BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC

Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement • Mar 25, 2025

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )

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Baxter International Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

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Notice of 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement
May 6, 2025 Baxter International Inc. Headquarters One Baxter Parkway Deerfield, Illinois 60015
●

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Baxter International Inc. One Baxter Parkway Deerfield, Illinois 60015

Dear Stockholder: It is my pleasure to invite you to attend Baxter’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 9 a.m. Central Time. The attached Notice of 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement will serve as your guide to the business being conducted. A New Chapter Begins: Baxter has reached a pivotal moment in its journey to redefine and reposition itself for a new era. On January 31, 2025, we completed the sale of our Kidney Care business, now known as Vantive, to Carlyle for approximately $3.4 billion of net, after-tax proceeds. This represented the final stage of a strategic transformation announced in January 2023 to enhance operational effectiveness, accelerate innovation for patients and drive value for stockholders. Additional transformative actions announced at that time included the implementation of a new segment-based, verticalized operating model and the divestiture of Baxter's non-core BioPharma Solutions (BPS) business, both completed in 2023. Baxter emerges today as a more strategically focused and operationally efficient company. We also remain grounded in the same fundamentals that have helped fuel our success and channel our passions for nearly a century – starting, as always, with our Mission to Save and Sustain Lives. Our sustained emphasis on medically essential products and the diversity of our portfolio also supports durability of demand and help us navigate challenges that may affect sectors of our portfolio at any given time. Growing Momentum: Our momentum is demonstrated in our positive companywide financial performance for continuing operations (excluding our former Kidney Care and BioPharma Solutions businesses) for full-year 2024 across sales and earnings. It is also evident in recent innovation that showcases our life-sustaining Mission in action. Last year marked the U.S. launch of our leading-edge Novum IQ large-volume infusion pump with Dose IQ safety software, highlighting our expanding impact in connected care. Among other milestones, we announced ten injectable pharmaceutical product launches in the U.S. helping to address critical patient needs across a range of key therapeutical areas, including critical care, anti-infectives, pain and oncology. We intend to continue to build upon this progress as a newly streamlined and agile enterprise. We are united across the company in our re-envisioned efforts to redefine healthcare delivery, advance customer-inspired innovation and accelerate profitable growth – all to benefit patients, caregivers, stockholders and the full range of stakeholders that rely on us. To achieve and ideally exceed our aspirations, we must now move swiftly, execute crisply and deliver consistently on our commitments. We are excited by our opportunities in 2025 and beyond. Leadership Updates: Earlier this year, we announced several leadership changes coinciding with our entry into this new phase. José (Joe) E. Almeida departed as Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), creating an opportunity for a new CEO to set Baxter’s course and vision for this next chapter. On behalf of the Board of Directors (Board) and company management, we are grateful for Joe’s nine years of leadership through a period of significant change in our portfolio, structure and markets. Joe continues to serve in an advisory capacity through October 31, 2025. My own role has also shifted. After joining as a Baxter Board member in May 2022, and having served as Lead Independent Director from April 2023 through February 2025, I am now honored to serve as Chair and Interim CEO as the Board leads a thorough search for Baxter’s permanent CEO. The company has also appointed Heather Knight to the new role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). Heather is a proven leader who has driven outstanding performance across multiple roles since joining Baxter in 2019. Most recently, she has led the profitable growth and enhanced innovation of our Medical Products & Therapies segment, Baxter’s largest segment by sales. She is currently serving as the Interim Group President, Medical Products & Therapies until her successor is appointed. As COO, she will oversee strategies across our commercial segments and closely aligned functions, with a keen focus on driving operational excellence and creating a more holistic experience for our customers, caregivers and the patients they serve.

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North Cove Recovery: A further expression of our momentum, as well as our resilience, is how effectively we rise to our challenges; and no challenge in recent memory for Baxter has been greater than the impact of Hurricane Helene on our North Cove, North Carolina, manufacturing facility. Flooding from the rain and storm surge in September 2024 forced a temporary shutdown in site operations, requiring a vast recovery effort. Our North Cove and broader Baxter teams, in coordination with government agencies, focused immediately on supporting employees in affected communities, bringing the facility back online, and working to help ensure ongoing supply continuity for patients. By early 2025, North Cove had returned to production at pre-hurricane levels. The pace of recovery and dedication of the team have been nothing short of remarkable. I want to express my deep gratitude to all involved in this effort, within Baxter and beyond. I also share profound thanks with our customers for their patience as our team continues to work diligently to support supply continuity and replenish inventory. Commitment to Corporate Responsibility: As we evolve our profile as a healthcare leader, we remain committed to sound corporate citizenship. Our 2030 Corporate Responsibility Commitment, introduced in 2021, underscores our embrace of social responsibility, sustainable business practices and operating as an employer of choice through three pillars: Empower our Patients; Protect our Planet; and Champion our People and Communities. Our progress against our goals is published annually in our Corporate Responsibility Report, which is available on www.baxter.com. Just as Baxter and its communities are ever changing, we periodically reassess our objectives to ensure alignment with our broader trajectory and opportunities. We expect to refresh our commitment and goals sometime in the future following the appointment of a new permanent CEO. Annual Meeting Details: Baxter’s upcoming Annual Meeting will be held again in a virtual format only. Please review the information on attendance provided in the attached Notice of 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement. Details of the business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting are included in the proxy statement, which we encourage you to read carefully. Your vote is important to us, and I urge you to vote your shares as promptly as possible. You may vote your shares by Internet or by phone. If you received a paper copy of the proxy card by mail, you may sign, date and return the proxy card in the accompanying envelope. Stockholders of record will also be able to vote at the Annual Meeting. You will be able to submit questions in advance of and during the Annual Meeting. In closing, I am proud to recognize our engaged, talented and highly motivated team of Baxter colleagues worldwide, whose hard work has helped us reach this exciting new chapter in pursuit of our life-sustaining mission. On behalf of our Board, senior management, and the entire Baxter team, thank you for your continued confidence and support. We look forward to your participation in the annual meeting. Sincerely yours, Brent Shafer Chair and Interim CEO

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Baxter International Inc. One Baxter Parkway Deerfield, Illinois 60015

Dear Stockholder: On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank you for your continued investment in Baxter and for your ongoing support. It is my distinct privilege to write to you about recent developments at Baxter in my new role as Lead Independent Director, having been appointed earlier this year following my service on the Board since 2021. I look forward to continuing my work alongside a skilled Board of Directors and under the guidance of Brent Shafer, our recently announced Chair and Interim CEO. The company made meaningful progress in completing key elements of its broad strategic transformation announced in January 2023, which included implementing a simplified operating model, divesting the BPS business and completing the separation of Vantive. Further, in 2024, the Board remained committed to sound and effective corporate governance practices and transparent disclosure, including regarding Board refreshment, leadership succession planning, and Baxter’s robust stockholder engagement program. I would like to highlight some recent key developments and focus areas at Baxter: • Effective Oversight of Leadership Succession Planning: Oversight of Baxter’s ongoing leadership succession efforts remains a top priority for the Board. In February 2025, Baxter announced that Joe Almeida ceased serving in his executive roles and on the Board. I would like to thank Joe for his leadership throughout his nine years as CEO of Baxter. In connection with Joe's departure, the Board formed a CEO Search Working Group to help lead the search for the permanent CEO in partnership with the Nominating, Corporate Governance and Public Policy Committee. The Board's effective management development and succession planning process has also led to the election of Heather Knight as COO. The Board believes that this new role will ultimately promote more efficient operations across the company. • Ongoing Commitment to Board Evolution and Engagement: The Board is composed of an experienced group of independent directors with a wide range of skills, experiences and qualifications. As part of our thoughtful approach to Board composition, in 2024, we appointed Jeffrey (Jay) Craig, retired Chief Executive Officer and President of Meritor, Inc., to the Board. Jay complements the Board's expertise with deep financial, broad operational and public company board experience. Jay was also appointed as Chair of the Audit Committee, effective December 31, 2024, in connection with the resignation of Peter Wilver from the Board. I would like to thank Peter for his service on the Board and for his commitment to Baxter. Our comprehensive Board refreshment practices are critical to the Board’s success and help to ensure an appropriate balance of fresh perspectives while maintaining critical institutional knowledge. Additionally, we refreshed Board committee oversight in 2024 and 2025 by moving oversight of innovation strategy and cybersecurity generally from the Quality and Regulatory Compliance and Audit Committees, respectively, to the full Board, consistent with the recent implementation of Baxter's new operating model. We also updated the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines and each standing committee's charter in furtherance of Baxter's commitment to strong governance and transparency. In further continuance of our sound corporate governance practices, in 2024 and early 2025, Baxter continued its long-standing stockholder engagement program. These conversations with our stockholders focused on our leadership transition and CEO search process, corporate governance, executive compensation and corporate responsibility matters. As a result of stockholder engagement over the years, the Board is better able to understand stockholder perspectives and incorporate them into its decision-making process.

