CAPSTEAD MORTGAGE CORP
SC 13E4, 1999-12-10
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
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<PAGE>   1
================================================================================


                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20459

                                 SCHEDULE 13E-4

                          ISSUER TENDER OFFER STATEMENT
      (Pursuant to Section 13(e)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934)

                          CAPSTEAD MORTGAGE CORPORATION
                                (Name of Issuer)


                          CAPSTEAD MORTGAGE CORPORATION
                        (Name of Person Filing Statement)

                     COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $0.01 PER SHARE
                         (Title of Class of Securities)

                                  (14067E 10 0)
                      (CUSIP Number of Class of Securities)

                                ANDREW F. JACOBS
              EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
                          CAPSTEAD MORTGAGE CORPORATION
                    8401 NORTH CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY, SUITE 800
                               DALLAS, TEXAS 75225
                                 (214) 874-2323
           (Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to
           Receive Notices and Communications on Behalf of the Person
                              Filing the Statement)

                                    Copy to:
                                  DAVID BARBOUR
                             ANDREWS & KURTH L.L.P.
                          1717 MAIN STREET, SUITE 3700
                               DALLAS, TEXAS 75201
                                 (214) 659-4400

                                DECEMBER 9, 1999
     (Date Tender Offer First Published, Sent or Given to Security Holders)

                            CALCULATION OF FILING FEE

      Transaction Valuation: *$45,500,000           Amount of Filing Fee: $9,100

*    For purposes of calculating fee only. Assumes the purchase of 10,000,000
     shares at $4.55 per share.

[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Rule 0-11(a)(2)
and identify the filing with which the offsetting fee was previously paid.
Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the form or
schedule and the date of its filing.

<TABLE>
<S>                                               <C>
Amount Previously Paid: Not applicable            Form or Registration No.: Not applicable
Filing Party:           Not applicable            Date Filed:               Not applicable
</TABLE>

================================================================================



<PAGE>   2



         This Issuer Tender Offer Statement on Schedule 13E-4 (this "Schedule
13E-4") relates to the offer by Capstead Mortgage Corporation, a Maryland
corporation ("Capstead"), to purchase up to 10,000,000 shares (or such lesser
number of shares as are properly tendered) of its common stock, par value $0.01
per share (the "Common Stock") at a purchase price of $4.55 per share, net to
the seller in cash, without interest thereon, all upon the terms and subject to
the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase, dated December 9, 1999 (the
"Offer to Purchase"), and the related Letter of Transmittal (which, as amended
or supplemented from time to time, together constitute the "Offer"), copies of
which are attached as Exhibits (a)(1) and (a)(2). Pursuant to Rule
13e-4(f)(1)(ii) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the total
number of shares purchased may be increased to 11,137,000 shares of Common
Stock.

ITEM 1.  SECURITY AND ISSUER.

(a)      The name of the issuer is Capstead Mortgage Corporation, and the
         address of its principal executive offices is 8401 North Central
         Expressway, Suite 800, Dallas, Texas 75225.

(b)      This Schedule 13E-4 relates to the Offer by Capstead to purchase up to
         10,000,000 shares (or such lesser number of shares as are properly
         tendered) of Common Stock. Such shares shall be purchased at a price of
         $4.55 per share, net to the seller in cash, without interest thereon,
         upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer. As
         of December 7, 1999, the most recent practicable date prior to the
         announcement of the Offer, Capstead had issued and outstanding
         56,854,405 shares of Common Stock. The information set forth on the
         cover page and under "Background and Purpose of the Offer; Sale of New
         Preferred Stock to Fortress; Proposed Transactions with Fortress;
         Investment Strategy," "Price Range of Common Stock; Dividends,"
         "Certain Information About Capstead; General Information" and
         "Transactions and Arrangements Concerning Common Stock" in the Offer to
         Purchase is incorporated herein by reference.

(c)      The Common Stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange
         (the "NYSE") under the symbol "CMO." On December 7, 1999, the most
         recent practicable date prior to the announcement of the Offer, the
         closing per share sales price of the Common Stock, as reported on the
         NYSE composite tape, was $3.75. The information set forth under "Price
         Range of Common Stock; Dividends" in the Offer to Purchase is
         incorporated herein by reference.

(d)      This statement is being filed by Capstead.

ITEM 2.  SOURCE AND AMOUNT OF FUNDS OR OTHER CONSIDERATION.

(a)-(b). The information set forth in "Source and Amount of Funds" in the Offer
         to Purchase is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 3.  PURPOSE OF THE TENDER OFFER AND PLANS OR PROPOSALS OF THE ISSUER OR
         AFFILIATE.

(a)-(g). The shares of Common stock to be acquired by Capstead pursuant to the
         Offer will be canceled and returned to authorized but unissued shares.
         The information set forth on the cover page and under "Number Of
         Shares; Proration; Extension of the Offer," "Background and Purpose of
         the Offer; Sale of New Preferred Stock to Fortress; Proposed
         Transactions with Fortress; Investment Strategy," "Certain Information
         About Capstead"; General Information" and "Transactions and
         Arrangements Concerning the Common Stock" in the Offer to Purchase is
         incorporated herein by reference.

(h)-(j). Not applicable.




<PAGE>   3



ITEM 4.  INTEREST IN SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER.

The information set forth in "Background and Purpose of the Offer; Sale of New
Preferred Stock to Fortress; Proposed Transactions with Fortress; Investment
Strategy" and "Transactions and Arrangements Concerning the Common Stock" in the
Offer to Purchase is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 5.  CONTRACTS, ARRANGEMENTS, UNDERSTANDINGS OR RELATIONSHIPS WITH RESPECT
         TO THE ISSUER'S SECURITIES.

Capstead's directors and executive officers have agreed not to participate in
the Offer.

ITEM 6.  PERSONS RETAINED, EMPLOYED OR TO BE COMPENSATED.

The information set forth in "Fees and Expenses" in the Offer to Purchase is
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 7.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION.

(a)(1)-(4)  The information set forth in "Summary Unaudited Historical Financial
            Information" in the Offer to Purchase is incorporated herein by
            reference.

(b)(1)-(3)  The information set forth in "Certain Unaudited Pro Forma Financial
            Information" in the Offer to Purchase is incorporated herein by
            reference.

ITEM 8.  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

(a)         None.

(b)         The information set forth in "Certain Information About Capstead;
            General Information," "Miscellaneous" and "Certain Legal Matters;
            Regulatory Approvals" in the Offer to Purchase is incorporated
            herein by reference.

(c)         Not applicable.

(d)         Not applicable.

(e)         The information set forth in the Offer to Purchase and the Letter of
            Transmittal, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibits (a)(1)
            and (a)(2), respectively, is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 9.    MATERIAL TO BE FILED AS EXHIBITS.

(a)(1)      Form of Offer to Purchase dated December 9, 1999.

(a)(2)      Form of Letter of Transmittal.

(a)(3)      Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.

(a)(4)      Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust
            Companies and Other Nominees dated December 9, 1999.

(a)(5)      Form of Letter to Clients from Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks,
            Trust Companies and other Nominees dated December 9, 1999.



<PAGE>   4



(a)(6)   Form of Press Release

(b)      Not applicable.

(c)      Not applicable.

(d)      Not applicable.

(e)-(f)  Not applicable.







                                    SIGNATURE

         After due inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify
that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

Dated: December 9, 1999

                                     CAPSTEAD MORTGAGE CORPORATION



                                     By: /s/ ANDREW F. JACOBS
                                         ---------------------------------
                                         Andrew F. Jacobs
                                         Executive Vice President and Chief
                                           Financial Officer





<PAGE>   5
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER              DESCRIPTION
- -------             -----------
<S>      <C>

(a)(1)   Form of Offer to Purchase dated December 9, 1999.

(a)(2)   Form of Letter of Transmittal.

(a)(3)   Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.

(a)(4)   Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies
         and Other Nominees dated December 9, 1999.

(a)(5)   Form of Letter to Clients from Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks,
         Trust Companies and other Nominees dated December 9, 1999.

(a)(6)   Form of Letter to Stockholders dated December 9, 1999.

(a)(7)   Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on
         Substitute Form W-9.

(a)(8)   Form of Press Release.

(b)      Not applicable.

(c)      Not applicable.

(d)      Not applicable.

(e)-(f)  Not applicable.
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   1


TO THE HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK
OF CAPSTEAD MORTGAGE CORPORATION:


                  OFFER TO PURCHASE UP TO 10,000,000 SHARES OF
                                 COMMON STOCK OF
                          CAPSTEAD MORTGAGE CORPORATION
                     AT A PURCHASE PRICE OF $4.55 PER SHARE


          THE OFFER, WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS AND PRORATION PERIOD WILL EXPIRE
             ON JANUARY 14, 2000, AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME,
                          UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED


         Capstead Mortgage Corporation, a Maryland corporation ("Capstead")
offers to purchase up to 10,000,000 shares of the common stock, $0.01 par value
per share, of Capstead (the "Common Stock") at a purchase price of $4.55 per
share (the "Purchase Price"), net to the seller in cash, without interest.
Shares must be tendered on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
this document and in the related Letter of Transmittal (which, as amended or
supplemented from time to time, together constitute the "Offer"). All shares
properly tendered and not properly withdrawn will be purchased at the Purchase
Price, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, including the
proration provisions.

         Capstead reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to purchase more
than 10,000,000 shares pursuant to the Offer. Shares not purchased because of
the proration provisions will be returned. See "Procedure for Tendering Shares."

         THE OFFER IS NOT CONDITIONED UPON ANY MINIMUM NUMBER OF SHARES BEING
TENDERED.  THE OFFER IS, HOWEVER, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN OTHER CONDITIONS.  SEE
"CERTAIN CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER."

         Tendering holders of Common Stock will not be obligated to pay
brokerage commissions, solicitation fees, or, subject to the terms and
conditions of the Offer, stock transfer taxes on the purchase of shares of
Common Stock by Capstead. However, any tendering stockholder or other payee
required to complete a Letter of Transmittal who fails to complete fully and
sign the box captioned "Substitute Form W-9" included in the Letter of
Transmittal may be subject to a required tax withholding of 31% of the gross
proceeds paid to the stockholder or other payee pursuant to the Offer. Capstead
will pay all charges and expenses of Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A. (the
"Depositary"), PaineWebber Incorporated (the "Dealer Manager") and Corporate
Investor Communications, Inc. (the "Information Agent") incurred in connection
with the Offer.

         Tenders pursuant to the Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to
January 14, 2000, the expiration date of the Offer (including any extensions,
the "Expiration Date") and if not yet accepted for payment, after February 7,
2000.

         The Common Stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange
under the symbol "CMO." On December 7, 1999, the most recent practicable date
prior to the announcement of the Offer, the closing per share sales price of the
Common Stock, as reported on the NYSE composite tape, was $3.75. STOCKHOLDERS
ARE URGED TO OBTAIN CURRENT MARKET QUOTATIONS FOR THE SHARES. See "Price Range
of Common Stock; Dividends."

         THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CAPSTEAD HAS APPROVED THE MAKING OF THE
OFFER. YOU MUST, HOWEVER, MAKE YOUR OWN DECISION WHETHER TO TENDER SHARES AND,
IF SO,



<PAGE>   2



HOW MANY SHARES TO TENDER. NONE OF CAPSTEAD, ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS OR THE
DEALER MANAGER MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION TO YOU WITH RESPECT TO THE OFFER, AND NO
PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED BY CAPSTEAD OR ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO MAKE ANY
SUCH RECOMMENDATIONS. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF CAPSTEAD HAVE AGREED
NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OFFER.

         YOU SHOULD EVALUATE CAREFULLY ALL OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED OR
REFERRED TO IN THIS DOCUMENT AND MAKE YOUR OWN DECISION WHETHER TO TENDER SHARES
PURSUANT TO THE OFFER. YOU ARE URGED TO CONSULT A TAX ADVISOR CONCERNING ANY
FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, OR FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF A SALE OF COMMON STOCK
PURSUANT TO THE OFFER.


                                    IMPORTANT

         Any stockholder of record desiring to tender all or any portion of his
or her shares should complete and sign the Letter of Transmittal or a facsimile
thereof in accordance with the instructions in the Letter of Transmittal, mail
or deliver it with any required signature guarantee and any other required
documents to the Depositary and either mail or deliver the stock certificates
for such shares to the Depositary (with all such other documents). A stockholder
having shares registered in the name of a broker ("Broker") or a dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other nominee (together, "Other Nominee") must
contact that Broker or Other Nominee if such stockholder desires to tender such
shares. Brokers and Other Nominees may also tender shares in accordance with the
Automated Tender Offer Program procedures of The Depositary Trust Company.
Stockholders who desire to tender shares and whose certificates for such shares
are not immediately available or whose other required documentation cannot be
delivered to the Depositary by the expiration of the Offer should tender such
shares by following the procedures for guaranteed delivery set forth under
"Procedure for Tendering Shares."

         Questions and requests for assistance or requests for additional copies
of this Offer and all related documents, may be directed to the Information
Agent or to the Dealer Manager at their respective addresses and telephone
numbers set forth on the back cover of this Offer to Purchase.


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

                      The Dealer Manager for this Offer is:

                            PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED

             THE DATE OF THIS OFFER TO PURCHASE IS DECEMBER 9, 1999.

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





<PAGE>   3



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Section                                                                                                        Page
- -------                                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                                           <C>
SUMMARY  .......................................................................................................(i)

1.       Number of Shares; Proration; Extension of the Offer .....................................................1

2.       Background and Purpose of the Offer; Sale of New Preferred Stock to Fortress; Proposed Transactions with
         Fortress; Investment Strategy............................................................................3

3.       Tenders by Holders of Fewer than 100 Shares-- "Odd Lots" ................................................7

4.       Procedure for Tendering Shares...........................................................................7

5.       Withdrawal Rights.......................................................................................11

6.       Purchase of Shares and Payment of Purchase Price........................................................12

7.       Certain Conditions of the Offer.........................................................................12

8.       Price Range of Common Stock; Dividends..................................................................14

9.       Effects of the Offer....................................................................................15

10.      Source and Amount of Funds..............................................................................15

11.      Certain Information About Capstead; General Information.................................................16

12.      Summary Unaudited Historical Financial Information......................................................19

13.      Certain Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information.......................................................20

14.      Transactions and Arrangements Concerning the Common Stock ..............................................22

15.      Federal Income Tax Consequences.........................................................................23

16.      Certain Legal Matters; Regulatory Approvals.............................................................26

17.      Extension of the Offer Period; Termination; Amendments..................................................27

18.      Fees and Expenses.......................................................................................27

19.      Miscellaneous...........................................................................................28

20.      Additional Information..................................................................................28
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   4



                                     SUMMARY

         This general summary is provided solely for the convenience of the
holders of the Common Stock and is qualified by reference to the full text and
more specific details in this Offer to Purchase and the related Letter of
Transmittal (which, as amended or supplemented from time to time, together
constitute the "Offer").


<TABLE>
<S>                                                    <C>
Shares to be Purchased...............................  10,000,000 shares (or such lesser number as are validly
                                                       tendered) at a purchase price of $4.55 per share (the
                                                       "Purchase Price").

How to Tender Shares.................................  Stockholders of record desiring to tender shares must
                                                       complete a Letter of Transmittal.  A stockholder having
                                                       shares registered in the name of a broker ("Broker") or a
                                                       dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee
                                                       (together, "Other Nominee") must contact that Broker or
                                                       Other Nominee if such stockholder desires to tender such
                                                       shares.  See "Procedure for Tendering Shares."  You may
                                                       contact the Information Agent, the Dealer Manager or your
                                                       broker for assistance.

Brokerage Commissions................................  None, for stockholders of record who tender their shares
                                                       directly to the Depositary.  A stockholder holding shares
                                                       through a Broker or Other Nominee is urged to consult
                                                       such Broker or Other Nominee to determine whether
                                                       transaction costs are applicable.

Stock Transfer Tax...................................  None, if payment of the Purchase Price is to the
                                                       stockholder of record.

Proration............................................  If stockholders tender more shares than Capstead desires to
                                                       purchase, prorationing will be necessary.  Prorationing for
                                                       each stockholder properly tendering shares, other than odd
                                                       lot holders, will be based on the ratio of the number of
                                                       shares properly tendered by such stockholder (and not
                                                       properly withdrawn prior to the expiration date of the
                                                       Offer) to the total number of shares properly tendered by
                                                       all stockholders, other than odd lot holders (and not
                                                       properly withdrawn prior to the expiration date of the
                                                       Offer).

Odd Lots.............................................  There will be no proration of shares tendered by any
                                                       stockholder who owns of record or beneficially as of the
                                                       close of business on December 8, 1999 and who continues
                                                       to own, of record or beneficially as of the expiration date of
                                                       the Offer, an aggregate of fewer than 100 shares of
                                                       Common Stock, if the stockholder tenders all shares owned
                                                       by the stockholder prior to the expiration date of the Offer
                                                       and completes the section entitled "Odd Lots" in the Letter
                                                       of Transmittal.  See "Number of Shares; Proration;
                                                       Extension of the Offer" and "Tenders by Holders of Fewer
                                                       than 100 Shares--Odd Lots."
</TABLE>



                                       (i)

<PAGE>   5




<TABLE>
<S>                                                    <C>
Expiration Date......................................  January 14, 2000, at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, unless
                                                       extended to a later date at Capstead's discretion.  See
                                                       "Number of Shares; Proration; Extension of the Offer."

Payment Date.........................................  As soon as practicable after the expiration date of the Offer
                                                       and acceptance of shares tendered pursuant to this Offer by
                                                       Capstead.

Position of Capstead, its Directors and the Dealer
         Manager.....................................  None of Capstead, its directors or the Dealer Manager
                                                       makes any recommendation as to whether a stockholder
                                                       should tender shares pursuant to this Offer.  Each
                                                       stockholder must make the decision whether to tender
                                                       shares and, if so, how many shares to tender.  Directors and
                                                       executive officers of Capstead have agreed not to
                                                       participate in the Offer.

Withdrawal Rights....................................  Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer may be withdrawn at
                                                       any time prior to the expiration date of the Offer and, if not
                                                       yet accepted for payment, after February 7, 2000.

Sale of New Preferred Stock to Fortress..............  On December 9, 1999, Fortress Investment Corp., a real
                                                       estate investment and asset management company
                                                       ("Fortress"), made an aggregate investment of $51,200,000
                                                       in Capstead through the purchase of 5,378,000 shares of
                                                       Capstead's newly-created Series C Preferred Stock and
                                                       5,378,000 shares of Capstead's newly-created Series D
                                                       Preferred Stock (collectively, the "New Preferred Stock").
                                                       In connection with the sale of the New Preferred Stock to
                                                       Fortress, effective as of December 9, 1999, Capstead's
                                                       Board of Directors (the "Board") increased the size of the
                                                       Board by two members and elected two officers of Fortress
                                                       as directors to fill the newly-created vacancies on the
                                                       Board.

Proposed Transactions with Fortress..................  On November 30, 1999, the Board authorized a Special
                                                       Meeting of Stockholders at which Capstead's stockholders
                                                       will vote upon (i) a proposed 1-for-2 reverse stock split and
                                                       (ii) a series of events (the "Proposal") contemplated by the
                                                       Supplemental Agreement (hereafter defined), the net effect
                                                       of which will, if approved at the Special Meeting, result in
                                                       (a) Capstead's Board being comprised of seven members,
                                                       two of whom are employees of Fortress and two of whom
                                                       (who shall be independent directors) shall have been
                                                       nominated by Fortress and (b) Wesley R. Edens, Fortress'
                                                       Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, becoming
                                                       Capstead's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
                                                       Therefore, if the Proposal is approved at the Special
                                                       Meeting, Fortress will be in a position to significantly
                                                       influence the future business policies and operations of
                                                       Capstead.  Pursuant to a Supplemental Agreement to the
                                                       Stock Purchase Agreement between Capstead and Fortress
</TABLE>


                                      (ii)

<PAGE>   6



<TABLE>
<S>                                                    <C>
                                                       (the "Supplemental Agreement"), Fortress agreed, on or before
                                                       the end of the six-month period following the date of the
                                                       Special Meeting, to acquire at least five million shares of
                                                       Common Stock through, at Fortress' option (i) open-market
                                                       purchases, (ii) the conversion of Preferred Stock or (iii) a
                                                       combination thereof. If the Proposal is not approved, or
                                                       upon the occurrence of certain other events as provided in
                                                       the Supplemental Agreement, Fortress will not be obligated
                                                       to acquire additional shares of Common Stock and Fortress
                                                       will have the ability to resell the New Preferred Stock to
                                                       Capstead at a premium. See "Background and Purpose of Offer;
                                                       Sale of New Preferred Stock to Fortress; Proposed
                                                       Transactions with Fortress; Investment Strategy."

Investment Strategy..................................  Capstead is currently considering modifying its investment
                                                       strategy to replace a portion of its existing mortgage
                                                       investments with a diversified portfolio of credit sensitive
                                                       commercial and residential mortgage- backed securities, most
                                                       of which are expected to be "investment grade" at the time of
                                                       purchase as determined by national rating agencies.  This
                                                       proposed strategy is intended to improve the Company's
                                                       earnings prospects while providing more stability during
                                                       periods of increased interest rate volatility.  The sale or
                                                       other disposition of some of the Company's mortgage
                                                       investments in order to implement this proposed strategy
                                                       could result in the recognition of a portion of the losses
                                                       currently reflected in the Company's balance sheet.  There
                                                       can be no assurance as to what extent, if any, this proposed
                                                       strategy will be implemented and, if implemented, whether or
                                                       not it will be successful in meeting Capstead's goals.


Further Information Regarding the Offer..............  Contact the Information Agent or Dealer Manager or
                                                       consult your broker.
</TABLE>



                                      (iii)

<PAGE>   7



                           OFFER TO PURCHASE FOR CASH


         Capstead Mortgage Corporation ("Capstead") invites its stockholders to
tender shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Common Stock"), to
Capstead at a purchase price of $4.55 per share (the "Purchase Price"), net to
the seller in cash, without interest. Shares must be tendered on the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the Letter of Transmittal
included herewith (which, as amended or supplemented from time to time, together
constitute the "Offer").

         This document contains "forward-looking statements" (within the meaning
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that inherently involve
risks and uncertainties. Capstead's actual results and liquidity can differ
materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements because of
changes in the level and composition of Capstead's investments and unforeseen
factors. These factors may include, but are not limited to, changes in general
economic conditions, the availability of suitable investments, fluctuations in
and market expectations for fluctuations in interest rates and levels of
mortgage prepayments, deterioration in credit quality and ratings, the
effectiveness of risk management strategies, the impact of leverage, liquidity
of secondary markets and credit markets, year 2000 compliance failures,
increases in costs and other general competitive factors.

1.       NUMBER OF SHARES; PRORATION; EXTENSION OF THE OFFER

         NUMBER OF SHARES TO BE PURCHASED. Upon the terms and subject to the
conditions of the Offer, Capstead will purchase up to 10,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, or such lesser number of shares as are properly tendered (and not
properly withdrawn as provided in "Withdrawal Rights") prior to the Expiration
Date (hereafter defined) at the Purchase Price, net to the seller in cash,
without interest. No fees or commissions will be payable by Capstead to brokers,
dealers or other persons (other than fees to the Dealer Manager and the
Information Agent as described under "Fees and Expenses") for soliciting tenders
of shares pursuant to the Offer. A stockholder holding shares through a broker
("Broker") or a dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee
(together, "Other Nominee") is urged to consult such Broker or Other Nominee to
determine whether transaction costs are applicable if such stockholder tenders
shares through such Broker or Other Nominee and not directly to the Depositary.

