$150,000,000

Common Stock

Common Stock Warrants

Preferred Stock

Debt Securities

        We may from time to time offer, issue and sell, in one or more series, together or separately, the following:

      We will offer such securities at an aggregate public offering price of up to $150,000,000, or an equivalent amount in U.S. dollars if any securities are denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars, on terms determined at the time we offer such securities. We may offer such securities separately or together, in separate classes or series, in amounts, at prices and on terms set forth in an applicable prospectus supplement to this prospectus.

      The applicable prospectus supplement will also contain information about any listing on a securities exchange of the securities covered by such prospectus supplement.

      We may sell these securities directly through agents designated from time to time by us, or to or through underwriters or dealers, or through a combination of these methods. We reserve the sole right to accept, and together with our agents, dealers and underwriters reserve the right to reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of securities to be made directly or through agents, dealers or underwriters. If any agents, dealers or underwriters are involved in the sale of any of the securities, their names, and any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between or among them, will be set forth, or will be calculable from the information set forth, in the applicable prospectus supplement. See “Plan of Distribution.” Our estimated net proceeds from the sale of securities also will be set forth in the relevant prospectus supplement. No securities may be sold without delivery of the applicable prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such securities.

      Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “CPST.”

      Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is September 14, 2005

TABLE OF CONTENTS

      You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not authorized any person to provide you with information different from or in addition to that contained in this prospectus. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus or any other documents incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of the applicable document. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

      References in this prospectus to “Capstone,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Capstone Turbine Corporation, a Delaware corporation, unless the context otherwise requires.

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

      This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf process, we may, from time to time, sell the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to an aggregate offering price of $150,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both the prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

      This prospectus (including the information incorporated by reference) contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning, among other things, our future results of operations, research and development activities, sales expectations, our ability to develop markets for our products, sources for parts, federal, state and local regulations, and general business, industry and economic conditions applicable to us. When used in this prospectus, the words “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “should,” “could,” “may” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, our examination of historical operation trends, are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions.

      There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include:

      We caution you that these factors, as well as the risk factors included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, may not be exhaustive. Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. We operate in a continually changing business environment, and new risk factors emerge from time to time. We cannot predict such new risk factors, nor can we assess the impact, if any, of such new risk factors on our businesses or the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. You are advised to review any further disclosures we make on related subjects in reports we file with the SEC. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf apply only as of the date of this prospectus and are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included in this prospectus. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by applicable securities laws.

THE COMPANY

      We develop, manufacture, market and service microturbine technology solutions for use in stationary distributed power generation applications, such as cogeneration (combined heat and power and combined

      Our principal executive offices are located at 21211 Nordhoff Street, Chatsworth, California 91311; our telephone number at that address is: (818) 734-5300. Our web site address is “www.capstoneturbine.com”. Information on our web site is not part of this prospectus.

USE OF PROCEEDS

      Unless we indicate otherwise in an accompanying prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered by this prospectus for general corporate purposes, which may include, but are not limited to, working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and repurchases or redemptions of securities. When particular series of securities are offered, a prospectus supplement related to that offering will set forth our intended use of the net proceeds received from the sale of those securities. We will have significant discretion in the use of any net proceeds. The net proceeds may be invested temporarily in short-term marketable securities or applied to repay indebtedness outstanding at that time until they are used for their stated purpose.

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

      The following table sets forth our consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated:

For purposes of calculating the ratios of earnings to fixed charges, (i) fixed charges consist of interest expensed and capitalized, amortized premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses related to indebtedness, and an estimate of the interest within rental expense; and (ii) earnings consist of pre-tax loss from operations and fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest).

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WE MAY SELL

      We, directly or through agents, dealers or underwriters that we may designate, may offer and sell, from time to time, up to $150,000,000 (or the equivalent in one or more foreign currency units) aggregate initial offering price of:

      We may offer and sell these securities either separately or together as units consisting of one or more of these securities, each on terms to be determined at the time of the offering. We may issue debt securities and/or preferred stock that are exchangeable for and/or convertible into common stock or any of the other securities that may be sold under this prospectus. When particular securities are offered, a supplement to this prospectus will be delivered with this prospectus, which will describe the terms of the offering and sale of the offered securities.

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

      Our authorized capital stock consists of 415,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value. As of August 31, 2005, there were 85,268,726 shares of our common stock outstanding.

      This section summarizes the general terms of the common stock that we may offer. A prospectus supplement relating to the common stock offered will state the number of shares offered, the initial offering price and the market price, dividend information and any other relevant information. The summaries in this section and the prospectus supplement do not describe every aspect of the common stock. When evaluating the common stock, you should also refer to our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our amended and restated bylaws and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“DGCL”). Our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws are incorporated by reference in the registration statement.

