higher
transportation costs. Current forecasts are that at current drilling
activity levels, natural gas liquids production will eventually over
supply North American markets resulting in downward pressure on prices
and will suppress the value discrepancy between wet and dry gas plays.
Many analysts believe the solution for Western Canadian gas is to build
the infrastructure capable of providing access to higher netback
markets outside of North America, such as Asia.

Penn West's corporate average natural gas price for 2011 before the
impact of the realized portion of risk management was $3.78 per mcf.
Penn West currently has 50,000 mcf per day of natural gas production
hedged for 2012 at an average price of $4.30 per mcf.

Performance Indicators

Our management and Board of Directors monitor our performance based upon
a number of qualitative and quantitative factors including:

Finding and development ("F&D") costs - We use these metrics to assess
the continuing economic viability and the relative development stage of
our resource plays.

Base operations - This includes our production performance and execution
of our operational, health, safety, environmental and regulatory
programs.

Shareholder value measures - This includes key enterprise value metrics
such as funds flow per share and dividends per share.

Financial, business and strategic considerations - This includes the
management of our asset portfolio, balance sheet stewardship, financial
stewardship and the overall goal of creating competitive return on
investment for our shareholders.

Finding and Development costs

		Year ended December 31
		2011		2010		2009		3-Year average

Adjusted F&D costs including future development costs ("FDC") ⁽¹⁾
	F&D costs per boe - proved plus probable	$	22.64	$	21.97	$	15.18	$20.97
	F&D costs per boe - proved	$	29.71	$	23.56	$	15.63	$24.70

Excluding FDC ⁽²⁾
	F&D costs per boe - proved plus probable	$	15.07	$	18.90	$	13.75	$15.81
	F&D costs per boe - proved	$	23.55	$	21.50	$	16.10	$21.11

Including FDC ⁽³⁾
	F&D costs per boe - proved plus probable	$	26.79	$	26.73	$	16.12	$24.51
	F&D costs per boe - proved	$	37.05	$	28.01	$	16.19	$29.17

(1)	The calculation of adjusted F&D includes the change in FDC, excludes the effect of economic revisions related to downward revisions of natural gas prices and excludes land acquisition costs.
(2)	The calculation of F&D excludes the change in FDC and excludes the effects of acquisitions and dispositions.
(3)	The calculation of F&D includes the change in FDC and excludes the effects of acquisitions and dispositions.

In 2011, we increased our capital program as we completed our transition
to an E&P corporation and continued to focus on our portfolio of
light-oil plays. Our successful drilling program in 2011 resulted in an
increase in liquids reserves which led to an increase in total
reserves. On a proved basis, our reserves are weighted 74 percent to
crude oil and liquids (2010 - 70 percent). On a proved plus probable
basis our reserves are weighted 71 percent to crude oil and liquids
(2010 - 69 percent) and 29 percent to natural gas (2010 - 31 percent).

Base operations

In 2011, we moved toward full-scale development on many of our light-oil
plays. During the second quarter of 2011, severe flooding in
Saskatchewan and Manitoba and wild fires in Alberta caused temporary
operating interruptions which we overcame during the third quarter. We
ended 2011 with significant operational momentum and have continued to
build on this early in 2012.

Shareholder Value Measures

	Year ended December 31
		2011		2010 ⁽¹⁾		2009 ⁽¹⁾
Funds flow per share	$	3.29	$	2.68	$	3.62
Dividends/ distributions paid per share	$	0.90	$	1.62	$	2.23
Ratio of year-end total long-term debt to annual funds flow		2.1:1		2.1:1		2.2:1

(1) Comparative 2010 figures are presented under IFRS. Comparative 2009
figures are presented under previous GAAP.

In April 2011, we began paying a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share
as a corporation. Our last monthly distribution payment of $0.09 per
unit as a Trust was declared in December 2010 and paid in January 2011.
Currently, our business strategy is to provide shareholder return
through a combination of oil oriented growth and yield.

Our total long-term debt to annual funds flow ratio has remained
consistent over the last three years. As we look forward, we aim to
grow our funds flow by oil and liquids growth relative to both our
long-term debt and dividend payout levels.

Financial, business and strategic considerations

	Year ended December 31
		2011		2010 ⁽¹⁾		2009 ⁽¹⁾
Return on capital ⁽²⁾		7%		11%		-
Return on equity ⁽³⁾		7%		13%		(2)%
Total assets (millions)	$	15,584	$	14,543	$	13,876

(1) Comparative 2010 figures are presented under IFRS. Comparative 2009
figures are presented under previous GAAP.

(2) Net income before financing charges divided by average shareholders'
equity and average total debt.

(3) Net income divided by average shareholders' equity.

The return on capital and return on equity ratios in 2011 decreased in
comparison to 2010 as a result of lower net income mainly due to an
increase in unrealized risk management losses and a decline in gains on
dispositions, both non-cash items. In 2010, we recorded significant
gains on dispositions as a result of entering the Peace River Oil
Partnership transaction and the Cordova Joint Venture.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Production

	Three months ended December 31			Year ended December 31
Daily production	2011	2010	% change	2011	2010	% change
Light oil and NGL (bbls/d)	90,185	88,447	2	85,316	80,706	6
Heavy oil (bbls/d)	17,886	16,849	6	17,892	18,260	(2)
Natural gas (mmcf/d)	364	365	-	359	394	(9)
Total production (boe/d)	168,801	166,148	2	163,094	164,633	(1)

We completed a successful capital program in the second half of 2011. We
gained momentum in the third quarter after the fires and floods
reaching our full operating capacity in the fourth quarter. Average oil
and liquids production was approximately 108,000 barrels per day in the
fourth quarter of 2011, an increase of seven percent over the third
quarter of 2011. To date in 2012, we have closed property dispositions
for proceeds of approximately $340 million.