         EXPIRATION DATE. The term "Expiration Date" means 5:00 p.m., New York
City time, on January 14, 2000, unless and until Capstead, in its sole
discretion, shall have extended the period of time during which the Offer will
remain open, in which event the term "Expiration Date" shall refer to the latest
time and date at which the Offer, as so extended by Capstead, shall expire. See
"Extension of the Offer Period; Termination; Amendments" for a description of
Capstead's right to extend, delay, terminate or amend the Offer. In the event of
an over-subscription of the Offer as described below, shares properly tendered
(and not properly withdrawn) prior to the Expiration Date will be subject to
proration, except Odd Lots (as defined below). If (i) Capstead (a) increases or
decreases the Purchase Price, (b) materially increases the Dealer Manager fee,
or (c) increases by more than 2% of the issued and outstanding shares of Common
Stock or decreases the number of shares being sought, and (ii) the Offer is
scheduled to expire at any time earlier than the expiration of a period ending
on the tenth business day from, and including, the date that notice of the
change is first published, sent or given to stockholders, the Offer will be
extended until the expiration of such period of ten business days. Any such
change will be disseminated promptly to the stockholders in a manner reasonably
designed to inform stockholders of such change. See "Extension of the Offer
Period; Termination; Amendments."

         PRIORITY OF PURCHASE; PRORATION. If the number of shares validly
tendered and not properly withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date is less than or
equal to 10,000,000 shares (or such greater number of shares as Capstead may
elect to purchase in accordance with the Offer), Capstead will, upon the terms
and subject to the conditions of the Offer, purchase all shares so tendered. In
the event of an over-subscription of the Offer, shares validly tendered and not
properly withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date shall be purchased on a pro-rata
basis, disregarding fractions that arise



<PAGE>   8



as a result of such prorationing, according to the number of shares tendered by
each holder of Common Stock prior to the Expiration Date of the Offer; provided,
however, that:

         (a)       All shares tendered prior to the Expiration Date by any
                   holder of Common Stock who owned of record or beneficially as
                   of the close of business on December 8, 1999 and who
                   continues to own, of record or beneficially as of the
                   Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 shares of
                   Common Stock and who tenders all of such shares (partial
                   tenders will not qualify for this preference) and completes
                   the box captioned "Odd Lots" in the Letter of Transmittal
                   shall be purchased in full, prior to the proration of shares
                   tendered by any other holder of Common Stock; and

         (b)       Capstead reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to elect
                   to purchase any and all of the excess shares tendered; and so
                   long as the excess number accepted by Capstead does not
                   exceed two percent (2%) of the issued and outstanding shares
                   of Common Stock, no extension of the Offer period and no
                   further notice to the stockholders will be required or given.
                   If Capstead elects to purchase excess tendered shares, but
                   less than all of the tendered shares, then the shares
                   tendered shall be purchased on a pro-rata basis, as described
                   above (subject to the odd-lot exception noted in paragraph
                   (a) above).

         If proration of tendered shares is required, Capstead will determine
the proration factor as soon as practicable following the Expiration Date.
Proration for each stockholder tendering shares, other than Odd Lot Holders,
shall be based on the ratio of the number of shares properly tendered and not
properly withdrawn by such stockholder to the total number of shares properly
tendered and not properly withdrawn by all stockholders other than Odd Lot
Holders. Because of the difficulty in quickly determining the number of shares
properly tendered and not properly withdrawn, and because of the Odd Lot
procedure, Capstead expects that it will not be able to announce the final
proration factor or commence payment for any shares purchased pursuant to the
Offer until approximately five business days after the Expiration Date.

         As described under "Federal Income Tax Consequences," the number of
shares that Capstead will purchase from a stockholder pursuant to the Offer may
affect the United States federal income tax consequences to the tendering
stockholder and, therefore, may be relevant to a stockholder's decision whether
or not to tender shares. The Letter of Transmittal affords each tendering
stockholder of record the opportunity to designate the order of priority in
which shares tendered are to be purchased in the event of proration. A
stockholder whose shares are registered in the name of a Broker or Other Nominee
must contact such Broker or Other Nominee to determine whether such holder can
designate the order of priority in which shares tendered are to be purchased in
the event of proration and, if so, how such priority may be designated.

         INFORMATION REGARDING COMMON STOCK. The Common Stock is listed and
traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "CMO." On
December 7, 1999, the most recent practicable date prior to the announcement of
the Offer, the closing per share sales price of the Common Stock, as reported on
the NYSE composite tape, was $3.75. Stockholders are encouraged to obtain
current market quotations of the Common Stock. See "Price Range of Common Stock;
Dividends." As of December 7, 1999, the most recent practicable date prior to
the announcement of the Offer, Capstead had issued and outstanding (i)
56,854,405 shares of Common Stock, (ii) options to purchase an aggregate of
1,497,577 shares of Common Stock under Capstead's stock option plans (the "Stock
Option Plans") (none of which options was exercisable, as of December 7, 1999,
at or below the Purchase Price) and (iii) shares of Series A and Series B
Preferred Stock convertible for an aggregate of 13,442,672 shares of Common
Stock (none of which shares of Series A or Series B Preferred Stock was
convertible, as of December 7, 1999, on terms favorable to the holders thereof).
The 10,000,000 shares that Capstead is offering to purchase in this Offer
represented approximately 18% of the outstanding Common Stock as of December 7,
1999, the most recent practicable date prior to the announcement of the Offer.



                                        2

<PAGE>   9



         On December 9, 1999, Capstead sold to Fortress Investment Corp.
("Fortress"), 5,378,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock and 5,378,000 shares
of Series D Preferred Stock (together, the "New Preferred Stock") which are
convertible, without the payment of additional consideration, into an aggregate
of 10,756,000 shares of Common Stock, as described under "Background and Purpose
of the Offer; Sale of New Preferred Stock to Fortress; Proposed Transactions
with Fortress; Investment Strategy" below. The issuance of the New Preferred
Stock (assuming full conversion thereof as of the date of issuance) resulted in
immediate dilution to the holders of the Common Stock of $0.35 per share. The
purchase price of the New Preferred Stock, however, was $4.76 per share,
representing a 27% premium over the closing per share sales price of the Common
Stock of $3.75 as reported on the NYSE composite tape, on December 7, 1999.

         MAILING OF OFFER. This Offer to Purchase and the related Letter of
Transmittal (i) are being mailed to stockholders of record as of December 8,
1999 and (ii) will be furnished to Brokers and Other Nominees whose names, or
the names of whose nominees, appear on Capstead's list of holders of Common
Stock as of December 8, 1999 or, if applicable, who are listed as participants
in a clearing agency's security position listing as of December 8, 1999.

2.       BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE OFFER; SALE OF NEW PREFERRED STOCK TO
         FORTRESS; PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS WITH FORTRESS; INVESTMENT STRATEGY

         BACKGROUND. Capstead is a mortgage investment firm that currently earns
income from investing in mortgage assets on a leveraged basis and from other
investment strategies. Declining long-term interest rates throughout much of
1998 kept long-term interest rates at or below short-term interest rates for
most of that year. This unfavorable interest rate environment led to
significantly higher mortgage prepayment rates, which negatively impacted yields
and asset valuations on most of Capstead's mortgage assets, particularly on
Capstead's mortgage servicing and interest-only mortgage-backed securities
portfolios. These market conditions contributed to liquidity issues for the
mortgage finance industry as the availability of financing diminished for all
but the highest quality mortgage assets. In response to these market conditions,
Capstead reduced its mortgage asset portfolios, which included the disposition
of a large portfolio of interest-only mortgage-backed securities at a
substantial loss, suspended its common stock dividend for the third and fourth
quarters of 1998 and sold its mortgage banking operations. During 1998, the
market price of the Common Stock declined from $20.00 per share on January 1,
1998 to $4.125 per share on December 31, 1998, which represented a 45% discount
to the December 31, 1998 book value per share (calculated assuming the
redemption of the then outstanding preferred stock.) See "Price Range of Common
Stock; Dividends."

         During 1998, twenty-four purported class action lawsuits were filed
against Capstead and certain of its officers alleging, among other things, that
the defendants violated federal securities laws by publicly issuing false and
misleading statements and omitting disclosure of material adverse information
regarding Capstead's business during various periods between January 28, 1997
and July 24, 1998. The complaints claim that as a result of such alleged
improper actions, the market prices of Capstead's equity securities were
artificially inflated during that time period. The complaints seek monetary
damages in an undetermined amount. In March 1999 these actions were
consolidated. The time by which Capstead is to respond has not yet run. Capstead
believes it has meritorious defenses to the claims and intends to vigorously
defend the actions. Based on available information, management believes the
resolution of these suits will not have a material adverse effect on the
financial position of Capstead.

         With the sale of its mortgage banking operations, Capstead's primary
business currently consists of the management of a leveraged portfolio of
single-family residential mortgage-backed securities issued by governmental-
sponsored entities, either Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae ("Agency
Securities"). This portfolio is financed by short-term borrowings and equity.
After acquiring $3.3 billion of Agency Securities during the first quarter of
1999, Capstead increased its portfolio of Agency Securities only modestly during
the second and third quarters to $5.5 billion as of September 30, 1999.
Capstead's leverage ratio (short-term borrowings to equity, before other
comprehensive income adjustments) increased from 2.7:1 at year-end to 7.6:1 at
September 30, 1999. Throughout 1999, the Common Stock has continued to trade at
prices significantly below book value per share. As of December 7, 1999, the
most recent practicable date prior to the announcement of the Offer, the closing
per share sales price of the Common Stock,


                                        3

<PAGE>   10



as reported on the NYSE composite tape, was $3.75, which represented a 43%
discount to Capstead's estimated book value per share of $6.56 as of December 3,
1999 (calculated assuming the redemption of the outstanding preferred stock and
before giving effect to the sale of the New Preferred Stock to Fortress). See
"Price Range of Common Stock; Dividends."

         PURPOSE OF THE OFFER. The Board of Directors of Capstead (the "Board")
believes that Capstead's financial condition and current market conditions
(including the current market price of the Common Stock) make this an attractive
time to repurchase a portion of its outstanding Common Stock in order to enhance
stockholder value. The Board previously authorized on February 4, 1999 the
repurchase of up to 6,000,000 shares of Common Stock, pursuant to which Capstead
has acquired 3,600,500 shares of Common Stock through the close of business on
December 8, 1999. See, "Transactions and Arrangements Concerning the Common
Stock." The Offer provides to stockholders who are considering a sale of all or
a portion of their Common Stock the opportunity to sell those shares without the
usual transaction costs associated with open market sales, where those shares
are tendered by the stockholder of record directly to Norwest Bank Minnesota,
N.A. (the "Depositary"). A stockholder whose shares are held through a Broker or
Other Nominee should contact such Broker or Other Nominee to determine whether
transaction costs apply to any sales of Common Stock pursuant to the Offer. In
addition, the Offer may give stockholders the opportunity to sell their Common
Stock at prices greater than market prices prevailing prior to the announcement
of the Offer. Stockholders are urged to obtain current market quotations for
their shares. See "Price Range of Common Stock; Dividends." The Offer also
allows stockholders to sell a portion of their shares while retaining a
continued equity interest in Capstead. Stockholders who determine not to accept
the Offer will realize a proportionate increase in their relative equity
interest in Capstead, as shown in "Certain Unaudited Pro Forma Financial
Information," and thus in Capstead's future earnings and assets (subject to
Capstead's right to issue additional equity securities in the future); however,
stockholders should note that the issuance of the New Preferred Stock (assuming
full conversion thereof as of the date of issuance) resulted in immediate
dilution to the holders of the Common Stock of $0.35 per share.

         In determining whether to tender shares pursuant to the Offer,
stockholders should consider the possibility that they may be able to sell their
shares in the future on the NYSE or otherwise, including in connection with any
subsequent sale, merger or liquidation of Capstead (none of which is currently
contemplated), at a net price higher than the Purchase Price. See "Price Range
of Common Stock; Dividends" and the discussion of the Fortress transaction
below. Capstead can give no assurance, however, as to the price at which a
stockholder may be able to sell non-tendered shares in the future.

         THE BOARD HAS APPROVED THE OFFER AND BELIEVES THAT IT PROVIDES HOLDERS
OF COMMON STOCK DESIRING TO SELL SOME OR ALL OF THEIR SHARES A REASONABLE
OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO AT A PREMIUM TO THE CLOSING PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK ON
DECEMBER 7, 1999. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CAPSTEAD HAS APPROVED THE MAKING OF
THE OFFER. YOU MUST, HOWEVER, MAKE YOUR OWN DECISION WHETHER TO TENDER SHARES
AND, IF SO, HOW MANY SHARES TO TENDER. NONE OF CAPSTEAD, ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OR THE DEALER MANAGER MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION TO YOU WITH RESPECT TO THE OFFER,
AND NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED BY CAPSTEAD OR ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO MAKE
ANY SUCH RECOMMENDATIONS. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF CAPSTEAD HAVE
AGREED NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OFFER.

         SALE OF NEW PREFERRED STOCK TO FORTRESS. On December 9, 1999, Fortress
made an aggregate investment of $51,200,000 in Capstead through the purchase of
the New Preferred Stock. In connection with the sale of the New Preferred Stock
to Fortress, effective as of December 9, 1999, the Board increased the size of
the Board by two members and elected Wesley R. Edens, Fortress' Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, and Robert I. Kauffman, Fortress' President, as
directors to fill the newly-created vacancies on the Board.

         PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS WITH FORTRESS. On November 30, 1999, the Board
authorized a Special Meeting of Stockholders (the "Special Meeting"), at which
Capstead's stockholders will vote upon (i) the approval of a


                                        4

<PAGE>   11



recapitalization of Capstead by reclassifying each share of Common Stock into
0.5 shares of Common Stock, so as to effect a 1-for-2 reverse stock split and
(ii) a series of events (the "Proposal") contemplated by the Supplemental
Agreement (hereafter defined), the net effect of which will result in (a)
Capstead's Board being comprised of seven members, two of whom are employees of
Fortress and two of whom (who shall be independent directors) shall have been
nominated by Fortress and (b) Mr. Edens becoming Capstead's Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, as described in further detail below. If the Proposal is
approved at the Special Meeting, Fortress will be in a position to significantly
influence the future business policies and operations of Capstead.

         In connection with the sale of the New Preferred Stock to Fortress,
Capstead and Fortress entered into a Supplemental Agreement to the Stock
Purchase Agreement (the "Supplemental Agreement"). The Supplemental Agreement
provides, in relevant part, as follows:

o        Until the earlier to occur of (i) the approval of the Proposal at the
         Special Meeting and the consummation of the actions contemplated
         thereby, (ii) Fortress' receipt of the Put/Call Payment (defined
         below), (iii) the expiration of the 30 day period following the date of
         the Special Meeting and (iv) April 30, 2000 (the "Transition Period"),
         Capstead shall conduct its business only in the ordinary course, in
         accordance with prudent practice and consistent with past practice
         established in 1999 (provided that Capstead shall not enter into any
         new agreements or arrangements with any of its affiliates (other than
         its consolidated subsidiaries) or with any of its (or its subsidiaries)
         executive officers or directors).

o        Fortress has the right to cause Capstead to purchase from Fortress all,
         but not less than all, of the outstanding New Preferred Stock (the
         "Fortress Put"), for a price equal to 103% of the original per share
         purchase price of such New Preferred Stock plus accrued and unpaid
         dividends thereon (the "Put/Call Payment") if:

         (a)      the Proposal is not approved by Capstead's stockholders at the
                  Special Meeting on or before April 30, 2000; or

         (b)      effective as of the date of the Special Meeting:

                  (i)      Bevis Longstreth, Harriet E. Miers, William R. Smith,
                           and John C. Tolleson have not resigned their
                           positions as members of the Board; and

                  (ii)     the Board has not adopted resolutions (i) reducing
                           the number of Board members from eight to seven, (ii)
                           appointing Mr. Edens Chairman of the Board and Chief
                           Executive Officer of Capstead and Ronn K. Lytle Vice
                           Chairman of the Board; and (iii) appointing three
                           individuals to fill the vacancies on the Board
                           created by the resignations discussed above (of whom
                           one shall be nominated by Mr. Lytle and Paul Low (a
                           current member of the Board) and two (who shall be
                           independent directors) shall be nominated by Mr.
                           Edens and Mr. Kauffman); or

         (c)      during the Transition Period, Capstead shall not have
                  conducted its business in the ordinary course (other than
                  actions taken outside such scope at the request or with the
                  approval of Fortress) or there shall have been a material
                  adverse change in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in
                  the earnings, business affairs or business prospects of
                  Capstead, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of
                  business (except a material adverse change directly resulting
                  from any action taken at the request or with the approval of
                  Fortress or a material adverse change resulting from adverse
                  economic conditions in the industry in which Capstead
                  operates).

o        If the Proposal is not approved at the Special Meeting, Capstead can
         cause Fortress to sell to Capstead all, but not less than all, of the
         New Preferred Stock (the "Capstead Call") for the Put/Call Payment.



                                        5

<PAGE>   12



o        The Fortress Put and the Capstead Call shall expire on the earlier to
         occur of 30 days following the Special Meeting and May 31, 2000.

o        If at any time after the approval of the Proposal at the Special
         Meeting and prior to December 9, 2004, in the event of a change in
         control of Capstead (as defined in the Supplemental Agreement), except
         for certain business combinations approved by Fortress, Fortress can
         cause Capstead to purchase from Fortress all, but not less than all of
         the New Preferred Stock outstanding at such time (the "Change in
         Control Put") for the original per share purchase price of such New
         Preferred Stock plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon.

o        If the Proposal is approved at the Special Meeting, Fortress or an
         affiliate of Fortress will, on or before the end of the six-month
         period following the date of the Special Meeting, acquire no less than
         five million shares of Common Stock through, at Fortress' option (i)
         open-market purchases, (ii) the conversion of Preferred Stock or (iii)
         a combination thereof; provided that (a) purchases by Fortress and/or
         its affiliates of Common Stock through the date of the Special Meeting
         (which shall not exceed 3,300,000 shares) shall be considered as part
         of such five million shares of Common Stock and (b) Fortress'
         obligation to make such acquisitions shall terminate upon exercise of
         the Fortress Put, the Change in Control Put or the Capstead Call.

         Mr. Lytle is a party to an employment agreement with Capstead (the
"Employment Agreement") which provides that Mr. Lytle may terminate his
employment for Good Reason (as defined in the Employment Agreement), which
includes (i) a defined Change in Control (which includes the acquisition by any
person or entity of 25% or more of the combined voting power of the Common
Stock) and (ii) certain changes in Mr. Lytle's duties or compensation. If Mr.
Lytle terminates his employment for Good Reason, he will be entitled to lump-sum
severance pay equal to three times the amount of his base salary plus an amount
equal to three times the average of the two highest of his three most recent
annual incentive compensation payments (the "Severance Payment"), as well as all
benefits under Capstead's medical insurance, disability and health and accident
plans for three years following such termination. In addition, if Mr. Lytle
terminates his employment for Good Reason resulting from a Change in Control,
Mr. Lytle will be entitled to receive a payment representing Mr. Lytle's damages
resulting from his loss of the benefits under the Employment Agreement (without
duplication) to which he would have been entitled through December 31, 2002
(December 31, 2003 if such agreement is terminated after December 31, 1999),
including the loss of benefits under Capstead's pension and retirement plans. If
the Proposal is adopted at the Special Meeting and Mr. Edens is made Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lytle will have the right to
terminate the Employment Agreement for Good Reason as a result of his ceasing to
serve as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Capstead. In
addition, if Fortress becomes the owner of over 25% of the combined voting power
of the Common Stock (which could occur after the Special Meeting), Mr. Lytle can
also terminate the Employment Agreement for Good Reason resulting from a "Change
in Control" as described above.

         DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW PREFERRED STOCK. The holders of the Series C
Preferred Stock and the Series D Preferred Stock, respectively, are entitled to
receive cumulative preferential cash dividends at the annual rate of $0.56 per
share and $0.40 per share, payable quarterly. The New Preferred Stock ranks
prior to the shares of Common Stock upon liquidation, so that in the event of
any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Capstead, the holders of the
Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock, respectively, would be
entitled to receive, before any distribution is made to holders of Common Stock,
an amount equal to $6.89 and $4.76 per share, plus all accumulated and unpaid
dividends. The holders of the New Preferred Stock are entitled to vote, together
as a single group with the holders of the Common Stock on all matters submitted
to the holders of the Common Stock. Each share of New Preferred Stock entitles
its holder to one vote for each share of Common Stock into which such share of
New Preferred Stock is convertible prior to the time of such vote. The holders
of the Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock, respectively,
voting separately as a class, must also approve the creation of any stock senior
to such series and certain other actions that would impair such series'
priority.

         The New Preferred Stock is convertible at any time into fully paid and
non-assessable shares of Common Stock, at the current conversion rate. All
shares of Series C Preferred Stock outstanding on December 8, 2009 shall


                                        6

<PAGE>   13



automatically convert into fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock
and all shares of Series D Preferred Stock outstanding on December 8, 2005 shall
automatically convert into fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock.
The conversion rate for the New Preferred Stock is one share of Common Stock for
each share of New Preferred Stock converted, such rate being subject to
adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution. Shares of the Series C
Preferred Stock are redeemable at Capstead's option at any time after December
8, 2004, in whole or in part, at a price of $6.56 per share plus all accrued but
unpaid dividends. Shares of the Series D Preferred Stock are redeemable at
Capstead's option at any time after December 8, 2004, in whole or in part, at a
price of $4.76 per share plus all accrued but unpaid dividends.

         Capstead also entered into a registration rights agreement with
Fortress which provides that the holders of the New Preferred Stock may, at any
time after December 8, 2000 request Capstead to effect, at its expense, up to
two regis trations under the Securities Act of 1933 of at least a majority of
the shares of Common Stock into which shares of New Preferred Stock are
convertible ("Registrable Securities"). In addition, if Capstead proposes to
register any of its securities under the Securities Act of 1933 (other than by a
registration on Form S-4 or S-8, or any successor or similar forms), Capstead
will use its best efforts to effect the registration under the Securities Act of
1933 of all Registrable Securities which Capstead has been so requested to
register by the holders of New Preferred Stock.

         INVESTMENT STRATEGY. Capstead is currently considering modifying
its investment strategy to replace a portion of its existing mortgage
investments with a diversified portfolio of credit sensitive commercial and
residential mortgage-backed securities, most of which are expected to be
"investment grade" at the time of purchase as determined by national rating
agencies. This proposed strategy is intended to improve the Company's earnings
prospects while providing more stability during periods of increased interest
rate volatility. The sale or other disposition of some of the Company's mortgage
investments in order to implement this proposed strategy could result in the
recognition of a portion of the losses currently reflected in the Company's
balance sheet. There can be no assurance as to what extent, if any, this
proposed strategy will be implemented and, if implemented, whether or not it
will be successful in meeting Capstead's goals.

3.       TENDERS BY HOLDERS OF FEWER THAN 100 SHARES -- "ODD LOTS"

         Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, all shares
properly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date by persons who
own of record or beneficially as of the close of business on December 8, 1999
and who continue to own, of record or beneficially as of the Expiration Date an
aggregate of fewer than 100 shares of Common Stock, will be accepted before
proration, if any, of the purchase of other tendered shares. Partial tenders
will not qualify for this preference, and it is not available to any holder who
owns of record or beneficially 100 or more shares on the Expiration Date, even
though such holder has separate stock certificates for fewer than 100 shares.
Any holder of Common Stock who owns of record or beneficially as of the close of
business on December 8, 1999 and who continues to own, of record or beneficially
as of the Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 shares of Common Stock
and who wishes to tender all such shares must complete the box captioned "Odd
Lots" in the Letter of Transmittal. See "Number of Common Shares; Proration;
Extension of the Offer."

         ODD LOT HOLDERS WHO TENDER ALL SHARES MUST COMPLETE THE SECTION
CAPTIONED "ODD LOTS" IN THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND, IF APPLICABLE, IN THE
NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY, TO QUALIFY FOR THE PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT
AVAILABLE TO ODD LOT HOLDERS AS SET FORTH UNDER "NUMBER OF SHARES; PRORATION;
EXTENSION OF THE OFFER."

4.       PROCEDURE FOR TENDERING SHARES

         A STOCKHOLDER WHOSE SHARES ARE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A BROKER OR
OTHER NOMINEE MUST CONTACT THAT BROKER OR OTHER NOMINEE FOR INFORMATION ON HOW
TO TENDER SHARES. ALL OTHER STOCKHOLDERS MUST COMPLY WITH THE PROCEDURES SET
FORTH BELOW.