Terms of the Common Stock

      The holders of our common stock are entitled to receive ratably, from funds legally available for the payment thereof, dividends when and as declared by resolution of our board of directors, subject to any preferential dividend rights granted to the holders of any outstanding series of preferred stock. We currently intend to retain any earnings if and when we become profitable for use in our business and, therefore, we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock. In the future, the decision to pay any cash dividends will depend upon our results of operations, financial condition and capital expenditure plans, as well as such other factors as our board of directors, in its sole discretion, may consider relevant. In the event of our liquidation or dissolution, holders of our common stock are entitled to share equally in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities and the liquidation preference of any outstanding series of preferred stock. The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders. Cumulative voting for directors is not permitted, which means the holder or holders of more than one-half of the shares voting for the election of directors can elect all of the directors then being elected. Our board of directors is not divided into classes. Our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws contain no provisions that would require greater than a majority of stockholders to approve mergers, consolidations, sales of a substantial amount of assets, or other similar transactions. Our common stockholders do not have preemptive rights to purchase shares of our common stock. The issued and outstanding shares of our common stock are not subject to any redemption provisions and are not

Anti-Takeover Considerations and Special Provisions of Delaware Law, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws

      On July 7, 2005, we entered into a rights agreement with Mellon Investor Services LLC, as rights agent. In connection with the rights agreement, our board of directors authorized and declared a dividend distribution of one preferred stock purchase right for each share of our common stock authorized and outstanding at the close of business on July 18, 2005. Each right entitles the registered holder to purchase from us a unit consisting of one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, at a purchase price of $10.00 per unit, subject to adjustment. The description and terms of the rights are set forth in the rights agreement. Initially, the rights will be attached to all common stock certificates representing shares then outstanding, and no separate rights certificates will be distributed. Subject to certain exceptions specified in the rights agreement, the rights will separate from the common stock and will be exercisable upon the earlier of (i) 10 days following a public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock, other than as a result of repurchases of stock by the Company or certain inadvertent actions by institutional or certain other stockholders, or (ii) 10 days (or such later date as our board of directors shall determine) following the commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer (other than certain permitted offers described in the rights agreement) that would result in a person or group beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding shares of our common stock. The rights expire on July 18, 2015, unless such date is extended or the rights are earlier redeemed or exchanged by us. The rights are intended to protect our stockholders in the event of an unfair or coercive offer to acquire the Company. The rights, however, should not affect any prospective offeror willing to make an offer at a fair price and otherwise in the best interests of Capstone and its stockholders, as determined by the board of directors. The rights should also not interfere with any merger or other business combination approved by the board of directors.

      We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL, which regulates corporate takeovers. This section prevents Delaware corporations, under certain circumstances, from engaging in a “business combination” with:

for three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder.

      Section 203 of the DGCL defines “business combination” to include:

      However, the above provisions of Section 203 do not apply if:

      This statute could prohibit or delay mergers or other change in control attempts, and thus may discourage attempts to acquire us.

      A number of provisions of our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws concern matters of corporate governance and the rights of our stockholders. Provisions that grant our board of directors the ability to issue shares of preferred stock and to set the voting rights, preferences and other terms thereof may discourage takeover attempts that are not first approved by our board of directors, including takeovers that may be considered by some stockholders to be in their best interests, such as those attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares held by stockholders. Certain provisions could delay or impede the removal of incumbent directors even if such removal would be beneficial to our stockholders. These provisions also could discourage or make more difficult a merger, tender offer or proxy contest, even if they could be favorable to the interests of stockholders, and could potentially depress the market price of our common stock. Our board of directors believes that these provisions are appropriate to protect our interests and the interests of our stockholders.

      Meetings of and Actions by Stockholders. Our amended and restated bylaws provide that annual meetings of our stockholders may take place at the time and place designated by our board of directors. A special meeting of our stockholders may be called at any time by the chairman of the board of directors, or by a majority of the directors or by a committee of the board of directors that has been granted the power to call such meetings. Stockholders may take action only at a regular or special meeting of stockholders and not by written consent without a meeting.

      Cumulative Voting. Our amended and restated bylaws expressly deny stockholders the right to cumulative voting in the election of directors.

      Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations. Our amended and restated bylaws provide that stockholders seeking to bring business before an annual meeting of stockholders or to nominate candidates for election as directors at an annual meeting of stockholders must provide timely notice in writing. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to our principal executive offices not less than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date Capstone’s proxy statement was released to security holders in connection with the preceding year’s annual meeting. If no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the date of the annual meeting has been changed by more than 30 days from the date contemplated at the time of the previous year’s proxy statement, notice by the stockholder in order to be timely must be received by Capstone no later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or public announcement of the date the meeting was made, whichever comes first. Our amended and restated bylaws also specify requirements as to the form and

      Filling of Board Vacancies. Our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws provide that vacancies in the board of directors may be filled until the next annual meeting of stockholders by a majority of the directors remaining in office, even though that number may be less than a quorum of the board of directors, or by a sole remaining director.

      Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation. Our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation may be amended, altered, changed or repealed in the manner prescribed by the DGCL. However, no amendment, alteration, change or repeal may be made with respect to Article V (amendment of the bylaws by the stockholders), Article VI (number of directors), Article VII (term of office of directors after an increase or decrease in the number of directors), Article IX (action by stockholders), Article X (calling of special meetings of the stockholders) or Article XI (amending the second amended and restated certificate of incorporation) without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66²/3%) of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation, voting together as a single class.

      Amendment of the Bylaws. Our amended and restated bylaws may be rescinded, altered, amended or repealed, and new bylaws may be made (i) by the board of directors, by vote of a majority of the number of directors then in office as directors, acting at any meeting of the board of directors, or (ii) by the stockholders, by the affirmative vote of the holders of sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66²/3%) of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation, voting together as a single class, at any annual or special meeting of stockholders, provided that notice of such proposed amendment, modification, repeal or adoption is given in the notice of the annual or special meeting. The bylaws can only be amended if such amendment would not conflict with the certificate of incorporation. Any bylaw made or altered by the requisite number of stockholders may be altered or repealed by the board of directors or by the requisite number of stockholders.

Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors

      We have adopted provisions in our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws which require us, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, to indemnify all directors and officers of Capstone against any liability and to advance indemnification expenses on behalf of all directors and officers of Capstone. In addition, our amended and restated bylaws provide that we may, at the discretion of the board of directors, indemnify any person who is a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding or threatened to be made such a party by reason of the fact that such person is or was an employee or agent of Capstone or is or was serving at Capstone’s request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise. To the full extent permitted by law, the indemnification provided under the amended and restated bylaws shall include expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement, and, in the manner provided by law, any such expenses may be paid by Capstone in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding. The indemnification provided under the amended and restated bylaws shall not be deemed to limit our right to indemnify any other person for any such expenses to the full extent permitted by law, nor shall it be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which any person seeking indemnification from Capstone may be entitled under any agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.

      The second amended and restated certificate of incorporation further requires us to limit, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, the liability for monetary damages of directors of Capstone for actions or inactions taken by them as directors. Our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws also empower us, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any such person against any liability which may be asserted.

      The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit

Transfer Agent and Registrar

      Mellon Investor Services LLC is the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock.

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK WARRANTS

      We may issue common stock warrants for the purchase of common stock. Common stock warrants may be issued independently or together with any other securities pursuant to any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from such securities. Each series of common stock warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and the warrant recipient or, if the recipients are numerous, a warrant agent identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. The warrant agent, if engaged, will act solely as our agent in connection with the common stock warrants of such series and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of common stock warrants. Further terms of the common stock warrants and the applicable warrant agreements will be set forth in the prospectus supplement.

      The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any common stock warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered, including, where applicable, the following:

      Each common stock warrant will entitle the holder of warrants to purchase the amount of common stock, at the exercise price stated or determinable in the prospectus supplement for the common stock warrants. Common stock warrants may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date shown in the applicable prospectus supplement, unless otherwise specified in such prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised common stock warrants will become void. Common stock warrants may be exercised as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. When the warrant holder makes the payment and properly completes and signs the warrant certificate at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in a prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as possible, forward the shares of common stock that the warrant holder has purchased. If the warrant holder exercises the common stock warrant for less than all of the common stock warrants represented by the warrant certificate, we will issue a new warrant certificate for the remaining common stock warrants.

      You should review the section captioned “Description of Common Stock” for a general description of the common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of the common stock warrants.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

General

      We are authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, and no shares of preferred stock are currently issued and outstanding. Our preferred stock may be issued from time to time, in one or more series, each series to be appropriately designated by a distinguishing letter or title, prior to the issue of any shares of preferred stock.

      The following description of preferred stock sets forth some of the general terms and provisions of the preferred stock that may be specified in any prospectus supplement. Certain other terms of any series of preferred stock (which terms may be different than those stated below) will be described in the prospectus supplement to which such series relates. The statements below describing the preferred stock are in all respects subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to the applicable provisions of the prospectus supplement, our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation (including the amendment describing the designations, rights, and preferences of each series of preferred stock) and amended and restated bylaws.

      Subject to limitations prescribed by the DGCL and our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our board of directors is authorized to fix or alter the dividend rights, dividend rate, conversion rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions, if any), the redemption price or prices, the liquidation preferences, any other designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions of any series of preferred stock, and the number of shares constituting any such series and the designation thereof. The preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable and will have no preemptive rights.