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• Diligent Board Oversight of Company Strategy: I remain fully confident in the company’s strategy, our highly skilled and experienced Board and the Baxter management team’s ability to deliver on a strong path of creating long-term stockholder value and delivering on its Mission to Save and Sustain Lives. The Board plays a critical role in overseeing the strategic direction of the company, including the recently completed strategic initiatives, and helps to ensure that Baxter’s corporate culture supports and aligns with its short- and long-term strategies. To further the Board’s oversight of Baxter’s strategic transformation and as part of our leadership transition announced in February 2025, the Board formed a new Operating Committee. The committee is designed to be short-term in nature to help support Baxter through this transition process and it is scheduled to dissolve six months following the Board’s appointment of a permanent CEO. Thank you in advance for your support at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be held on May 6, 2025. On behalf of the Board, we look forward to continuing our progress in the year ahead and remain confident in the strength of our leadership team to lead Baxter into our next chapter. Best regards, Nancy Schlichting Lead Independent Director and Chair of the Compensation and Human Capital Committee

investor.baxter.com

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Table of Contents	i
Notice of 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement	1
Proxy Statement Highlights	3
Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc.	13
Proposal 1 Election of Directors	13
Nominees for Election as Directors	14
Board of Directors	19
Other Corporate Governance Information	22
Board Responsibilities	23
Board Structure and Processes	25
Committees of the Board	27
Director Compensation	31
Corporate Responsibility	34
Proposal 2 Advisory Vote to Approve Named Executive Officer Compensation for 202 4	37
Compensation and Human Capital Committee Report	38
Compensation Discussion and Analysis	38
Executive Summary	39
Structure of Executive Compensation Program	47
Elements of Executive Compensation	49
Additional Compensation Governance	60
Executive Compensation Tables	63
2024 Summary Compensation Table	63

2024 Grants of Plan-Based Awards	65
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2024 Fiscal Year-End	66
2024 Option Exercises and Stock Vested	68
2024 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan	69
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Following a Change in Control	70
CEO Pay Ratio	77
Pay Versus Performance Disclosure	78
Option Award Disclosure	83
Proposal 3 Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2025	84
Audit Committee Report	86
Audit and Non-Audit Fees	87
Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Fees	87
Ownership of Baxter Stock	88
Security Ownership by Directors and Executive Officers	88
Security Ownership by Certain Beneficial Owners	89
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports	89
Proposal 4 Executives to Retain Significant Stock	90
General Information	94
Questions and Answers about the Annual Meeting	94
Other Information	97

investor.baxter.com

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Notice of 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement 1

Notice of 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement — ●	●
The Annual Meeting is scheduled to be held by means of a virtual-only format to provide a safe, convenient and cost-efficient experience to all stockholders regardless of location. The Annual Meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., Central Time. Online access to the Annual Meeting will begin at 8:45 a.m., Central Time, on the same date. You can attend the Meeting by accessing www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ BAX2025. The Annual Meeting will be held for the following purposes:	How Do I Vote?
	●	By Internet, following the instructions on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or the proxy card;
	●	By telephone, using the telephone number printed on the proxy card; or
●	To elect the ten directors named in the proxy statement.
	●	By mail (if you received your proxy materials by mail), using the enclosed proxy card and return envelope.
●	To approve, on an advisory basis, named executive officer compensation for 2024.
●	To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for Baxter International Inc. (Baxter or the company) for 2025.
	Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
●	To vote on the one stockholder proposal as described in the proxy statement, if such proposal is properly presented at the Annual Meeting.
	The proxy statement relating to the Annual Meeting and the Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2024 are available at http://materials.proxyvote.com/071813
●	To transact any other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting.
The Board recommends that stockholders vote FOR Items 1, 2 and 3. The Board recommends that stockholders vote AGAINST the stockholder proposal referred to in Item 4. Stockholders of record at the close of business on March 13, 2025 will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. By order of the Board, Ellen K. Bradford Corporate Secretary	The Annual Meeting will again be held only in a virtual format to provide a safe, convenient and cost-efficient experience to all stockholders regardless of location. As always, you are encouraged to vote your shares prior to the Annual Meeting whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. Details on how to attend the Annual Meeting and further information can be found at “General Information—Other Information—Attending the Annual Meeting.”

| 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement

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2 Notice of 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement

Proxy Statement

The accompanying proxy statement is solicited on behalf of the Board for use at the Annual Meeting to be held

on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. On or about March 25, 2025, Baxter began mailing to stockholders of record a Notice

of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials providing instructions on how to access proxy materials via the Internet

and how to vote online (www.proxyvote.com). Stockholders who did not receive the Notice of Internet Availability

of Proxy Materials as a result of a previous election will receive a paper or electronic copy of the proxy materials,

which Baxter also began sending on or about March 25, 2025.

investor.baxter.com

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Proxy Statement Highlights 3

Proxy Statement Highlights

To assist you in reviewing the proposals to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting, this section presents summary

detail about each non-routine voting item. For more complete information, please review the company’s Annual

Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 (the 2024 Form 10-K) and the complete proxy

statement.

●
Election of Directors What am I voting on? You will be asked to vote for the election of the ten director nominees set forth below for a term of one year. What is the Board’s recommendation? The Board recommends a vote FOR the election of each of the director nominees. As demonstrated in the director skills matrix included on page 7, the Board believes that the ten directors standing for election possess a desirable mix of skills, backgrounds, professional and industry experience and qualifications. These directors also reflect the Board’s commitment to regular refreshment, as demonstrated by the appointment of Mr. Jeffrey A. Craig in September 2024. The Board believes that each director is individually qualified to make unique and substantial contributions to the Board, and, collectively, the directors’ diverse and complimentary skill sets, viewpoints and perspectives enable the Board to provide the company with valuable insight and effective oversight with respect to its business, overall performance and strategic direction. Baxter's directors’ unique qualifications have also better enabled the Board, as a whole, to effectively consult with management on succession planning, including in light of the ongoing CEO transition, as well as the company’s strategic and operational plans and capital allocation decisions, including with respect to the recent sale of its Kidney Care business and the company's disaster recovery efforts at its North Cove facility in response to the impacts from Hurricane Helene. See below for additional information regarding the qualifications, experiences and backgrounds of the directors and recent Board developments. Where can I find more information? Concise supporting information is presented below.
●	See also “Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc.—Proposal 1 —Election of Directors” for additional information.

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4 Proxy Statement Highlights

Name 1 Primary Occupation	Age	Director Since	Independent Y/N	Key Attributes and Skills	A	NCGPP	QRC	O
William A. Ampofo II Chair, Supply Chain Operations Council and Vice President, Parts & Distribution Services and Supply Chain, Boeing Global Services of Boeing Company	51	2023	Y	✓ Deep operational expertise and strong track record as a supply chain leader ✓ Significant experience driving transformation and enabling strategic transactions at multinational companies			⬛	⬛
Jeffrey A. Craig Chief Executive Officer and President of Meritor, Inc. (retired)	64	2024	Y	✓ Significant financial expertise, including as Chief Financial Officer at Meritor, Inc. ✓ Meaningful leadership, risk management and operational experience	▲
Patricia B. Morrison Executive Vice President, Customer Support Services & Chief Information Officer, Cardinal Health, Inc. (retired)	65	2019	Y	✓ Significant experience in information technology (IT) and cybersecurity at global healthcare companies ✓ Meaningful human capital management experience	⬛	⬛		⬛
Stephen N. Oesterle, M.D. Healthcare Industry Consultant, former Senior Vice President, Medicine and Technology, Medtronic plc	74	2017	Y	✓ Significant experience in the medical products and healthcare industries (including strategic transactions) ✓ Strong scientific and medical background, including as a former practicing cardiologist		⬛	▲
Stephen H. Rusckowski. Chair and Chief Executive Officer and President of Quest Diagnostics, Inc. (retired)	67	2023	Y	✓ Significant operational experience in the healthcare industry ✓ Strong track record as a transformational leader, including in the context of large scale separation transactions	⬛		⬛	▲
Nancy M. Schlichting President and Chief Executive Officer, Henry Ford Health System (retired)	70	2021	Y	✓ Significant experience in healthcare administration in senior-level executive roles with health care providers ✓ Meaningful human capital management experience	▲		⬛
Brent Shafer Chair and Interim Chief Executive Officer of Baxter International Inc.	67	2022	N	✓ Significant experience leading global organizations, including as Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Cerner Corporation ✓ Strong digital health capabilities and experience transforming complex organizations
Cathy R. Smith Chief Financial Officer of Starbucks Corporation	61	2017	Y	✓ Significant financial expertise and corporate leadership experience, including in responding to cybersecurity incidents and overseeing large strategic transactions ✓ Meaningful human capital management experience	⬛	▲
Amy A. Wendell Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, Covidien (retired)	64	2019	Y	✓ Extensive experience in business development and strategy in the healthcare industry, including significant mergers & acquisitions and integration experience	⬛		⬛	⬛
David S. Wilkes, M.D. Former Dean of University of Virginia School of Medicine, Chief Scientific Officer and Co- Founder, ImmuneWorks, Inc.	68	2021	Y	✓ Significant scientific and medical experience, including as the co-founder and chief scientific officer of a biotechnology start-up ✓ Extensive experience leading large, complex organizations, including as a former dean of a large medical school		⬛	⬛

Key — ▲	Committee Chair	A	Audit Committee	QRC	Quality and Regulatory Compliance Committee
⬛	Committee Member	CHC	Compensation and Human Capital Committee	O	Operating Committee
		NCGPP	Nominating, Corporate Governance and Public Policy Committee

---

1. Directors standing for election on May 6, 2025. Committee assignments and ages reflected in this chart speak as of March

25, 2025.

investor.baxter.com

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Proxy Statement Highlights 5

2024 Board and Governance Highlights

Governance Practices See pages 19 and 22

• Strong Governance Practices : Baxter remains committed to strong corporate governance practices and

protecting stockholder rights. As a result, the Board has adopted the following practices and provisions in

related governance documents, among others:

• Strong Lead Independent Director with robust and clearly defined responsibilities;

• Meaningful director and officer stock ownership requirements;

• Annual director elections;

• Majority voting standard coupled with a resignation policy;

• Nine out of ten directors are independent;

• All Board committee chairs and members are independent;

• Executive sessions of independent directors held at each regularly scheduled Board meeting;

• Mandatory retirement age;

• Regular Board refreshment, including the appointment of five new directors in the last three years;

• No supermajority voting provisions;

• Single class of voting stock;

• Proxy access rights;

• No poison pill in place;

• Stockholders have the right to call special meetings (with a 15% threshold) ;

• Stockholders have the right to act by written consent;

• Use of independent experts, such as auditors and compensation consultants; and

• Robust director orientation and continuing education programs.

• Focus on Board Refreshment and Oversight Responsibilities : Continued Board focus on refreshment led

to the appointment of a new Lead Independent Director and changes in Board and committee composition and

responsibilities in 2024 and 2025, as described below:

• In September 2024, after the retention of an independent search firm and thorough consideration of several

potential candidates, Jeffrey A. Craig, retired Chief Executive Officer and President of Meritor, Inc., was

appointed to the Board and the Audit Committee. Mr. Craig was also appointed as chair of the Audit

Committee, effective December 31, 2024, in connection with the resignation of Peter Wilver from the Board.

• Brent Shafer was appointed as Chair and Interim CEO, effective February 3, 2025, in connection with the

departure of Joe Almeida, while the Board searches for a permanent CEO with the assistance of a leading

search firm.

• In February 2025, the Board formed a CEO Search Working Group consisting of independent directors to

oversee the search for a permanent CEO.

• Nancy Schlichting was appointed to serve as Lead Independent Director in February 2025.