                                        7

<PAGE>   14



         TENDER PROCEDURES FOR STOCKHOLDERS OF RECORD. A Letter of Transmittal
is provided for use by stockholders of record tendering shares. To tender shares
properly pursuant to the Offer, a stockholder of record must (i) complete and
duly execute the Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), in accordance
with the instructions included within the Letter of Transmittal (together with a
signature guarantee, if required, as well as any other documents required by the
Letter of Transmittal) and deliver the same to the Depositary at its address set
forth on the back cover of this Offer to Purchase which material must be
received by the Depositary prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time, on the
Expiration Date, and (ii) either (A) deliver the stock certificate or
certificates evidencing the tendered shares to the Depositary at its address set
forth on the back cover of this Offer to Purchase, which certificate(s) must
also be received by the Depositary prior to 5:00 New York City time, on the
Expiration Date, or (B) comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures described
below.

         TENDER PROCEDURES FOR BROKERS AND OTHER NOMINEES. The Depositary will
establish an account with respect to the shares subject to this Offer, for
purposes of the Offer, at The Depository Trust Company (the "Book-Entry Transfer
Facility") within two business days after the date of this Offer to Purchase.
Any Broker or Other Nominee that is a participant in the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility's system may tender shares in accordance with the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility's Automated Tender Offer Program ("ATOP") to the extent it is available
to such participants for the shares they wish to tender by making book-entry
delivery of the shares by causing the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to transfer
shares into the Depositary's account in accordance with the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility's procedures for transfer. A stockholder tendering through ATOP must
expressly acknowledge that the stockholder has received and agreed to be bound
by the Letter of Transmittal and that the Letter of Transmittal may be enforced
against such stockholder. In order to tender shares by means of ATOP, the
procedures for ATOP delivery must be duly and timely completed prior to 5:00
p.m. New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Alternatively, Brokers and
Other Nominees may also complete the Letter of Transmittal and deliver shares as
provided under "Tender Procedures for Stockholders of Record" above.

         DELIVERY OF THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND ANY OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
TO THE BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE DELIVERY TO THE
DEPOSITARY.

         SIGNATURE GUARANTEES AND METHOD OF DELIVERY. No signature guarantee on
the Letter of Transmittal is required: (i) if the Letter of Transmittal is
signed by the stockholder(s) of record of the shares (which term, for purposes
of this Section, shall include any participant in the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility) whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of the
shares) tendered therewith and such holder has not completed either the box
entitled "Special Delivery Instructions" or the box entitled "Special Payment
Instructions" on the Letter of Transmittal; or (ii) if shares are tendered for
the account of a bank, broker, dealer, credit union, savings association or
other entity which is a member in good standing of the Securities Transfer
Agents Medallion Program or a bank, broker, dealer, credit union, savings
association or other entity which is an "eligible guarantor institution," as
such term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the "Exchange Act") (each of the foregoing constituting an "Eligible
Institution"). See Instruction 1 of the Letter of Transmittal. If a certificate
is registered in the name of a person other than the person executing a Letter
of Transmittal, or if payment is to be made to a person other than the
stockholder of record, then the certificate must be endorsed or accompanied by
an appropriate stock power, in either case, signed exactly as the name of the
stockholder of record appears on the certificate, with the signature guaranteed
by an Eligible Institution.

         In all cases, payment for shares tendered and accepted for payment
pursuant to the Offer will be made only after timely receipt by the Depositary
of certificates for such shares (or a timely confirmation of the book-entry
transfer of the shares into the Depositary's account at the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility), a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or a
manually signed facsimile thereof) (unless such tender is made through ATOP) and
any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal or ATOP.

         THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF ALL DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING CERTIFICATES FOR
SHARES, THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND ANY OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, IS AT THE
ELECTION AND


                                        8

<PAGE>   15



RISK OF THE TENDERING STOCKHOLDER. IF DELIVERY IS BY MAIL, THEN REGISTERED MAIL
WITH RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, PROPERLY INSURED, IS RECOMMENDED.

         GUARANTEED DELIVERY. If a stockholder desires to tender shares of
Common Stock pursuant to the Offer and the stockholder's share certificates are
not immediately available or cannot be delivered to the Depositary prior to the
Expiration Date (or the procedure for book-entry transfer cannot be completed on
a timely basis) or if time will not permit all required documents to reach the
Depositary prior to the Expiration Date, the shares may nevertheless be
tendered, provided that all of the following conditions are satisfied:

         (a)       the tender is made by or through an Eligible Institution;

         (b)       the Depositary receives by hand, mail, overnight courier,
                   telegram or facsimile transmission, on or prior to the
                   Expiration Date, a properly completed and duly executed
                   Notice of Guaranteed Delivery substantially in the form
                   Capstead has provided with this Offer to Purchase, including
                   (where required) a signature guarantee by an Eligible
                   Institution in the form set forth in such Notice of
                   Guaranteed Delivery; and

         (c)       the certificates for all tendered shares of Common Stock, in
                   proper form for transfer (or confirmation of book-entry
                   transfer of such shares into the Depositary's account at the
                   Book-Entry Transfer Facility), together with a properly
                   completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or a
                   manually signed facsimile thereof) and any required signature
                   guarantees or other documents required by the Letter of
                   Transmittal, are received by the Depositary within three NYSE
                   trading days after the date of receipt by the Depositary of
                   the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.

         UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX BACKUP WITHHOLDING. Under the United
States federal income tax backup withholding rules, unless an exemption applies
under the applicable law and regulations, 31% of the gross proceeds payable to a
stockholder or other payee pursuant to the Offer must be withheld and remitted
to the IRS, unless the stockholder or other payee provides its taxpayer
identification number (employer identification number or social security number)
to the Depositary (as payor) and certifies under penalties of perjury that such
number is correct. Therefore, each tendering stockholder of record should
complete and sign the Substitute Form W-9 included as part of the Letter of
Transmittal so as to provide the information and certification necessary to
avoid backup withholding. If the Depositary is not provided with the correct
taxpayer identification number, a U. S. Holder (as defined under "Federal Income
Tax Consequences") also may be subject to a penalty imposed by the IRS. If
withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained from
the IRS. Certain "exempt recipients" (including, among others, all corporations
and certain Non-U.S. Holders (hereafter defined )) are not subject to these
backup withholding and information reporting requirements. In order for a holder
who is not a U.S. Holder (a "Non-U.S. Holder") to qualify as an exempt
recipient, that stockholder must submit an IRS Form W-8 or a Substitute Form
W-8, signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to that stockholder's exempt
status. Such statements can be obtained from the Depositary. See Instruction 13
of the Letter of Transmittal.

         TO PREVENT UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX BACKUP WITHHOLDING EQUAL TO
31% OF THE GROSS PAYMENTS MADE TO A STOCKHOLDER FOR SHARES PURCHASED PURSUANT TO
THE OFFER, SUCH STOCKHOLDER (WHO DOES NOT OTHERWISE ESTABLISH AN EXEMPTION FROM
SUCH BACKUP WITHHOLDING) MUST PROVIDE THE DEPOSITARY WITH THE STOCKHOLDER'S
CORRECT TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER AND PROVIDE CERTAIN OTHER INFORMATION BY
COMPLETING THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 INCLUDED AS PART OF THE LETTER OF
TRANSMITTAL.

         WITHHOLDING FOR HOLDERS WHO ARE NON-U.S. HOLDERS. Even if a Non-U.S.
Holder has provided the required certification to avoid backup withholding, the
Depositary will withhold United States federal income taxes equal to 30% of the
gross payments payable to the Non-U.S. Holder or his agent unless (a) the
Depositary determines that a reduced rate of withholding is available pursuant
to a tax treaty or that an exemption from withholding is applicable because the


                                        9

<PAGE>   16



gross proceeds are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business
within the United States or (b) the Non-U.S. Holder establishes to the
satisfaction of Capstead and the Depositary that the sale of shares by such
Non-U.S. Holder pursuant to the Offer will qualify as a "sale or exchange,"
rather than as a distribution taxable as a dividend, for United States federal
income tax purposes. See "Federal Income Tax Consequences." In order to obtain a
reduced rate of withholding pursuant to a tax treaty, a Non-U.S. Holder must
deliver to the Depositary before payment a properly completed and executed IRS
Form 1001. In order to obtain an exemption from withholding on the grounds that
the gross proceeds paid pursuant to the Offer are effectively connected with the
conduct of a trade or business within the United States, a Non-U.S. Holder must
deliver to the Depositary a properly completed and executed IRS Form 4224. The
Depositary will determine a stockholder's status as a Non-U.S. Holder and
eligibility for a reduced rate of, or exemption from, withholding by reference
to any outstanding certificates or statements concerning eligibility for a
reduced rate of, or exemption from, withholding (e.g., IRS Form 1001 or IRS Form
4224) unless facts and circumstances indicate that such reliance is not
warranted. A Non-U.S. Holder may be eligible to obtain a refund from the IRS of
all or a portion of any tax withheld from the IRS if such Non-U.S. Holder meets
the "complete termination," "substantially disproportionate" or "not essentially
equivalent to a dividend" tests described under "Federal Income Tax
Consequences" or is otherwise able to establish that no tax or a reduced amount
of tax is due.

NON-U.S. HOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE
APPLICATION OF UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING, INCLUDING
ELIGIBILITY FOR A WITHHOLDING TAX REDUCTION OR EXEMPTION, AND THE REFUND
PROCEDURE.

         RETURN OF TENDERED AND UNPURCHASED SHARES. If any tendered shares of
Common Stock are not purchased, or if less than all shares evidenced by a
stockholder's certificates are tendered, certificates for unpurchased shares
will be returned as promptly as practicable after the expiration or termination
of the Offer or, in the case of shares tendered by book-entry transfer at the
Book-Entry Transfer Facility, the shares will be credited to the appropriate
account maintained by the tendering stockholder at the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility, in each case without expense to the stockholder.

         STOCKHOLDER INVESTMENT PROGRAM. Stockholders who participate in
Capstead's Stockholder Investment Program (the "SIP") may tender shares held in
the SIP by completing the box entitled "Stockholder Investment Program Shares"
on the Letter of Transmittal. See Instruction 15 of the Letter of Transmittal.

         DETERMINATION OF VALIDITY; REJECTION OF SHARES; WAIVER OF DEFECTS; NO
OBLIGATION TO GIVE NOTICE OF DEFECTS. All questions as to the number of shares
of Common Stock to be accepted and the validity, form, eligibility (including
time of receipt) and acceptance for payment of any tender of shares will be
determined by Capstead, in its sole discretion, and its determination shall be
final and binding on all parties. Capstead reserves the absolute right to reject
any or all tenders of any shares that it determines are not in proper form or
the acceptance for payment of or payment for which may, in the opinion of
Capstead's counsel, be unlawful. Capstead also reserves the absolute right to
waive any of the conditions of the Offer or any defect or irregularity in any
tender with respect to any particular shares or any particular stockholder and
Capstead's interpretation of the terms of the Offer will be final and binding on
all parties. No tender of shares will be deemed to have been properly made until
all defects or irregularities have been cured by the tendering stockholder or
waived by Capstead. None of Capstead, the Dealer Manager, the Depositary, the
Information Agent or any other person will be obligated to give notice of any
defects or irregularities in tenders, nor will any of them incur any liability
for failure to give any notice.

         TENDERING STOCKHOLDER'S REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTY; CAPSTEAD'S
ACCEPTANCE CONSTITUTES AN AGREEMENT. A tender of shares pursuant to any of the
procedures described above will constitute the tendering stockholder's
acceptance of the terms and conditions of the Offer, as well as the tendering
stockholder's representation and warranty to Capstead that (a) the stockholder
has a net long position in the shares of Common Stock tendered or equivalent
securities at least equal to the number of shares tendered, within the meaning
of Rule 14e-4 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") under the Exchange Act and (b) such tender of shares complies with
Rule 14e-4. It is a violation of Rule 14e-4 for a person, directly or
indirectly, to tender shares for that


                                       10

<PAGE>   17



person's own account unless, at the time of tender and at the end of the
proration period (including any extensions thereof), the person so tendering (i)
has a net long position equal to or greater than the amount of (x) shares of
Common Stock tendered or (y) other securities convertible into or exchangeable
or exercisable for the shares tendered and will acquire the shares of Common
Stock for tender by conversion, exchange or exercise and (ii) will deliver or
cause to be delivered the shares tendered in accordance with the terms of the
Offer. Rule 14e-4 provides a similar restriction applicable to the tender or
guarantee of a tender on behalf of another person. Capstead's acceptance for
payment of shares tendered pursuant to the Offer will constitute a binding
agreement between the tendering stockholder and Capstead upon the terms and
conditions of the Offer.

         CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES, TOGETHER WITH A PROPERLY COMPLETED LETTER OF
TRANSMITTAL AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, MUST
BE DELIVERED TO THE DEPOSITARY AND NOT TO CAPSTEAD. ANY SUCH DOCUMENTS DELIVERED
TO CAPSTEAD WILL NOT BE FORWARDED TO THE DEPOSITARY AND THEREFORE WILL NOT BE
DEEMED TO BE PROPERLY TENDERED.

5.       WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS

         Except as otherwise provided in this Section, tenders made pursuant to
the Offer are irrevocable. Shares tendered pursuant to this Offer may be
withdrawn:

         o          at any time prior to the Expiration Date; or

         o          if not yet accepted for payment, after February 7, 2000.

         To be effective, the Depositary must receive a notice of withdrawal in
written, telegraphic or facsimile form in a timely manner at the appropriate
address set forth on the back page of this Offer to Purchase. Any such notice of
withdrawal must specify the name of the person having tendered the shares to be
withdrawn, the number of shares tendered, the number of shares to be withdrawn,
and, if certificates representing such shares have been delivered to the
Depositary, the name of the stockholder of record of such shares, as set forth
in such certificates. If the certificates have been delivered to the Depositary,
the tendering holder of Common Stock must also submit the serial numbers of the
particular certificates for the shares to be withdrawn, and the signature on the
stockholder's notice of withdrawal must be guaranteed by an Eligible
Institution, as described previously (except in the case of shares tendered for
the account of an Eligible Institution). If shares have been tendered pursuant
to the ATOP procedure set forth under "Procedure for Tendering Shares," the
notice of withdrawal also must specify the name and the number of the account at
the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to be credited with the withdrawn shares and
must otherwise comply with such Book-Entry Transfer Facility's procedures.

         All questions as to the form and validity (including the time of
receipt) of notices of withdrawal will be determined by Capstead in its sole
discretion, and its determination shall be final and binding on all parties.
None of Capstead, the Dealer Manager, the Information Agent or the Depositary or
any other person is or will be obligated to give notice of any defects or
irregularities in any notice of withdrawal, and none of them will incur any
liability for failure to give any such notice.

         Withdrawals may not be rescinded, and shares properly withdrawn shall
not be deemed to be duly tendered for purposes of the Offer. Withdrawn shares,
however, may be re-tendered before the Expiration Date by again following the
procedures described under "Procedure for Tendering Shares."

         If Capstead extends the Offer, is delayed in its purchase of shares of
Common Stock or is unable to purchase shares pursuant to the Offer for any
reason, then, without prejudice to Capstead's rights under the Offer, the
Depositary may, subject to applicable law, retain tendered shares on behalf of
Capstead, and such shares may not be withdrawn except to the extent tendering
stockholders are entitled to withdrawal rights as described herein.


                                       11

<PAGE>   18



6.       PURCHASE OF SHARES AND PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE

         Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, as promptly
as practicable following the Expiration Date, Capstead will accept for payment
and pay for (and thereby purchase) shares properly tendered prior to the
Expiration Date. Capstead shall be deemed to have accepted for payment (and
therefore purchased) shares of Common Stock that are properly tendered and not
properly withdrawn (subject to the proration provisions and the other terms and
conditions of the Offer) only when, as and if it gives oral or written notice to
the Depositary of its acceptance of shares for payment pursuant to the Offer.
That notice, subject to the provisions of the Offer, may be given at any time
after the Expiration Date of the Offer.

         Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, promptly
following the Expiration Date, Capstead will accept for payment and pay for up
to 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock (subject to increase or decrease as
provided under "Number of Shares; Proration; Extension of the Offer" and
"Extension of the Offer Period; Termination; Amendments") properly tendered or
such lesser number of shares as are properly tendered and not properly
withdrawn.

         Capstead will pay for shares purchased pursuant to the Offer by
depositing the aggregate Purchase Price with the Depositary, which will act as
agent for the tendering stockholders for the purpose of receiving payment from
Capstead and transmitting payment to the tendering stockholders. The Depositary
will pay the tendering stockholders (other than the Depository Trust Company,
which will be paid by wire transfer) for all purchased shares by check as
promptly as practicable after the Expiration Date. However, in the event of
proration, Capstead does not expect to be able to determine the final proration
factor and pay for tendered shares until approximately five business days after
the Expiration Date. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL INTEREST ON THE PURCHASE PRICE
BE PAID BY CAPSTEAD BY REASON OF ANY DELAY IN MAKING PAYMENT. Certificates for
all tendered shares not purchased , including shares not purchased due to
proration, will be returned as soon as practicable after the Expiration Date or
termination of the Offer to the tendering stockholder (or, in the case of shares
tendered by book-entry transfer, will be credited to the account maintained with
the Book-Entry Transfer Facility by the participant who so delivered the
shares), without expense to the tendering stockholder. In addition, if certain
events occur, Capstead may not be obligated to purchase any shares in the Offer.
See "Certain Conditions of the Offer."

         Capstead will pay all stock transfer taxes, if any, payable on the
transfer to it of shares purchased pursuant to the Offer. However, if purchased
shares are to be registered in the name of any person other than the stockholder
of record, or if tendered certificates are registered in the name of any person
other than the person signing the Letter of Transmittal, the amount of any stock
transfer taxes (whether imposed on the stockholder of record or such other
person) payable on account of the transfer to such person will be deducted from
the Purchase Price, unless satisfactory evidence of the payment of such taxes or
exemption therefrom is submitted. See Instruction 8 of the Letter of
Transmittal.

         ANY TENDERING STOCKHOLDER OF RECORD (OR OTHER PAYEE) WHO FAILS TO
COMPLETE FULLY AND SIGN THE "SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9" INCLUDED WITH THE LETTER OF
TRANSMITTAL MAY BE SUBJECT TO REQUIRED BACK-UP FEDERAL INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING OF
31% OF THE GROSS PROCEEDS PAID TO SUCH STOCKHOLDER OR OTHER PAYEE PURSUANT TO
THE OFFER. SEE "FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES."

7.       CERTAIN CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER

         Notwithstanding any term of the Offer, Capstead may, at its option,
terminate or amend the Offer or may postpone the acceptance for payment of, or
the purchase of and the payment for, shares tendered pursuant to the Offer,
subject to Rule 13e-4(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act, if at any time
prior to the Expiration Date any of the following events has occurred (or shall
have been determined by Capstead to have occurred) and, in Capstead's judgement
and in any such case and regardless of the circumstances giving rise thereto
(including any action or omission to act by Capstead) makes it inadvisable to
proceed with the Offer or with such acceptance for payment or payment:



                                       12

<PAGE>   19



         (a)      there shall have been threatened, instituted or pending any
                  action or proceeding by any government or governmental,
                  regulatory or administrative agency, authority or tribunal or
                  any other person, domestic or foreign, before any court,
                  authority, agency or tribunal that directly or indirectly (i)
                  challenges the making of the Offer, the acquisition of some or
                  all of the shares pursuant to the Offer or otherwise relates
                  in any manner to the Offer, or (ii) in Capstead's reasonable
                  judgment, could (A) materially and adversely affect the
                  business, condition (financial or other), assets, income,
                  operations or prospects of Capstead and its subsidiaries,
                  taken as a whole, or otherwise materially impair in any way
                  the contemplated future conduct of the business of Capstead or
                  any of its subsidiaries or materially impair the contemplated
                  benefits of the Offer to Capstead, (B) make the acceptance for
                  payment of, or payment for, some or all of the tendered shares
                  illegal or otherwise restrict or prohibit consummation of the
                  Offer or (C) delay or restrict the ability of Capstead, or
                  render Capstead unable, to accept for payment or pay for some
                  or all of the tendered shares;

         (b)      there shall have been any action threatened, pending or taken,
                  or approval withheld, or any statute, rule, regulation,
                  judgment, order or injunction threatened, proposed, sought,
                  promulgated, enacted, entered, amended, enforced or deemed to
                  be applicable to the Offer or Capstead or any of its
                  subsidiaries, by any court or any authority, agency or
                  tribunal that, in Capstead's reasonable judgment, would or
                  might directly or indirectly result in any of the consequences
                  referred to in clauses (i) or (ii) of paragraph (a) above;

         (c)      there shall have occurred (i) any general suspension of
                  trading in, or limitation on prices for, securities on any
                  national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter
                  market, (ii) the declaration of a banking moratorium or any
                  suspension of payments in respect of banks in the United
                  States, (iii) the commencement of a war, armed hostilities or
                  other international or national calamity directly or
                  indirectly involving the United States, (iv) any limitation
                  (whether or not mandatory) by any government or governmental,
                  regulatory or administrative agency, authority or tribunal on,
                  or any event that, in Capstead's reasonable judgment, might
                  affect, the extension of credit by banks or other lending
                  institutions in the United States, (v) any significant
                  decrease in the market price of the Common Stock or any change
                  in the general political, market, economic or financial
                  conditions in the United States or abroad that could, in the
                  reasonable judgment of Capstead, have a material adverse
                  effect on Capstead's business condition (financial or other),
                  assets, income, operations or prospects or the trading in the
                  Common Stock, (vi) in the case of any of the foregoing
                  existing at the time of the commencement of the Offer, a
                  material acceleration or worsening thereof, or (vii) any
                  decline in either the Dow Jones Industrial Average or the
                  Standard and Poor's Index of 500 Industrial Companies by an
                  amount in excess of 10% measured from the close of business on
                  December 9, 1999;

         (d)      a tender or exchange offer for any or all of the shares of
                  Common Stock of Capstead (other than the Offer), or any
                  merger, business combination or other similar transaction with
                  or involving Capstead or any subsidiary, shall have been
                  proposed, announced or made by any person;

         (e)      (i) any person, entity or "group" (as that term is used in
                  Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) shall have acquired or
                  proposed to acquire beneficial ownership of more than 5% of
                  the outstanding shares of any class of Common Stock of
                  Capstead (other than (A) any such person, entity or group who
                  has a Schedule 13G on file with the Commission as of December
                  8, 1999 relating to share ownership in Capstead and does not
                  effect a change in filing status to Schedule 13D, or (B) the
                  acquisition of the New Preferred Stock by


                                       13

<PAGE>   20



                  Fortress) or (ii) any person, entity or group shall have filed
                  a Notification and Report Form under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
                  Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, or shall have
                  made a public announcement reflecting an intent to acquire
                  Capstead or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective
                  assets or securities otherwise than in connection with a
                  transaction authorized by the Board;

         (f)      any change or changes shall have occurred in the business,
                  condition (financial or other), assets, income, operations,
                  prospects or stock ownership of Capstead or its subsidiaries
                  that, in Capstead's reasonable judgment, is or may be material
                  to Capstead or its subsidiaries; or

         (g)      Capstead determines that the consummation of the Offer and the
                  purchase of shares of Common Stock may cause the Common Stock
                  to be delisted from the NYSE or to be eligible for
                  deregistration under the Exchange Act.

         Any determination by Capstead concerning any events described in this
section and any related judgment or decision by Capstead regarding the
inadvisability of proceeding with the purchase of or the payment for any shares
tendered shall be final and binding upon all parties. The foregoing conditions
are for the sole benefit of Capstead and may be asserted by Capstead regardless
of the circumstances giving rise to those conditions or may be waived by
Capstead in whole or in part. Capstead's failure at any time to exercise any of
the foregoing rights shall not be deemed a waiver of any such right, and each
such right shall be deemed an ongoing right that may be asserted at any time and
from time to time.