      The applicable prospectus supplement will contain the specific terms relating to the preferred stock being offered, including:

Ranking

      Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, the preferred stock will, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, rank:

Dividends

      Holders of preferred stock of each series shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our board of directors, out of our assets legally available for payment, cash dividends (or dividends in additional shares of preferred stock or in other property if expressly permitted and described in the applicable prospectus supplement) at the rates and on the dates set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Dividend rates may be fixed or variable or both. Different series of preferred stock may be entitled to dividends at different dividend rates or based upon different methods of determination. Each dividend shall be payable to holders of record as they appear on our stock transfer books on such record dates as shall be fixed by the board of directors.

      Dividends on any series of preferred stock may be cumulative or non-cumulative, as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. Dividends, if cumulative, will be cumulative from and after the date set forth in the prospectus supplement. If the board of directors fails to declare a dividend payable on a dividend

      Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, if any, preferred stock of any series is outstanding, no full dividends shall be declared or paid or set apart for payment on the preferred stock of any other series ranking, as to dividends, on a parity with or junior to the preferred stock of such series for any period unless full dividends (which include all unpaid dividends in the case of cumulative dividend preferred stock) have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for such payment on the preferred stock of such series.

      When dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient for such full payment is not so set apart) upon the preferred stock of any series and the shares of any other series of preferred stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with the preferred stock of such series, all dividends declared upon shares of preferred stock of such series and any other series of preferred stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with such preferred stock shall be declared pro rata among the holders of such series, so that the amount of dividends declared per share on that series of preferred stock and on each other series of preferred stock having the same rank as that series of preferred stock will bear the same ratio to each other that accrued dividends per share on that series of preferred stock and the other series of preferred stock bear to each other. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on preferred stock of such series which may be in arrears.

      Until required dividends are paid, no dividends (other than in common stock or other capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation) shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment or other distribution shall be declared or made upon the common stock or any other capital stock ranking junior to or on a parity with the preferred stock of such series as to dividends or upon liquidation shall be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any shares of any such stock) by us (except by conversion into or exchange for other capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation).

      Any dividend payment made of a series of preferred stock shall first be credited against the earliest accrued but unpaid dividend due with respect to shares of preferred stock of such series which remains payable.

Redemption

      If so provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, any series of preferred stock may be subject to mandatory redemption or redemption at our option, as a whole or in part, in each case upon the terms, at the times and at the redemption prices set forth in such prospectus supplement.

      The prospectus supplement relating to a series of preferred stock that is subject to redemption will specify the number of shares of such preferred stock that we shall redeem in each year commencing after a date to be specified, at a redemption price per share to be specified, together with an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon (which shall not, if such preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend, include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods) to the date of redemption. We may pay the redemption price in cash, stock or other securities of third parties, or other property, as specified in the prospectus supplement. If the redemption price for preferred stock of any series is payable only from the net proceeds of our issuance of capital stock, the terms of such preferred stock may provide that, if no such capital stock shall have been issued or to the extent the net proceeds from any issuance are insufficient to pay in full the aggregate redemption price then due, such preferred stock shall automatically be converted into shares of the applicable capital stock pursuant to conversion provisions specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

      If we are to redeem fewer than all of the outstanding preferred stock of any series, whether by mandatory or optional redemption, our board of directors will determine the number of shares to be redeemed and the method for selecting shares to be redeemed, which may be by lot or pro rata from the holders of record of such shares in proportion to the number of such shares held by such holders (with adjustments to avoid redemption of fractional shares) or any other equitable method determined by us that will not result in the issuance of any excess shares.

      We will mail a notice of redemption at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of record of preferred stock of any series to be redeemed. If notice of redemption of any preferred stock has been given and we have set aside the funds necessary for such redemption in trust for the benefit of the holders of any preferred stock so called for redemption, then from and after the redemption date, dividends will cease to accrue on shares of preferred stock called for redemption, such preferred stock shall no longer be deemed outstanding and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price (without interest).

Liquidation Preference

      Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, after distributions or payment to holders of any equity securities ranking senior to such series of preferred stock, before any distribution or payment shall be made to the holders of common stock, or any other class or series of our capital stock ranking junior to a series of the preferred stock in the distribution of assets upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of such series of preferred stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets legally available for distribution to stockholders liquidating distributions in the amount of the liquidation preference per share (set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement), plus an amount equal to all dividends accrued and unpaid thereon (which shall not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if such preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend). After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred stock will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. In the event that, upon any such voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, our legally available assets are insufficient to pay the amount of the liquidating distributions on all outstanding preferred stock and the corresponding amounts payable on all shares of other classes or series of capital stock ranking on a parity with the preferred stock in the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, then the holders of the preferred stock and all other such classes or series of capital stock shall share ratably in any such distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled.