• Refreshed Board committee oversight in 2024 and 2025, including moving oversight of innovation strategy

and cybersecurity generally from the QRC and Audit Committees, respectively, to the full Board, consistent

with the implementation of Baxter's new operating model.

• In 2025, the Board's Operating Committee was formed in connection with the ongoing CEO transition. The

Operating Committee is scheduled to sunset six months after the appointment of a permanent CEO.

Stephen Rusckowski was appointed as chair of the Operating Committee.

• Refreshed the company's Corporate Governance Guidelines and each standing committee's charter in

furtherance of Baxter's commitment to strong governance and transparency.

• As of March 13, 2025, average director age was 59.2 years and average director tenure was 3.8 years.

• Board's and Board Committees' Annual Self-Assessment Process: In November 2024, the Board and

each of its committees conducted an annual self-assessment process in which each independent director

provided commentary on the performance and effectiveness of the Board and each committee on which he or

she serves. Outputs from this assessment process informed the Board's and each committee's continuing

refreshment efforts and changes to committee charters. For more information regarding this annual evaluation

process, see "Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc.— Board of Directors— Annual Board and

Committee Evaluation".

• Stockholder Engagement : Baxter has a robust corporate governance outreach program in place to enable it

to better understand the perspectives of its stockholders.

• Since the completion of the 2024 annual meeting and through early 2025, as part of the company's annual

corporate governance outreach program, Baxter has engaged in discussions with stockholders representing

| 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement

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6 Proxy Statement Highlights

approximately 30% of the company’s outstanding shares (calculated as of December 31, 2024). These

discussions followed an outreach to top Baxter investors representing over 60% of Baxter’s outstanding

shares (calculated as of December 31, 2024).

• Topics discussed with stockholders included company strategy and performance (including the separation of

the Kidney Care business), the remediation efforts at the North Cove facility, management succession

planning and other corporate governance matters (including the ongoing CEO search and Board

composition), Board leadership structure, executive compensation matters (including the 2024 Say on Pay

vote and the 2024 stockholder proposal) and corporate responsibility initiatives.

• Responsiveness to Stockholder s : Baxter is committed to being responsive to the views of stockholders and

has worked to reflect stockholders' perspectives in its governance policies, executive compensation program

and corporate responsibility initiatives. This engagement over the years has resulted in enhancements to

Baxter's proxy disclosure, including disclosures relating to the ongoing Board refreshment efforts (which most

recently resulted in the addition of Jeffrey Craig to the Board), management succession planning as well as

various corporate responsibility related updates. It also informed the Board's position on the stockholder

proposal to be voted on at the Annual Meeting again this year. In addition, the company continues to evolve its

disclosure regarding the performance reviews of the CEO and the other named executive officers (NEOs) and

how they impacted related incentive payouts and included additional disclosures regarding the factors the CHC

Committee considers when reviewing executive pay. These responsive actions are a continuation of the

Board’s strong track record of responsiveness.

• Overboarding: The company's Corporate Governance Guidelines limit the number of public company boards

on which Baxter directors may serve. Specifically, the Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that no

director who is employed full time may serve on the boards of directors of more than two public companies

(including the Board) and no other director may serve on the boards of directors of more than four public

companies (including the Board). The Board considers the outside commitments of directors in connection with

the annual nominating process. Any waivers to the overboarding policy (including the one granted in

connection with the appointment of Mr. Shafer as Interim CEO) must be approved by the NCGPP Committee.

Changes in director circumstances need to be reviewed and approved by the NCGPP Committee in

accordance with the Corporate Governance Guidelines. See “Corporate Governance at Baxter International

Inc.—Board of Directors—Director Overboarding” for additional detail regarding the Baxter’s overboarding

policy.

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Proxy Statement Highlights 7

Board Qualifications, Experiences and Backgrounds

The matrix included below represents some of the key skills, experiences and backgrounds that the Board has

identified as particularly valuable to the oversight of the company and illustrates how the current director

nominees individually and collectively possess these key competencies and backgrounds. The matrix does not

encompass all of the skills, experience, qualifications and attributes of the director nominees (including additional

ones that may have been considered by the Board and the NCGPP Committee in this year's director nomination

process), and no specific weights are assigned to any of the skill sets in the matrix. Additionally, the fact that a

particular skill, experience, qualification or attribute for a nominee is not listed below does not mean that he or

she does not possess that particular skill, experience, qualification or attribute. The Board believes that its highly

qualified director nominees provide the Board with a complementary mix of skills, experience and perspectives

necessary for effective oversight .

	William Ampofo	Jeffrey Craig	Patricia Morrison	Stephen Oesterle	Stephen Rusckowski	Nancy Schlichting	Brent Shafer	Cathy Smith	Amy Wendell	David Wilkes
Skills and Experience
Healthcare Marketing / Delivery Relevant expertise required to effectively assess Baxter's portfolio management and innovation strategies in light of the competitive and dynamic landscape in which Baxter operates			g	g	g	g	g		g	g
Quality, Regulatory and Compliance Critical skills (including the development and oversight of clinical trials) needed to help Baxter launch new products consistent with Baxter's commitment to patient safety and quality	g			g		g			g	g
Financial Expertise / Risk Management Critical skills necessary to help promote the company's financial performance and to help maintain appropriate internal controls	g	g	g			g	g	g	g
Manufacturing and R&D Critical knowledge to help oversee Baxter's global manufacturing and research and development operations, including in response to global supply chain challenges and evolving macroeconomic dynamics	g	g		g	g		g		g
Cyber / IT Essential expertise to help Baxter pursue digital health opportunities in connection with its continuing focus on connected care, consistent with emerging cybersecurity and artificial intelligence practices and regulations as well as evolving market demands and privacy regulations		g	g	g				g
M&A / Transactional Important skills to help Baxter achieve its long term strategies as the company assesses potential future portfolio adjustments	g	g		g	g	g	g	g	g
International International market knowledge and business acumen critical to Baxter's key growth strategies and priorities. Approximately 45% of Baxter's 2024 revenues from continuing operations were from outside the U.S.	g	g		g	g		g	g	g
Human Capital Management Essential skills to help oversee the company's talent and leadership development, employee compensation and employee engagement efforts		g	g		g	g	g	g		g
Other Sector Leadership Enables the Board to incorporate best practices from other industries, in response to emerging trends or otherwise	g	g	g	g			g	g	g	g
Demographic Information 1
Gender	M	M	F	M	M	F	M	F	F	M
Ethnic/Racial Diversity	g									g
LGBTQ+						g

1. As self-identified by each director nominee.

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8 Proxy Statement Highlights

●
Advisory Vote to Approve Named Executive Officer Compensation for 2024 What am I voting on? You are asked to cast a non-binding advisory vote to approve Baxter’s 2024 compensation programs as described in the “Executive Compensation— Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of the proxy statement. What is the Board’s recommendation? The Board recommends a vote FOR this proposal. The Board and the CHC Committee believe that Baxter’s executive compensation programs appropriately align executives’ interests with Baxter’s strategies and long-term objectives. See “—Performance Highlights” below for additional information regarding 2024 financial and compensation design highlights. Where can I find more information? Concise supporting information is presented below.
●	See “Executive Compensation—Proposal 2—Advisory Vote to Approve Named Executive Officer Compensation for 2024” for additional information.

investor.baxter.com

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Proxy Statement Highlights 9

Performance Highlights

Further Information

Financial results for 2024 The company’s publicly reported financial results from continuing operations for 2024 are set forth below. Baxter’s performance in 2024 reflects its building momentum as the company continued to execute upon the strategic initiatives announced in January 2023. These amounts do not include results for the company’s Kidney Care business, which was sold in January 2025 and the results of which are reflected in the company’s discontinued operations for 2024.

See page 39

Global Net Sales	($0.64)	NM 1
$10.6 billion	3% versus 2023
	Adjusted Earnings per Share
	$1.89	11% versus 2023
	1. As used in the chart above, NM means not meaningful

Operating Cash Flow
$819 million	32% versus 2023
Free Cash Flow
$373 million	52% versus 2023

T he amounts set forth above represent Baxter’s publicly disclosed results from continuing operations for 2024.

Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures (as defined below).

Adjusted EPS excludes the impact of special items, net of the related income tax effects. Free cash flow

represents net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. See Baxter’s Periodic Report on

Form 8-K dated February 20, 2025 for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the applicable measure

calculated in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and for information about

why management believes that non-GAAP financial measures, when used in conjunction with the results

presented in accordance with GAAP and the company’s reconciliations to corresponding GAAP financial

measures, may enhance an investor’s overall understanding of the company’s past financial performance and

prospects for the future. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, and not as

substitutes for, information prepared in accordance with GAAP.

For purposes of calculating performance under the company’s 2024 annual incentive plan, net sales were

calculated at budgeted exchange rates (as of January 1, 2024) and include net sales from discontinued

operations for all of 2024. This measure is referred to herein as Adjusted Net Sales Including Discontinued

Operations and was $15.2 billion for 2024.

For purposes of calculating performance under the company’s 2024 annual incentive plan, Adjusted EPS

includes adjusted EPS from discontinued operations for all of 2024 , less certain operational adjustments to the

extent that they were not included in the 2024 adjusted EPS target. This measure is referred to herein as Further

Adjusted EPS Including Discontinued Operations and was $2.79 for 2024.

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For purposes of calculating performance under the company’s 2024 annual incentive plan, free cash flow

includes free cash flow from discontinued operations for all of 2024, less certain income tax payments that were

disbursed in the third quarter of 2024 and were included in discontinued operations related to the company's

BPS business, which was sold in 2023, and certain operational adjustments to the extent that they were not

included in the 2024 free cash flow target. This measure is referred to herein as Adjusted Free Cash Flow

Including Discontinued Operations and was $501 million for 2024.

See “ Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Executive Compensation

—Annual Incentive Plan—Determination of 2024 Annual Incentive Plan Payouts ” for reconciliations of Adjusted

Net Sales Including Discontinued Operations, Further Adjusted EPS Including Discontinued Operations and

Adjusted Free Cash Flow Including Discontinued Operations to the applicable measures calculated in

accordance with GAAP.

Compensation Design for 2024

The table below summarizes Baxter’s consistent compensation design for 2024 and highlights design and

payouts that are linked to Baxter’s pay-for-performance philosophy. More detail regarding plan design can be

found in the “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of the proxy statement .