8.       PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK; DIVIDENDS

         The shares of Common Stock are listed for trading on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol "CMO." The following table sets forth the range of the
high and low sale prices of the Common Stock on the NYSE during the past two
years. The following table sets forth, for the fiscal quarters indicated, the
high and low sales prices per share in each of such fiscal quarters.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       STOCK PRICES
                                                                   HIGH             LOW
                                                                -----------     -----------
<S>                                                             <C>             <C>
1997
4th Quarter.................................................... $   27.1250     $   18.9375

1998
1st Quarter.................................................... $   21.4376     $   18.6875
2nd Quarter....................................................     21.0625          8.4375
3rd Quarter....................................................      8.1250          2.5625
4th Quarter....................................................      4.5000          2.3125

1999
1st Quarter ................................................... $    6.0000     $    4.0625
2nd Quarter ...................................................      6.1250          5.3125
3rd Quarter....................................................      5.6875          3.8750
4th Quarter (through December 7, 1999).........................      4.1250          3.7500
</TABLE>

         On December 7, 1999, the last practicable date prior to the
announcement of the Offer, the closing per share sales price of the Common
Stock, as reported on the NYSE composite tape, was $3.75. YOU SHOULD OBTAIN
CURRENT QUOTATIONS OF THE MARKET PRICE OF THE SHARES AND CONSULT AN INDEPENDENT
FINANCIAL ADVISOR.


                                       14

<PAGE>   21



9.       EFFECTS OF THE OFFER

         The Offer provides to stockholders who are considering a sale of all or
a portion of their Common Stock the opportunity to sell those shares without the
usual transaction costs associated with open market sales, where those shares
are tendered by the stockholder of record directly to Norwest Bank Minnesota,
N.A. (the "Depositary"). A stockholder whose shares are held through a Broker or
Other Nominee should contact such Broker or Other Nominee to determine whether
transaction costs apply to any sales of Common Stock pursuant to the Offer. In
addition, the Offer may give stockholders the opportunity to sell their Common
Stock at prices greater than market prices prevailing prior to the announcement
of the Offer. Stockholders are urged to obtain current market quotations for
their shares. See "Price Range of Common Stock; Dividends." The Offer also
allows stockholders to sell a portion of their shares while retaining a
continuing equity interest in Capstead. Stockholders who determine not to accept
the Offer will realize a proportionate increase in their relative equity
interest in Capstead, as shown in "Certain Unaudited Pro Forma Financial
Information," and thus in Capstead's future earnings and assets (subject to
Capstead's right to issue additional equity securities in the future); however,
stockholders should note that the issuance of the New Preferred Stock (assuming
full conversion thereof as of the date of issuance) resulted in dilution to the
holders of the Common Stock of $0.35 per share.

         For holders of Common Stock who do not tender shares, there is no
assurance that the price of the Common Stock will not trade below the price
currently being offered by Capstead pursuant to the Offer. For holders of Common
Stock who do tender, there is no assurance that the trading price of the Common
Stock will not increase as a result of the Offer and at some point exceed the
Offer Price. Capstead believes that there will still be a sufficient number of
shares outstanding and publicly traded following the Offer to ensure a continued
trading market in the shares.

         Following completion of the Offer, Capstead may purchase additional
shares in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.
Any such purchases may be on the same terms or on terms which are more or less
favorable to the holder of Common Stock than the terms of the Offer. Rule 13e-4
of the Exchange Act prohibits Capstead from purchasing any shares of Common
Stock, other than pursuant to the Offer, until at least ten business days after
the Expiration Date of this Offer. Any possible future purchases by Capstead
will depend on many factors, including the market price of the Common Stock, the
results of the Offer, Capstead's business and financial position, and general
economic and market conditions.

         The shares are registered under the Exchange Act, which requires, among
other things, that Capstead furnish certain information to its holders of Common
Stock and to the Commission and comply with the Commission's proxy rules in
connection with meetings of holders of the Common Stock. Capstead believes that
its purchase of shares pursuant to the Offer will not result in the shares
becoming eligible for deregistration under the Exchange Act.

         See "Certain Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information," herein, for
pro-forma unaudited financial information showing the effects on Capstead's
consolidated financial statements of Capstead's purchase of shares pursuant to
the Offer.

10.      SOURCE AND AMOUNT OF FUNDS

         Assuming that Capstead purchases 10,000,000 shares in this Offer at a
price of $4,55 per share, the total amount required to purchase the shares would
equal $45,500,000 plus all fees and expenses applicable to this Offer. Capstead
intends to pay for validly tendered shares of Common Stock, as well as for the
costs and expenses of this Offer, from cash on hand, or funds generated in the
ordinary course of business.



                                       15

<PAGE>   22



11.      CERTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT CAPSTEAD; GENERAL INFORMATION.

         This document contains "forward-looking statements" (within the meaning
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that inherently involve
risks and uncertainties. Capstead's actual results and liquidity can differ
materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements because of
changes in the level and composition of Capstead's investments and unforeseen
factors. These factors may include, but are not limited to, changes in general
economic conditions, the availability of suitable investments, fluctuations in
and market expectations for fluctuations in interest rates and levels of
mortgage prepayments, deterioration in credit quality and ratings, the
effectiveness of risk management strategies, the impact of leverage, liquidity
of secondary markets and credit markets, year 2000 compliance failures,
increases in costs and other general competitive factors.

         HISTORY AND BUSINESS. Capstead Mortgage Corporation was incorporated on
April 5, 1985 in Maryland and commenced operations in September 1985. The Common
Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CMO." Capstead's
principal offices are located at 8401 North Central Expressway, Suite 800,
Dallas, Texas 75225, and its telephone number is (214) 874-2323. Capstead's
primary business currently consists of managing a leveraged portfolio of Agency
Securities. This portfolio is financed by short-term borrowings and equity.

         In tandem with the investment in the Company by Fortress and other
matters addressed above, Capstead is considering modifying its investment
strategy to replace a portion of its existing mortgage investments with a
diversified portfolio of credit sensitive commercial and residential
mortgage-backed securities, most of which are expected to be "investment grade"
at the time of purchase as determined by national rating agencies. This proposed
strategy is intended to improve the Company's earnings prospects while providing
more stability during periods of increased interest rate volatility. The sale or
other disposition of some of the Company's mortgage investments in order to
implement this proposed strategy could result in the recognition of a portion of
the losses currently reflected in the Company's balance sheet. There can be no
assurance as to what extent, if any, this proposed strategy will be implemented.

         THE EFFECT OF CHANGES IN INTEREST RATES ON CAPSTEAD'S EARNINGS AND BOOK
VALUE OF ITS COMMON STOCK. Changes in interest rates may impact Capstead's
earnings in various ways. Capstead's earnings currently depend, in part, on the
difference between the interest received on mortgage securities and other
investments backed by single-family residential mortgage loans, and the interest
paid on related short-term borrowings. The resulting spread may be reduced or
turn negative in a rising short-term interest rate environment. Because at the
present time a substantial portion of Capstead's mortgage investments are
adjustable-rate mortgage ("ARM") mortgage securities, the risk of rising
short-term interest rates is generally offset to some extent by increases in the
rates of interest earned on the underlying ARM loans, which reset periodically
based on underlying indices (generally 6-month LIBOR and 1-year U.S. Treasury
rates). Since ARM loans generally limit the amount of such increases during any
single interest rate adjustment period and over the life of the loan, interest
rates on borrowings can rise to levels that may exceed the interest rates on the
underlying loans contributing to a lower or even negative financing spreads. At
other times, declines in these indices may be greater than declines in
Capstead's borrowing rates which are based on 30-day LIBOR, contributing to
lower or even negative financing spreads. Capstead may invest in derivative
securities ("Derivatives") from time to time as a hedge against rising interest
rates on a portion of its short-term borrowings.

         Another effect of changes in interest rates is that, as long-term
interest rates decrease, the rate of prepayment of the mortgage loans underlying
Capstead's mortgage investments generally increases. To the extent the proceeds
of prepayments on mortgage investments cannot be reinvested at a rate of
interest at least equal to the rate previously earned on such investments,
Capstead's earnings may be adversely affected. Prolonged periods of high
prepayments can significantly reduce the expected life of Capstead's mortgage
investments; therefore, the actual yields realized by Capstead can be lower due
to faster amortization of purchase premiums. In addition, the rates of interest
earned on Capstead's ARM investments generally will decline during periods of
falling short-term interest rates as the underlying ARM loans reset at lower
rates.

         Changes in interest rates also impact earnings recognized from
Capstead's collateralized mortgage obligation ("CMO") investments, which have
consisted primarily of interest-only mortgage securities and fixed-rate CMO
residual


                                       16

<PAGE>   23



interests backed by single-family residential mortgage loans. The amount of
income that may be generated from Capstead's interest-only mortgage securities
depends upon the rate of principal prepayments on the underlying mortgage
collateral. If mortgage interest rates fall significantly below interest rates
on the collateral, principal prepayments will increase, reducing or even taking
negative Capstead's overall return on these investments. Capstead sold
substantially all of its interest-only mortgage securities in connection with
the restructuring during 1998 of its mortgage asset portfolios.

         CMO residual interests behave similarly to interest-only mortgage
securities. If mortgage interest rates fall, prepayments on the underlying
mortgage loans generally will be higher thereby reducing or even taking negative
Capstead's overall returns on these investments.

         Capstead periodically sells mortgage assets. In connection with such
sales, Capstead is required to recognize transactional gains and/or losses which
may increase Capstead's income volatility.

         With the sale of its interest-only mortgage securities and its mortgage
banking operations, Capstead significantly reduced its exposure to declining
mortgage interest rates and therefore the use of Derivatives to manage this
exposure has been curtailed. As a result, Capstead currently does not hold
Derivatives, such as interest rate floors, to help offset the effects of falling
interest rates on Capstead's mortgage asset portfolios. If Capstead modifies
its investment strategy as discussed above, Capstead may re-evaluate its use of
Derivatives.

          IF CAPSTEAD'S EARNINGS OR THE VALUE OF ITS MORTGAGE ASSETS ARE
ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY A CHANGE IN INTEREST RATES THE BOOK VALUE OF THE COMMON
STOCK MAY DECLINE.

         STOCKHOLDER LITIGATION. During 1998, twenty-four purported class action
lawsuits were filed against Capstead and certain of its officers alleging, among
other things, that the defendants violated federal securities laws by publicly
issuing false and misleading statements and omitting disclosure of material
adverse information regarding Capstead's business during various periods between
January 28, 1997 and July 24, 1998. The complaints claim that as a result of
such alleged improper actions, the market prices of Capstead's equity securities
were artificially inflated during that time period. The complaints seek monetary
damages in an undetermined amount. In March 1999 these actions were
consolidated. The time by which Capstead is to respond has not yet run. Capstead
believes it has meritorious defenses to the claims and intends to vigorously
defend the actions. Based on available information, management believes the
resolution of these suits will not have a material adverse effect on the
financial position of Capstead.

         IF CAPSTEAD FAILS TO QUALIFY AS A REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST IT WILL
BE SUBJECT TO FEDERAL CORPORATE INCOME TAX. Capstead's election to be treated as
a Real Estate Investment Trust (a "REIT") will be terminated automatically if
Capstead fails to meet the requirements of the REIT provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code (the "Code"). Qualification as a REIT requires that Capstead
satisfy a variety of tests relating to its income, assets, distribution,
administration and ownership. Although Capstead believes it has operated and
intends to continue to operate in such a manner as to qualify as a REIT, no
assurance can be given that Capstead will in fact continue to so qualify. If
Capstead fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, it would be subject to
federal corporate income tax (including any alternative minimum tax) on its
taxable income at regular corporate rates, and distributions to its stockholders
would not be deductible by Capstead. In that event, Capstead would not be
eligible again to elect REIT status until the fifth taxable year which begins
after the year for which Capstead's election was terminated unless certain
relief provisions apply. Capstead may also voluntarily revoke its election,
although it has no present intention of doing so, in which event Capstead would
be prohibited, without exception, from electing REIT status for the year to
which the revocation relates and the following four taxable years.

         Distributions to Capstead's stockholders with respect to any year in
which Capstead fails to qualify would not be deductible by Capstead nor would
they be required to be made to such stockholders. In such event, to the extent
of current and accumulated earnings and profits, any distributions to
stockholders would be taxable as ordinary income and, subject to certain
limitations in the Code, eligible for the dividends-received deduction for
corporations. Failure


                                       17

<PAGE>   24


to qualify as a REIT would reduce the amount of Capstead's after-tax earnings
available for distribution to stockholders and could result in Capstead's
incurring substantial indebtedness (to the extent borrowings are feasible), or
disposing of substantial investments, in order to pay the resulting taxes.

         IMPACT OF THE YEAR 2000. Many existing computer software programs use
only two digits to identify the year in date fields and, as such, could fail or
create erroneous results by or at the Year 2000. Capstead utilizes a number of
software systems to administer securitizations and manage its mortgage assets.
In addition, Capstead utilizes vendors in various capacities and interfaces with
various institutions. Capstead is exposed to the risk that its systems and the
systems of its vendors and institutions it interfaces with are not Year 2000
compliant. Capstead has made investments in its software systems and
applications to ensure it is Year 2000 compliant. Capstead has also taken steps
to ensure that the vendors it utilizes and institutions that it interfaces with
have also taken the necessary steps to become Year 2000 compliant. This process
was completed in the third quarter of 1999. In addition, with the sale of the
mortgage banking operations in December 1998, Capstead has built a new computer
network that it believes to be Year 2000 compliant. The financial costs of
becoming Year 2000 compliant for the ongoing operations of Capstead, including
the construction of Capstead's new computer network, have not exceeded $600,000.
Capstead believes all its systems and applications are Year 2000 compliant and
has taken steps to ensure that all of the vendors it utilizes and institutions
that it interfaces with have completed their compliance efforts. Nonetheless,
Capstead will continue to monitor Year 2000 compliance and has drafted
contingency plans for all critical processes to help ensure the impact on
Capstead's operations, or that of customers or vendors will be minimized if an
event of non-compliance occurs. These plans include arranging for the use of
other vendors or other methodologies and processes to transact Capstead's
business. The effect of any such disruption to Capstead's operations is not
presently determinable.

         IF CAPSTEAD DECIDES TO MODIFY ITS INVESTMENT STRATEGY BY INVESTING IN
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES, IT MAY BE EXPOSED TO ADDITIONAL RISKS AND
UNCERTAINTIES. Capstead is currently considering modifying its investment
strategy to replace a portion of its existing mortgage investments with a
diversified portfolio of credit sensitive commercial and residential
mortgage-backed securities ("CMBSs") thus providing a greater return on
investment over a variety of interest rate environments than the current
investment strategy. This modification of the investment strategy could
necessitate a repositioning of the existing portfolio of mortgage securities,
which could result in the recognition of a portion of the losses currently
reflected in the Company's balance sheet. CMBSs are generally viewed as exposing
an investor to greater risk of loss than residential mortgage-backed securities
since such securities are typically secured by larger loans to fewer obligors
than residential mortgage-backed securities. Further, the repayment of loans
secured by income producing properties is typically dependent upon the
successful operation of the related real estate project. If the cash flow from
the project is reduced (for example, if leases are not obtained or renewed), the
borrower's ability to repay the loan may be impaired.

         Commercial property values and net operating income are subject to
volatility, and net operating income may be sufficient or insufficient to cover
debt service on the related mortgage loan at any given time. The repayment of
loans secured by income-producing properties is typically dependent upon the
successful operation of the related real estate project and the ability of the
applicable property to produce net operating income rather than upon the
liquidation value of the underlying real estate. Even when the current net
operating income is sufficient to cover debt service, there can be no assurance
that this will continue to be the case in the future.

         Additionally, some commercial mortgaged properties may not readily be
convertible to alternative uses if such mortgaged properties were to become
unprofitable due to competition, age of the improvements, decreased demand,
regulatory changes or other factors. The conversion of commercial properties to
alternate uses generally requires substantial capital expenditures, which may or
may not be available.



                                       18

<PAGE>   25



         The availability of credit for borrowers to refinance commercial
mortgage loans or sell mortgaged properties will be significantly dependent upon
economic conditions in the markets where such commercial mortgaged properties
are located, as well as the willingness and ability of lenders to make such
loans. The availability of funds in the credit markets fluctuates and there can
be no assurance that the availability of such funds will increase above, or will
not contract below, current levels. In addition, the availability of assets
similar to the commercial mortgaged properties, and the competition for
available credit, may affect the ability of potential purchasers to obtain
financing for the acquisition of the commercial mortgaged properties.


         There can be no assurance as to what extent, if any, this proposed
strategy to invest in CMBSs will be implemented and, if implemented, whether or
not it will be successful in meeting Capstead's goals. In addition, there can
be no assurance that Capstead will be able to successfully assess and monitor
these risks.

12.      SUMMARY UNAUDITED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

         The following summary unaudited historical financial information as of
and for the two fiscal years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 was derived from
the audited consolidated financial statements and other information and data
included in Capstead's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1998 (the "1998 Annual Report"), which has been filed with the Commission.
The following summary unaudited historical financial information as of and for
the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998 was derived from the unaudited
consolidated financial statements and other information and data included in
Capstead's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30,
1999, which also has been filed with the Commission. More comprehensive
financial information is included in such reports, and the summary unaudited
historical financial information that follows is qualified in its entirety by
reference to such reports, as such reports may be amended from time to time, and
all the financial statements and related notes contained therein, copies of
which may be obtained as set forth below under the caption "Additional
Information."



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            FOR THE YEAR ENDED                 FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                               DECEMBER 31,                          SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                         1998               1997               1999                1998
                                                    ---------------    ---------------   ----------------   ------------------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND RATIO DATA)
                                                    --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                 <C>                <C>               <C>                <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
  Net margin on mortgage assets and
   other investments                                $         7,623    $        77,972   $         45,017   $            6,673
  Net margin on mortgage banking operations                  11,821             59,442                  -                  907
  Other operating revenue (expense)                       (254,208)             22,532                 95            (252,467)
                                                    ---------------    ---------------   ----------------   ------------------
  Net income (loss)                                 $     (234,764)    $       159,946   $         45,112   $        (244,887)
                                                    ===============    ===============   ================   ==================
  Net income (loss) available to common shares      $     (257,106)    $       134,469   $         28,160   $        (261,631)
                                                    ===============    ===============   ================   ==================

  Per Share Data:
  Net income (loss) per common share:
   Basic                                            $        (4.22)    $          2.62   $           0.48   $           (4.30)
   Diluted                                                   (4.22)               2.35               0.48               (4.30)
  Average number of common shares outstanding:
   Basic                                                     60,948             51,257             58,787               60,786
   Diluted                                                   60,948             68,023             58,787               60,786
  Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges
   and preferred stock dividends:
    Including CMO debt                                       0.66:1             1.24:1             1.12:1               0.57:1
    Excluding CMO debt                                       0.34:1             1.42:1             1.25:1               0.21:1

BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD):
  Mortgage securities and other investments         $     2,369,602    $     6,114,130   $      5,620,513   $        3,831,640
  CMO collateral and investments                          4,571,274          5,195,436          3,443,774            4,984,575
  Mortgage servicing rights                                       -            669,062                  -              494,355
  Total assets                                            7,100,287         12,357,515          9,137,621            9,616,229
  Short-term borrowings                                   1,839,868          7,099,706          5,097,265            3,906,855
  CMO bonds                                               4,521,324          4,309,455          3,412,512            4,931,526
  Stockholders' equity                                      680,201            888,608            607,977              705,477
  Common Stock outstanding                                   60,546             58,541             57,562               61,534
  Book value per share                              $          7.56    $         11.42   $           6.82   $             7.85
</TABLE>



                                       19

<PAGE>   26




13.  CERTAIN UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION

         The following unaudited pro forma financial information separately
gives effect to (i) the purchase of an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of Common
Stock pursuant to the Offer and (ii) the combined effect of the Offer and the
issuance of the New Preferred Stock to Fortress, based on the assumptions
described in the Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information below, as if
such transactions had occurred on the first day of each of the periods
presented, with respect to statement of operations data, and on December 31,
1998 and September 30, 1999, with respect to balance sheet data. The unaudited
pro forma financial information should be read in conjunction with the Summary
Unaudited Historical Financial Information set forth above and does not purport
to be indicative of the results that would actually have been obtained, or
results that may be obtained in the future, or the financial condition that
would have resulted, if the purchase of shares pursuant to the Offer and of the
issuance of New Preferred Stock to Fortress and the payment of related fees and
expenses had been completed at the dates indicated.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                       DECEMBER 31, 1998

                                                                                    UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL PRESENTATIONS
                                                                    AS PREVIOUSLY   -------------------------------------------
                                                                      REPORTED            OFFER ONLY            COMBINED
                                                                    ------------         ------------         ------------

                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND RATIO DATA)
<S>                                                                 <C>                  <C>                  <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
     Net margin on mortgage assets and other investments            $      7,623         $      5,131         $      7,634
     Net income (loss)                                                  (234,764)            (237,256)            (234,753)
     Net income (loss) available to common shares                       (257,106)            (259,598)            (262,258)
     Per Share Data:
         Net income (loss) per common share:
              Basic                                                 $      (4.22)        $      (5.10)        $      (5.15)
              Diluted                                                      (4.22)               (5.10)               (5.15)
     Average number of common shares outstanding:
         Basic                                                            60,948               50,948               50,948
         Diluted                                                          60,948               50,948               50,948
     Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and
      preferred stock dividends:
         Including CMO debt                                               0.66:1               0.66:1               0.66:1
         Excluding CMO debt                                               0.34:1               0.33:1               0.35:1

BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD):
     Total assets                                                   $  7,100,287         $  7,053,787         $  7,100,487
     Short-term borrowings                                             1,839,868            1,839,868            1,839,868
     CMO bonds                                                         4,521,324            4,521,324            4,521,324
     Stockholders' equity                                                680,201              633,701              680,401
     Common Stock outstanding                                             60,546               50,546               50,546
     Book value per share                                           $       7.56         $       8.14         $       7.47
</TABLE>


                                       20

<PAGE>   27




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999

                                                                              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL PRESENTATIONS
                                                               AS PREVIOUSLY  -------------------------------------------
                                                                 REPORTED            OFFER ONLY         COMBINED
                                                                ----------            ----------        ----------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND RATIO DATA)
<S>                                                             <C>                   <C>               <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
     Net margin on mortgage assets and other investments        $   45,017            $   43,319        $   45,024
     Net income (loss)                                              45,112                43,414            45,119
     Net income (loss) available to common shares                   28,160                26,462            24,295
     Per Share Data:
         Net income (loss) per common share:
              Basic                                             $     0.48            $     0.54        $     0.50
              Diluted                                                 0.48                  0.54              0.47
     Average number of common shares outstanding:
         Basic                                                      58,787                48,787            48,787
         Diluted                                                    58,787                48,787            59,543
     Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and
       preferred stock dividends:
         Including CMO debt                                         1.12:1                1.11:1            1.11:1
         Excluding CMO debt                                         1.25:1                1.24:1            1.25:1

BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD):
     Total assets                                               $9,137,621            $9,091,121        $9,137,821
     Short-term borrowings                                       5,097,265             5,097,265         5,097,265
     CMO bonds                                                   3,412,512             3,412,512         3,412,512
     Stockholders' equity                                          607,977               561,477           608,177
     Common Stock outstanding                                       57,562                47,562            47,562
     Book value per share                                       $     6.82            $     7.27        $     6.73
</TABLE>

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION

1.       The OFFER ONLY unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the
         completion of the tender for 10 million shares of Common Stock for
         $4.55 per share plus costs totaling approximately $1.0 million funded
         out of available funds and funds generated in the ordinary course of
         business. Also reflected is the use of these funds which would reduce
         interest income by approximately $2.5 million for the year ended
         December 31, 1998 and $1.7 million for the nine months ended September
         30, 1999 (calculated at the Federal Funds Effective Rate for overnight
         investments).

         No pro forma adjustments have been made to reflect costs associated
         with failure of the Fortress Proposal. Such costs could include some or
         all of the $1.0 million of estimated expenses associated with the
         Proposal and, if Fortress were to exercise the Fortress Put, a payment
         to Fortress of approximately $1.5 million (see "Proposed Transactions
         with Fortress").

2.       The COMBINED unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the
         combined effect of the Offer as described above and the issuance of
         10,756,000 shares of the New Preferred Stock for $51.2 million less
         costs totaling approximately $1.0 million. The unaudited pro forma
         information also includes an estimated $3.5 million of non-recurring
         costs that may be incurred by Capstead under the Employment Agreement
         upon approval of the Fortress Proposal by stockholders (see "Background
         and Purpose of the Offer; Sale of New Preferred Stock to Fortress;
         Proposed Transactions with Fortress; Investment Strategy"). Also
         reflected is the investment of the proceeds of the issuance, net of
         costs, which would increase interest income by approximately $2.5
         million


                                       21

<PAGE>   28



         for the year ended December 31, 1998 and $1.7 million for the nine
         months ended September 30, 1999 (calculated at the Federal Funds
         effective rate for overnight investments).