      If liquidating distributions have been made in full to all holders of preferred stock, our remaining assets shall be distributed among the holders of any other classes or series of capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, according to their respective rights and preferences and in each case according to their respective number of shares. After the holders of each series of preferred stock having the same rank are paid in full, they will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets.

      Holders of preferred stock may have voting rights as are set forth below or as otherwise from time to time required by law or as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.

      Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, if we issue full shares of any series of preferred stock, each share will be entitled to one vote on matters on which holders of that series of preferred stock are entitled to vote. The voting power of that series will depend on the number of shares in that series of preferred stock and not on the aggregate liquidation preference or initial offering price of the shares of that series. Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, holders of our preferred stock do not vote on matters submitted for a vote of our common shareholders.

      Any series of preferred stock may provide that, so long as any shares of such series remain outstanding, the holders of such series may vote as a separate class on certain specified matters, which may include changes in our capitalization, amendments to our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our amended and restated bylaws and mergers and dispositions. The foregoing voting provisions may not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall be effected, all outstanding shares of such series of preferred stock shall have been redeemed or called for redemption upon proper notice and sufficient funds shall have been irrevocably deposited in trust to effect such redemption.

      The provisions of a series of preferred stock may provide for additional rights, remedies, and privileges if dividends on such series are in arrears for specified periods, which rights and privileges will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Conversion Rights

      The terms and conditions, if any, upon which shares of any series of preferred stock are convertible into common stock will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating thereto. Such terms will include the number of shares of common stock or any other series of preferred stock or other securities or property into which the preferred stock is convertible, the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof), the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at the option of the holders of the preferred stock or us, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption of such preferred stock.

Permanent Global Preferred Securities

      A series of preferred stock may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities that will be deposited with a depositary or its nominee identified in the related prospectus supplement. For most series of preferred stock, the depositary will be The Depository Trust Company. A global security may not be transferred except as a whole to the depositary, a nominee of the depositary or their successors unless it is exchanged in whole or in part for preferred stock in individually certificated form. Any additional terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any series of preferred stock and the rights of and limitations on owners of beneficial interests in a global security representing a series of preferred stock may be described in the related prospectus supplement.

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

      We may issue, from time to time, debt securities in one or more series that will consist of either our senior debt or our subordinated debt under one or more trust indentures to be executed by us and a specified trustee. The terms of the debt securities will include those stated in the indenture and those made a part of the indenture (before any supplements) by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. The indentures will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act. Debt securities, whether senior or subordinated, may be issued as convertible debt securities or exchangeable debt securities.

General

      The debt securities will be our direct obligations and may be either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. The indebtedness represented by subordinated securities will be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of our senior debt (as defined in the applicable indenture). Senior securities and subordinated securities will be issued pursuant to separate indentures (respectively, a senior indenture and a subordinated indenture), in each case between us and a trustee. Debt securities issued by us will be structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries, except to the extent any such subsidiary guarantees or is otherwise obligated to make payment on such debt securities.

      Except as set forth in the applicable indenture and described in a prospectus supplement relating thereto, the debt securities may be issued without limit as to aggregate principal amount, in one or more series, secured or unsecured, in each case as established from time to time in or pursuant to authority granted by a resolution of our board of directors or as established in the applicable indenture. All debt securities of one series need not be issued at the time and, unless otherwise provided, a series may be reopened, without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of such series, for issuance of additional debt securities of such series. The indentures provide that we may issue debt securities in any currency or currency unit designated by us. Except for the limitations on consolidation, merger and sale of all or substantially all of our assets contained in the indentures, the terms of the indentures do not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to afford holders of any debt securities protection with respect to our operations, financial condition or transactions involving us.

      The prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities being offered will contain the specific terms thereof, including, without limitation:

      The applicable indenture may contain provisions that would limit our ability to incur indebtedness or that would afford holders of debt securities protection in the event of a highly leveraged or similar transaction involving us or in the event of a change of control.

Senior Debt Securities

      Payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on senior debt securities will rank on a parity with all of our other senior unsecured and unsubordinated debt.

Subordinated Debt Securities

      Payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on subordinated debt securities will be subordinated and junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all of our senior debt. We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to any subordinated debt securities the subordination terms of such securities as well as the aggregate amount of outstanding indebtedness, as of the most recent practicable date, that by its terms would be senior to the subordinated debt securities. We will also set forth in such prospectus supplement limitations, if any, on issuance of additional senior debt.