% of Total Target Direct 2024 Compensation

Salary

(Cash)

Long-Term

Incentive

(Stock)

Annual

Incentive

(Cash)

NA

Provides a base level

of competitive

compensation to

attract and retain

executive talent

Increases to align

to market only for

CFO and two other

NEOs

8%

15%

14%

78% of

Compensation

2024:

50% PSUs / 50%

RSUs

16%

69% of

Compensation

2024:

CFO:

50% PSUs/ 50% RSUs

Other NEOs:

100% RSUs

Payouts between

94% - 113% of

target, tied to

business and

individual

performance

PSU payout for

cycle ending in

2024 for the CEO

and CFO was 0%

of target

Used to motivate and

reward executives for

company and

individual

performance

Used to motivate and

reward an executive's

contributions to

achieving the

company's long-term

objectives and

increasing

stockholder value

50%

Adj. Net

Sales

25%

Adj. EPS

25%

Free Cash

Flow

Individual

Performance

Assessment

0%-125% 1

RSUs

PSUs 2

100% Relative Total

Shareholder Return (TSR)

CEO

Other NEOs (Average)

Results

Objective

Metric

1 Applies to members of the Executive Operating Committee (including all NEOs)

2 Applies only to the CEO and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

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Proxy Statement Highlights 11

Pay-Per-Performance Alignment

Baxter’s short- and long-term incentive plans consist of metrics that the company believes are among the most

critical to drive sustainable financial performance. They provide a balance among focusing on organic growth,

profitability and the financial health of day-to-day operations.

Metric	Rationale	Financial Results (as measured for incentive plan purposes and including discontinued operations)
Annual Incentive Plan Metrics:
• Adjusted Net Sales	• Most important metric in the annual incentive plan, as it is assigned twice the weight (50%) as the other two metrics, emphasizing the importance of growing sales as the basis of financial stability. For Messrs. Almeida and Grade, Adjusted Net Sales is measured on a company-wide basis, while for Ms. Knight and Messrs. Sonig and Toth, it is measured on a segment basis (Medical Products & Therapies, Pharmaceuticals and Kidney Care, respectively).	• Company-Wide Performance: grew 1% versus 2023, resulting in funding of 122% of target • Medical Products & Therapies: grew 6% versus 2023, resulting in funding of 115% of target • Pharmaceuticals: grew 8% versus 2023, resulting in funding of 149% of target • Kidney Care: grew 4% versus 2023, resulting in funding of 183% of target
• Adjusted EPS	• Assigned 25% weight in the annual incentive plan to recognize the importance of profitability as a key investor metric. For all NEOs, Adjusted EPS is measured on a company-wide basis.	• Decreased 4% versus 2023, resulting in funding of 86% of target
• Adjusted Free Cash Flow	• Assigned 25% weight in the annual incentive plan to recognize the importance of having cash to fund growth and pay financial obligations. For all NEOs, Adjusted Free Cash Flow is measured on a company-wide basis.	• Decreased 53% versus 2023, resulting in funding of 53% of target
Long-term Incentive Metrics: (each equally weighted, with a three-year performance period, taking into account Baxter's long-range plan) 1
• Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)	• Recognizes the importance of efficient use of invested capital to generate sustainable long- term value.	• ROIC during the 2022-2024 performance period was 6.5% (below threshold, resulting in 0% payout in respect of achievement against the ROIC metric)
• Net Sales Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)	• Recognizes the importance of sales growth over a longer period of time to reinforce stability and future growth.	• Net Sales CAGR during the 2022-2024 performance period was 2.6% (below threshold, resulting in 0% payout in respect of achievement against the net sales CAGR metric)
• Relative TSR	• Recognizes the importance of creating stockholder value.	• Relative TSR from the 2022-2024 performance period was the 6.3 rd percent rank (below threshold, resulting in 0% payout in respect of achievement against the relative TSR metric)
1 For PSUs granted in 2024, which were granted solely to the CEO and CFO, relative TSR is the sole metric.

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●
●	See “Stockholder Proposal—Proposal 4—Executives to Retain Significant Stock” for additional information.

Items to consider when evaluating this proposal:
• Baxter’s current stock ownership guidelines already require significant stock retention by executives : Baxter’s CEO is required to achieve ownership of Baxter common stock valued at a minimum of six times annual base salary within five years of appointment. Each other executive officer is required to achieve ownership of Baxter common stock valued at a minimum of four times annual base salary within five years of becoming an executive officer.
• The company’s existing stock ownership guidelines are accomplishing their intended purpose : As of December 31, 2024, each of the NEOs who is still serving as an executive officer with the company had met his or her ownership requirements or, using reasonable assumptions, was on track to achieve his or her stock ownership objective within the prescribed time frame.
• The proposal fails to strike a reasonable balance between aligning the interests of stockholders and management and motivating desired management behavior : The Board believes that Baxter’s emphasis on long-term incentive grants motivates executives to drive the long-term performance of the company and aligns their long-term interests with those of stockholders. However, Baxter also recognizes the fact that executives need some flexibility to manage their own financial affairs, which may, from time to time, include the sale of Baxter stock held as a result of the vesting of these equity grants that exceed the ownership guidelines.
• The proposal would put Baxter at a competitive disadvantage for attracting and retaining top executive talent and would create an unnecessary administrative burden on Baxter without commensurate value to stockholders : Requiring NEOs to hold additional shares until retirement is more stringent than current market practice and would be unnecessarily burdensome to the executives, which, as a result, may impact Baxter’s ability to attract and retain top executive talent. Further, the NEOs often change year-to-year and this proposal may place different stock retention requirements on certain executives every year, which would be difficult for Baxter to administer. Instead, the company believes its current robust stock ownership requirements, which are consistent with market practice and apply to all of Baxter’s executive and corporate officers, provide meaningful stock ownership and retention requirements at a lower administrative cost for the company.
• The majority of Baxter’s stockholders voted against a similar proposal last year: Baxter’s stockholders considered, and rejected, a similar proposal in 2023 and 2024, with support for the proposal declining year over year. This indicates that Baxter’s stockholders remain generally supportive of the Board’s position on this proposal and current executive compensation structure.

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Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc. 13

Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc.

Election of Directors The Board has nominated ten director nominees for election for a term of one year. The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of each of the director nominees named below under “–Nominees for Election as Directors.”

In uncontested elections, Baxter’s Bylaws require each director to be elected by a majority of the votes cast with

respect to his or her election; that is, the number of votes cast “for” a director's election must exceed the number

of votes cast "against" his or her election. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not considered votes cast and

therefore have no effect on the election of directors. In a contested election (a situation in which the number of

nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected), the standard for election of directors will be a plurality

of the shares represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the election of directors.

All of the nominees have indicated their willingness to serve if elected, but if any no minee should be unable or

unwilling to stand for election, proxies may be voted for a substitute nominee designated by the Board. The

election of directors at the Annual Meeting is an uncontested election, which means each director nominee must

receive a majority of the votes cast with respect to his or her election in order to be reelected to the Board.

Unless proxy cards are marked otherwise, the individuals named as proxies intend to vote the shares

represented by proxy in favor of all of the Board’s nominees.

Under the company’s Bylaws, any incumbent director who fails to be reelected at the Annual Meeting because he

or she does not receive the required majority support must offer his or her resignation to the Board. The NCGPP

Committee will then make a recommendation to the Board on whether to accept or reject the resignation, or

whether other action should be taken. The Board will consider the NCGPP Committee’s recommendation when

deciding whether to accept or reject the tendered resignation and publicly disclose its decision and the rationale

behind it within 90 days from the date that the election results are certified. A director who offers his or her

resignation may not participate in the Board’s or the NCGPP Committee’s discussions or decision.

Set forth below under “–Nominees for Election as Directors” is information concerning each of the nominees for

election.

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14 Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc.

Nominees for Election as Directors

William A. Ampofo II Independent Director Age 51 Director since 2023 Committees: Quality and Regulatory Compliance and Operating Biography Mr. Ampofo has worked for Boeing Company (Boeing), a leading global aerospace company, since 2016 and currently serves as Chair, Supply Chain Operations Council and Senior Vice President, Parts & Distribution Services and Supply Chain function for Boeing Global Services. Prior to joining Boeing, he spent 22 years at United Technologies Corporation (which later merged with Raytheon Company to form Raytheon Technologies), a multinational conglomerate which researched, developed, and manufactured products, including aircraft engines, aerospace systems, among other industrial products, working in roles of increasing responsibility related to finance, IT, corporate strategy and operations. Mr. Ampofo currently serves as a member of the board of trustees of The Episcopal School of Dallas. Key Attributes, Experience and Skills Extensive experience leading global organizations as a result of his role as Chair, Supply Chain Operations Council and Senior Vice President, Parts & Distribution Services and Supply Chain function at Boeing and his 22 years of finance, operational, IT and corporate strategy experience at United Technologies Corporation. Jeffrey A. Craig Independent Director Age 64 Director since 2024 Committees: Audit Biography Mr. Craig is the former Chief Executive Officer and President of Meritor, Inc. (Meritor), a global supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking and aftermarket solutions for commercial vehicles, a position he held from 2015 until 2021. Prior to this, from 2014 to 2015, Mr. Craig was President and Chief Operating Officer, with oversight of Meritor’s business segments - Commercial Truck & Industrial and Aftermarket & Trailer. Prior to taking on the role of President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Craig was Senior Vice President and President of Meritor’s Commercial Truck & Industrial segment from 2013 to 2014. He served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Meritor from 2009 to 2013 and held various leadership positions at Meritor since 2006. Before joining Meritor, Mr. Craig served in roles of increasing responsibility at General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC), including as President and Chief Executive Officer of GMAC's Commercial Finance organization and President and Chief Executive Officer of GMAC’s Business Credit division. He began his career at Deloitte & Touche, where he served as audit partner. Mr. Craig currently serves as a director of Arcosa, Inc. and Hyliion Holdings Corp. Key Attributes, Experience and Skills Extensive experience leading global organizations resulting from his various leadership roles with Meritor and GMAC where he also gained substantial financial, risk management, transactional, international, operational and human capital management experience. Further, Mr. Craig also gained significant experience during his tenure as an audit partner at Deloitte & Touche and through his service as Chief Financial Officer at Meritor.