3.       Book value per Common Share is calculated assuming the redemption of
         Capstead's existing preferred stock and the conversion of the New
         Preferred Stock.

14.      TRANSACTIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS CONCERNING THE COMMON STOCK

         Capstead recently entered into a transaction with Fortress in which
Capstead sold New Preferred Stock to Fortress. See "Background and Purpose of
the Offer; Sale of New Preferred Stock to Fortress; Proposed Transactions with
Fortress; Investment Strategy."

         On February 4, 1999, the Board authorized the repurchase of up to
6,000,000 shares of Common Stock and up to 2,000,000 shares of its $1.26
Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, Series B (the "Series B Preferred
Stock"). As of December 8, 1999, Capstead had repurchased 3,607,500 shares of
Common Stock at an average price of $5.02 per share (including transaction
costs) and 538,500 shares of the Series B Preferred Stock at an average price of
$11.89 per share (including transaction costs) pursuant to this repurchase
program (the "Repurchase Program"), leaving 2,392,500 shares of Common Stock and
1,461,500 shares of Series B Preferred Stock available for repurchase under the
Repurchase Program. In December 1998, Capstead completed a previously authorized
repurchase of 1 million shares of Common Stock at an average price of $4.10 per
share (including transaction costs). In early January 1999, 85,583 formerly
restricted shares of Common Stock were repurchased at $4.12 per share from
employees in order to assist them with meeting their federal income tax
obligations resulting from the lapsing of restrictions on stock awards in
connection with the December 1998 sale of the mortgage banking operations.
Altogether, Capstead has repurchased 7.6% of its outstanding shares of Common
Stock and 3.1% of the Series B Preferred Stock since the first share repurchases
in December 1998. All such repurchased shares have been canceled and returned to
authorized but unissued shares.

         Set forth in the table below is information with regard to the 575,300
shares repurchased by Capstead pursuant to the repurchase program during the
past 40 business days:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            DATE                            NUMBER OF SHARES                       PRICE(1)
- ----------------------------           --------------------------         --------------------------
<S>                                    <C>                                <C>
10/13/1999                                    31,000                                  3.9375
10/13/1999                                     9,000                                  3.8750
10/14/1999                                     8,800                                  3.8750
10/18/1999                                    25,000                                  3.8125
10/27/1999                                    16,800                                  3.8750
10/28/1999                                    59,500                                  3.8750
10/28/1999                                       500                                  3.7500
10/29/1999                                    52,700                                  3.9375
10/29/1999                                    19,000                                  3.8750
11/1/1999                                     15,900                                  3.9375
11/1/1999                                     18,700                                  3.8750
11/2/1999                                     92,000                                  3.9375
11/2/1999                                     20,300                                  3.8750
11/3/1999                                     19,500                                  3.8750
11/3/1999                                      5,500                                  3.8125
11/4/1999                                     68,200                                  3.9375
11/4/1999                                     25,000                                  3.8750
11/5/1999                                     15,900                                  4.0000
11/5/1999                                     25,000                                  3.9375
11/8/1999                                     20,000                                  4.0000
11/9/1999                                     27,000                                  4.0000
</TABLE>

- ----------------------------------------
(1)      Exclusive of brokerage commissions



                                       22

<PAGE>   29


         Capstead's executive officers and directors have agreed not to
participate in the Offer. As of December 7, 1999, such persons as a group (9
persons) beneficially owned an aggregate of 2,022,111 shares of Common Stock,
representing approximately 3.6% of the outstanding Common Stock. Mr. Edens and
Mr. Kauffman became directors of Capstead on December 9, 1999. Neither Mr. Edens
nor Mr. Kauffman directly owns any securities of Capstead. However, by reason of
their status as directors and executive officers of Fortress, they may be deemed
to be the beneficial owners of the New Preferred Stock and the shares of Common
Stock issuable upon conversion of the New Preferred Stock and any other
securities of Capstead owned directly or beneficially by Fortress. Capstead has
been advised that each of Mr. Edens and Mr. Kauffman disclaims beneficial
ownership of the New Preferred Stock and any shares of Common Stock from time to
time owned directly or beneficially by Fortress. Based on Capstead's records and
on information provided to Capstead by its directors, executive officers and
subsidiaries, neither Capstead, nor any associate or subsidiary of Capstead nor,
to Capstead's knowledge, any of the directors or executive officers of Capstead
or any of its subsidiaries, nor any associates or subsidiaries of any of the
foregoing, has effected any transactions involving the Common Stock during the
40 business days prior to the date hereof, except for the sale of the New
Preferred Stock to Fortress.

         Except as set forth herein, neither Capstead, nor, to Capstead's
knowledge, any of its executive officers or directors, or any of the executive
officers or directors of any of its subsidiaries, is a party to any contract,
arrangement, understanding or relationship relating, directly or indirectly, to
this Offer with any other person with respect to the Common Stock.

         Except as disclosed in this Offer to Purchase, Capstead does not
currently have any other plans or proposals that relate to or would result in:

         o        the acquisition by any person of additional securities of
                  Capstead (other than the Repurchase Program) or the
                  disposition of securities by Capstead (except for the Stock
                  Option Plans);

         o        extraordinary corporate transactions such as a merger,
                  reorganization or liquidation, involving Capstead or any and
                  all of its subsidiaries;

         o        a sale or transfer of a material amount of assets of Capstead
                  or any of its subsidiaries;

         o        any change in the present Board of Directors or management of
                  Capstead ;

         o        any material change in the present dividend rate (other than
                  consistent with past practice) or policy for indebtedness or
                  capitalization of Capstead;

         o        any other material change in Capstead's corporate structure or
                  business;

         o        any material change in Capstead's Articles of Incorporation or
                  Bylaws or any action which may impede the acquisition of
                  control of Capstead;

         o        a class of equity security of Capstead becoming eligible for
                  termination of registration pursuant to the Section 12(g)(4)
                  of the Exchange Act; or

         o        the suspension of Capstead's obligation to file reports
                  pursuant to Section 15(b) of the Exchange Act.



                                       23
<PAGE>   30

15.      FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

         The following discussion is a summary of certain anticipated federal
income tax consequences of the Offer. This discussion is for general information
only and does not address the federal income tax consequences that may be
relevant to particular holders of Common Stock in light of their personal
circumstances or to certain types of holders of Common Stock such as dealers in
securities, insurance companies, foreign persons, financial institutions and
tax-exempt entities who may be subject to special treatment under the federal
income tax laws. Further, this summary assumes that shares of Common Stock are
held as capital assets, generally, property held for investment, within the
meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. This discussion also does not address any
tax consequences under state, local or foreign laws. For purposes of this
discussion, a "U.S. Holder" means a person who is (a) a citizen or resident of
the United States, (b) a corporation or partnership, including an entity treated
as a corporation or partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created in
the United States or organized under the laws of the United States or any state
thereof or the District of Columbia (except, in the case of a partnership, as
otherwise provided by applicable regulations), (c) an estate the income of which
is includable in gross income for United States federal income tax purposes
regardless of its source, or (d) a trust whose administration is subject to the
primary supervision of a United States court and which has one or more of United
States persons who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of
the trust.

         The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, existing and proposed
regulations thereunder, judicial decisions and current administrative rulings
and practices in effect on the date hereof. Any of these authorities could be
repealed, overruled or modified at any time. Any such change could be
retroactive and, accordingly, could modify the tax consequences of this Offer.
No ruling from the Internal Revenue Service with respect to the matters
discussed herein has been requested and there is no assurance that the IRS would
agree with the conclusions set forth in this discussion.

GENERAL CONSEQUENCES

         The tender of shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Offer will be a
taxable transaction for federal income tax purposes and may be a taxable
transaction under state, local or foreign tax laws as well. Under the Code, a
holder of Common Stock whose shares are purchased pursuant to the Offer will
generally recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between
the cash received and such stockholder's adjusted tax basis for his shares
redeemed, if:

         (i)      as a result of the sale, his stock interest in Capstead is
                  completely terminated;

         (ii)     the cash received is substantially disproportionate with
                  respect to the selling stockholder; or

         (iii)    the cash received is deemed to be not essentially equivalent
                  to a dividend.

These tests ("the Section 302 Tests") are discussed in greater detail below. If
any one of the Section 302 Tests are met, as discussed under "--Treatment as a
Sale or Exchange," such gain or loss generally will be treated as a capital gain
or loss if the shares of Common Stock are held as capital assets, and generally
will be treated as a long-term capital gain or loss if the stockholder's holding
period for such shares is more than one year.

         To determine whether the Section 302 Tests are met, there must be taken
into account both (a) any shares actually owned by such holder of Common Stock
and (b) any shares considered owned by such holder of Common Stock by reason of
certain constructive ownership rules set forth in Sections 318 and 302(c) of the
Code. Under Section 318, a holder of Common Stock generally will be treated as
owning shares which he has the right to acquire under options or by the
conversion or exchange of a security and shares owned (and, in some cases,
constructively owned) by members of the tendering stockholder's family and by
related entities such as corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates in which
such stockholder, a member of his family or a related entity has an interest. If
none of the Section 302 Tests are satisfied, the cash received pursuant to the
Offer will be treated in the manner discussed under "--Treatment as a Dividend
or Otherwise as a Distribution" as a dividend taxable as ordinary income to the
extent of the current and accumulated earnings and profits of Capstead, if any.



                                       24

<PAGE>   31



COMPLETE TERMINATION OF INTEREST

         A holder of Common Stock who meets the requirements of the "complete
termination of interest" test generally will receive sale or exchange treatment.
A complete termination of stock interest of a tendering holder of Common Stock
will have occurred if Capstead purchases all of his Common Stock pursuant to the
Offer, and the holder of Common Stock does not own directly and is not deemed to
own, under the constructive ownership rules described above, any other stock of
Capstead. If the Offer is prorated, the shares that are not purchased by reason
of such proration must be taken into account in determining whether a holder of
Common Stock has achieved a complete termination of his interest in Capstead. If
a holder of Common Stock would otherwise satisfy the complete termination
requirement, but for his constructive ownership of shares held by family
members, under certain circumstances the holder of Common Stock may be entitled
to disregard such constructive ownership.

SUBSTANTIALLY DISPROPORTIONATE REDEMPTION

         A sale of Common Stock pursuant to the Offer, in general, will be
"substantially disproportionate" as to a holder if the ratio of the outstanding
voting stock of Capstead actually and constructively owned by the holder
compared to all of Capstead's voting stock outstanding immediately after all
sales of Common Stock pursuant to the Offer is less than 80% of the ratio of
voting stock actually and constructively owned by the holder compared to all of
Capstead's voting stock outstanding immediately before the sale.

         The holder's ownership of Common Stock after and before all sales of
Common Stock pursuant to the Offer must also meet the 80% requirement of the
preceding sentence. In addition, in order to meet the "substantially
disproportionate redemption" test, a holder must immediately after the Offer own
less than 50% of the total combined voting power of all Capstead's classes of
stock entitled to vote.

REDEMPTION NOT ESSENTIALLY EQUIVALENT TO A DIVIDEND

         A holder of Common Stock who meets the requirements of the "not
essentially equivalent to a dividend" test generally will receive sale or
exchange treatment. A redemption will be treated as "not essentially equivalent
to a dividend" if, as result of the sale of Common Stock pursuant to the Offer,
a holder of Common Stock has realized a "meaningful reduction" in his
proportionate interest in Capstead, taking into account the constructive
ownership rules. This determination depends on the facts and circumstances of
each case.

         A redemption of Common Stock for cash that results in a reduction in
the proportionate interest in Capstead, taking into account any constructive
ownership, of a holder whose relative stock interest in Capstead is minimal and
who exercises no control over corporate affairs may be regarded as a "meaningful
reduction" in the holder's stock interest in Capstead. Stockholders tendering
shares in this Offer should note that the change in their relative stock
interest in Capstead may be affected by a proration of the Offer. Any
stockholder seeking to rely on the "not essentially equivalent to a dividend"
test should consult with his own tax advisor as to its application in his
particular situation.

TREATMENT AS A SALE OR EXCHANGE

         If any of the Section 302 Tests described above is satisfied, the
redemption will be treated as a sale or exchange. The tendering holder of Common
Stock will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference
between the amount of cash received pursuant to the Offer (other than amounts
which represent declared and unpaid dividends) and his adjusted tax basis in the
redeemed shares. Amounts of cash received upon redemption of the Common Stock
which represent declared and unpaid dividends will be subject to taxation in the
manner discussed under "--Treatment as a Dividend or Otherwise as a
Distribution" below. Different rules may apply to the determination of the
adjusted tax basis of shares of stock, depending upon how the shares were
acquired by the stockholder. Generally, the basis of shares is equal to their
cost. However, if the shares were inherited or received by gift, special tax
rules may apply.


                                       25

<PAGE>   32
         Such gain or loss would be long-term capital gain or loss if the
holding period for the Common Stock exceeded one year. Capital gains of
individuals derived in respect of capital assets held for more than one year are
eligible for reduced rates of taxation. The deductibility of capital losses is
restricted and, in general, may only be used to reduce capital gains to the
extent thereof. However, individual taxpayers generally may deduct annually
$3,000 of capital losses in excess of their capital gains.

TREATMENT AS A DIVIDEND OR OTHERWISE AS A DISTRIBUTION

         If none of the Section 302 Tests described above is satisfied, then the
holder of Common Stock generally will be treated as having received a
distribution, measured by the amount received by the holder, that is taxable as
a dividend (i.e., ordinary income), to the extent of the current and accumulated
earnings and profits of Capstead, if any. This amount will not be reduced by the
holder's basis in the Common Stock exchanged pursuant to the Offer, and the
holder's adjusted tax basis in the tendered Common Stock will be transferred to
any remaining shares of Capstead stock retained by the holder.

         If none of the Section 302 Tests is satisfied, any cash received for
Common Stock pursuant to the Offer in excess of the current and accumulated
earnings and profits of Capstead, as calculated for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, will be treated, first as a non-taxable return of capital to the
extent of, and in reduction of, the holder's tax basis for such Common Stock,
and thereafter as a capital gain to the extent it exceeds the holder's tax
basis. Gain recognized by a holder on Common Stock held for 12 months or less
will be taxable at the short-term capital gains rate, while Common Stock held
more than 12 months will be taxable at the long-term capital gains rate.

BACKUP WITHHOLDING REQUIREMENTS

         Under federal backup withholding rules, except in the case of certain
exempt taxpayers, the Depositary will withhold 31% of the gross proceeds paid
to a holder of Common Stock or other payee pursuant to the Offer unless the
holder of Common Stock provides his tax identification number (employer
identification number or social security number), certifies that such number is
correct, and certifies that he is not subject to backup withholding under
Section 3406(a)(1)(C) of the Code. Each holder of Common Stock should complete
fully and sign "Substitute Form W-9" included as part of the Letter of
Transmittal, so as to provide the information and certifications necessary to
avoid backup withholding. Any amount withheld from a payment to a holder under
the backup withholding rules is allowable as a credit against the holder's
federal income tax liability and may entitle the holder to a refund from the
IRS, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS. See the
Letter of Transmittal and the Instructions thereto for further details.

         THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX DISCUSSION SET FORTH ABOVE IS INCLUDED FOR
GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. EACH STOCKHOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS OWN TAX
ADVISOR TO DETERMINE THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO HIM OF THE PURCHASE OF
HIS COMMON STOCK PURSUANT TO THE OFFER, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY OF THE
CONSTRUCTIVE OWNERSHIP RULES, THE APPLICABILITY OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN
TAX LAWS, CHANGES IN APPLICABLE TAX LAWS AND ANY PENDING OR PROPOSED
LEGISLATION.

16.      CERTAIN LEGAL MATTERS; REGULATORY APPROVALS

         Capstead is not aware of any license or regulatory permit material to
Capstead's business that is reasonably likely to be adversely affected by
Capstead's acquisition of shares of Common Stock as contemplated herein or of
any approval or other action by any government or governmental, administrative
or regulatory authority, agency, or tribunal, domestic or foreign, that would be
required for the acquisition or ownership of shares by Capstead as contemplated
herein. Should any such approval or other action be required, Capstead presently
contemplates that such approval or other action will be sought or taken.
Capstead is unable to predict whether it will be required to delay the
acceptance for payment of or payment for shares tendered pursuant to the Offer
pending the outcome of any such matter. There can be no assurance that any such
approval or other action, if needed, would be obtained or would be obtained
without


                                       26
<PAGE>   33



substantial conditions or that the failure to obtain any such approval or other
action might not result in adverse consequences to Capstead's business.
Capstead's obligations under the Offer to accept for payment and pay for shares
are subject to certain conditions. See "Certain Conditions of the Offer."

17.      EXTENSION OF THE OFFER PERIOD; TERMINATION; AMENDMENTS

         Capstead expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, at any
time and from time to time, and regardless of whether or not any of the events
set forth under "Certain Conditions of the Offer" shall have occurred or shall
be deemed by Capstead to have occurred, to extend the period of time during
which the Offer is open and thereby delay acceptance for payment of, and payment
for, any shares by giving oral or written notice of such extension to the
Depositary and making a public announcement thereof. Capstead also expressly
reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate the Offer and not
accept for payment or pay for any shares not previously accepted for payment or
paid for or, subject to applicable law, to postpone payment for shares upon the
occurrence of any of the conditions specified under "Certain Conditions of the
Offer" by giving oral or written notice of such termination or postponement to
the Depositary and making a public announcement thereof. Capstead's reservation
of the right to delay payment for shares which it has accepted for payment is
limited by Rule 13e-4(f)(5) promulgated under the Exchange Act, which requires
that Capstead must pay the consideration offered or return the shares tendered
promptly after termination or withdrawal of a tender offer. Subject to
compliance with applicable law, Capstead further reserves the right, in its sole
discretion, and regardless of whether any of the events set forth under "Certain
Conditions of the Offer" shall have occurred or shall be deemed by Capstead to
have occurred, to amend the Offer in any respect (including, without limitation,
by decreasing or increasing the consideration offered in the Offer to holders of
shares or by decreasing or increasing the number of shares being sought in the
Offer). Amendments to the Offer may be made at any time and from time to time by
public announcement thereof. In the case of an extension, such announcement will
be issued no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day
after the last previously scheduled or announced Expiration Date. Any material
change to the terms of the Offer will be disseminated promptly to stockholders
in a manner reasonably designed to inform stockholders of such change. Without
limiting the manner in which Capstead may choose to inform stockholders, except
as required by applicable law, Capstead shall have no obligation to publish,
advertise or otherwise communicate any such change other than by making a
release to the Dow Jones News Service. If Capstead materially changes the terms
of the Offer or the information concerning the Offer, or if it waives a material
condition of the Offer, Capstead will extend the Offer to the extent required by
Rules 13e-4(d)(2) and 13e-4(e)(2) promulgated under the Exchange Act. Under
these rules, the minimum period during which an offer must remain open following
material changes in the terms of the Offer or information concerning the Offer
will depend on the facts and circumstances, including the relative materiality
of such terms or information. If (i) Capstead increases or decreases the price
to be paid for shares, increases or decreases the Dealer Manager fee or
increases or decreases the number of shares being sought in the Offer or, in the
event of an increase in the number of shares being sought, such increase exceeds
2% of the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, and (ii) the Offer is
scheduled to expire at any time earlier than the expiration of a period ending
on the tenth business day from, and including, the date that such notice of an
increase or decrease is first published, sent or given in the manner specified
herein, the Offer will be extended until the expiration of such period of ten
business days. For the purposes of the Offer, a "business day" means any day
other than a Saturday, Sunday or Federal holiday and consists of the time period
from 12:01 am through 12:00 midnight, New York City time.

18.      FEES AND EXPENSES

         Capstead has retained PaineWebber Incorporated to act as its financial
advisor, as well as the Dealer Manager, in connection with the Offer and its
transactions with Fortress. In connection with the Offer, PaineWebber
Incorporated will receive a transaction fee of $100,000 upon completion of the
Offer and $0.05 per share tendered, as well as reimbursement of its
out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection the Offer, including the costs and
expenses of its legal counsel. PaineWebber Incorporated has rendered various
investment banking and other advisory services to Capstead in the past, for
which it has received customary compensation, and may render similar services to
Capstead in the future.



                                       27

<PAGE>   34



         Capstead has retained Corporate Investor Communications, Inc. to act as
Information Agent and Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A. to act as Depositary in
connection with the Offer. The Information Agent may contact holders of shares
by mail, telephone, facsimile, telex, telegraph and personal interviews and may
request Brokers or Other Nominees to forward materials relating to the Offer to
beneficial owners. The Information Agent and the Depositary will each receive
reasonable and customary compensation for their respective services.

         No fees or commissions will be payable by Capstead to brokers, dealers
or other persons (other than fees to the Dealer Manager and the Information
Agent as described above) for soliciting tenders of shares pursuant to the
Offer. A Stockholder holding shares through a Broker or Other Nominee is urged
to consult such Broker or Other Nominee to determine whether transaction costs
are applicable if such stockholder tenders shares through such Broker or Other
Nominee and not directly to the Depositary. Capstead will, however, upon
request, reimburse Brokers and Other Nominees for customary mailing and handling
expenses incurred by them in forwarding the Offer and related materials to the
beneficial owners of shares held by them as a nominee or in a fiduciary
capacity. No Broker or Other Nominee has been authorized to act as the agent of
Capstead, the Dealer Manager, the Information Agent or the Depositary for
purposes of the Offer. Capstead will pay or cause to be paid all stock transfer
taxes, if any, on its purchase of shares except as otherwise provided under
"Purchase of Shares and Payment of Purchase Price" or Instruction 8 in the
Letter of Transmittal.

19.      MISCELLANEOUS

         Capstead is not aware of any jurisdiction in which the making of the
Offer is not in compliance with applicable law. If Capstead becomes aware of any
jurisdiction where the making of the Offer or the acceptance or purchase of the
shares is not in compliance with any valid applicable law, Capstead will make a
good faith effort to comply with such law. If, after such good faith effort,
Capstead cannot comply with such law, the Offer will not be made to (nor will
tenders be accepted from or on behalf of) the holders of shares residing in such
jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction where the securities, blue sky or other laws
require the Offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Offer shall be
deemed to be made on Capstead's behalf by the Dealer Manager or one or more
registered broker or dealers licensed under the laws of the jurisdiction.

         Pursuant to Rule 13e-4 promulgated under the Exchange Act, Capstead has
filed with the Commission an Issuer Tender Offer Statement on Schedule 13E-4
which contains additional information with respect to the Offer. The Schedule
13E-4, including the Exhibits and any amendments thereto, may be examined, and
copies may be obtained at the same places and in the same manner as is set forth
under "Additional Information" with respect to information concerning Capstead.

20.      ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

         Capstead files annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements
and other information with the Commission. You may read and copy any reports,
statements or other information filed by Capstead at the Commission's public
reference room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, or at the
Commission's public reference rooms in New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois.
Please call the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further
information on the public reference rooms. The filings of Capstead with the
Commission are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval
services and at the web site maintained by the Commission at http://www.sec.gov.
Such filings and other information concerning Capstead also can be inspected and
copied at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

         THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CAPSTEAD HAS APPROVED THE MAKING OF THE
OFFER. YOU MUST, HOWEVER, MAKE YOUR OWN DECISION WHETHER TO TENDER SHARES AND,
IF SO, HOW MANY SHARES TO TENDER. NONE OF CAPSTEAD, ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS OR
THE DEALER MANAGER MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION TO YOU WITH RESPECT TO THE OFFER,
AND NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED BY CAPSTEAD OR ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO MAKE


                                       28

<PAGE>   35



ANY SUCH RECOMMENDATIONS. THE DELIVERY OF THIS DOCUMENT SHALL NOT CREATE AN
IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF CAPSTEAD SINCE THE
DATE OF THIS DOCUMENT OR THAT THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT IS CORRECT AS OF
ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE OF THIS DOCUMENT.

