Which of the following must be stated in the articles of incorporation regarding the corporation's purpose?

The articles of incorporation are fundamental documents that outline various aspects of a corporation’s formation and function. Among these elements, it is necessary to state the corporation's primary and secondary purposes, as this provides a clear expression of the corporation's intended business activities and objectives.

Including these purposes in the articles ensures that anyone interested, whether it's shareholders, potential investors, or regulatory bodies, can understand the corporation's goals and scope of operations. This requirement signifies the importance of transparency and the need for the corporation to operate within the boundaries of its stated purposes.

The other options do not align with the legal requirements for articles of incorporation. For instance, while financial returns and specific market segments may be relevant for internal planning or business strategy, they are not legally mandated disclosures. Additionally, disclosing the names of all shareholders is not required in the articles; rather, shareholders are listed in other corporate records and can often remain confidential depending on jurisdiction.