When economic to do so, we strive to maintain a strategic mix of liquids
and natural gas production in order to reduce exposure to price
volatility that can affect a single commodity. Given the weak outlook
for natural gas prices in the medium term and our significant inventory
of light-oil locations, we plan to continue allocating substantially
all of our capital investments toward oil projects.

Average Sales Prices

	Three months ended December 31					Year ended December 31
	2011		2010		% change	2011		2010		% change

Light oil and liquids (per bbl)	$	88.76	$	71.05	25	$	86.19	$	69.29	24
Risk management loss (per bbl)⁽¹⁾		(1.58)		(4.12)	(62)		(2.03)		(2.72)	(25)
Light oil and liquids net (per bbl)		87.18		66.93	30		84.16		66.57	26

Heavy oil (per bbl)		76.88		61.87	24		69.07		60.55	14

Natural gas (per mcf)		3.47		3.79	(8)		3.78		4.20	(10)
Risk management gain (per mcf)⁽¹⁾		-		0.31	(100)		-		0.42	(100)
Natural gas net (per mcf)		3.47		4.10	(15)		3.78		4.62	(18)

Weighted average (per boe)		63.05		52.43	20		60.99		50.74	20
Risk management loss (per boe)⁽¹⁾		(0.84)		(1.51)	(44)		(1.06)		(0.34)	100
Weighted average net (per boe)	$	62.21	$	50.92	22	$	59.93	$	50.40	19

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

Netbacks

		Three months ended December 31					Year ended December 31
		2011		2010		% change	2011		2010		% change
Light oil and NGL ⁽¹⁾
Production (bbls/day)			90,185		88,447	2		85,316		80,706	6
Operating netback ($/bbl):
Sales price		$	88.76	$	71.05	25	$	86.19	$	69.29	24
Risk management loss⁽²⁾			(1.58)		(4.12)	(62)		(2.03)		(2.72)	(25)
Royalties			(16.94)		(13.79)	23		(16.83)		(13.73)	23
Operating costs			(20.75)		(18.83)	10		(21.05)		(19.83)	6
Netback		$	49.49	$	34.31	44	$	46.28	$	33.01	40
Conventional heavy oil
Production (bbls/day)			17,886		16,849	6		17,892		18,260	(2)
Operating netback ($/bbl):
Sales price		$	76.88	$	61.87	24	$	69.07	$	60.55	14
Royalties			(10.82)		(8.61)	26		(10.01)		(8.73)	15
Operating costs			(17.42)		(17.28)	1		(17.53)		(17.14)	2
Transportation			(0.07)		(0.11)	(36)		(0.08)		(0.09)	(11)
Netback		$	48.57	$	35.87	35	$	41.45	$	34.59	20
Total liquids
Production (bbls/day)			108,071		105,296	3		103,208		98,966	4
Operating netback ($/bbl):
Sales price		$	86.80	$	69.58	25	$	83.22	$	67.68	23
Risk management loss⁽²⁾			(1.32)		(3.46)	(62)		(1.68)		(2.22)	(24)
Royalties			(15.93)		(12.96)	23		(15.64)		(12.81)	22
Operating costs			(20.20)		(18.58)	9		(20.44)		(19.33)	6
Transportation			(0.01)		(0.02)	(50)		(0.01)		(0.02)	(50)
Netback		$	49.34	$	34.56	43	$	45.45	$	33.30	36
Natural gas
Production (mmcf/day)			364		365	-		359		394	(9)
Operating netback ($/mcf):
Sales price	$		3.47	$	3.79	(8)	$	3.78	$	4.20	(10)
Risk management gain ⁽²⁾			-		0.31	(100)		-		0.42	(100)
Royalties			(0.59)		(0.42)	40		(0.54)		(0.58)	(7)
Operating costs			(2.11)		(1.88)	12		(2.03)		(1.71)	19
Transportation			(0.22)		(0.23)	(4)		(0.22)		(0.22)	-
Netback		$	0.55	$	1.57	(65)	$	0.99	$	2.11	(53)
Combined totals
Production (boe/day)			168,801		166,148	2		163,094		164,633	(1)
Operating netback ($/boe):
Sales price	$		63.05	$	52.43	20	$	60.99	$	50.74	20
Risk management loss⁽²⁾			(0.84)		(1.51)	(44)		(1.06)		(0.34)	100
Royalties			(11.47)		(9.14)	25		(11.09)		(9.07)	22
Operating costs			(17.48)		(15.92)	10		(17.40)		(15.71)	11
Transportation			(0.48)		(0.52)	(8)		(0.49)		(0.55)	(11)
Netback		$	32.78	$	25.34	29	$	30.95	$	25.07	23

(1)	Excluded from the netback calculation is $37 million primarily related to realized risk management gains on our foreign exchange contracts which swap US dollar revenue at a fixed Canadian dollar rate.
(2)	Gross revenues include realized gains and losses on commodity contracts.