         This Offer (i) is being mailed to stockholders of record of Common
Stock as of December 8, 1999 and (ii) will be furnished to Brokers and Other
Nominees whose names, or the names of whose nominees, appear on Capstead's list
of holders of Common Stock as of December 8, 1999 or, if applicable, who are
listed as participants in a clearing agency's security position listing as of
December 8, 1999.




                                       29

<PAGE>   36


                        The Depositary for the Offer is:

                          NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, N.A.


<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>
By Mail to:                               By Overnight Courier or Hand-Delivery to:
Norwest Shareowner Services               Norwest Shareowner Services
Reorganization Department                 Reorganization Department
P.O. Box 64858                            161 North Concord Exchange
St. Paul, MN  55164-0858                  South St. Paul, MN  55075


</TABLE>

                        Telephone Number: (800) 468-9716
                     Facsimile Transmission: (651) 450-4163
           Confirm Receipt of Facsimile by Telephone: (651) 450-4110


      Any questions or requests for additional copies of this Offer to Purchase,
the Letter of Transmittal or the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery should be
directed to the Information Agent at the following addresses and telephone
numbers:

                     The Information Agent for the Offer is:

                     CORPORATE INVESTOR COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                               111 Commerce Road
                            Carlstadt, NJ 07072-2586
                 Banks and Brokerage Firms call: (201) 896-1900
              Stockholders please call: (877) 842-2407 (toll free)

      Any questions or requests for assistance may be directed to the Dealer
Manager at the address and telephone name set forth below. You may also contact
your broker, dealer, commercial bank or trust company or any other nominee for
assistance concerning this Offer.


                      The Dealer Manager for the Offer is:

                            PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED

                           1285 Avenue of the Americas
                            New York, New York 10019
                                 (888) 559-8850




<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT (a)(2)



                              LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
                       to Tender Shares of Common Stock of
                          CAPSTEAD MORTGAGE CORPORATION
            Pursuant to the Offer to Purchase Dated December 9, 1999

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE OFFER, PRORATION PERIOD AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK
         CITY TIME, ON JANUARY 14, 2000, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>                                      <C>
By Mail to:                        By Hand-Delivery in New York to:         By Overnight Courier or Hand-Delivery to:
Norwest Shareowner Services        The Depository Trust Company             Norwest Shareowner Services
Reorganization Department          Transfer Agent Drop                      Reorganization Department
P.O. Box 64858                     55 Water Street, 1ST Floor               161 North Concord Exchange
St. Paul, MN 55164-0858            New York, NY 10041                       South ST. Paul, MN 55075
</TABLE>

         DO NOT SEND STOCK CERTIFICATES TO CAPSTEAD MORTGAGE CORPORATION

              FOR HELP COMPLETING THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, CALL:
                                 1-877-842-2407

                 [CORPORATE INVESTOR COMMUNICATIONS, INC. LOGO]

<TABLE>
<S>                       <C>                      <C>             <C>                       <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
Debit Share               Partial                  SIBL/LT         Alt. Payee                Spec.
            -------------         ----------------         -------            --------------       ----------------
Legend                    Approved                 Input           Audit                     Mailed
       ------------------         ----------------      ----------       -------------------        ---------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           SIGNATURE OF REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS                                     SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
                                                                               (SEE INSTRUCTIONS 1, 5, 6, 9, 12 AND 13)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                              <C>
MUST BE SIGNED BY ALL REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS. THE               TO BE COMPLETED ONLY IF CERTIFICATE(S) FOR SHARES NOT TENDERED OR
UNDERSIGNED AGREED TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS       NOT PURCHASED AND/OR ANY CHECK FOR THE PURCHASE PRICE ARE TO BE
SET FORTH ON PAGES 5 AND 6 OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL         MAILED TO SOMEONE OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED SIGNATURE(S) NAME
                                                                 STOCKHOLDER, OR TO THE REGISTERED STOCKHOLDER AT ANY ADDRESS OTHER
                                                                 THAN THAT DESIGNATED BELOW.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   SIGNATURE(S)                                                                  NAME


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   SIGNATURE(S)                                                             STREET ADDRESS


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 TELEPHONE NUMBER                                                      CITY, STATE AND ZIP CODE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            NAME AND ADDRESS OF REGISTERED OWNER(S)                                          SHARES TENDERED
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(PLEASE MAKE ANY ADDRESS CORRECTIONS ON LABEL OR FILL IN, IF BLANK)           (ATTACH ADDITIONAL SIGNED LIST, IF NECESSARY)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         NUMBER OF SHARES OF        NUMBER OF
                                                                        CERTIFICATE    COMMON STOCK REPRESENTED      SHARES
                                                                         NUMBER(S)        BY EACH CERTIFICATE       TENDERED
                                                                        ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>            <C>                          <C>

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                        ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        TOTAL NUMBER OF
                                                                        SHARES TENDERED:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
[ ]    Indicates permanent address change
[ ]    Lost certificates. I have lost my certificate for _________ shares and
       require assistance in replacing shares.



<PAGE>   2


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          SPECIAL PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS                                       GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURE(S)
    (SEE INSTRUCTIONS 1, 5, 6, 9, 12 AND 13)                                (SEE INSTRUCTIONS 1 AND 5.)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                         <C>
TO BE COMPLETED ONLY IF CERTIFICATE(S) FOR SHARES NOT
TENDERED OR NOT PURCHASED AND/OR ANY CHECK FOR THE PURCHASE
PRICE ARE TO BE ISSUED IN THE NAME OF SOMEONE OTHER THAN THE
REGISTERED STOCKHOLDER.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    NAME                                                      AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                STREET ADDRESS                                                        DATED

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           CITY, STATE AND ZIP CODE                                            NAME (PLEASE PRINT)

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      TITLE

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   NAME OF FIRM

                                                                       -------------------------------------
                                                                            ADDRESS (INCLUDE ZIP CODE)

                                                                       -------------------------------------
                                                                        TELEPHONE NUMBER (INCLUDE AREA CODE)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indicate in this box the order (by certificate number) in which shares are to be purchased in event of proration. See Instruction 8.

         1st:  _____           2nd:  _____           3rd:  _____           4th:  _____           5th:  _____
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     [ ] CHECK HERE IF TENDERED SHARES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY
         TRANSFER TO AN ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY THE DEPOSITARY AT THE BOOK-ENTRY
         TRANSFER FACILITY AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:

         Name of Tendering Institution:
                                       -----------------------------------------

         Account Number:
                        --------------------------------------------------------

         Transaction Code Number:
                                 -----------------------------------------------

     [ ] CHECK HERE IF SHARES ARE BEING TENDERED PURSUANT TO A NOTICE OF
         GUARANTEED DELIVERY PREVIOUSLY SENT TO THE DEPOSITARY AND COMPLETE THE
         FOLLOWING:

         Name(s) of Registered Stockholder(s):
                                              ----------------------------------

         Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery:
                                                            --------------------

         Name of Institution that Guaranteed Delivery:
                                                      --------------------------

         Window Ticket Number (if any):
                                       -----------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       -2-

<PAGE>   3


         IF YOU ARE A PARTICIPANT IN THE COMPANY'S STOCKHOLDER INVESTMENT
PROGRAM, THE NUMBER OF SHARES ON THE LABEL AFFIXED TO THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
INCLUDES SHARES HELD BY YOU IN THE COMPANY'S STOCKHOLDER INVESTMENT PROGRAM, IF
ANY. IN ORDER TO TENDER ANY SHARES IN THE STOCKHOLDER INVESTMENT PROGRAM, YOU
MUST FILL OUT THE BOX BELOW.

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

                      STOCKHOLDER INVESTMENT PROGRAM SHARES
                              (SEE INSTRUCTION 15)

     This section is to be completed ONLY by participants in the Stockholder
     Investment Program who wish to tender shares held in the Stockholder
     Investment Program.

     [ ]  CHECK HERE TO INSTRUCT THE DEPOSITARY TO TENDER ON YOUR BEHALF ALL THE
          SHARES CREDITED TO YOUR STOCKHOLDER INVESTMENT PROGRAM ACCOUNT
          (INCLUDING ANY SHARES PURCHASED AFTER DECEMBER 8, 1999 AND CREDITED TO
          SUCH ACCOUNT, WHICH ARE NOT REFLECTED ON THE PRE-ADDRESSED LABEL).

     [ ]  CHECK HERE TO INSTRUCT THE DEPOSITARY TO TENDER ON YOUR BEHALF THE
          FOLLOWING NUMBER OF SHARES CREDITED TO YOUR SHAREHOLDER INVESTMENT
          PROGRAM:

          Shares:
                 ----------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET
FORTH ABOVE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A PROPER DELIVERY. DELIVERIES TO THE COMPANY
WILL NOT BE FORWARDED TO THE DEPOSITARY AND THEREFORE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE PROPER
DELIVERY. DELIVERIES TO THE BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITY WILL NOT CONSTITUTE
PROPER DELIVERY TO THE DEPOSITARY.

                                       -3-

<PAGE>   4


<TABLE>
<S>                                    <C>                                             <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          PAYER'S NAME: NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, N.A.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBSTITUTE                             PART 1 -- Taxpayer Identification Number --     TIN:_________________
FORM W-9                               for all accounts enter taxpayer
DEPARTMENT OF THE                      identification number in the box at right and   Note: If the account is in more than one
TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE             certify by signing and dating below. (If        name, see the chart in the enclosed
SERVICE                                awaiting TIN or Employer TIN:, write            Guidelines to determine which number to give
PAYER'S REQUEST FOR TAXPAYER           "Applithe For").                                the payer.
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ("TIN")

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART 2 -- For payees exempt from backup withholding, please write "EXEMPT" here (see the enclosed Guidelines):
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART 3 -- Certification -- UNDER PENALTIES OF PERJURY, I CERTIFY THAT (1) The number shown on this form is my correct Taxpayer
Identification Number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me), and (2) I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a)
I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") that I am subject
to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no
longer subject to backup withholding.

Certification Instructions -- You must cross out item (2) above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject
to backup withholding because of under reporting interest or dividends on your tax return and you have not been notified by the IRS
that you are no longer subject to backup withholding. (Also see instructions in the enclosed Guidelines.)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Signature:                                                    Date:
          ------------------------------------------------          -------------------------

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

NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM MAY RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF 31% OF ANY PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU PURSUANT TO THE
      OFFER. PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 FOR
      ADDITIONAL DETAILS.

      YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IF YOU ARE AWAITING (OR WILL SOON APPLY FOR) A TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.

                                       CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

     I certify under penalties of perjury that a taxpayer identification number has not been issued to me, and that I mailed or
delivered an application to receive a TIN to the appropriate Internal Revenue Service Center or Social Security Administration
Office (or I intend to mail or deliver an application in Part III of the Substitute Form W-9 above (and the fact that I have
completed this Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number), if I do not provide a TIN to the Depositary within sixty
(60) days, the Depositary is required to withhold 31% of all cash payments made to me thereafter until I provide a number.

Signature:                                                    Date:
          ------------------------------------------------          -------------------------

Name (Please Print):
                     -------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              ODD LOTS
                                                         (SEE INSTRUCTION 7)

     To be completed ONLY if shares are being tendered by or on behalf of a person who owned of record or beneficially as of the
     close of business on December 8, 1999 and who continues to own, of record or beneficially, as of the Expiration Date, an
     aggregate of fewer than 100 shares of Common Stock. The registered stockholder either (check one box):

[ ]  was the beneficial or record owner of, as of the close of business on December 8, 1999, and continues to own of record or
     beneficially as of the Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 shares of Common Stock, all of which are being tendered;
     or

[ ]  is a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or other nominee that (a) is tendering for the beneficial owners thereof,
     shares with respect to which it is the stockholder of record, and (b) believes, based upon representations made to it by such
     beneficial owners, that each such person was the beneficial or record owner of, as of the close of business on December 8,
     1999, and continues to own of record or beneficially as of the Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 shares of Common
     Stock, all of which are being tendered.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       -4-
<PAGE>   5

To Capstead Mortgage Corporation:

         The aforesigned (the "Stockholder") hereby tenders to Capstead Mortgage
Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the "Company"), the above-described shares
of the Company's Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Common Stock"), at a
price of $4.55 per share (the "Purchase Price"), net to the seller in cash,
without interest, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the
Offer to Purchase dated December 9, 1999 (the "Offer to Purchase"), receipt of
which is hereby acknowledged, and in this Letter of Transmittal (which, as
amended or supplemented from time to time, together constitute the "Offer").

         Subject to, and effective upon, acceptance for payment of the shares
tendered hereby in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of
the Offer (including, if the Offer is extended or amended, the terms and
conditions of such extension or amendment), the Stockholder hereby sells,
assigns and transfers to, or upon the order of, the Company all right, title and
interest in and to all shares tendered hereby and orders the registration of all
such shares if tendered by book-entry transfer and hereby irrevocably
constitutes and appoints the Depositary as the true and lawful agent and
attorney-in-fact of the Stockholder with respect to such shares (with full
knowledge that the Depositary also acts as the agent of the Company), with full
power of substitution (such power of attorney being deemed to be an irrevocable
power coupled with an interest), to: (a) deliver certificate(s) representing
such shares or transfer ownership of such shares on the account books maintained
by the Book-Entry Transfer Facility, together, in either such case, with all
accompanying evidence of transfer and authenticity, to or upon the order of the
Company upon receipt by the Depositary, as the Stockholder's agent, of the
Purchase Price with respect to such shares; (b) present certificates for such
shares for cancellation and transfer on the Company's books; and (c) receive all
benefits and otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of such
shares, all in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the
Offer.

         The Stockholder hereby covenants, represents and warrants to the
Company that:

                  (a) the Stockholder has full power and authority to tender,
         sell, assign and transfer the shares tendered hereby, and when and to
         the extent the same are accepted for payment by the Company, the
         Company will acquire good, marketable and unencumbered title thereto,
         free and clear of all security interests, liens, restrictions, charges,
         encumbrances, conditional sales agreements or other obligations
         relating to the sale or transfer of such shares, and not subject to any
         adverse claims;

                  (b) the Stockholder understands that tenders of shares
         pursuant to any one of the procedures described in Section 4 of the
         Offer to Purchase and in the instructions hereto will constitute the
         Stockholder's acceptance of the Offer, including the Stockholder's
         representation and warranty that (i) the Stockholder has a net long
         position in the shares or equivalent securities at least equal to the
         shares tendered within the meaning of Rule 14e-4 under the Securities
         Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Rule 14e-4"), and (ii) such tender
         of shares complies with Rule 14e-4;

                  (c) the Stockholder will, upon request, execute and deliver
         any additional documents deemed by the Depositary or the Company to be
         necessary or desirable to complete the sale, assignment and transfer of
         the shares tendered hereby; and

                  (d) the Stockholder has read, understands and agrees to all of
         the terms and conditions of the Offer.

         The Stockholder understands that tenders of shares pursuant to any one
of the procedures described in Section 4 of the Offer to Purchase and in the
instructions hereto will constitute a binding agreement between the Stockholder
and the Company upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer. The
Stockholder acknowledges that no interest will be paid on the Purchase Price for
tendered shares regardless of any extension of the Offer or any delay in making
payment of such Purchase Price.

         All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred shall survive
the death or incapacity of the Stockholder, and any obligation of the
Stockholder hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives,
executors, administrators, successors, assigns, trustees in bankruptcy and legal
representatives of the Stockholder. Except as stated in the Offer to Purchase,
this tender is irrevocable.

         The name(s) and address(es) of the registered stockholder(s) should be
printed, if they are not already printed above, exactly as they appear on the
certificates representing shares tendered hereby. The certificate numbers, the
number of shares represented by such certificates and the number of shares that
the Stockholder wishes to tender should be set forth in the appropriate boxes
above.

         The Stockholder understands that the Company will, upon the terms and
subject to the conditions of the Offer, pay the Purchase Price, net to the
seller in cash without interest, and that it will pay for shares of Common Stock
properly tendered pursuant to the Offer and not properly withdrawn, taking into
account the number of shares so tendered.

         The Stockholder recognizes that, under certain circumstances set forth
in the Offer to Purchase, the Company may terminate or amend the Offer or may
postpone the acceptance for payment of, or the payment for, shares tendered or
may accept for payment fewer than all of the shares tendered hereby. In any such
event, the Stockholder understands that certificate(s) for any shares not
tendered or not purchased

                                       -5-

<PAGE>   6




will be returned to the Stockholder at the address indicated above, unless
otherwise indicated in the box entitled "Special Payment Instructions" or the
box entitled "Special Delivery Instructions" above.

         The Stockholder understands that acceptance of shares by the Company
for payment will constitute a binding agreement between the Stockholder and the
Company upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer.

         The aggregate net Purchase Price for the shares tendered hereby and
purchased by the Company will be paid by check issued to the order of the
Stockholder and mailed to the address indicated above, unless otherwise
indicated in the box entitled "Special Payment Instructions" or the box entitled
"Special Delivery Instructions" below. The Stockholder acknowledges that the
Company has no obligation, pursuant to the "Special Payment Instructions," to
transfer any shares from the name of the registered stockholder(s) thereof, or
to order the registration or transfer of any shares tendered by book-entry
transfer, if the Company does not purchase any such shares.


                                       -6-

<PAGE>   7




                                  INSTRUCTIONS

              FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER

         1. Guarantee of Signatures. No signature guarantee is required:

         (a) if this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered
stockholder(s) of the shares (which term, for purposes of these instructions,
shall include any participant in the Book-Entry Transfer Facility whose name
appears on a security position listing as the owner of the shares) tendered
therewith and such registered stockholder has not completed either the box
entitled "Special Delivery Instructions" or the box entitled "Special Payment
Instructions" in the Letter of Transmittal; or

         (b) if shares are tendered for the account of a bank, broker, dealer,
credit union, savings association or other entity which is a member in good
standing of the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program or a bank, broker,
dealer, credit union, savings association or other entity which is an "eligible
guarantor institution," as such term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") (each of the
foregoing constituting an "Eligible Institution"). If a certificate is
registered in the name of a person other than the person executing a Letter of
Transmittal, or if payment is to be made to a person other than the registered
stockholder, then the certificate must be endorsed or accompanied by an
appropriate stock power, in either case, signed exactly as the name of the
registered stockholder appears on the certificate, with the signature guaranteed
by an Eligible Institution.

         In all cases, payment for shares tendered and accepted for payment
pursuant to the Offer will be made only after timely receipt by the Depositary
of certificates for such shares (or a timely confirmation of the book-entry
transfer of the shares into the Depositary's account at the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility), a properly completed and duly executed copy of this Letter of
Transmittal (or a manually signed facsimile thereof) (unless such tender is made
through ATOP) and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal or
ATOP.

         THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF ALL DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING CERTIFICATES FOR
SHARES, THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND ANY OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, IS AT THE
ELECTION AND RISK OF THE TENDERING STOCKHOLDER. IF DELIVERY IS BY MAIL, THEN
REGISTERED MAIL WITH RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, PROPERLY INSURED, IS RECOMMENDED.

         2. Delivery of Letter of Transmittal and Certificates. This Letter of
Transmittal is provided for use by stockholders of record tendering shares. To
tender shares properly pursuant to the Offer, a record stockholder must (a)
complete and duly execute this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), in
accordance with the instructions included within this Letter of Transmittal, and
deliver the same to the Depositary at its address set forth on the front cover
of this Letter of Transmittal which material must be received by the Depositary
prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time, on the Expiration Date, and (b) either
(i) deliver the stock certificate or certificates evidencing the tendered shares
to the Depositary at its address set forth on the front cover of this Letter of
Transmittal, which certificate(s) must also be received by the Depositary prior
to 5:00 p.m. New York City time, on the Expiration date, or (ii) comply with the
guaranteed delivery procedures described above.

         The Depositary will establish an account with respect to the shares
subject to this Offer, for purposes of the Offer, at the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility within two business days after the date of this Offer to Purchase. Any
broker or other nominee that is a participant in the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility's system may tender shares in accordance with the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility's Automated Tender Offer Program ("ATOP") to the extent it is available
to such participants for the shares they wish to tender by making book-entry
delivery of the shares and causing the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to transfer
shares into the Depositary's account in accordance with the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility's procedures for transfer. A stockholder tendering through ATOP must
expressly acknowledge that the stockholder has received and agreed to be bound
by the Letter of Transmittal and that the Letter of Transmittal may be enforced
against such stockholder. In order to tender shares by means of ATOP, the
procedures for ATOP delivery must be duly and timely completed prior to 5:00
p.m. New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Alternatively, brokers and
other nominees may also complete a Letter of Transmittal and deliver shares as
provided in this Instruction 2.

                                       -7-

<PAGE>   8


         3. Inadequate Space. If the space provided in the box entitled "Shares
Tendered" above is inadequate, the certificate numbers and/or the number of
shares should be listed on a separate signed schedule and attached to this
Letter of Transmittal.

         4. Partial Tenders and Unpurchased Shares. (Not applicable to
stockholders who tender by book-entry transfer or by ATOP.) If fewer than all of
the shares evidenced by any certificate are to be tendered, fill in the number
of shares that are to be tendered in the column entitled "Number of Shares
Tendered" in the box entitled "Shares Tendered" above. In such case, if any
tendered shares are purchased, a new certificate for the remainder of the shares
(including any shares not purchased) evidenced by the old certificate(s) will be
issued and sent to the registered holder(s) thereof, unless otherwise specified
in either the box entitled "Special Payment Instructions" or the box entitled
"Special Delivery Instructions" in this Letter of Transmittal, as soon as
practicable after the Expiration Date. Unless otherwise indicated, all shares
represented by the certificate(s) set forth above and delivered to the
Depositary will be deemed to have been tendered.

         5. Signatures on Letter of Transmittal; Stock Powers and Endorsements.

         (a) If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s)
of the shares tendered hereby, the signature(s) must correspond exactly with the
name(s) as written on the face of the certificate(s) without any change
whatsoever.

         (b) If the shares tendered hereby are registered in the name of two or
more joint holders, each such holder must sign this Letter of Transmittal.

         (c) If any tendered shares are registered in different names on several
certificates, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many separate
Letters of Transmittal (or facsimile hereof) as there are different
registrations of certificates.

         (d) When this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered
holder(s) of the shares tendered hereby, no endorsement(s) of certificate(s)
representing such shares or separate stock power(s) are required unless payment
is to be made, or the certificate(s) for shares not tendered or not purchased
are to be issued, to a person other than the registered holder(s) thereof. If
this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered
holder(s) of the certificate(s) listed, or if payment is to be made or
certificate(s) for shares not tendered or not purchased are to be issued to a
person other than the registered holder(s) thereof, such certificate(s) must be
endorsed or accompanied by appropriate stock power(s), in either case signed
exactly as the name(s) of the registered holder(s) appear(s) on the
certificate(s), and THE SIGNATURE(S) ON SUCH CERTIFICATE(S) OR STOCK POWER(S)
MUST BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION. See Instruction 1.

         (e) If this Letter of Transmittal or any certificate(s) or stock
power(s) are signed by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian,
attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or any other person acting in a
fiduciary or representative capacity, such person should so indicate when
signing this Letter of Transmittal and must submit proper evidence satisfactory
to the Company of their authority so to act.

         6. Stock Transfer Taxes. Except as provided in this Instruction 6, no
stock transfer tax stamps or funds to cover such stamps need accompany this
Letter of Transmittal. The Company will pay any stock transfer taxes payable on
the transfer to it of shares purchased pursuant to the Offer. If, however,
either (a) payment of the Purchase Price for shares tendered hereby and accepted
for purchase is to be made to any person other than the registered
stockholder(s); or (b) certificate(s) representing tendered shares are
registered in the name(s) of any person(s) other than the person(s) signing this
Letter of Transmittal, then the Depositary will deduct from such Purchase Price
the amount of any stock transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered
stockholder(s), such other person(s) or otherwise) payable on account of the
transfer to such person, unless satisfactory evidence of the payment of such
taxes or any exemption therefrom is submitted. See Section 6 of the Offer to
Purchase.


