The lower portion of the 2014 income statement for Duke Energy Corporation follows (dollars in millions, except per-share amounts):

Income from continuing operations ...............................................$2,465
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax .................................(576)
Net income ...........................................................................................1,889
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests ...................6
Net income attributable to Duke Energy .........................................$1,883
Earnings per share from continuing operations
Basic .......................................................................................................$ 3.46
Diluted ....................................................................................................$ 3.46
Earnings per share from discontinued operations
Basic .......................................................................................................$(0.80)
Diluted ...................................................................................................$ (0.80)
Earnings per share
Basic .......................................................................................................$ 2.66
Diluted ....................................................................................................$ 2.66

REQUIRED:
a. Why is there a distinction among income from continuing operations, income from discontinued operations, and income from non-controlling interests?
b. Estimate the number of common shares outstanding.
c. Why is there a distinction between basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share?
d. Is there a potential for securities to be converted into common shares?