Production Revenues

Revenues from the sale of oil, NGL and natural gas consisted of the
following:

	Three months ended December 31					Year ended December 31
(millions)	2011		2010		% change	2011		2010		% change
Light oil and NGL	$	736	$	548	34	$	2,657	$	1,965	35
Heavy oil		127		96	32		452		405	12
Natural gas		116		138	(16)		495		664	(25)
Gross revenues ⁽¹⁾	$	979	$	782	25	$	3,604	$	3,034	19

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

Our successful drilling program has resulted in additional light-oil
production and an increase in light-oil revenue. Crude oil prices have
increased on a year-over-year basis which has led to increases in both
light and heavy oil revenues. Natural gas prices were lower in 2011
compared to 2010 resulting in a decline in revenues. Asset dispositions
and a capital program concentrated on our light-oil properties led to
the decline in natural gas production.

Reconciliation of Increase in Production Revenues

(millions)
Gross revenues - January 1 - December 31, 2010	$	3,034
Increase in light oil and NGL production		112
Increase in light oil and NGL prices (including realized risk management)		580
Decrease in heavy oil production		(8)
Increase in heavy oil prices		55
Decrease in natural gas production		(58)
Decrease in natural gas prices		(111)
Gross revenues - January 1 - December 31, 2011	$	3,604

Royalties

	Three months ended December 31					Year ended December 31
	2011		2010		% change	2011		2010		% change
Royalties (millions)	$	179	$	139	29	$	661	$	545	21
Average royalty rate ⁽¹⁾		18%		17%	1		18%		18%	-
$/boe	$	11.47	$	9.14	25	$	11.09	$	9.07	22

(1)	Excludes effects of risk management activities.

An increase in crude oil prices has led to an increase in royalties;
however, royalty rates have remained comparable year-over-year as lower
royalty rates on new wells under the various royalty incentive programs
have partially offset higher royalty rates on base production.

Expenses

	Three months ended December 31					Year ended December 31
(millions)	2011		2010		% change	2011		2010		% change
Operating	$	271	$	243	12	$	1,036	$	944	10
Transportation		7		8	(13)		29		33	(12)
Financing		48		43	12		190		174	9
Share-based compensation	$	68	$	82	(17)	$	84	$	159	(47)

	Three months ended December 31					Year ended December 31
(per boe)	2011		2010		% change	2011		2010		% change
Operating	$	17.48	$	15.92	10	$	17.40	$	15.71	11
Transportation		0.48		0.52	(8)		0.49		0.55	(11)
Financing		3.16		2.78	14		3.20		2.89	11
Share-based compensation	$	4.32	$	5.38	(20)	$	1.41	$	2.65	(47)

Operating

During the fourth quarter of 2011, operating costs were affected by
higher power costs and increased trucking and fuel costs. On a
year-to-date basis, the temporary interruptions experienced in the
second quarter of 2011 from the wild fires in Slave Lake and flooding
in Manitoba and Saskatchewan led to increased workover and maintenance
activity in the second half of 2011. These events also contributed to
lower average production volumes which led to an increase on a per boe
basis.

Operating costs in the fourth quarter of 2011 include a realized gain on
electricity contracts of $3 million (2010 - $5 million loss) and for
2011 include a realized gain on electricity contracts of $11 million
(2010 - $14 million loss). For 2011 the average Alberta pool price was
$76.21 per MWh. We have contracts in place that fix the price on
approximately 75 percent of our Alberta electricity consumption for
2012 at $53.65 per MWh and additionally in 2013 and 2014 we have
approximately 50 percent of our Alberta electricity consumption at
$55.20 per MWh and $58.50 per MWh, respectively.

Financing

The Company has an unsecured, revolving syndicated bank facility with an
aggregate borrowing limit of $2.75 billion. The facility expires on
June 26, 2015 and is extendible. The credit facility contains
provisions for stamping fees on bankers' acceptances and LIBOR loans
and standby fees on unutilized credit lines that vary depending on
certain consolidated financial ratios. At December 31, 2011,
approximately $1.2 billion was drawn under this facility.

As at December 31, 2011, the Company had $2.0 billion (2010 - $1.7
billion) of senior unsecured notes outstanding with a weighted average
interest rate, including the effects of interest rate swaps, of
approximately 5.9 percent (2010 - 5.7 percent) and a weighted average
remaining term of 6.5 years (2010 - 7.2 years), as follows:

	Issue date	Amount (millions)	Term	Average interest rate	Weighted average remaining term
2007 Notes	May 31, 2007	US$475	8 - 15 years	5.80%	5.5 years
2008 Notes	May 29, 2008	US$480, CAD$30	8 - 12 years	6.25%	6.0 years
UK Notes	July 31, 2008	57	10 years	6.95% ⁽¹⁾	6.6 years
2009 Notes	May 5, 2009	US$154, 20, 10, CAD$5	5 - 10 years	8.85% ⁽²⁾	5.0 years
2010 Q1 Notes	March 16, 2010	US$250, CAD$50	5 - 15 years	5.47%	6.8 years
2010 Q4 Notes	December 2, 2010, January 4, 2011	US$170, CAD$60	5 - 15 years	5.00%	9.7 years
2011 Notes	November 30, 2011	US$105, CAD$30	5 - 10 years	4.49%	8.1 years

(1)	These notes bear interest at 7.78 percent in Pounds Sterling, however, contracts were entered to fix the interest rate at 6.95 percent in Canadian dollars and to fix the exchange rate on the repayment.
(2)	The Company entered into contracts to fix the interest rate on the Pounds Sterling and Euro tranches, initially at 9.49 percent and 9.52 percent, to 9.15 percent and 9.22 percent, respectively, and to fix the exchange rate on repayment.