                                       -8-

<PAGE>   9




         7. Odd Lots. As described in Sections 1 and 3 of the Offer to Purchase,
all shares properly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date by
persons who own of record or beneficially as of the close of business on
December 8, 1999 and who continue to own, of record or beneficially as of the
Expiration Date an aggregate of fewer than 100 shares of Common Stock, will be
accepted before proration, if any, of the purchase of other tendered shares.
Partial tenders will not qualify for this preference, and it is not available to
any holder who owns of record or beneficially 100 or more shares on the
Expiration Date, even though such holder has separate stock certificates for
fewer than 100 shares. Any holder of Common Stock who owns of record or
beneficially as of the close of business on December 8, 1999 and who continues
to own, of record or beneficially as of the Expiration Date, an aggregate of
fewer than 100 shares of Common Stock and who wishes to tender all such shares
(an "Odd Lot Holder") must complete the box captioned "Odd Lots" in this Letter
of Transmittal.

         8. Order of Purchase in Event of Proration. As described in Section 1
of the Offer to Purchase, stockholders may designate the order in which their
shares are to be purchased in the event of proration in the appropriate box on
page 2 of this Letter of Transmittal. The order of purchase may have an effect
on the United States federal income tax treatment of the Purchase Price for the
shares purchased. See Sections 1 and 15 of the Offer to Purchase.

         9. Special Payment and Delivery Instructions. If certificate(s) for
shares not tendered or not purchased and/or check(s) are to be issued in the
name of a person other than the stockholder or if such certificate(s) and/or
check(s) are to be sent to someone other than the stockholder or to the
stockholder at a different address, the box entitled "Special Payment
Instructions" and/or the box entitled "Special Delivery Instructions" on this
Letter of Transmittal should be completed as applicable and signatures must be
guaranteed as described in Instructions 1 and 5.

         10. Irregularities. All questions as to the number of shares to be
accepted, the price to be paid therefor and the validity, form, eligibility
(including time of receipt) and acceptance for payment of any tender of shares
will be determined by the Company in its sole discretion, which determination
shall be final and binding on all parties. The Company reserves the absolute
right to reject any or all tenders of shares it determines not to be in proper
form or the acceptance of which or payment for which may, in the opinion of the
Company's counsel, be unlawful. The Company also reserves the absolute right to
waive any of the conditions of the Offer or any defect or irregularity in any
tender with respect to any particular shares or any particular stockholder, and
the Company's interpretation of the terms of the Offer (including these
Instructions) will be final and binding on all parties. No tender of shares will
be deemed to be properly made until all defects and irregularities have been
cured by the tendering stockholder or waived by the Company. Unless waived, any
defects or irregularities in connection with tenders must be cured within such
time as the Company shall determine. None of the Company, the Dealer Manger (as
defined in the Offer to Purchase), the Depositary, the Information Agent (as
defined in the Offer to Purchase) or any other person is or will be obligated to
give notice of any defects or irregularities in tenders and none of them will
incur any liability for failure to give any such notice.

         11. Questions and Requests for Assistance and Additional Copies.
Questions and requests for assistance may be directed to, or additional copies
of the Offer to Purchase, this Letter of Transmittal, the Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery and other related materials may be obtained from, the Information Agent
or the Dealer Manager at their addresses and telephone numbers set forth on the
back cover of the Offer to Purchase or from brokers, dealers, commercial banks
or trust companies.

         12. Tax Identification Number and Backup Withholding. United States
federal income tax law generally requires that a stockholder whose tendered
shares are accepted for purchase, or such stockholder's assignee (in either
case, the "Payee"), provide the Depositary with such Payee's correct Taxpayer
Identification Number ("TIN"), which, in the case of a Payee who is an
individual, is such Payee's social security number. If the Depositary is not
provided with the correct TIN or an adequate basis for an exemption, such Payee
may be subject to a $50 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service and
backup withholding in an amount equal to 31% of the gross proceeds received
pursuant to the Offer. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a
refund may be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service.

         TO PREVENT UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX BACKUP WITHHOLDING EQUAL TO
31% OF THE GROSS PAYMENTS MADE TO A STOCKHOLDER FOR SHARES PURCHASED PURSUANT TO
THE OFFER, SUCH STOCKHOLDER (WHO DOES NOT OTHERWISE ESTABLISH AN EXEMPTION FROM
SUCH BACKUP WITHHOLDING) MUST PROVIDE THE DEPOSITARY WITH THE STOCKHOLDER'S
CORRECT TIN

                                       -9-

<PAGE>   10




AND PROVIDE CERTAIN OTHER INFORMATION BY COMPLETING THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
INCLUDED AS PART OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

         If the Payee does not have a TIN, such Payee should (a) consult the
enclosed Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on
Substitute Form W-9 for instructions on applying for a TIN, (b) write "Applied
For" in the space provided in Part 1 of the Substitute Form W-9, and (c) sign
and date the Substitute Form W-9 and the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer
Identification Number set forth herein. If the Payee does not provide such
Payee's TIN to the Depositary within sixty (60) days, backup withholding will
begin and continue until such Payee furnishes such Payee's TIN to the
Depositary. Note that writing "Applied For" on the Substitute Form W-9 means
that the Payee has already applied for a TIN or that such Payee intends to apply
for one in the near future.

         If shares are held in more than one name or are not in the name of the
actual owner, consult the W-9 Guidelines for information on which TIN to report.

         Exempt Payees (including, among others, all corporations and certain
foreign individuals) are not subject to backup withholding and reporting
requirements. To prevent possible erroneous backup withholding, an exempt Payee
should write "Exempt" in Part 2 of Substitute Form W-9. See the enclosed
Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute
Form W-9 for additional instructions. In order for a nonresident alien or
foreign entity to qualify as exempt, such person must subject a completed Form
W-8 Certificate of Foreign Status, signed under penalty of perjury attesting to
such exempt status. Such form may be obtained from the Depositary.

         13. Withholding on Non-U.S. Holder. Even if a Non-U.S. Holder (as
defined below) has provided the required certification to avoid backup
withholding, the Depositary will withhold United States federal income taxes
equal to 30% of the gross payments payable to a Non-U.S. Holder or such holder's
agent unless (a) the Depositary determines that a reduced rate of withholding is
available pursuant to a tax treaty or that an exemption from withholding is
applicable because such gross proceeds are effectively connected with the
conduct of a trade or business within the United States, or (b) the Non-U.S.
Holder establishes to the satisfaction of the Company and the Depositary that
the sale of shares by such Non-U.S. Holder pursuant to the Offer will qualify as
a "sale or exchange," rather than as a distribution taxable as a dividend for
United States federal income tax purposes. For this purpose, a "Non-U.S. Holder"
is any stockholder that for United States federal income tax purposes is not (a)
a citizen or resident of the United States, (b) a corporation or partnership
created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any State or
division thereof (including the District of Columbia), (c) an estate the income
of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of the
source of such income, or (d) a trust (i) the administration over which a United
States court can exercise primary supervision and (ii) all of the substantial
decisions of which one or more United States persons have the authority to
control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent provided in United States
Treasury Regulations, certain trusts in existence on August 20, 1996, and
treated as United States persons prior to such date, that elect to continue to
be treated as United States persons also will not be Non-U.S. Holders. In order
to obtain a reduced rate of withholding pursuant to a tax treaty, a Non-U.S.
Holder must deliver to the Depositary before the payment a properly completed
and executed IRS Form 1001. In order to obtain an exemption from withholding on
the grounds that the gross proceeds paid pursuant to the Offer are effectively
connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States, a
Non-U.S. Holder must deliver to the Depositary a properly completed and executed
IRS Form 4224. The Depositary will determine a stockholder's status as a
Non-U.S. Holder and eligibility for a reduced rate of, or an exemption from,
withholding by reference to outstanding certificates or statements concerning
eligibility for a reduced rate of, or exemption from, withholding (e.g., IRS
Form 1001 or IRS Form 4224) unless facts and circumstances indicate that such
reliance is not warranted. A Non-U.S. Holder may be eligible to obtain a refund
of all or a portion of any tax withheld if such Non-U.S. Holder meets the
"complete termination," "substantially disproportionate" or "not essentially
equivalent to a dividend" tests described in Section 15 of the Offer to Purchase
or is otherwise able to establish that no tax or a reduced amount of tax is due.

         NON-U.S. HOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING
THE APPLICATION OF UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING, INCLUDING
ELIGIBILITY FOR A WITHHOLDING TAX REDUCTION OR EXEMPTION, AND THE REFUND
PROCEDURE.


                                      -10-

<PAGE>   11




         14. Lost, Stolen, Destroyed or Mutilated Certificates. If any
certificate(s) representing shares has been lost, stolen, destroyed or
mutilated, the stockholder should promptly notify the Depositary by checking the
box set forth above and indicating the number of shares so lost, stolen,
destroyed or mutilated. Such stockholder will then be instructed by the
Depositary as to the steps that must be taken in order to replace the
certificate. This Letter of Transmittal and related documents cannot be
processed until the procedures for replacing lost, stolen, destroyed or
mutilated certificates have been followed. Stockholders may contact the
Depositary at (800) 468-9716 to expedite such process.

         15. Stockholder Investment Program. If a stockholder desires to tender
shares credited to the stockholder's account under the Company's Stockholder
Investment Program, the box entitled "Stockholder Investment Program Shares"
should be completed. A participant in the Stockholder Investment Program may
complete such box on only one Letter of Transmittal submitted by such
participant. If a participant submits more than one Letter of Transmittal and
completes such box on more than one Letter of Transmittal, the participant will
be deemed to have elected to tender all shares credited to the stockholder's
account under the Stockholder Investment Program. If such stockholder is an Odd
Lot Owner and desires to have all of such stockholder shares purchased, the box
entitled "Odd Lots" must also be completed. See Instruction 7.

         If a stockholder tenders shares held in the Stockholder Investment
Program, all such shares credited to such stockholder's account(s) (including
any shares purchased after December 8, 1999 and credited to such account(s),
which are not reflected on the pre-addressed label included herewith) will be
tendered, unless otherwise specified above in the box entitled "Stockholder
Investment Program Shares." In the event that the item "Stockholder Investment
Program Shares" is not completed, no shares held in the tendering stockholder's
account will be tendered.

         THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, PROPERLY COMPLETED AND DULY EXECUTED,
TOGETHER WITH CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING SHARES BEING TENDERED OR CONFIRMATION OF
BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER OR, IN THE CASE OF TRANSFER THROUGH ATOP A SPECIFIC
ACKNOWLEDGMENT, AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, OR A NOTICE OF GUARANTEED
DELIVERY, MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE DEPOSITARY PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY
TIME, ON THE EXPIRATION DATE. STOCKHOLDERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO RETURN A COMPLETED
SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 WITH THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

                                      -11-

<PAGE>   12




                     The Information Agent for the Offer is:

                     CORPORATE INVESTOR COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                                111 Commerce Road
                            Carlstadt, NJ 07072-2586
                 Banks and Brokerage Firms call: (201) 896-1900
              Stockholders please call: (877) 842-2407 (toll free)


                      The Dealer Manager for the Offer is:

                            PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
                           1285 Avenue of the Americas
                            New York, New York 10019
                                 (888) 559-8850






                                      -12-

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT (a)(3)


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

                          NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY
                                       FOR
                        TENDER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
                                       OF
                          CAPSTEAD MORTGAGE CORPORATION

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

                        PURSUANT TO THE OFFER TO PURCHASE
                             DATED DECEMBER 9, 1999

         This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, or one substantially in the form
hereof, must be used to accept the Offer (as defined below) if certificates
evidencing shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 (the "Common Stock"), of
Capstead Mortgage Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the "Company"), are not
immediately available, or if the procedure for book-entry transfer set forth in
the Offer to Purchase dated December 9, 1999 (the "Offer to Purchase") and the
related Letter of Transmittal (which, as amended or supplemented from time to
time, together constitute the "Offer") cannot be completed on a timely basis or
time will not permit all required documents, including a properly completed and
duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or a manually signed facsimile thereof), to
reach the Depositary prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in the Offer to
Purchase).

         This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, properly completed and duly
executed, may be delivered by hand or mailed to the Depositary. See Section 4 of
the Offer to Purchase.

         THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY AND ANY
OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IS AT THE ELECTION AND RISK OF THE TENDERING
STOCKHOLDER. IF DELIVERY IS BY MAIL, THEN REGISTERED MAIL WITH RETURN RECEIPT
REQUESTED, PROPERLY INSURED, IS RECOMMENDED. IN ALL CASES, SUFFICIENT TIME
SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ASSURE DELIVERY.

                        THE DEPOSITARY FOR THE OFFER IS:

                          NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, N.A.

<TABLE>
<S>                            <C>                             <C>
By Mail:                       By Hand-Delivery in New York:   By Overnight Courier or Hand Delivery:

Norwest Shareowner Services    The Depository Trust Company    Norwest Shareowner Services
Reorganization Department      Transfer Agent Drop             Reorganization Department
P. O. Box 64858                55 Water Street, 1st Floor      161 North Concord Exchange
St. Paul, MN  55164-0858       New York, NY  10041-0099        South St. Paul, MN  55075
</TABLE>

         DELIVERY OF THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN
AS SET FORTH ABOVE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY. DELIVERIES TO THE
COMPANY WILL NOT BE FORWARDED TO THE DEPOSITARY AND THEREFORE WILL NOT
CONSTITUTE VALID DELIVERY TO THE DEPOSITARY. DELIVERIES TO THE BOOK-ENTRY
TRANSFER FACILITY WILL NOT CONSTITUTE VALID DELIVERY TO THE DEPOSITARY.

         This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery form is not to be used to guarantee
signatures on the Letter of Transmittal. If a signature on the Letter of
Transmittal is required to be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution (as defined
in the Offer to Purchase) under the instructions thereto, such signature
guarantee must appear in the applicable space provided in the signature box on
the Letter of Transmittal.



<PAGE>   2

TO CAPSTEAD MORTGAGE CORPORATION:

         The undersigned hereby tenders to the Company at the price per share
indicated in this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, upon the terms and subject to
the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase and the related Letter of
Transmittal, receipt both of which is hereby acknowledged, the number of shares
specified below pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth in
Section 4 of the Offer to Purchase.


                         DESCRIPTION OF SHARES TENDERED
                  (ATTACH ADDITIONAL SIGNED LIST, IF NECESSARY)


      CERTIFICATE           TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES        NUMBER OF SHARES
       NUMBER(S)*                REPRESENTED BY             TENDERED**
                                  CERTIFICATES

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

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

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

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

    Total shares:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Indicate in this box the order (by certificate number) in which shares are to be
purchased in event of proration. *** See Instruction 8 of the Letter of
Transmittal.


1st:             2nd:             3rd:            4th:            5th:
    -----------      -----------      -----------     -----------     ----------

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

  *  If available. DOES NOT need to be completed by stockholders tendering
     shares by book-entry transfer.

 **  Unless otherwise indicated, it will be assumed that all shares evidenced by
     each certificate delivered to the Depositary are being tendered hereby. See
     Instruction 4 of the Letter of Transmittal.

***  If you do not designate an order, in the event less than all shares
     tendered are purchased due to proration, shares will be selected for
     purchase by the Depositary.



                                      -2-

<PAGE>   3

                                    ODD LOTS

                  (SEE INSTRUCTION 7 OF LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL)

      To be completed ONLY if shares of Common Stock are being tendered by or on
behalf of a person owning of record or beneficially, as of the close of business
on December 8, 1999 and who continues to own of record or beneficially, as of
the Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 shares of Common Stock, the
undersigned either (check one box ):

  [ ] was the beneficial or record owner of, as of the close of business on
      December 8, 1999, and continues to own, of record or beneficially, as of
      the Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 shares of Common Stock
      tendered, all of which are being tendered; or

  [ ] is a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee that
      (a) is tendering for the beneficial owner thereof shares with respect to
      which it is the stockholder of record, and (b) believes, based upon
      representations made to it by such beneficial owner, that such person was
      the beneficial or record owner, as of December 8, 1999, and continues to
      own of record or beneficially, as of the Expiration Date, an aggregate of
      fewer than 100 shares of Common Stock tendered, all of which are being
      tendered.

                                    Signature(s):

                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    Name(s) of
                                    Stockholder(s) of Record:

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

                                    --------------------------------------------
                                                 Please Type or Print

                                    Address:

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

                                    --------------------------------------------
                                                                Zip Code

                                    Telephone No. (including area code):
                                                                        --------
                                    E-mail address:

                                    If shares of Common Stock will be delivered
                                    by book-entry transfer, provide the
                                    following information:

                                    Account Number:

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

                                    Date:

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


                                      -3-

<PAGE>   4

                                    GUARANTEE

     THE UNDERSIGNED, A BANK, BROKER, DEALER, CREDIT UNION, SAVINGS ASSOCIATION
OR OTHER ENTITY WHICH IS A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING OF THE SECURITIES TRANSFER
AGENTS MEDALLION PROGRAM OR A BANK, BROKER, DEALER, CREDIT UNION, SAVINGS
ASSOCIATION OR OTHER ENTITY WHICH IS AN "ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION," AS
SUCH TERM IS DEFINED IN RULE 17Ad-15 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,
AS AMENDED (EACH OF THE FOREGOING CONSTITUTING AN "ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION"),
HEREBY GUARANTEES THE DELIVERY TO THE DEPOSITARY OF THE SHARES TENDERED HEREBY,
IN PROPER FORM FOR TRANSFER, OR A CONFIRMATION THAT THE SHARES TENDERED HEREBY
HAVE BEEN DELIVERED PURSUANT TO THE PROCEDURE FOR BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER SET FORTH
IN THE OFFER TO PURCHASE INTO THE DEPOSITARY'S ACCOUNT AT THE BOOK-ENTRY
TRANSFER FACILITY, TOGETHER WITH A PROPERLY COMPLETED AND DULY EXECUTED LETTER
OF TRANSMITTAL (OR A MANUALLY SIGNED FACSIMILE THEREOF) (OTHER THAN TENDERS
THROUGH ATOP (AS DEFINED IN THE OFFER TO PURCHASE)) AND ANY REQUIRED SIGNATURE
GUARANTEES OR OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, ALL WITHIN THREE (3) NEW YORK STOCK
EXCHANGE TRADING DAYS AFTER RECEIPT BY THE DEPOSITARY OF THIS NOTICE OF
GUARANTEED DELIVERY.

     The Eligible Institution that completes this form must communicate the
guarantee to the Depositary and must deliver the Letter of Transmittal and
certificates representing shares or a confirmation of book-entry transfer or, in
the case of transfer through ATOP, a specified acknowledgment to the Depositary
within the time period set forth herein. Failure to do so could result in a
financial loss to such Eligible Institution.

                                    Name of Firm:

                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    Address:

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

                                    --------------------------------------------
                                                                        Zip Code

                                    Telephone No: (Including area code):

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

                                    Authorized Signature:

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

                                    Name:

                                    --------------------------------------------
                                                    Please Print

                                    Title:

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

                                    Date:

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

NOTE: DO NOT SEND SHARE CERTIFICATES WITH THIS FORM. CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES OF
      COMMON STOCK SHOULD BE SENT WITH THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.


                                      -4-

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT (a)(4)

                            PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED

                          CAPSTEAD MORTGAGE CORPORATION
                           OFFER TO PURCHASE FOR CASH
                     UP TO 10,000,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
                     AT A PURCHASE PRICE OF $4.55 PER SHARE

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     THE OFFER, PRORATION PERIOD AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW
YORK CITY TIME, ON JANUARY 14, 2000, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks,                         December 9, 1999
Trust Companies and Other Nominees:

     Capstead Mortgage Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the "Company"), has
engaged us to act as Dealer Manager in connection with its offer to purchase up
to 10,000,000 shares (or such lesser number of shares as are properly tendered)
of its Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Common Stock"), at a cash
purchase price of $4.55 per share (the "Purchase Price"), net to the seller,
without interest, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the
Offer to Purchase dated December 9, 1999 (the "Offer to Purchase") and in the
related Letter of Transmittal (which, as amended or supplemented from time to
time, together constitute the "Offer").

     Subject to the foregoing, all shares of Common Stock properly tendered
prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) and not
properly withdrawn, will be purchased at the Purchase Price, upon the terms and
subject to the conditions of the Offer, including the proration provisions.
Shares not purchased because of the proration provisions will be returned at the
Company's expense to the stockholders who tendered such shares.

     The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to purchase more
than an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares pursuant to the Offer.

     THE OFFER IS NOT CONDITIONED ON ANY MINIMUM NUMBER OF SHARES BEING
TENDERED. THE OFFER IS, HOWEVER, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN OTHER CONDITIONS.

     Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, if at the
Expiration Date more than 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock (or such greater
number of shares as the Company may elect to purchase) are properly tendered,
and not properly withdrawn, the Company will buy shares first from any person
(an "Odd Lot Holder") who owned of record or beneficially as of the close of
business on December 8, 1999 and who continues to own of record or beneficially
as of the Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 shares of Common Stock
and so certifies in the appropriate place on the Letter of Transmittal (and, if
applicable, on a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery), and who properly tenders all
such person's shares, and then on a pro rata basis from all other stockholders
who properly tender shares (and do not properly withdraw such shares prior to
the Expiration Date).

     For your information and for forwarding to those of your clients for whom
you hold shares registered in your name or in the name of your nominee, we are
enclosing the following documents:

     1.   The Offer to Purchase dated December 9, 1999;

     2.   The Letter of Transmittal for use and for the information of your
          clients. Facsimile copies of the Letter of Transmittal (with manual
          signatures) may be used to tender shares;

     3.   A letter to the stockholders of the Company dated December 9, 1999
          from Ronn K. Lytle, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the
          Company;

     4.   The Notice of Guaranteed Delivery to be used to accept the Offer and
          tender shares pursuant to the Offer if none of the procedures for
          tendering shares set forth in the Offer to Purchase can be completed
          on a timely basis;



<PAGE>   2

     5.   A printed form of letter which may be sent to your clients for whose
          accounts you hold shares registered in your name or in the name of
          your nominee, with an Instruction Form provided for obtaining such
          clients' instructions with regard to the Offer;

     6.   Guidelines of the Internal Revenue Service for Certificate of Taxpayer
          Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9; and

     7.   A return envelope addressed to Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A., as
          Depositary for the Offer (the "Depositary").

     YOUR PROMPT ACTION IS REQUESTED. WE URGE YOU TO CONTACT YOUR CLIENTS AS
PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE OFFER, PRORATION PERIOD AND
WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON, JANUARY 14,
2000, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED.

     In order to take advantage of the Offer, a duly executed and properly
completed Letter of Transmittal (or a manually signed facsimile thereof)
including any required signature guarantees and any other required documents
should be sent to the Depositary together with either certificate(s)
representing tendered shares or timely confirmation of their book-entry
transfer, in accordance with the instructions set forth in the Offer to Purchase
and the related Letter of Transmittal.

     Holders of shares whose certificate(s) for such shares are not immediately
available or who cannot deliver such certificate(s) and all other required
documents to the Depositary, or complete the procedures for book-entry transfer,
prior to the Expiration Date may tender their shares according to the procedure
for guaranteed delivery set forth in Section 4 of the Offer to Purchase.

     No fees or commissions will be payable for the Company or any officer,
director, stockholder, agent or other representative of the Company to any
broker, dealer or other person for soliciting tenders of shares pursuant to the
Offer (other than fees paid to Corporate Investor Communications, Inc., as
Information Agent and to PaineWebber Incorporated, as Dealer Manager, as
described in the Offer to Purchase). The Company will, however, upon request,
reimburse you for customary mailing and handling expenses incurred by you in
forwarding any of the enclosed materials to your clients whose shares are held
by you as a nominee or in a fiduciary capacity. The Company will pay or cause to
be paid any stock transfer taxes applicable to its purchase of shares, except as
otherwise provided in the Offer.

     Requests for documents relating to the Offer may be directed to Corporate
Investor Communications, Inc., 111 Commerce Road, Carlstadt, NJ 07072, the
Information Agent for the Offer, at (877) 842-2407. Questions regarding the
Offer may be directed to PaineWebber Incorporated, 1285 Avenue of the Americas,
New York, NY 10019, the exclusive Dealer Manager for the Offer, at (888)
559-8850. Requests for additional copies of the enclosed materials may be
directed to the Information Agent at the address and telephone numbers set forth
above.