Merger, Consolidation or Sale

      The applicable indenture will provide that we may consolidate with, or sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of our assets to, or merge with or into, any other corporation, provided that:

Covenants

      The applicable indenture will contain covenants requiring us to take certain actions and prohibiting us from taking certain actions. The covenants with respect to any series of debt securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating thereto.

      Each indenture will describe specific “events of default” with respect to any series of debt securities issued thereunder. Such “events of default” are likely to include (with grace and cure periods):

      An event of default for a particular series of debt securities does not necessarily constitute an event of default for any other series of debt securities issued under the indenture. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, if an event of default under any indenture with respect to debt securities of any series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then the applicable trustee or the holders of not less than a majority of the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount (or, if the debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities or indexed securities, such portion of the principal amounts may be specified in the terms thereof) of all the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately by written notice thereof to us (and to the applicable trustee if given by the holders). However, at any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to debt securities of such series (or of all debt securities then outstanding under any indenture, as the case may be) has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the applicable trustee, the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of such series (or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable indenture, as the case may be) may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if:

      If an event of default relating to events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company occurs and is continuing, then the principal amount of all of the debt securities outstanding, and any accrued interest, will automatically become due and payable immediately, without any declaration or other act by the trustee or any holder.

      Each trustee will be required to give notice to the holders of debt securities within 90 days of a default under the applicable indenture unless such default shall have been cured or waived; provided, however, that such trustee may withhold notice to the holders of any series of debt securities of any default with respect to such series (except a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any debt security of such series or in the payment of any sinking fund installment in respect of any debt security of such series) if specified responsible officers of such trustee consider such withholding to be in the interest of such holders.

      Each indenture will provide that no holders of debt securities of any series may institute any proceedings, judicial or otherwise, with respect to such indenture or for any remedy thereunder, except in the case of failure of the applicable trustee, for 60 days, to act after it has received a written request to institute proceedings in respect of an ranking junior to or on a parity with the preferred stock of such series as to dividends or upon liquidation. In addition, no common stock or any other capital stock event of default from the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series, as well as an offer of indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it. This provision will not prevent, however, any holder of debt securities from instituting suit for the enforcement of payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such debt securities at the respective due dates thereof.

      Each indenture provides that in case an event of default shall occur and be known to any trustee and not be cured, the trustee must use the same degree of care as a prudent person would use in the conduct of his or her own affairs in the exercise of the trustee’s power. Subject to provisions in each indenture relating to its duties in case of default, no trustee will be under any obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under an indenture at the request or direction of any holders of any series of debt securities then outstanding under such indenture, unless such holders shall have offered to the trustee thereunder reasonable security or indemnity. The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series (or of all debt securities then outstanding under an indenture, as the case may be) shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the applicable trustee, or of exercising any trust or power conferred upon such trustee. However, a trustee may refuse to follow any direction which is in conflict with any law or the applicable indenture, which may involve such trustee in personal liability or which may be unduly prejudicial to the holders of debt securities of such series not joining therein.

      Within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, we will be required to deliver to each trustee a certificate, signed by one of several specified officers, stating whether or not such officer has knowledge of any default under the applicable indenture and, if so, specifying each such default and the nature and status thereof.

Modification of the Indenture

      Each indenture provides that we and the trustee may enter into supplemental indentures without the consent of the holders of debt securities to:

      It is anticipated that modifications and amendments of an indenture may be made by us and the trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of each series of the outstanding debt securities issued under the indenture that are affected by the modification or amendment, provided that no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of each holder of such debt securities affected thereby:

      A record date may be set for any act of the holders with respect to consenting to any amendment. The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of each series affected thereby will have the right to waive our compliance with certain covenants in such indenture. Each indenture will contain provisions for convening meetings of the holders of debt securities of a series to take permitted action.

      A prospectus supplement may set forth modifications or additions to these provisions with respect to a particular series of debt securities.

Conversion or Exchange Rights

      A prospectus supplement will describe the terms, if any, on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock, preferred stock or other securities. These terms will also include provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option. Such provisions will also include the conversion or exchange price (or manner or calculation thereof), the conversion or exchange period, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion or exchange price, and provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of the redemption of such series of debt securities.

Registered Global Securities

      We may issue the debt securities of a series in whole or in part in the form of one or more fully registered global securities that we will deposit with a depositary or with a nominee for a depositary identified in the applicable prospectus supplement and registered in the name of such depositary or nominee. In such case, we will issue one or more registered global securities denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal

      Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities in definitive registered form, a registered global security may not be transferred except as a whole:

      The prospectus supplement relating to a series of debt securities will describe the specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any portion of such series represented by a registered global security. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary arrangements for debt securities:

      The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of the securities in definitive form. These laws may limit the ability of those persons to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in registered global securities.