In November 2011, we closed a private placement of senior unsecured
notes (the "2011 Notes") with aggregate principal amounts of
approximately $135 million. The 2011 Notes had an original weighted
average term of approximately 8.1 years and an average fixed interest
rate of approximately 4.49 percent. The Company used the proceeds of
the issue to repay advances on its syndicated bank facility.

In January 2011, the Company completed the closing of a private
placement of senior unsecured notes, (the "2010 Q4 Notes"), with an
aggregate principal amount of approximately US$230 million. The 2010 Q4
Notes had an original weighted average term of 10.8 years and bear a
weighted average fixed interest rate of approximately 5.0 percent. The
Company used the proceeds of the issue to repay advances on its
syndicated bank facility.

Financing charges in 2011 are higher than in 2010 since a higher
percentage of our debt capital is held in longer-term, fixed rate,
senior unsecured notes. The cost of borrowing under the current and
previous bank facility increased compared to the facility in place
during the first quarter of 2010 due to increased rates in the bank
market. While the Company's senior unsecured notes contain higher
interest rates than the syndicated bank facilities held in short-term
money market instruments, we believe the long-term and fixed interest
rates inherent in the senior notes are favourable for a portion of our
debt capital structure.

The interest rates on any non-hedged portion of the Company's bank debt
are subject to fluctuations in short-term money market rates as
advances on the bank facility are generally made under short-term
instruments. As at December 31, 2011, 19 percent (2010 - none) of our
long-term debt instruments were exposed to changes in short-term
interest rates.

At December 31, 2011, the Company had $650 million of interest rate
swaps outstanding at a weighted average fixed rate of 2.65 percent and
an expiry date of January 2014.

Realized gains and losses on the interest rate swaps are recorded as
financing costs. For the fourth quarter of 2011 an expense of $3
million (2010 - $4 million) and for 2011 an expense of $12 million
(2010 - $21 million) were recognized in financing to reflect that the
floating interest rate was lower than the fixed interest rate
transacted under our financial instruments.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-based compensation expense is related to our Stock Option Plan
(the "Option Plan"), our Common Share Rights Incentive Plan (the
"CSRIP") and our Long-Term Retention and Incentive Plan ("LTRIP").

Effective January 1, 2011, we implemented the Option Plan and amended
our Trust Unit Rights Incentive Plan ("TURIP") which became the CSRIP.
Pursuant to our plan to convert from a trust to a corporation, trust
unit right holders had the choice to receive one restricted option (a
"Restricted Option") and one restricted right (a "Restricted Right")
for each outstanding "in-the-money" trust unit right. Those trust unit
right holders who chose not to make the election or held trust unit
rights that were "out-of-the-money" on January 1, 2011, received one
common share right ("Share Rights" issued under the CSRIP) for each
trust unit right. Trust unit rights issued under the former TURIP
received liability treatment for accounting purposes throughout 2010 as
we operated in an income trust structure. After January 1, 2011, all
grants will be under the Option Plan.

The Restricted Options, Share Rights and subsequent grants under the
Option Plan receive equity treatment for accounting purposes subsequent
to our conversion to a corporation with the fair value of each
instrument expensed over the expected vesting period based on a graded
vesting schedule. The fair values of the Restricted Options and new
option grants are calculated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model
and a Binomial Lattice option-pricing model continues to be used to
value the Share Rights. The Restricted Rights are accounted for as a
liability as holders may elect to settle in cash or common shares.

On January 1, 2011, the previously recognized trust unit rights
liability was removed and a share-based compensation liability was
recorded for the Restricted Rights with the fair value charged to
income. The fair values of the Restricted Options and Share Rights were
also charged to income as at January 1, 2011, with an offset to other
reserves. The elimination of the TURIP and subsequent implementation of
the Option Plan and CSRIP resulted in a net $58 million charge to
income during the first quarter of 2011.

The change in the fair value of outstanding LTRIP awards is charged to
income based on the common share price at the end of each reporting
period plus accumulated dividends. The LTRIP obligation is accrued over
the vesting period as service is completed by employees and expensed
based on a graded vesting schedule. Subsequent increases and decreases
in the underlying common share price will result in increases and
decreases charged to income to adjust the LTRIP obligation to fair
value until settlement.

Share-based compensation consisted of the following:

	Three months ended December 31					Year ended December 31
(millions)	2011		2010		% change	2011		2010		% change
Options	$	5	$	-	100	$	18	$	-	100
Restricted Options		5		-	100		22		-	100
Restricted Rights		51		-	100		(29)		-	(100)
Share Rights		-		-	-		1		-	100
LTRIP		7		3	100		14		8	75
TURIP		-		79	(100)		-		151	(100)
Expiry of TURIP at Jan. 1, 2011		-		-	-		(196)		-	(100)
Share Rights at Jan. 1, 2011		-		-	-		16		-	100
Restricted Options at Jan. 1, 2011		-		-	-		65		-	100
Restricted Rights liability at Jan. 1, 2011		-		-	-		173		-	100
Share-based compensation	$	68	$	82	(17)	$	84	$	159	(47)

The share price used in the fair value calculation of the LTRIP
liability and Restricted Rights obligation at December 31, 2011 was
$20.19 (2010 - $23.84).