                                         Very truly yours,


                                         PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED


     NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN OR IN THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENTS SHALL CONSTITUTE YOU
OR ANY OTHER PERSON AS AN AGENT OF THE COMPANY, THE DEALER MANAGER, THE
INFORMATION AGENT OR THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY AFFILIATE OF ANY OF THE FOREGOING, OR
AUTHORIZE YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON TO USE ANY DOCUMENT OR MAKE ANY STATEMENT ON
BEHALF OF ANY OF THEM IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER OTHER THAN THE DOCUMENTS
ENCLOSED HEREWITH AND THE STATEMENTS CONTAINED THEREIN.


                                      -2-


<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT (a)(5)


                          CAPSTEAD MORTGAGE CORPORATION
                           OFFER TO PURCHASE FOR CASH
                     UP TO 10,000,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
                    AT A PURCHASE PRICE OF $ 4.55 PER SHARE


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     THE OFFER, PRORATION PERIOD AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M. NEW
YORK CITY TIME, ON JANUARY 14, 2000, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                December 9, 1999

To Our Clients:


          Enclosed for your consideration are the Offer to Purchase, dated
December 9, 1999 (the "Offer to Purchase"), and the related Letter of
Transmittal (which, as amended or supplemented from time to time, together
constitute the "Offer") in connection with the offer by Capstead Mortgage
Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the "Company"), to purchase up to
10,000,000 shares of its Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Common
Stock"), net to the seller, at a cash purchase price of $ 4.55 per share
(the "Purchase Price"), without interest, upon the terms and subject to the
conditions of the Offer.

          Subject to the foregoing, all shares of Common Stock properly tendered
prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) and not
properly withdrawn, will be purchased at the Purchase Price, upon the terms and
subject to the conditions of the Offer, including the proration provisions.
Shares not purchased because of the proration provisions will be returned at the
Company's expense to the stockholders who tendered such shares.

          The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to purchase
more than an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock pursuant to the
Offer.

          Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, if at the
Expiration Date more than 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock (or such greater
number of shares as the Company may elect to purchase) are properly tendered and
not properly withdrawn, the Company will buy such shares of Common Stock first
from any person (an "Odd Lot Holder") who owned of record or beneficially, as of
the close of business on December 8, 1999, and who continues to own of record or
beneficially, as of the Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 shares
and so certifies in the appropriate place on the Letter of Transmittal (and, if
applicable, on a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery) and who properly tenders all
such person's shares, and then on a pro rata basis from all other stockholders
who properly tender such shares (and do not properly withdraw such shares prior
to the Expiration Date).

          A TENDER OF YOUR SHARES CAN BE MADE ONLY BY US AS THE STOCKHOLDER OF
RECORD THEREOF AND PURSUANT TO YOUR INSTRUCTIONS. THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS
FURNISHED TO YOU FOR YOUR INFORMATION ONLY AND CANNOT BE USED BY YOU TO TENDER
YOUR SHARES HELD BY US FOR YOUR ACCOUNT.

          Accordingly, we request instructions as to whether you wish to tender
any or all of the shares held by us for your account, upon the terms and subject
to the conditions of the Offer.

          Please note the following:

          1.   You may designate the order in which the Company will purchase
               your shares in the event of proration.


<PAGE>   2

          2.   The Offer is not conditioned on any minimum number of shares
               being tendered. The Offer is, however, subject to certain other
               conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase.

          3.   The Offer, proration period and withdrawal rights will expire at
               5:00 P.M., New York City time, on January 14, 2000, unless the
               Offer is extended.

          4.   The Offer is for 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock, constituting
               in the aggregate approximately 18% of the shares outstanding as
               of December 8, 1999.

          5.   The Board of Directors of the Company has approved the Offer.
               However, neither the Company, its Board of Directors or the
               Dealer Manager (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) makes any
               recommendation to stockholders as to whether to tender or refrain
               from tendering shares. Each stockholder must make the decision
               whether to tender such stockholder's shares and, if so, how many
               shares to tender. The directors and officers of the Company have
               agreed not to participate in the Offer.

          6.   Tendering stockholders will not be obligated to pay any brokerage
               fees or commissions or solicitation fees to the Company, the
               Dealer Manager, the Depositary, or the Information Agent (each as
               defined in the Offer to Purchase) or, except as set forth in the
               Offer to Purchase and the Letter of Transmittal, stock transfer
               taxes on the transfer of shares pursuant to the Offer.


          If you wish to have us tender any or all of your shares, please so
instruct us by completing, executing, detaching and returning to us the attached
Instruction Form. An envelope to return your Instruction Form to us is enclosed.
If you authorize us to tender your shares, all such shares will be tendered
unless otherwise indicated on the attached Instruction Form.

          PLEASE FORWARD YOUR INSTRUCTION FORMS TO US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO
ALLOW US AMPLE TIME TO TENDER YOUR SHARES ON YOUR BEHALF PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION
OF THE OFFER.

          As described in the Offer to Purchase, if more than 10,000,000 shares
of Common Stock (or such greater number of shares as the Company may elect to
purchase in accordance with the Offer) have been properly tendered and not
properly withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date, the Company will purchase
tendered shares of such Common Stock on the basis set forth below:

          1.   first, the Company will purchase all shares of Common Stock
               properly tendered and not properly withdrawn prior to the
               Expiration Date by any Odd Lot Holder who owned of record or
               beneficially, as of the close of business on December 8, 1999 and
               continues to own of record or beneficially, as of the Expiration
               Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 shares of Common Stock and
               who:

               (a)  tenders all shares owned of record or beneficially by such
                    Odd Lot Holder (tenders of less than all shares owned by
                    such Odd Lot Holder will not qualify for this preference);
                    and

               (b)  completes the box captioned "Odd Lots" in the Letter of
                    Transmittal and, if applicable, in the Notice of Guaranteed
                    Delivery; and


          2.   second, after purchasing of all of the foregoing shares of Common
               Stock, the Company will purchase all other shares of Common Stock
               properly tendered and not properly withdrawn prior to the
               Expiration Date, on a pro rata basis (with appropriate
               adjustments to avoid purchases of fractional shares) as described
               in the Offer to Purchase.


                                      -2-

<PAGE>   3

         The Offer (i) is being mailed to stockholders of record of shares of
Common Stock as of December 8, 1999 and (ii) will be furnished to Brokers and
Other Nominees (both as defined in the Offer to Purchase) whose names, or the
names of whose nominees, appear on The Company's list of holders of Common Stock
as of December 8, 1999 or, if applicable, who are listed as participants in a
clearing agency's security position listing as of December 8, 1999. The Offer is
not being made to, nor will tenders be accepted from or on behalf of, holders of
shares residing in any jurisdiction in which the making of the Offer or
acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities or other laws
of such jurisdiction.


                                      -3-


<PAGE>   4

             INSTRUCTION FORM WITH RESPECT TO THE OFFER TO PURCHASE
               FOR CASH UP TO 10,000,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OF
                          CAPSTEAD MORTGAGE CORPORATION
                     AT A PURCHASE PRICE OF $4.55 PER SHARE

         The undersigned acknowledge(s) receipt of your letter and the enclosed
Offer to Purchase dated December 9, 1999 and the related Letter of Transmittal
(which, as amended or supplemented from time to time, together constitute the
"Offer"), in connection with the offer by Capstead Mortgage Corporation, a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), to purchase up to 10,000,000 shares of
Common Stock of the Company (the "Common Stock") at a cash purchase price of
$4.55 per share.

          This will instruct you to tender to the Company the number of shares
indicated below held by you for the account or benefit of the undersigned (or,
if no amount is indicated below, for all of the shares held by you for the
account of the undersigned) upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in the Offer.

          THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF THIS DOCUMENT IS AT THE ELECTION AND RISK OF
THE UNDERSIGNED. IF DELIVERY IS BY MAIL, REGISTERED MAIL WITH RETURN RECEIPT
REQUESTED, PROPERLY INSURED, IS RECOMMENDED. IN ALL CASES, SUFFICIENT TIME
SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ASSURE DELIVERY.

          Number of shares of Common Stock to be Tendered:                     *
                                                          ----------------------

                                           SIGN HERE


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

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

                                           Please type or print name(s)


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

                                           Date:
                                                --------------------------------


                                           Area Code and Telephone Number:


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

                                           Taxpayer Identification or Social
                                           Security Number:


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

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

*    Unless otherwise indicated, it will be assumed that we should tender all of
     the shares held by us for your account.


                                      -4-

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT (a)(6)

                      [CAPSTEAD MORTGAGE CORPORATION LOGO]

                          8401 NORTH CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY
                                    SUITE 800
                               DALLAS, TEXAS 75225

To Our Stockholders:                                            December 9, 1999

         Capstead Mortgage Corporation (the "Company") is offering to purchase
up to 10,000,000 shares of its Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the
"Common Stock"), from existing stockholders (the "Offer") at a cash purchase
price of $4.55 per share, net to the seller, without interest, upon the terms
and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated December
9, 1999.

     Any stockholder whose shares are properly tendered directly to Norwest Bank
Minnesota, N.A., the depositary for the Offer (the "Depositary"), and purchased
pursuant to the Offer, will receive the net purchase price in cash, without
interest, and will not incur the usual transaction costs associated with open
market sales or any fees to PaineWebber Incorporated, the dealer manager for the
Offer (the "Dealer Manager"), Corporate Investor Communications, Inc., the
information agent for the Offer (the "Information Agent"), or the Depositary.
Stockholders holding shares through brokers or banks are urged to consult the
brokers or banks to determine whether transaction costs apply if shares are
tendered through the brokers or banks.

     The terms and conditions of the Offer are explained in detail in the
enclosed Offer to Purchase and the related Letter of Transmittal. I encourage
you to read these materials carefully before making any decision with respect to
the Offer. The instructions on how to tender shares are also explained in detail
in the accompanying materials. Stockholders of record may tender shares by
completing the enclosed Letter of Transmittal and all related documents in
accordance with the instructions contained in the Letter of Transmittal.
Stockholders whose shares of Common Stock are registered in the name of a
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or nominee must contact that
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or nominee to tender shares, as
provided in the materials accompanying this letter.

     None of the Company, the Board of Directors of the Company or the Dealer
Manager makes any recommendation to stockholders as to whether to tender or
refrain from tendering their shares. Each stockholder must make the decision
whether to tender shares and, if so, how many shares to tender. The directors
and executive officers of the Company have agreed not to tender any shares
pursuant to the Offer.

     The Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m. New York City time, on January 14, 2000,
unless extended by the Company. If you have any questions regarding the Offer or
need assistance in tendering shares, please contact the Information Agent or the
Dealer Manager. Individual stockholders may reach the Information Agent at (877)
842-2407, and banks and brokerage firms may reach the Information Agent at (210)
896-1900. In addition banks, brokerage firms, and stockholders may contact the
Dealer Manager at (888) 559-8850.

                                         Sincerely,

                                         CAPSTEAD MORTGAGE CORPORATION


                                         -------------------------------------
                                         Ronn K. Lytle
                                         Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT (a)(7)

            GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
                         NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9

     GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING THE PROPER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER TO GIVE THE
PAYER. -- Social Security numbers have nine digits separated by two hyphens:
i.e. 000-00-0000. Employer identification numbers have nine digits separated by
only one hyphen: i.e. 00-0000000. The table below will help determine the number
to give the payer.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          GIVE THE                                                        GIVE THE EMPLOYER
                                          SOCIAL SECURITY                                                 IDENTIFICATION
     FOR THIS TYPE OF ACCOUNT:            NUMBER OF --                 FOR THIS TYPE OF ACCOUNT:          NUMBER OF --
- --------------------------------------------------------------      --------------------------------------------------------------
<S>  <C>                              <C>                           <C>                                   <C>
 1.  An individual's account.         The individual

 2.  Two or more individuals (joint   The actual owner of the        9.  A valid trust, estate, or        The legal entity (Do not
     account)                         account or, if combined            pension trust                    furnish the identifying
                                      funds, the first                                                    number of the personal
                                      individual on the account                                          representative or
                                      (1)                                                                 trustee unless the legal

 3.  Husband and wife (joint          The actual owner of the                                             entity itself is not
     account)                         account or, if joint                                                designated in the
                                      funds, the first individual                                         account title.)(5)
                                      on the account(1)

 4.  Custodian account of a minor     The minor(2)                  10.  Corporate account                The corporation
     (Uniform Gift to Minors Act)
                                                                    11.  Religious, charitable, or        The organization
 5.  Adult and minor (joint account)  The adult or, if the               educational organization
                                      minor is the only                  account
                                      contributor, the
                                      minor(1)                      12.  Partnership account held in the  The partnership
                                                                         name of the business
 6.  Account in the name of guardian  The ward, minor, or
     or committee for a designated    incompetent person(3)         13.  Association, club, or other      The organization
     ward, minor, or incompetent                                         tax-exempt organization
     person
                                                                    14.  A broker or registered nominee   The broker or nominee
 7.  a  The usual revocable savings   The grantor-trustee(1)
        trust account (grantor is                                   15.  Account with the Department of   The public entity
        also trustee)                 The actual owner(1)                Agriculture in the name of a
                                                                         public entity (such as a State
     b  So-called trust account that                                     or local government, school
        is not a legal or valid                                          district, or prison) that
        trust under State law                                            receives agricultural program
                                                                         payments
 8.  Sole proprietorship account      The owner(4)
</TABLE>



================================================================================

(1) List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish.

(2) Circle the minor's name and furnish the minor's social security number.

(3) Circle the ward's, minor's or incompetent person's name and furnish such
    person's social security number.

(4) Show the name of the owner.

(5) List first and circle the name of the legal trust, estate, or pension trust.

NOTE: If no name is circled when there is more than one name, the number will be
      considered to be that of the first name listed.

<PAGE>   2

            GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
                         NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9

                                     PAGE 2

OBTAINING A NUMBER

If you don't have a taxpayer identification number or you don't know your
number, obtain Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Number Card, or Form
SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, at the local office of the
Social Security Administration or the Internal Revenue Service and apply for a
number.

PAYEES EXEMPT FROM BACKUP WITHHOLDING

Payees specifically exempted from backup withholding on ALL payments include the
following:

- -    A corporation.

- -    A financial institution.

- -    An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a), or an individual
     retirement plan or a custodial account under section 403(b)(7).

- -    The United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof.

- -    A State, the District of Columbia, a possession of the United States, or
     any subdivision or instrumentality thereof.

- -    A foreign government, a political subdivision of a foreign government, or
     any agency or instrumentality thereof.

- -    An international organization or any agency, or instrumentality thereof.

- -    A registered dealer in securities or commodities registered in the U.S. or
     a possession of the U.S.

- -    A real estate investment trust.

- -    A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a)

- -    An exempt charitable remainder trust under section 664, or a non-exempt
     trust described in section 4947.

- -    An entity registered at all times under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

- -    A foreign central bank of issue.

- -    A futures commission merchant registered with the Commodity Futures Trading
     Commission.

- -    A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or listed in the
     most recent publication of the American Society of Corporate Secretaries,
     Inc. Nominee List.

Payments of dividends and patronage dividends not generally subject to backup
withholding include the following:

- -    Payments to nonresident aliens subject to withholding under section 1441.

- -    Payments to partnerships not engaged in a trade or business in the U.S. and
     which have at least one nonresident partner.

- -    Payments of patronage dividends where the amount received is not paid in
     money.

- -    Payments made by certain foreign organizations.


Payments of interest not generally subject to backup withholding include the
following:

- -    Payments of interest on obligations issued by individuals.

     Note: You may be subject to backup withholding if this interest is $600 or
     more and is paid in the course of the payer's trade or business and you
     have not provided your correct taxpayer identification number to the payer.

- -    Payments of tax-exempt interest (including exempt-interest dividends under
     section 852).

- -    Payments described in section 6049(b)(5) to non-resident aliens.

- -    Payments on tax-free covenant bonds under section 1451.

- -    Payments made by certain foreign organizations.

- -    Mortgage interest paid to the payer.

Exempt payees described above should file Form W-9 to avoid possible erroneous
backup withholding. FILE THIS FORM WITH THE PAYER, FURNISH YOUR TAXPAYER
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. WRITE "EXEMPT" ON THE FACE OF THE FORM, AND RETURN IT TO
THE PAYER. IF THE PAYMENTS ARE INTEREST, DIVIDENDS, OR PATRONAGE DIVIDENDS,
ALSO SIGN AND DATE THE FORM.

Certain payments other than interest, dividends, and patronage dividends, that
are not subject to information reporting are also not subject to backup
withholding. For details, see section 6041, 6041A(a), 6042, 6044, 6045, 6049,
6050A, and 6050N and their regulations.

PRIVACY ACT NOTICE. -- Section 6109 requires most recipients of dividend,
interest, or other payments to give taxpayer identification numbers to payers
who must report the payments to the IRS. IRS uses the numbers for identification
purposes and to help verify the accuracy of your return. Payers must be given
the numbers whether or not recipients are required to file tax returns. Payers
must generally withhold 31% of taxable interest, dividend, and certain other
payments to a payee who does not furnish a taxpayer identification number to a
payer. Certain penalties may also apply.

PENALTIES

(1) PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO FURNISH TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. -- If you
fail to furnish your taxpayer identification number to a payer, you are subject
to a penalty of $50 for each such failure unless your failure is due to
reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.

(2) CIVIL PENALTY FOR FALSE INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO WITHHOLDING. -- If you
make a false statement with no reasonable basis which results in no imposition
of backup withholding, you are subject to a penalty of $500.

(3) CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR FALSIFYING INFORMATION. -- Falsifying certifications or
affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including fines and/or
imprisonment.

         FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR TAX CONSULTANT OR THE
                           INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT (a)(8)

CONTACT:   Stockholder Relations
           214/874-2352

                                                           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


                          CAPSTEAD MORTGAGE CORPORATION
                    ANNOUNCES $4.55 PER SHARE CASH TENDER OFFER
                FOR UP TO 10,000,000 SHARES OF ITS COMMON STOCK,
                    AN INVESTMENT 0F $51,200,000 BY FORTRESS
                                       AND
                         SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS


         DALLAS - December 9, 1999 - Capstead Mortgage Corporation ("Capstead"
or the "Company") (NYSE: CMO) today announced that its Board of Directors has
authorized the Company to purchase up to 10,000,000 shares of its common stock
for a cash purchase price of $4.55 per share, representing approximately 18
percent of the shares outstanding. The cash purchase price represents a premium
of 21 percent over the December 8, 1999 closing price of $3.75. The tender offer
will only be made pursuant to offering materials being distributed to
stockholders and will commence on December 9, 1999 and expire at 5:00 p.m., New
York City Time, on January 14, 2000 (unless extended). PaineWebber Incorporated
is acting as Dealer-Manager for the tender offer. The Board of Directors is not
making any recommendation to the stockholders as to whether or not they should
tender any shares pursuant to the offer. Members of the Board of Directors and
Executive Officers have agreed not to participate in the tender offer.

         The Company also announced that an affiliate of Fortress Investment
Group LLC, a real estate investment and asset management company ("Fortress"),
has made an aggregate investment of $51,200,000 in the Company through the
purchase of 5,378,000 shares of Capstead's newly created $0.56 Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Stock, Series C (the "Series C Preferred Stock") and
5,378,000 shares of Capstead's newly created $0.40 Cumulative Convertible
Preferred Stock, Series D (the "Series D Preferred Stock") (together, the
"Preferred Stock") for $4.76 per share. The Series C Preferred Stock is
convertible into one share of common stock and has a liquidation preference of
$6.89. The Series D Preferred Stock is convertible into one share of common
stock and has a liquidation preference of $4.76. This investment by Fortress
represents an ownership interest in Capstead of approximately 16 percent,
assuming the conversion of the Preferred Stock. Further assuming the successful
completion of the 10,000,000 share tender offer, this investment will represent
an ownership interest in Capstead of approximately 19 percent. The successful
completion of the tender offer and the investment by Fortress, considered
together, is not expected to have a material dilutive effect on the Company's
book value per common share.

         In connection with this investment by Fortress, Capstead's Board of
Directors (i) approved an immediate increase in the number of Directors serving
on Capstead's Board from six to eight and appointed Mr. Wesley R. Edens, Chief
Executive Officer and Chairman of Fortress, and Mr. Robert I. Kauffman,
President of Fortress, to fill the newly created vacancies on the Board and (ii)
authorized the Company to enter into a Supplemental Agreement to the Stock
Purchase Agreement (the "Supplemental Agreement") with Fortress. The
Supplemental Agreement provides




                                  Page 1 of 3
<PAGE>   2

that upon Capstead's stockholders' ratification of certain matters contained in
the Supplemental Agreement at a special meeting of stockholders to be held by
April 30, 2000, (i) the Board of Directors will be reconstituted to consist of
four directors appointed by Fortress and three directors appointed by Capstead,
with Mr. Edens serving as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Ronn K.
Lytle serving as Vice Chairman and (ii) Fortress will acquire 5,000,000 shares
of Capstead common stock by means of either open-market purchases, the
conversion of some portion of the Preferred Stocks, or some combination thereof,
within six months of the special meeting. If this requirement to acquire the
common shares is fulfilled through open-market purchases, then the total
investment by Fortress will represent an ownership interest in Capstead of
approximately 23 percent before and 27 percent assuming, the successful
completion of the 10,000,000 share tender offer, calculated assuming conversion
of the Preferred Stock.

         Capstead is currently considering modifying its investment strategy to
replace a portion of its existing mortgage investments with a diversified
portfolio of credit sensitive commercial and residential mortgage-backed
securities, most of which are expected to be "investment grade" at the time of
purchase as determined by national rating agencies. This proposed strategy is
intended to improve the Company's earnings prospects while providing more
stability during periods of increased interest rate volatility. The sale or
other disposition of some of the Company's mortgage investments in order to
implement this proposed strategy could result in the recognition of a portion of
the losses currently reflected in the Company's balance sheet. There can be no
assurance as to what extent, if any, this proposed strategy will be implemented
and if implemented, whether or not it will be successful in meeting the
Company's goals.

         Capstead will hold the above mentioned special meeting of stockholders
for the purpose of voting on (i) ratification of certain matters contained in
the Supplemental Agreement, which will have the effect of approving a new Board
of Directors for Capstead and (ii) approval of a 1-for-2 reverse stock split of
the Company's common stock. A detailed description of the proposals will be
provided in a proxy statement expected to be distributed to stockholders by
mid-February 2000.

         Commenting on the investment by Fortress and the proposed changes to
the Board of Directors, Mr. Lytle, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Capstead, said, "We are at a crossroad in determining the future direction of
the Company. Our current strategy of exclusively managing residential mortgage
assets to achieve reasonable investment returns has proven very difficult. It is
my belief that new leadership with experience in other facets of real estate
investing will help to give our Company the opportunity to succeed over the long
term. Mr. Edens, with his 16 years experience in the capital markets and real
estate-related investments, and the organizations with which he has been
associated, has achieved a considerable level of financial success. And with
Fortress' considerable ownership interest in Capstead, I believe Fortress'
interests are very well aligned with the interests of our stockholders."

         Mr. Edens, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fortress, added, "We
believe there are excellent opportunities currently available in the real estate
debt markets and we expect that our real estate investment experience coupled
with Capstead's experience in the residential mortgage finance industry and
strong organizational infrastructure will position the Company to improve and
stabilize shareholder returns. We believe that Fortress' substantial equity
investment provides an alignment of interest with the shareholders of the
Company and we are very excited about the future prospects of the Company."


                                  Page 2 of 3
<PAGE>   3


         Fortress is a real estate investment and asset management company
headquartered in New York. Fortress manages approximately $760 million of
private equity and focuses on undervalued and distressed real estate, both
domestic and international.

         Capstead Mortgage Corporation, a mortgage investment firm with assets
of over $9 billion, earns income from investing in mortgage assets and other
investment strategies.

         Note: This document contains "forward-looking statements" (within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that inherently
involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results and liquidity can
differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements
because of changes in the level and composition of the Company's investments and
unforeseen factors. As discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, these factors may include, but are not limited to,
changes in general economic conditions, the availability of suitable
investments, fluctuations in and market expectations for fluctuations in
interest rates and levels of mortgage prepayments, deterioration in credit
quality and ratings, the effectiveness of risk management strategies, the impact
of leverage, liquidity of secondary markets and credit markets, year 2000
compliance failures, increases in costs and other general competitive factors.




                                  Page 3 of 3


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