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Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc. 15

Patricia B. Morrison Independent Director Age 65 Director since 2019 Committees: Audit, Nominating, Corporate Governance and Public Policy and Operating Biography From 2009 to 2018, Ms. Morrison served as Executive Vice President, Customer Support Services and Chief Information Officer (CIO), of Cardinal Health Inc. (Cardinal), a global, integrated healthcare services and products company. At Cardinal, she led global IT operations, which included the transformation of multiple business segments, acquisition integration and digital strategy. Prior to Cardinal, Ms. Morrison was the Chief Executive Officer of Mainstay Partners, a technology advisory firm, from 2008 to 2009. She previously served as CIO of both Motorola, Inc. and Office Depot, Inc. and held senior-level IT positions at General Electric Company, PepsiCo, Inc., The Procter & Gamble Company and The Quaker Oats Company. She previously served as a director of Splunk Inc. and Virtusa Corporation. Key Attributes, Experience and Skills Extensive experience across diverse global industries overseeing strategic, operational and financial aspects of IT, including cybersecurity, global IT master planning, digital transformation and human capital matters, including in the medical products industry, as a result of her experience leading the IT function at large, multinational organizations. Stephen N. Oesterle, M.D. I ndependent Director Age 74 Director since 2017 Committees: Nominating, Corporate Governance and Public Policy and Quality and Regulatory Compliance Biography Dr. Oesterle is a consultant, advising private equity and operating companies in the healthcare industry. From 2002 to 2015, he was a member of the Executive Committee of Medtronic, a global medical technology, services and solutions company, serving as Medtronic’s Senior Vice President, Medicine and Technology. Previously, he served as an Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of Invasive Cardiology Services at each of Massachusetts General Hospital (1998 to 2002), Stanford University Medical Center (1992 to 1998) and Georgetown University Medical Center (1991 to 1992). Dr. Oesterle currently serves as a director of Paragon 28 and Peijia Medical Ltd. He previously served as a director of Sigilon Therapeutics, Inc., Montes Archimedes Acquisition Corp. and REVA Medical, Inc. Key Attributes, Experience and Skills Extensive experience in the medical products and healthcare industries with a strong scientific and medical background and significant experience advising on strategic transactions. Substantial knowledge of the medical device industry and extensive medical and leadership experience as a result of his role as Senior Vice President, Medicine and Technology at Medtronic and as a director at various healthcare companies as well as positions held at Harvard Medical School, Stanford University Medical Center and other leading hospitals.

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Stephen H. Rusckowski Independent Director Age 67 Director since 2023 Committees: Compensation and Human Capital, Quality and Regulatory Compliance and Operating Biography Mr. Rusckowski is the former Chief Executive Officer and President of Quest Diagnostics, Inc. (Quest), a leading provider of diagnostic information services, a position he held from 2012 until 2022. He also served as Chair of the Board of Quest from January 2017 through March 2023. Prior to joining Quest, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of Philips Healthcare (Philips), a health technology company focused on improving people’s health across the health continuum, and a member of the Board of Management of Royal Philips Electronics. Earlier in his career, he held roles of increasing responsibility at Hewlett-Packard Company, a manufacturer of software and computer services, and Procter & Gamble Company, a leading company that produces and sells products for the home, health and personal care. Mr. Rusckowski currently serves on the supervisory board of Qiagen Inc. and as a director of Tenet Healthcare Corporation and previously served as a director of MedQuist, Inc. and Quest. Key Attributes, Experience and Skills Extensive leadership experience in the healthcare industry, including in strategic planning, international operations and strategic transactions (including with the build out of digital health capabilities) with multinational corporations. Nancy M. Schlichting Lead Independent Director Age 70 Director since 2021 Committees: Compensation and Human Capital and Quality and Regulatory Compliance Biography Ms. Schlichting became Baxter’s Lead Independent Director effective February 3, 2025. She joined the Board in 2021 following Baxter’s acquisition of Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. (Hillrom), where she had previously served as a director and Chair of its Compensation and Management Development Committee. Ms. Schlichting is the retired President and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) in Detroit, Michigan, a non-profit healthcare organization, serving in this role from June 2003 to January 2017. She joined HFHS in 1998 as Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer and served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 1999 to 2003 and as President and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Ford Hospital from 2001 to 2003. She currently serves as a director of Encompass Health, Inc. and Walgreens Boots Alliance, and as a trustee of the Duke University and as the chair of the Duke University Health System Board. She previously served as a director of Pear Therapeutics, Inc. and as a trustee of the Kresge Foundation. Key Attributes, Experience and Skills Extensive healthcare administration (including human capital management) experience that spans more than 35 years in senior-level executive roles. This experience includes leading HFHS through a financial turnaround and leading various customer service, quality and human capital management initiatives. Extensive expertise in quality and regulatory management, mergers and acquisitions, including public company mergers and acquisitions such as the global mergers of Baxter and Hillrom and Walgreens with Alliance Boots.

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Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc. 17

Brent Shafer Chair and Interim Chief Executive Officer of Baxter International, Inc. Age 67 Director since 2022 Committees: None Biography Mr. Shafer became Baxter’s Chair of the Board and Interim CEO on February 3, 2025, in connection with Mr. Almeida's departure. He is the former Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Cerner Corporation (Cerner), a leading provider of various health information technologies, ranging from medical devices to electronic health records to hardware, serving in this role from 2018 to 2021. Prior to Cerner, Mr. Shafer held a number of roles at Philips, including Chief Executive Officer of Philips North America. Mr. Shafer was also the Chief Executive Officer of Philips Home Healthcare Solution business. Before joining Philips, Mr. Shafer was Vice President and General Manager of Hillrom’s Patient Care Environment Division and worked at GE Medical Systems where he served in key positions in sales, marketing, and general management. Mr. Shafer has also held senior roles at Hewlett Packard’s Medical Products Group and Johnson & Johnson. Mr. Shafer currently serves as a director of Tactile Systems Technology, Inc. and Veracyte, Inc. Key Attributes, Experience and Skills Substantial knowledge of the health IT industry and extensive experience leading, operating and transforming global corporations (including with the build out of digital health capabilities) as a result of his roles as Chair and Chief Executive Officer at Cerner and key roles at Philips and in other senior management roles at other medical device companies (including Hillrom). Cathy R. Smith Independent Director Age 61 Director since 2017 Committees: Audit and Nominating, Corporate Governance and Public Policy Biography Ms. Smith was recently appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Starbucks Corporation (Starbucks), a global beverage company. Previously she served as Chief Financial Officer of Nordstrom, Inc. (Nordstrom), a luxury department store chain, from May 2023 to March 2025. Prior to Nordstrom, she served as Chief Financial and Administrative Officer of Bright Health, a diversified consumer-focused healthcare company, from January 2020 to May 2023. Prior to Bright Health, Ms. Smith was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Target Corporation (Target) from September 2015 to November 2019. Prior to joining Target in 2015, Ms. Smith served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Express Scripts Holding Company (Express Scripts), an independent pharmacy benefits management company, from 2014 to 2015, and at Walmart International (Walmart), a division of Walmart Stores Inc., from 2010 to 2014. Earlier in her career, she served as Chief Financial Officer at GameStop. Ms. Smith currently serves as a director of PPG Industries, Inc. Key Attributes, Experience and Skills Significant financial expertise and corporate leadership experience as a result of her senior positions held at Starbucks, Nordstrom, Bright Health, Target, Express Scripts and Walmart. This experience includes work helping to oversee cybersecurity incident response and various strategic transactions as well as human capital management expertise as the Chief Administrative Officer at Bright Health.

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18 Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc.

Amy A. Wendell Independent Director Age 64 Director since 2019 Committees: Compensation and Human Capital, Quality and Regulatory Compliance and Operating Biography Ms. Wendell served as Senior Advisor at Perella Weinberg Partners L.P., a global financial services firm, from January 2016 to May 2019 where she consulted on strategy, corporate finance and investing practices in the healthcare industry. From 2015 to September 2018, Ms. Wendell served as a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company (McKinsey), a management consulting firm, in its strategy and corporate finance practice and also served as a member of McKinsey’s Transactions Advisory Board. She previously served as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development and Licensing at Covidien plc (Covidien) from 2006 to 2015, where she led the company’s strategy and portfolio management initiatives and managed business development activities. From 1986 to 2015, Ms. Wendell held roles of increasing responsibility at Covidien (including its predecessors, Tyco International plc and Kendall Healthcare Products Company), from engineering to product management and business development. Ms. Wendell currently serves as a director of Axogen, Inc., Hologic, Inc. and Solventum Corporation. Ms. Wendell previously served as a director of Por Cristo, a non- profit charitable medical service organization involved in healthcare work for at-risk women and children in Latin America. Key Attributes, Experience and Skills Extensive expertise in the healthcare sector in the areas of global business development and licensing, portfolio management, mergers and acquisitions, resource allocation and identifying new market opportunities, as well as significant restructuring and integration experience, including as a result of her roles at Covidien and its predecessors. David S. Wilkes, M.D. Independent Director Age 68 Director since 2021 Committees: Nominating, Corporate Governance and Public Policy and Quality and Regulatory Compliance Biography Dr. Wilkes served as Dean of the University of Virginia School of Medicine from 2015 to 2021 and currently serves as Dean Emeritus. He previously served in positions of increasing responsibility at Indiana University School of Medicine, most recently as the Executive Associate Director for Research Affairs and as the August M. Watanabe Professor of Medical Research between 2009 and 2015. Dr. Wilkes is the co- founder of ImmuneWorks Inc. (ImmuneWorks), a biotechnology start-up company, and has served as its Chief Scientific Officer since 2005. Since 2006, he has served as the National Director of the Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Dr. Wilkes is a military veteran, having served three years as a major in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps. In 2020, he was elected to the National Academy of Medicine. Dr. Wilkes previously served as a director of Syneos Health. Key Attributes, Experience and Skills Extensive experience with, and medical and scientific expertise and knowledge of, the healthcare industry and its providers as a result of his positions with the University of Virginia School of Medicine and the Indiana University School of Medicine, as well as related leadership experience, including in connection with in forming and advising ImmuneWorks.