General and Administrative Expenses ("G&A")

	Three months ended December 31					Year ended December 31
(millions, except per boe amounts)	2011		2010		% change	2011		2010		% change
Gross	$	54	$	62	(13)	$	222	$	207	7
Per boe		3.47		4.05	(14)		3.72		3.45	8
Net		30		41	(27)		142		145	(2)
Per boe	$	1.88	$	2.62	(28)	$	2.38	$	2.41	(1)

Our fourth quarter 2011 net G&A amounts have decreased compared to the
prior year primarily due to increased recoveries from our capital
program and an increase in office lease recoveries.

For 2011, our staff levels have increased compared to 2010 as a result
of our transition to an exploration and production company resulting in
higher gross costs.

Depletion, Depreciation and Accretion

	Three months ended December 31					Year ended December 31
(millions, except per boe amounts)	2011		2010		% change	2011		2010		% change
Depletion and depreciation ("D&D")	$	308	$	294	5	$	1,158	$	1,169	(1)
D&D expense per boe		19.84		19.17	3		19.45		19.44	-

Accretion of decommissioning liability		12		14	(14)		45		44	2
Accretion expense per boe	$	0.76	$	0.91	(16)	$	0.76	$	0.73	4

During the first quarter of 2011, we recorded an impairment reversal of
$39 million (2010 - none) to reflect stronger commodity prices
resulting in higher forecast cash flows relating to properties in
Central Alberta. In the second quarter of 2011, we recorded a $29
million impairment (2010 - $80 million) on certain properties in
Central Alberta due to weaker forward commodity prices.

Taxes

	Three months ended December 31					Year ended December 31
(millions)	2011		2010		% change	2011		2010		% change
Deferred tax recovery	$	(48)	$	(65)	(26)	$	(227)	$	(101)	100

In the fourth quarter of 2011, we recorded a deferred tax recovery
primarily due to unrealized risk management losses.

The 2011 deferred tax recovery includes a $304 million recovery related
to the tax rate differential on our conversion from a trust to an E&P
company. As a corporation, we are subject to income taxes at Canadian
corporate tax rates. In the trust structure, under IFRS we were
required to tax-effect timing differences in our trust entities at
rates applicable to undistributed earnings of a trust being the maximum
marginal income tax rate for individuals in the Province of Alberta.

We currently have a significant tax pool base. Based on current
commodity prices and capital spending plans, we forecast these pools
will shelter our taxable income for an extended period.

Tax Pools

	As at December 31
(millions)	2011		2010
Undepreciated capital cost (UCC)	$	1,085	$	1,122
Canadian oil and gas property expense (COGPE)		1,395		1,562
Canadian development expense (CDE)		2,104		1,494
Canadian exploration expense (CEE)		294		305
Non-capital losses		2,966		2,481
Other		31		31
Total	$	7,875	$	6,995

Tax pool amounts exclude income deferred in operating partnerships of
$1,654 million in 2011 (2010 - $920 million).

Foreign Exchange

	Three months ended December 31					Year ended December 31
(millions)	2011		2010		% change	2011		2010		% change
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss	$	(53)	$	(55)	(4)	$	**** 38	$	(82)	(100)

We record unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses to translate the
U.S., UK and Euro denominated notes and the related accrued interest to
Canadian dollars using the exchange rates in effect on the balance
sheet date. The unrealized losses during 2011 were primarily due to the
weakening of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar.

Funds Flow and Net Income (Loss)

		Three months ended December 31					Year ended December 31
		2011		2010		% change	2011		2010		% change
Funds flow ⁽¹⁾(millions)		$	437	$	305	43	$	1,537	$	1,185	30
	Basic per share		0.93		0.67	39		3.29		2.68	23
	Diluted per share		0.93		0.66	41		3.29		2.65	24

Net income (loss) (millions)			(62)		(37)	68		638		1,110	(43)
	Basic per share		(0.13)		(0.08)	63		1.37		2.51	(45)
	Diluted per share	$	(0.13)	$	(0.08)	63	$	1.36	$	2.48	(45)

(1)	Funds flow is a non-GAAP measure. See "Calculation of Funds Flow" and "Non-GAAP Measure Advisory".

Funds flow in the fourth quarter of 2011 and for 2011 increased from
2010 primarily due to an increase in our weighting of light-oil
production and an increase in crude oil prices.

On a quarterly basis, the increase in net loss in the fourth quarter of
2011 compared to 2010 was primarily due to unrealized risk management
losses. For 2011, net income decreased due to significant gains on
asset dispositions in 2010, including a $368 million gain on the
formation of the Cordova Joint Venture and a $572 million after-tax
gain on the formation of the Peace River Oil Partnership.

Capital Expenditures

(millions)	Three months ended December 31				Year ended December 31
(millions)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Land acquisition and retention	$	9	$	10	$	181	$	102
Drilling and completions		410		263		1,217		800
Facilities and well equipping		197		140		521		281
Geological and geophysical		-		-		9		10
Corporate		8		4		25		11
Capital expenditures ⁽¹⁾		624		417		1,953		1,204
Joint venture, carried capital		(30)		(17)		(107)		(17)
Property acquisitions (dispositions), net		(11)		69		(266)		(1,306)
Capital expenditures, net		583		469		1,580		(119)
Business combinations		-		139		286		139
Total expenditures	$	583	$	608	$	1,866	$	20

(1)	Capital expenditures include costs related to development capital and Exploration and Evaluation activities.

