FRANKFURT/DUESSELDORF, Oct 29 (Reuters) - Thyssenkrupp

is working on a spin-off of its warship division after

private equity firm Carlyle dropped out as a bidder last

week, the group's CFO said, flagging 2026 as a realistic time

frame for when such a move could happen.

"A spin-off in the coming calendar year would be ambitious

in my view. My guess would be 2026, but we'll have to see," Jens

Schulte told Reuters, adding the idea was for the government to

take a stake in ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) as part of a

deal.

Carlyle and state-lender KfW were poised to take a

majority in TKMS but the U.S. investor last week pulled the

plug, leaving Thyssenkrupp to pursue alternatives for TKMS,

which makes submarines and frigates.

"We are currently being approached by all kinds of parties,

both nationally and internationally, with the question of

possible partnerships or tie-ups," Schulte said, adding the

image of defence companies had improved of late.

He said that while a spin-off of TKMS remained the preferred

option, Thyssenkrupp could also change plans if a more

value-creating opportunity arose.

Schulte, who took over as finance chief at Thyssenkrupp in

June, also raised the prospect of shareholder payouts, saying

the company was in a position to offer a dividend but that it

was up to the supervisory board to decide.

According to LSEG estimates, Thyssenkrupp is expected to pay

a dividend of 0.16 euros per share for the 2023/24 fiscal year,

up from 0.15 euros in the previous year.

Schulte, speaking ahead of full-year results scheduled for

Nov. 19, said the group's fourth-quarter had been solid, adding

the group was targeting a return on sales of 4%, up from around

1.5% now.

"Thyssenkrupp is a company with a very strong substance. We

have good strategic positions in many areas."