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Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc. 19

Board of Directors

Director Independence

Baxter’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, as most recently amended in November 2024, require that the Board

be composed of a majority of directors who meet the criteria for “independence” established by the rules of the

New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). To be considered independent, the Board must affirmatively determine that

the director does not have any direct or indirect material relationship with Baxter (either directly or as a partner,

stockholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with Baxter) and, solely with regard to CHC

Committee members, consider all relevant factors that could impair his or her ability to make independent

judgments about executive compensation.

In making its independence determinations, the Board considers transactions, relationships and arrangements

between Baxter and entities with which its directors are associated as a partner, stockholder or officer or in which

they have other material relationships. When these transactions, relationships and arrangements have existed,

they are reviewed in accordance with Baxter’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, as described in below in “—

Board Responsibilities—Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions”.

After careful consideration, the Board has determined that each of the following directors standing for election

satisfy Baxter’s independence standards and the NYSE listing standards for independence: William A. Ampofo II;

Jeffrey A. Craig; Patricia B. Morrison; Stephen N. Oesterle, M.D.; Stephen H. Rusckowski; Nancy M. Schlichting;

Cathy R. Smith; Amy A. Wendell; and David S. Wilkes, M.D.

Director Attendance

In 2024, the Board held nine meetings. Each director attended at least 75% of the total number of Board

meetings and meetings of the committees on which he or she served as of the related meeting date. Baxter’s

Corporate Governance Guidelines set forth the company’s expectation that directors regularly attend meetings of

the Board and the committees on which he or she serves as well as the annual meeting of stockholders. In 2024,

all of the directors then in office participated in the 2024 annual meeting.

Director Tenure, Refreshment and Composition

The Board recognizes the importance of periodic refreshment and maintaining an appropriate balance of tenure,

experience and perspectives on the Board. Through thoughtful refreshment, the Board has maintained an

appropriate mix of new and longer-tenured directors and onboarded new directors consistent with the strategic

and operational direction of the company. This mix provides the Board with the benefit of both new perspectives

and insights from directors who have familiarity with, and knowledge of, the organization and governance of the

company and the issues confronting it. The directors standing for election have an average tenure of 3.8 years

as of March 13, 2025.

To enable appropriate refreshment, the NCGPP Committee and the Board regularly evaluate the company’s

evolving needs and add new skills, qualifications and experience to the Board as necessary so that the Board

remains well positioned to help address the emerging risks, trends and opportunities facing the company.

Notably, as a result of this process, five directors have been appointed in the past three years.

The Corporate Governance Guidelines also provide that a director who has reached the age of 75 must retire

from the Board effective at the end of his or her then current term, subject to certain exceptions (such as during a

CEO succession or during a material merger, acquisition or disposition). The Board has not granted any waivers

with respect to this mandatory retirement age since its adoption.

The Board believes that having directors with a robust set of skills, backgrounds, viewpoints, perspectives and

experiences positively contributes to fulsome discussions at Board meetings and helps guide oversight of

Baxter’s long-term strategy. Although the Board does not have a formal diversity policy, diversity of background,

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20 Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc.

global perspectives, skills and experience are relevant factors in the director selection process consistent with

the Corporate Governance Guidelines and the Board’s efforts to identify the best candidates for Board service

and to maintain a Board with a complementary set of experiences and backgrounds that is well suited to oversee

Baxter and its strategic initiatives and imperatives.

Additionally, as discussed below, the Board conducts an annual assessment of itself and its committees to help

identify potential gaps or areas that the Board may look to augment in light of the company’s strategies and

initiatives.

Director Qualifications

As discussed below in “—Nomination of Directors,” directors are selected on the basis of the criteria set forth in

Baxter’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Board believes that the skills, experience, expertise and

knowledge collectively represented on the Board by our director nominees allow the Board to continue to lead

Baxter in a manner that serves the best interests of its stockholders. Key attributes, experience and skills for

each of the company’s director nominees are included above in their biographies and under “Proxy Statement

Highlights—Board Qualifications, Experiences and Backgrounds.”

Director Overboarding

The Board values the experience directors bring from other boards on which they serve but recognizes that those

boards may also present demands on a director’s time and availability and may present potential conflicts of

interest.

Baxter’s Corporate Governance Guidelines limit the maximum number of public company boards of directors on

which a director may serve to two (inclusive of the Board) for directors who are employed full-time or four

(inclusive of the Board) for all other directors. Any director who is no longer in compliance with these limitations is

required to make good faith efforts to reduce the number of public company boards on which he or she serves in

order to comply prior to the time he or she is eligible to be nominated for reelection. Directors are required to

notify the Chair of the Board, the Lead Independent Director and the chair of the NCGPP Committee prior to

accepting any invitation to serve on the board, audit committee or compensation committee of any other public or

private company or to serve in a leadership role on the board or a board committee of any other public or private

company (including the chair or lead independent director of any board or chair of a board committee). This prior

notice allows the Board to consider whether such service will interfere with the director’s service on the Board,

impact the director’s independence or create an actual or apparent conflict of interest or other issues. Further ,

the NCGPP Committee evaluates each director's time commitments in connection with the annual nomination of

directors, including service on other public company boards and committee memberships, as well as other

significant commitments involving affiliations with other for-profit businesses, non-profit entities or governmental

units. As of March 13, 2025, all of Baxter’s directors were in compliance with Baxter’s overboarding policy, with

the exception of Mr. Shafer who was recently appointed as Interim CEO. After taking into account Mr. Shafer's

time commitments, including his service on two other public company boards (which does not currently include

any board or committee leadership positions), the NCGPP Committee determined that Mr. Shafer's continued

service on those outside boards would not impair his ability to serve effectively on the Board or as Interim CEO,

and that it was advisable and appropriate to grant Mr. Shafer a waiver under the company's overboarding policy

with respect to such service.

Nomination of Directors

The NCGPP Committee considers candidates for director to the Board recommended by stockholders, members

of the Board and management in accordance with the policies outlined in Baxter’s Bylaws, Corporate

Governance Guidelines and NCGPP Committee Charter.

Additionally, in 2024, the Board retained an independent search firm to assist it in identifying and evaluating

potential director candidates, which helped lead to the appointment of Mr. Jeffrey Craig .

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The NCGPP Committee evaluates all candidates for director in the same manner regardless of the source of the

recommendation. Stockholder recommendations for candidates for director must include the same information

required by Baxter’s Bylaws for director nominations by stockholders and be sent to the Corporate Secretary ,

Baxter International Inc., One Baxter Parkway, Deerfield, Illinois 60015.

Baxter’s Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that director nominees selected by the NCGPP Committee

must:

• possess fundamental qualities of intelligence, honesty, perceptiveness, good judgment, maturity, high

ethics and standards, integrity, fairness and responsibility;

• have a genuine interest in the company and recognition that, as a member of the Board, each director is

accountable to all stockholders of the company, not to any particular interest group;

• have a background that demonstrates an understanding of business and financial affairs and the

complexities of a large, multifaceted, global business, governmental or educational organization;

• be or have been in a senior position in a complex organization such as a corporation, university or major

unit of government or a large not-for-profit institution;

• have no conflict of interest or legal impediment that would interfere with the duty of loyalty owed to the

company and its stockholders;

• have the ability and be willing to spend the time required to function effectively as a director;

• be compatible and able to work well with other directors and executives in a team effort with a view to a

long-term relationship with the company as a director; and

• have independent opinions and be willing to state them in a constructive manner.

If a vacancy occurs or is expected to occur on the Board for any reason and the Board desires to fill the position,

the Board initiates a process to identify potential candidates, such as by engaging an independent search firm.

Once a candidate has been identified, the NCGPP Committee (on behalf of the Board) and, where applicable,

the independent search firm will engage in a process that includes an examination of the candidate's business

background and education, research on the individual’s accomplishments and qualifications, interviews and

reference checking. If this process generates a positive indication, the Lead Independent Director, members of

the NCGPP Committee and the Chair of the Board will meet with the candidate and then confer with each other

regarding the candidate. After consideration of these background screens and interviews (possibly with multiple

candidates), the NCGPP Committee may then recommend the individual to the full Board for further evaluation,

and ultimately, election. Subject to formal action by the Board, the Chair of the Board is then authorized to extend

an offer to the individual candidate to join the Board on a specified date or nominate the candidate for election at

the next annual meeting of stockholders .

In addition to making recommendations to the Board, eligible stockholders are able to nominate a candidate for

election to the Board by complying with the proxy access or advance notice procedures set forth in Baxter’s

Bylaws and by complying with Rule 14a-19 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange

Act). For more information about these processes, see “General Information—Other Information—Nominations of

Individuals for Election as Directors at the 2026 Annual Meeting.”

Director Orientation and Continuing Education

The NCGPP Committee has developed and oversees an orientation program designed to familiarize new

directors with Baxter’s businesses and strategic actions, key policies and practices, principal officers and

management structure and auditing and compliance processes. In addition, the NCGPP Committee regularly

monitors director continuing education participation to help the NCGPP Committee assess the overall skill set of

the Board.

Director education is vital to the ability of directors to fulfill their roles. The Board encourages directors to

participate in external continuing director education programs, and Baxter funds and reimburses directors for

related expenses. Continuing director education is also provided during Board and committee meetings and

other Board discussions. Among other topics, during 2024, the Board received training or related background

materials from outside advisers and management on numerous subjects, including on the Board’s fiduciary

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22 Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc.

duties as they relate to Baxter’s strategic actions, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, the company's operations

and various corporate responsibility matters.

Annual Board and Committee Evaluation

Each year, the NCGPP Committee oversees a review of the structure and composition of the Board and each

committee thereof. This review is conducted to help ensure that the Board and each Board committee continues

to function effectively in light of the company’s strategic objectives and initiatives, the Corporate Governance

Guidelines and each committee’s charter. The NCGPP Committee periodically retains one or more external

advisors to assist in the oversight of this annual review process, typically every two to three years, or as

circumstances warrant it. As part of this process (whether conducted as a self-assessment or with the assistance

of an external advisor), each independent director provides his or her views on the performance and

effectiveness of the Board and the committees on which he or she serves. Each independent director is also

asked to provide commentary on, and any suggested revisions to, the charters for the committees on which he or

she serves in response to any changes in the company’s strategic direction, emerging risks, regulatory

developments, committee composition or otherwise. The Board and each committee reviews and discusses the

collective feedback from this process. The Board also identifies any potential skill or experience gaps, if any, or

changes that the Board would like to make, such as by rotating existing directors off the Board or refreshing

committee assignments or responsibilities. The NCGPP Committee also utilizes the results of the Board

evaluation process in identifying the characteristics, skills and experience desired of candidates for election to

the Board. This process helped result in the appointment of Jeffrey Craig to the Board in September 2024.