In 2011, we increased our capital program as we transitioned some of our
light-oil plays from the appraisal phase into full-scale development
which led to an increase in drilling and completions, facilities and
well equipping capital costs.

For the three months ended December 31, 2011, decommissioning
liabilities increased $5 million (2010 - $63 million) and for 2011,
decreased by $7 million (2010 - $91 million capitalized additions) to
reflect net acquisitions and dispositions activity.

Gain on asset dispositions

	Three months ended December 31					Year ended December 31
(millions)	2011		2010		% change	2011		2010		% change
Gain on asset dispositions	$	21	$	-	100	$	172	$	1,082	(84)

During 2011, we closed property dispositions which resulted in gains of
$172 million recognized in income (2010 - $1,082 million). In June
2010, as a result of forming the Peace River Oil Partnership, we
recognized a pre-tax gain of $749 million in income and in September
2010, due to entering the Cordova Joint Venture, we recognized a $368
million gain.

Exploration and evaluation ("E&E") capital expenditures

	Three months ended December 31					Year ended December 31
(millions)	2011		2010		% change	2011		2010		% change
E&E capital expenditures	$	167	$	32	100	$	321	$	58	100

Included in E&E capital expenditures is the benefit of $92 million of
joint venture carried capital in 2011 (2010 - nil). Our E&E capital
expenditures increased due to strategic land purchases and exploration
and evaluation activities since our conversion to an E&P company.
During 2011, we transferred $14 million from E&E into PP&E and we had a
non-cash E&E expense of $15 million (2010 - $1 million) related to land
expiries and unsuccessful exploration activities.

In 2011, we disposed of E&E assets valued at $2 million (2010 - $61
million) in connection with property dispositions.

Spartan Exploration Ltd. ("Spartan") Business Combination

On June 1, 2011, we closed the corporate acquisition of Spartan, a
publicly traded oil and gas exploration company with assets primarily
located in the Cardium light-oil resource play in central Alberta. The
total cost was $166 million with $286 million recorded to property,
plant and equipment.

Goodwill

	As at December 31
(millions)	2011		2010
Balance, beginning and end of period	$	2,020	$	2,020

We recorded goodwill on our acquisitions of Petrofund Energy Trust,
Canetic Resources Trust and Vault Energy Trust. We determined there was
no goodwill impairment at December 31, 2011.

Environmental and Climate Change

The oil and gas industry has a number of environmental risks and hazards
and is subject to regulation by all levels of government. Environmental
legislation includes, but is not limited to, operational controls, site
restoration requirements and restrictions on emissions of various
substances produced in association with oil and natural gas operations.
Compliance with such legislation could require additional expenditures
and a failure to comply may result in fines and penalties which could,
in the aggregate and under certain assumptions, become material.

We are dedicated to reducing the environmental impact from our
operations through our environmental programs which include resource
conservation, CO₂ sequestration, water management and site abandonment/reclamation.
Operations are continuously monitored to minimize the environmental
impact and sufficient capital is allocated to reclamation and other
activities to mitigate the impact on the areas in which we operate.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Capitalization

	As at December 31
	2011			2010
(millions)			%			%
Common shares issued, at market ⁽¹⁾	$	9,517	72	$	10,959	78
Bank loans and long-term notes		3,219	24		2,496	18
Convertible debentures		-	-		255	2
Working capital deficiency ⁽²⁾		554	4		303	2
Total enterprise value	$	13,290	100	$	14,013	100

(1)	The share price at December 31, 2011 was $20.19 (December 31, 2010 - $23.84).
(2)	Excludes the current portion of risk management, convertible debentures and share-based compensation liability.

For 2011, we declared total dividends of $506 million (2010 - $686
million) and paid total dividends, including amounts funded by the
dividend reinvestment plan, of $420 million (2010 - $708 million). We
anticipate dividends will continue to be paid on a quarterly basis. On
February 15, 2012, our Board of Directors declared a 2012 first quarter
dividend of $0.27 per share to be paid on April 13, 2012 to
shareholders of record on March 30, 2012. Shareholders are advised that
this dividend is designated as an "eligible dividend" for Canadian
income tax purposes.

On June 27, 2011, the Company closed the extension of its unsecured,
revolving, syndicated bank facility with an aggregate borrowing limit
of $2.25 billion and a four-year term. On October 27, 2011, the Company
increased the aggregate borrowing limit by $500 million to $2.75
billion using the "accordion" feature in the facility. For further
details on our debt instruments, please refer to the "Financing" and
"Convertible Debentures" sections of this Management Commentary.

We actively manage our debt portfolio and consider opportunities to
reduce or diversify our debt structure. We actively consider operating
and financial risks and take actions as appropriate to limit our
exposure to certain risks. We maintain close relationships with our
lenders and agents to monitor credit market developments. These actions
and plans aim to increase the likelihood of maintaining our financial
flexibility to capture opportunities available in the markets in
addition to the continuation of our capital and dividend programs and
hence the longer-term execution of our business strategies.

The Company has a number of covenants related to its syndicated bank
facility and senior, unsecured notes. On December 31, 2011, the Company
was in compliance with all of these financial covenants which comprise
the following:

	Limit	December 31, 2011
Senior debt to EBITDA	Less than 3:1	1.86
Total debt to EBITDA	Less than 4:1	1.86
Senior debt to capitalization	Less than 50%	26%
Total debt to capitalization	Less than 55%	26%

As at December 31, 2011, all senior, unsecured notes contain change of
control provisions whereby if a change of control occurs, the Company
may be required to offer to prepay the notes, which the holders have
the right to refuse.