      So long as the depositary for a registered global security, or its nominee, is the registered owner of the registered global security, the depositary or the nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by the registered global security for all purposes under the indenture. Except as set forth below, owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security:

      Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a registered global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary for the registered global security and, if the person is not a participant, on the procedures of a participant through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture.

      We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a registered global security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the indenture, the depositary for the registered global security would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take the action, and those participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through those participants to give or take the action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.

      We expect that the depositary for any debt securities represented by a registered global security, upon receipt of any payments of principal and premium, if any, and interest, if any, in respect of the registered global security, will immediately credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the registered global security as shown on the records of the depositary. We also expect that standing customer instructions and customary practices will govern payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the registered global security held through the participants, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name.” We also expect that any of these payments will be the responsibility of the participants.

      If the depositary for any debt securities represented by a registered global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, we will appoint an eligible successor depositary. If we fail to appoint an eligible successor depositary within 90 days, we will issue the debt securities in definitive form in exchange for the registered global security. In addition, we may at any time and in our sole discretion decide not to have any of the debt securities of a series represented by one or more registered global securities. In such event, we will issue debt securities of that series in a definitive form in exchange for all of the registered global securities representing the debt securities. The trustee will register any debt securities issued in definitive form in exchange for a registered global security in such name or names as the depositary, based upon instructions from its participants, shall instruct the trustee.

      We may also issue bearer debt securities of a series in the form of one or more global securities, referred to as “bearer global securities.” We will deposit these bearer global securities with a common depositary for Euroclear System and Clearstream Bank Luxembourg, Societe Anonyme, or with a nominee for the depositary identified in the prospectus supplement relating to that series. The prospectus supplement relating to a series of debt securities represented by a bearer global security will describe the specific terms and procedures, including the specific terms of the depositary arrangement and any specific procedures for the issuance of debt securities in definitive form in exchange for a bearer global security, with respect to the position of the series represented by a bearer global security.

Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

      We can discharge or defease our obligations under the indenture as set forth below. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, the subordination provisions applicable to any subordinated debt securities will be expressly subject to the discharge and defeasance provisions of the indenture.

      We may discharge some of our obligations to holders of any series of debt securities that have not already been delivered to the trustee for cancellation and that have either become due and payable or are by their terms to become due and payable within one year (or are scheduled for redemption within one year). We may effect a discharge by irrevocably depositing with the trustee cash or U.S. government obligations, as trust funds, in an amount certified to be sufficient to pay when due, whether at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise, the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities and any mandatory sinking fund payments.

      Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may also discharge any and all of our obligations to holders of any series of debt securities at any time (“defeasance”). We also may be released from the obligations imposed by any covenants of any outstanding series of debt securities and provisions of the indenture, and we may omit to comply with those covenants without creating an event of

      Although we may discharge or defease our obligations under the indenture as described in the two preceding paragraphs, we may not avoid, among other things, our duty to register the transfer or exchange of any series of debt securities, to replace any temporary, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen series of debt securities or to maintain an office or agency in respect of any series of debt securities.

Redemption of Securities

      Debt securities may also be subject to optional or mandatory redemption on terms and conditions described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

      From and after notice has been given as provided in the applicable indenture, if funds for the redemption of any debt securities called for redemption shall have been made available on such redemption date, such debt securities will cease to bear interest on the date fixed for such redemption specified in such notice, and the only right of the holders of the debt securities will be to receive payment of the redemption price.

Notices

      Holders of our debt securities will receive notices by mail at their addresses as they appear in the security register.

Title

      We may treat the person in whose name a debt security is registered on the applicable record date as the owner of the debt security for all purposes, whether or not it is overdue.

Governing Law

      New York law will govern the indentures and the debt securities, without regard to its conflicts of law principles.

Concerning the Trustee

      Each indenture provides that there may be more than one trustee under the indenture, each with respect to one or more series of debt securities. If there are different trustees for different series of debt securities, each trustee will be a trustee of a trust under the indenture separate and apart from the trust administered by any other trustee under the indenture. Except as otherwise indicated in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, any action permitted to be taken by a trustee may be taken by such trustee only with respect to the one or more series of debt securities for which it is the trustee under the indenture. Any trustee under the indenture may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of debt securities. All payments of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, and all registration, transfer, exchange, authentication and delivery (including authentication and delivery on original issuance of the debt securities) of, the debt

      Each indenture contains limitations on the right of the trustee, should it become a creditor of the Company, to obtain payment of claims in some cases or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The trustee may engage in other transactions. If it acquires any conflicting interest relating to any duties with respect to the debt securities, however, it must eliminate the conflict or resign as trustee.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

      We may sell the securities to one or more underwriters for public offering and sale by them, through agents or dealers, directly to purchasers or through a combination of any of the methods of sale. Any underwriter, agent or dealer involved in the offer and sale of the securities will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. The distribution of securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or from time to time at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