Communicating with the Board of Directors

Stockholders and other interested parties may contact any of Baxter’s directors, including the Lead Independent

Director or the non-management directors as a group, by writing a letter to Baxter Board of Directors, c/o

Corporate Secretary, Baxter International Inc., One Baxter Parkway, Deerfield, Illinois 60015, or by sending an e-

mail to boardofdirectors@baxter.com. Baxter’s Corporate Secretary will forward communications directly to the

Lead Independent Director, as appropriate , unless a different director is specified.

See “—Other Corporate Governance Information—Stockholder Engagement” below for a discussion of the

company’s stockholder outreach efforts.

Other Corporate Governance Information

Corporate Governance Guidelines

The Board has long adhered to corporate governance principles designed to promote effective corporate

governance. Since 1995, the Board has had in place a set of Corporate Governance Guidelines reflecting these

principles. The NCGPP Committee reviews, at least annually, the adequacy of Baxter’s Corporate Governance

Guidelines (including with respect to related NYSE requirements), and recommends any proposed changes to

the Board. Baxter’s current Corporate Governance Guidelines, most recently revised in November 2024, cover

topics including director qualifications, mandatory retirement age, overboarding policy, director responsibilities

(including those of the Lead Independent Director), the company’s policy regarding the anticipated future

separation of the CEO and Chair, director access to management and independent advisors, director

compensation, director orientation and continuing education, succession planning and the annual evaluations of

the Board and its committees. The November 2024 amendments to the Corporate Governance Guidelines

clarified that, at least annually, the NCGPP Committee evaluates director time commitments (including service on

other public company boards, affiliations with other for profit businesses, non-profit entities and governmental

units), and also clarified that portions of certain Board and Board committee meetings will be devoted to director

education (including on matters regarding the company's industry, business operations and important legal and

regulatory matters). Further, consistent with the company's Bylaws, the Corporate Governance Guidelines state

that the company's stockholders may recommend nominees for consideration by the NCGPP Committee by

submitting the names and required supporting information to the company's Corporate Secretary and that

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Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc. 23

director candidates will be evaluated in the same manner regardless of the source of the recommendation.

Baxter’s Corporate Governance Guidelines are available on Baxter’s website at www.baxter.com under “Our

Story—Our Governance—Corporate Governance Matters—Corporate Governance Guidelines.”

Stockholder Engagement

The company is committed to engaging in continuing dialogue with its stockholders on corporate governance,

executive compensation, corporate responsibility and other matters of importance, including management and

Board succession planning. Management is primarily responsible for stockholder communications and

engagement, and provides regular updates to the Board on topics or concerns raised by stockholders, with

certain directors attending stockholder meetings when appropriate. The Board considers this feedback as well as

the interests of all stakeholders when overseeing company strategy, policies and practices (including with respect

to corporate responsibility matters) and designing or evaluating executive compensation programs.

After completion of the 2024 annual meeting and through early 2025, select directors (including Mr. Shafer and

Ms. Schlichting) and select members of management met with stockholders representing approximately 30% of

Baxter’s outstanding shares (calculated as of December 31, 2024) as part of the company’s annual outreach

program and in response to inbound inquires. These discussions followed an outreach to top Baxter investors

representing over 60% of Baxter’s outstanding shares (calculated as of December 31, 2024). These investors

included institutional investors, hedge funds, mutual funds and public pension funds. Topics covered in these

discussions included Baxter’s strategy and performance (including the separation of the Kidney Care business),

corporate governance matters (including Board composition, management succession planning and the 2024

stockholder proposal), the Board’s leadership structure (including the ongoing CEO search), executive

compensation matters (including the 2024 Say on Pay vote and related considerations) and corporate

responsibility initiatives. Commentary from these discussions was shared with the Board and informed the

company’s position on the stockholder proposal to be voted on at the Annual Meeting and various company

disclosures, including ones in the proxy statement regarding the Board’s oversight of the company’s strategy and

performance, management and Board succession planning, governance policies, corporate responsibility matters

and matters considered by the CHC Committee when reviewing executive pay.

Board Responsibilities

Code of Conduct

Baxter has adopted a Code of Conduct that applies to all members of the Board and all employees of the

company, including the CEO, CFO, Controller and other senior financial officers. Any amendment to, or waiver

from, a provision of the Code of Conduct that applies to the CEO, CFO, Controller or persons performing similar

functions will be disclosed on Baxter’s website, at www.baxter.com under “Our Story—Our Governance—

Corporate Governance Matters.” The Code of Conduct is available on Baxter’s website at www.baxter.com under

“Our Story—Our Governance—Corporate Governance Matters—Code of Conduct.” The full Board is responsible

for overseeing compliance with the Code of Conduct and regular training on the Code of Conduct is provided to

the Board and made available to employees, including senior management.

The Board’s Oversight of Risk

The Board maintains broad oversight over risk management, including with respect to the company’s strategic

objectives and the risks identified by the company’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program. Baxter's ERM

program is designed to identify, assess and prioritize strategic, financial, operational, regulatory and compliance,

technological and reputational risks with the potential to have sustained impact on the company. While

management has day-to-day responsibility for assessing and managing the company’s risk exposure, the Board

and its committees provide active oversight in connection with those efforts. Management regularly reports to the

Board on global dynamics, challenges and opportunities facing the company and, at least annually, management

reports to the Board on the company’s ERM process and identified risks. The full Board also regularly oversees

other areas of potential risk, such as significant acquisitions and divestitures and management succession

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24 Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc.

planning, as further described below. The Board consults with internal and external advisors, as needed, to

enable the Board to exercise its oversight responsibility for the company’s risk management processes. Further,

the Board and its committees receive updates and training from internal and external experts on topics that

pertain to relevant areas of risk management. The Board’s oversight of risk management is designed to support

the achievement of the company’s strategic and organizational objectives, improve long-term organizational

performance and enhance stockholder value.

The Board monitors key risks through review and discussion of related materials with company management and

by delegating certain risk oversight responsibilities to its committees. The Board delegates risk oversight

responsibility to its committees where it believes the committee’s purpose and subject matter responsibilities, as

set forth in each committee's charter, as well as the composition of the committee will support efficient and

effective oversight. More specifically, and in addition to cybersecurity incident oversight as described below, the

Audit Committee is charged with oversight of the process by which management assesses and manages

financial risk as well as the steps taken to monitor and control these exposures. The QRC Committee is charged

with oversight of Baxter’s quality and regulatory compliance programs (inclusive of the quality and regulatory

aspects of the company’s research and development programs). The NCGPP Committee is responsible for

overseeing and reviewing corporate governance matters (including director independence and Board

composition) and corporate actions related to corporate citizenship and public policy, including current and

emerging political issues. The CHC Committee oversees compensation policies and practices with respect to

both executive compensation and compensation generally as well as certain human capital management

matters. The full Board is kept abreast of risk oversight and other activities of its committees through reports of

the committee chairs to the full Board during Board meetings.

Cybersecurity Oversight

In February 2024, the Board amended the charters of the Audit Committee and QRC Committee to realign

oversight over the company’s innovation strategy and cybersecurity to the full Board, as these responsibilities

now sit within the vertically integrated segments and are part of each segment's business strategies. The Board

oversees IT functions generally, including product related cybersecurity matters (which had previously been

subject to the oversight of the QRC Committee) as well as the company's use of artificial intelligence (whether

internally or in its products and services). The Audit Committee is responsible for the oversight of certain

significant cybersecurity incidents, including ones related to Baxter products and services, and, in the event of a

significant cybersecurity incident, receives related updates from management on those incidents. Consistent with

this oversight responsibility, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing proposed disclosures in connection

with any material cybersecurity incident consistent with the company's disclosure obligations under Item 1.05 of

Form 8-K. The full Board receives periodic updates on IT and cybersecurity matters from company management

and external advisors from time to time and the Audit Committee receives periodic updates (including as part of

continuing director education) on the evolving cybersecurity landscape and regulatory reporting requirements .

Human Capital Management Oversight

The Board and the CHC Committee oversee and regularly engage with the CEO, the Chief Human Resources

Officer and other members of senior leadership on a broad range of human capital management issues,

including workforce composition, compensation and pay equity, talent attraction, recruitment and turnover,

leadership training, learning and development, employee engagement, health and well-being, and management

succession planning (as further discussed below). These discussions, which include the review of the company’s

Best Place to Work survey results, take place as part of annual corporate responsibility updates to the full Board

and during select CHC Committee meetings . The CHC Committee is responsible for overseeing certain human

capital management matters, including leadership development and workplace culture matters.

Management Succession Planning

The Board believes that its management succession planning process is rigorous and effective. The CHC

Committee, in consultation with the CEO, oversees succession planning for key members of management

(excluding the CEO), and the full Board, in consultation with the Lead Independent Director and the NCGPP

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Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc. 25

Committee, oversees succession planning for the CEO. Succession planning includes both emergency

succession plans and succession in the ordinary course. At least annually, the CEO reviews key management

succession planning with the CHC Committee. Additionally, at each regularly scheduled CHC Committee

meeting, the CHC Committee conducts deeper reviews of the performance of and succession planning for key

members of management (excluding the CEO) and discusses any open senior management positions. In

connection with CEO succession planning, the entire Board is invited to participate in meetings of the NCGPP

Committee at which the topics of CEO succession and CEO goal setting and performance evaluations are

discussed. Further, all independent directors are invited to meetings of the CHC Committee at which CEO

compensation recommendations are made (for approval by the independent directors of the Board). Board

members have exposure to internal succession candidates through their periodic participation in Board meetings

as well as other engagements outside of Board meetings. The Board and CHC Committee's succession planning

process resulted in the successful internal promotion of Heather Knight to Chief Operating Officer (COO) in

February 2025.