The amount of future cash dividends may vary depending on a variety of
factors and conditions which can include, but are not limited to,
fluctuations in commodity markets, production levels and capital
expenditure requirements. Our dividend level could change based on
these and other factors and is subject to the approval of our Board of
Directors.

Convertible Debentures

During 2011, $248 million of convertible debentures matured and were
settled in cash (2010 - nil), $7 million were redeemed and settled in
cash (2010 - nil) and none matured and were settled in shares (2010 -
$18 million). Of the $255 million of convertible debentures settled in
cash during 2011, $224 million were the series "F" debentures which
matured in the fourth quarter of 2011. We now have no convertible
debentures outstanding.

Financial Instruments

We had the following financial instruments outstanding as at December
31, 2011. Fair values are determined using external counterparty
information which is compared to observable market data. We limit our
credit risk by executing counterparty risk procedures which include
transacting only with institutions within our credit facility or with
high credit ratings and by obtaining financial security in certain
circumstances.

	Notional volume	Remaining term	Pricing	Fair value (millions)
Crude oil
WTI Collars	60,000 bbls/d	Jan/12 - Dec/12	US$85.53 to $101.16/bbl	$	(103)
WTI Collars	5,000 bbls/d	Jan/13 - Dec/13	US$90.00 to $100.00/bbl		(1)
Natural gas
AECO Forwards ⁽¹⁾	52,730 GJ/d	Jan/12 - Dec/12	$4.08/GJ		25
Electricity swaps
Alberta Power Pool	45 MW	Jan/12 - Dec/12	$53.02/MWh		7
Alberta Power Pool	30 MW	Jan/12 - Dec/13	$54.60/MWh		10
Alberta Power Pool	20 MW	Jan/13 - Dec/13	$56.10/MWh		2
Alberta Power Pool	50 MW	Jan/14 - Dec/14	$58.50/MWh		1
Interest rate swaps
	$650	Jan/12 - Jan/14	2.65%		(22)
Foreign exchange forwards on revenues
12-month initial term	US$1,872	Jan/12 - Dec/12	1.022 CAD/USD		2
Foreign exchange forwards on senior notes
3 to 15-year initial term	US$641	2014 - 2022	1.000 CAD/USD		20
Cross currency swaps
10-year term	57	2018	2.0075 CAD/GBP, 6.95%		(26)
10-year term	20	2019	1.8051 CAD/GBP, 9.15%		(5)
10-year term	10	2019	1.5870 CAD/EUR, 9.22%		(3)

Total				$	(93)

(1)	The forward contracts total approximately 50,000 mcf per day with an average price of $4.30 per mcf.

Subsequent to December 31, 2011, we entered into additional crude oil
collars on 15,000 barrels per day in 2013 between US$90.00 and
US$108.41 per barrel.

Please refer to our website at www.pennwest.com for details of all financial instruments currently outstanding.

Outlook

Sensitivity Analysis

Estimated sensitivities to selected key assumptions on reported
financial results for the 12 months subsequent to this reporting
period, including risk management contracts entered to date, are based
on forecasted results as discussed in the Outlook above.

		Impact on funds flow
Change of:	Change	$ millions	$/share
Price per barrel of liquids	$1.00	32	0.07
Liquids production	1,000 bbls/day	22	0.05
Price per mcf of natural gas	$0.10	9	0.02
Natural gas production	10 mmcf/day	-	-
Effective interest rate	1%	7	0.01
Exchange rate ($US per $CAD)	$0.01	19	0.04

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

We are committed to certain payments over the next five calendar years
as follows:

(millions)	2012		2013		2014		2015		2016		Thereafter
Long-term debt	$	-	$	5	$	61	$	1,504	$	221	$	1,428
Transportation		23		19		12		8		3		-
Transportation ($US)		4		4		37		37		33		231
Power infrastructure		32		15		15		15		15		14
Drilling rigs		26		26		22		16		10		2
Purchase obligations ⁽¹⁾		13		13		11		10		2		5
Interest obligations		161		161		158		127		93		216
Office lease ⁽²⁾		68		66		60		60		59		479
Decommissioning liability ⁽³⁾	$	70	$	67	$	64	$	61	$	58	$	287

(1)	These amounts represent estimated commitments of $40 million for CO₂ purchases and $14 million for processing fees related to our interests in the Weyburn Unit.
(2)	The future office lease commitments above will be reduced by sublease recoveries totalling $434 million.
(3)	These amounts represent the inflated, discounted future reclamation and abandonment costs that are expected to be incurred over the life of the properties.

Our syndicated credit facility is due for renewal on June 26, 2015. If
we are not successful in renewing or replacing the facility, we could
enter other loans including term bank loans or be required to repay all
amounts then outstanding on the facility. In addition, we have an
aggregate of $2.0 billion in senior notes maturing between 2014 and
2025. We continuously monitor our credit metrics and maintain positive
working relationships with our lenders, investors and agents.