      We may, from time to time, authorize underwriters acting as our agents to offer and sell the securities upon the terms and conditions set forth in any prospectus supplement. In connection with the sale of the securities, underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from us in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from purchasers of the securities for whom they may act as agent. Any underwriting compensation paid by us to underwriters or agents in connection with the offering of the securities, and any discounts, concessions or commissions allowed by underwriters to participating dealers, will be set forth in an applicable prospectus supplement. If a dealer is utilized in the sale of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered, we may sell the securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the time of resale. Underwriters, dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts, concessions and commissions under the Securities Act. Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled under agreements with us to indemnification against and contribution toward certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to reimbursement by us for certain expenses.

      If so indicated in an applicable prospectus supplement, we may authorize dealers acting as our agents to solicit offers by institutions to purchase the securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date or dates stated in the prospectus supplement. Each delayed delivery contract will be for an amount not less than, and the aggregate principal amount or offering price of the securities sold pursuant to delayed delivery contracts will not be less nor more than, the respective amounts stated in the prospectus supplement. Institutions with whom delayed delivery contracts, when authorized, may be entered into include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and other institutions, but will in all cases be subject to approval by us. Contracts will not be subject to any conditions except (1) the purchase by an institution of the securities covered by its contracts will not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction in the United States to which the institution is subject, and (2) if the securities are being sold to underwriters, we will have sold to them the total principal amount of the securities less the principal amount of the securities covered by contracts. Agents and underwriters will have no responsibility in respect of the delivery or performance of contracts.

      Direct sales to investors or our stockholders may be accomplished through subscription offerings or through stockholder purchase rights distributed to stockholders. In connection with subscription offerings or the distribution of stockholder purchase rights to stockholders, if all of the underlying securities are not subscribed for, we may sell any unsubscribed securities to third parties directly or through underwriters or agents. In addition, whether or not all of the underlying securities are subscribed for, we may concurrently offer additional securities to third parties directly or through underwriters or agents. If securities are to be sold

      The securities also may be offered and sold, if so indicated in the prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more firms (“remarketing firms”), acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. Any remarketing firm will be identified and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with the securities remarketed thereby. Remarketing firms may be entitled under agreements which may be entered into with us to indemnification by us against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

      We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third parties in such sale transactions will be underwriters and will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment).

      Securities offered may be a new issue of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters to whom or agents through whom these securities are sold by us for public offering and sale may make a market in these securities, but such underwriters or agents will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of or the trading market for any such securities.

      To facilitate the offering of securities, certain persons participating in the offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the price of the securities. These may include over-allotment, stabilization, syndicate short covering transactions and penalty bids. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which creates a short position. Stabilizing transactions involve bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Syndicate short covering transactions involve purchases of securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim selling concessions from dealers when the securities originally sold by the dealers are purchased in covering transactions to cover syndicate short positions. These transactions, if commenced, may be discontinued by the underwriters at any time.

      During such time as we may be engaged in a distribution of the securities covered by this prospectus we are required to comply with Regulation M promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. With certain exceptions, Regulation M precludes us, any affiliated purchasers, and any broker-dealer or other person who participates in such distributing from bidding for or purchasing, or attempting to induce any person to bid for or purchase, any security which is the subject of the distribution until the entire distribution is complete. Regulation M also restricts bids or purchases made in order to stabilize the price of a security in connection with the distribution of that security.

LEGAL MATTERS

      Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the securities being offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, PLLC. If the validity of any securities is also passed upon by counsel for the underwriters of an offering of those securities, that counsel will be named in the prospectus supplement relating to that offering.

EXPERTS

      The consolidated financial statements and management’s report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting incorporated by reference in this prospectus from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference (which reports (1) express an unqualified opinion on the consolidated financial statements, (2) express an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment regarding the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and (3) express an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting because of material weaknesses), and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

      We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to the securities offered hereby. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and its exhibits. Statements made by us in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement or other document referred to in this prospectus are not necessarily complete. For a more complete description of these contracts, agreements or other documents, you should carefully read the exhibits to the registration statement and the documents that we reference under the caption “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.”

      We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.

      We make available free of charge through our web site, which you can find at http://www.capstoneturbine.com, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

      We are incorporating by reference information we file with the SEC, which means:

      We are incorporating by reference the following documents, which we have previously filed with the SEC:

      Any statement contained in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or any other subsequently filed document that is deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus modifies or supersedes the statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

      You can obtain copies of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus but not delivered with this prospectus without charge through our web site (http://www.capstoneturbine.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file the material with, or furnish it to, the SEC, or by requesting them in writing or by telephone at the following address: