Deutsche Bank analyst Abe Azar sees few strategic acquirers for Calpine (CPN), making going private or remaining public the most likely outcomes in his view. The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that the company is exploring a sale. Market power issues in Texas make a combination with Vistra Energy (VST) or NRG Energy (NRG) unlikely, and while PSEG (PEG) and Exelon (EXC) could afford buying Calpine, such a deal would be a shift in strategy for both. The analyst finds it unlikely that a go-private deal gets done much north of $16 per share. He believes, however, that a mid-teens per share takeout is possible "with some creative structuring." Even without a deal, Calpine offers value based on its cash flow profile, Azar contends. The analyst reiterates a Buy rating on Calpine with a $14 price target.