Equity Instruments


Common shares issued:
	As at December 31, 2011	471,372,730
	Issued on exercise of share rights	143,898
	Issued on settlement of restricted rights	6,413
	Issued pursuant to dividend reinvestment plan	1,364,540
	As at February 15, 2012	472,887,581

Options outstanding:
	As at December 31, 2011	7,919,600
	Granted	253,600
	Forfeited	(81,906)
	As at February 15, 2012	8,091,294
Share Rights outstanding:
	As at December 31, 2011	2,549,112
	Exercised	(143,898)
	Forfeited	(42,533)
	As at February 15, 2012	2,362,681
Restricted Options outstanding ⁽¹⁾:
	As at December 31, 2011	17,110,193
	Forfeited	(3,645,855)
	As at February 15, 2012	13,464,338

(1)	Each holder of a Restricted Option holds a Restricted Right and has the option to settle the Restricted Right in cash or common shares upon exercise. Refer to the "Expenses - Share-Based Compensation" section of this Management Commentary for further details.

Related-Party Transactions

During 2011, we incurred $1 million (2010 - $2 million) of legal fees
from a law firm of which a partner is also a director of Penn West.

Forward-Looking Statements

In the interest of providing our securityholders and potential investors
with information regarding Penn West, including management's assessment
of our future plans and operations, 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", "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: certain disclosures
contained under the headings "2012 Operations - Oil Development" and
"Business Strategy" relating to, among other things, our capital
expenditure plans for, and our focus on, our Carbonates, Cardium,
Spearfish and Viking light-oil plays; certain disclosures contained
under the headings "2012 Operations - Resource Appraisal" and "Business
Strategy" relating to, among other things, our continued resource
appraisal activities under the Peace River Oil Partnership and the
Cordova Joint Venture; certain disclosures contained in the "Letter to
our Shareholders" relating to, among other things, long-term natural
gas prices, the focus of our 2012 capital budget on light-oil
development projects and our belief that liquids production will grow
in a meaningful way in North America over the next few years; certain
disclosures contained under the heading "Outlook" relating to our
estimated 2012 exploration and development capital program, its
continued focus on light-oil plays (specifically the Cardium,
Carbonates, Spearfish and Viking) and our resulting production
estimates for 2012; certain disclosures contained under the headings
"Business Environment", "Crude Oil" and "Natural Gas" relating to,
among other things, our view of the outlook for crude oil, natural gas
liquid and natural gas prices and supply-demand fundamentals for such
commodities; our forecast under the heading "Taxes" that, based on
current commodity prices and capital spending plans, our tax pool base
will shelter our taxable income for an extended period; all matters
relating to our dividend policy, including our intention to continue to
pay dividends on a quarterly basis, the details of our first quarter
dividend payment, and the factors that may affect the amount of
dividends that we pay in the future (if any); the ability of our debt
and risk management programs to increase the likelihood that we can
maintain our financial flexibility to capture opportunities available
in the markets in addition to the continuation of our capital and
dividend programs and the longer-term execution of our business
strategies; and certain disclosures contained under the heading
"Sensitivity Analysis" relating to our estimated sensitivities to
certain key assumptions on funds flow.

With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this document,
we have made assumptions regarding, among other things: future crude
oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas prices and differentials
between light, medium and heavy oil 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; 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; the impact of
increasing competition; our ability to obtain financing on acceptable
terms; 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 headings "Outlook" and "Sensitivity
Analysis".

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 impact of weather
conditions on seasonal demand and ability to execute capital programs;
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, including the completed acquisitions discussed
herein; geological, technical, drilling and processing problems;
general economic conditions in Canada, the U.S. and globally; industry
conditions, including fluctuations in the price of oil and natural gas;
royalties payable in respect of our oil and natural gas production and
changes thereto; 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 wild fires and flooding; failure to
obtain industry partner and other third-party consents and approvals
when required; 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;
the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities from
time to time; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of
dispositions, acquisitions, joint ventures and partnerships, including
the completed dispositions, acquisitions, joint ventures and
partnerships discussed herein; changes in tax and other laws that
affect us and our securityholders; changes in government royalty
frameworks; uncertainty of obtaining required approvals for
acquisitions and mergers; the potential failure of counterparties to
honour their contractual obligations; 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.

Additional Information

Additional information relating to Penn West including Penn West's
Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

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 will be held to discuss Penn West's results at 10:00am
Mountain Time (12:00pm Eastern Time) on February 16, 2012.

To listen to the conference call, please call 647-427-7450 or
1-888-231-8191 (North America toll-free). This call will be broadcast
live on the Internet and may be accessed directly on the Penn West
website at www.pennwest.com or at the following URL:

http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=403564&s=1&k=D7B86CF84A0746967693F547B7A4747C

A digital recording will be available for replay two hours after the
call's completion, and will remain available until March 1, 2012 21:59
Mountain Time (23:59 Eastern Time). To listen to the replay, please
dial 416-849-0833 or 1-855-859-2056 (North America toll-free) and
entering Conference ID 50696892, followed by the pound (#) key.

For further information:

PENN WEST EXPLORATION
Penn West Plaza
Suite 200, 207 - 9^th Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 1K3

Phone: 403-777-2500
Fax: 403-777-2699
Toll Free: 1-866-693-2707
Website:www.pennwest.com

Investor Relations:
Toll Free: 1-888-770-2633
E-mail:investor_relations@pennwest.com

Murray Nunns, President & Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 403-218-8939
E-mail:murray.nunns@pennwest.com

Jason Fleury, Senior Manager, Investor Relations
Phone: 403-539-6343
E-mail:jason.fleury@pennwest.com

Canada Dividend Investor

Thursday, February 16, 2012

PWT - <span class="simulate_din_font">Penn West Exploration Announces its Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2011</span> (CAD 0.27)

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