On February 3, 2025, the company announced that the Board appointed Mr. Shafer as Chair and Interim CEO in

connection with Mr. Almeida’s departure, and that the Board initiated a comprehensive search for a permanent

CEO with the assistance of a leading search firm. This search represents an extension of the Board’s ongoing

CEO succession planning activities. Additionally, the Board formed a CEO Search Working Group consisting of

Cathy Smith, Stephen Oesterle, Stephen Rusckowski and David Wilkes to lead the search for the permanent

CEO. The CEO Search Working Group, working closely with the external search firm and the NCGPP

Committee, is leading a comprehensive process to identify and consider potential internal and external

candidates for the permanent CEO position. The CEO Search Working Group regularly reports to the full Board

on the status of the search for the permanent CEO, and the full Board will ultimately elect the permanent CEO.

Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions

The Board recognizes that related person transactions present a heightened risk of conflicts of interest.

Accordingly, pursuant to Baxter’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, the NCGPP Committee has been charged

with reviewing related person transactions at least annually. For purposes of this policy, a “related person

transaction” is any transaction in which the company was or is to be a participant and in which any related person

has a direct or indirect material interest other than transactions that involve less than $120,000 when aggregated

with all similar transactions. This amount was increased from $50,000 in 2024, consistent with peer company

practices. Any such related person transaction must be approved or ratified by the NCGPP Committee. The

NCGPP Committee reviews related person transactions as they arise. The NCGPP Committee also annually

reviews materials prepared by the Corporate Secretary to help determine whether any related person

transactions have occurred that have not been previously reported to the NCGPP Committee and require

approval or ratification.

Board Structure and Processes

Board Leadership Structure; Lead Independent Director

Mr. Shafer, former Lead Independent Director, was appointed as Chair and Interim CEO on February 3, 2025, in

connection with Mr. Almeida's departure. In conjunction with his appointment, Mr. Shafer stepped down from his

role as Lead Independent Director and the independent directors elected Ms. Schlichting to serve as Lead

Independent Director for one year, effective February 3, 2025. Mr. Shafer has served as a director since 2022

and served as Lead Independent Director from April 2023 until his appointment as Chair and Interim CEO. Ms.

Schlichting joined the Board following Baxter’s acquisition of Hillrom in 2021.

The Board regularly reviews the leadership structure of the company, including whether the position of Chair of

the Board should be held by an independent director. In connection with Mr. Shafer’s interim appointment, the

Board determined that it was in Baxter stockholders’ best interests to keep the Chair and CEO roles combined

while the Board searches for a permanent CEO in order to provide strong, collaborative and consistent

leadership during the transition period. The Board appointed Mr. Shafer as Chair and Interim CEO because of his

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26 Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc.

significant industry and leadership experience at global corporations, including as Chair and CEO of Cerner, and

in light of his experience as Baxter's Lead Independent Director. The Board believes that this combined role

enables Mr. Shafer to effectively connect the Board and Baxter management, particularly during a time of

transition. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in 2020, in response to a stockholder proposal, the company adopted a

policy that provides that, effective upon the next permanent CEO transition, the Chair will be an independent

director unless the Board determines that it would be in the best interests of the company and its stockholders to

have a non-independent director serve as Chair.

As Chair of the Board, and pursuant to Baxter’s Bylaws and Corporate Governance Guidelines, Mr. Shafer

presides at all Board and stockholder meetings, serves as the primary spokesperson for Baxter and acts as a

liaison between the Board and the stockholders. As Interim CEO and pursuant to Baxter’s Bylaws, Mr. Shafer

supervises the business of the company, subject to the direction of the Board.

As part of its commitment to independent leadership and oversight, the Board has adopted a policy requiring the

appointment of a Lead Independent Director at any time when the Chair is not independent and has created a

robust Lead Independent Director position with clearly defined responsibilities. Ms. Schlichting now serves in that

capacity. Pursuant to Baxter’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Lead Independent Director has the

following responsibilities and authority:

• presiding at all Board executive sessions and all meetings of the Board when the Chair is not present;

• facilitating discussion among the independent directors on key issues and concerns in executive

sessions excluding any management directors and outside of meetings of the Board;

• acting as principal liaison between the independent directors and the Chair and CEO;

• reporting the results of and feedback from executive sessions to the Chair;

• reviewing and approving meeting agendas for the Board and working with the Chair to facilitate timely

and appropriate information flow to the Board;

• reviewing and approving meeting schedules to ensure that there is sufficient time for discussion of all

agenda items;

• having the authority to call meetings of the independent directors;

• in consultation with the chair of the NCGPP Committee, leading the annual performance evaluation of

the Chair and CEO (as applicable);

• in consultation with the chair of the NCGPP Committee, leading the CEO succession process;

• engaging with Baxter’s stockholders on selected topics including corporate governance, executive

compensation and other corporate responsibility matters ; and

• performing such other duties as may be requested by the other independent directors.

Additionally, the Lead Independent Director serves as the contact person for interested parties to communicate

directly with the independent members of the Board and has engaged with Baxter’s stockholders on select

topics, including many of those discussed under “—Other Corporate Governance Information—Stockholder

Engagement” above. Further, as Lead Independent Director, Ms. Schlichting leads executive sessions of the

Board, as further discussed under “—Executive Sessions” below. The Lead Independent Director, together with

the chairs of the CHC and NCGPP Committees, also leads the non-employee directors in the annual review and

approval of compensation for the CEO.

The Board believes that its robust Lead Independent Director position, combined with the regular use of

executive sessions of the independent directors and fully-independent Board committees, enables the Board to

effectively oversee management.

In sum, the Board has determined that the combined Chair and CEO structure currently serves the best interests

of the company and its stockholders while the Board searches for a permanent CEO, taking into account the

strong role played by the Lead Independent Director and the independent directors generally.

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Executive Sessions

In 2024, directors met in executive session without management at every regularly scheduled meeting in

accordance with Baxter’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. Mr. Shafer, as the Lead Independent Director in

2024, led these executive sessions. The Lead Independent Director or Chair of the Board may invite the

company’s officers, employees and independent advisors to attend portions of these executive sessions.

Directors covered critical issues facing the company during executive sessions in 2024, including the company’s

response to challenging global macroeconomic conditions, operational challenges (including those related to the

company's response to Hurricane Helene), optimization of the company’s portfolio (including with respect to the

recent sale of the company’s Kidney Care business), capital allocation decisions and Board and management

succession planning. Additionally, the Audit Committee holds executive sessions, a portion of which include each

of the internal auditor, the independent registered public accounting firm and select members of management

(including the CFO and the Controller). The CHC Committee regularly holds executive sessions, a portion of

which include the independent compensation consultant. The NCGPP, QRC and Operating Committees also

generally meet in executive session at each regularly scheduled committee meeting.

Committees of the Board

The standing committees of the Board consist of the Audit Committee, the CHC Committee, the NCGPP

Committee and the QRC Committee. In addition, the Board formed a new Operating Committee to assist

management and the Board throughout the CEO transition.

Each committee consists solely of independent directors and is governed by a written charter. All standing

committee charters are available on Baxter’s website at www.baxter.com under “Our Story—Our Governance—

Board Committees & Charters.”

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is composed of Jeffrey A. Craig (Chair), Patricia B. Morrison and Cathy R. Smith, each of

whom is independent under the rules of the NYSE and Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act. Mr. Peter Wilver served

as the chair of the Audit Committee until his resignation, effective December 31, 2024, and upon his resignation,

Mr. Craig was appointed as chair of the Audit Committee. The Board has determined that Mr. Craig and Ms.

Smith each qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the rules of the SEC. The Audit

Committee is primarily concerned with the integrity of Baxter’s financial statements, system of internal accounting

controls, the internal and external audit process and the process for monitoring compliance with laws and

regulations as it relates to financial matters.

As set forth in its amended charter, the Audit Committee’s duties include :

(1) reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of Baxter’s internal controls over financial reporting with

management, internal audit and the independent registered public accounting firm;

(2) reviewing with management Baxter’s disclosure controls and procedures;

(3) retaining and evaluating the qualifications, independence and performance of the independent

registered public accounting firm;

(4) approving audit and permissible non-audit engagements to be undertaken by the independent

registered public accounting firm;

(5) reviewing the scope of the annual external and internal audit plans;

(6) reviewing and discussing with management and the independent registered public accounting firm

Baxter’s financial statements (audited and unaudited), as well as earnings press releases and related

information, prior to their filing or release;

(7) overseeing legal and regulatory compliance as it relates to financial matters;

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28 Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc.

(8) overseeing the company’s response to cybersecurity incidents involving the company’s IT systems or

products and services;

(9) holding separate executive sessions with the independent registered public accounting firm, the internal

auditor and management;

(10) reviewing guidelines and policies governing the process by which Baxter assesses and manages risk;

(11) reviewing updates on the company's directors' and officers' and property liability insurance policies and

related matters; and

(12) approving certain financing matters, proposed corporate transactions and capital expenditures.

The Audit Committee met nine times in 2024. The Audit Committee Report appears on page 85.

Compensation and Human Capital Committee

The CHC Committee is composed of Nancy M. Schlichting (Chair), Stephen H. Rusckowski and Amy A. Wendell,

each of whom is independent under the rules of the NYSE and is a non-employee director under the rules

promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

The CHC Committee exercises the authority of the Board relating to employee benefit, compensation and equity-

based plans of the company's executives and overseeing the development, implementation and effectiveness of

the company’s policies and strategies relating to human capital management.

As set forth in its amended charter, the CHC Committee’s duties include:

(1) making recommendations for consideration by the Board, in executive session and in coordination with

the NCGPP Committee, concerning the compensation of the CEO and his or her performance for the

relevant period;

(2) determining the compensation of the company’s key executives (other than the CEO) and advising the

Board of the related determination;

(3) making recommendations to the Board with respect to incentive compensation plans and equity-based

plans and exercising the authority of the Board concerning benefit plans;

(4) serving as the administration committee of the company’s equity-based plans and exercising the

authority of the Board to issue Baxter stock as compensation or incentive to non-employee directors,

officers, employees, consultants or advisors;

(5) making recommendations to the Board concerning non-employee director compensation;

(6) reviewing the adequacy of the company’s stock ownership guidelines for key executives and directors

and periodically assessing compliance with these guidelines;

(7) overseeing the company’s compensation philosophy and strategy and periodically assessing the risk

related to its compensation policies and practices;

(8) overseeing certain human capital management matters, including key management succession

planning and leadership development matters; and

(9) approving the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (CD&A) for inclusion in the company’s annual

proxy statement.

The NCGPP and CHC Committees work together to establish a link between the CEO’s performance

assessment and decisions regarding his or her compensation. All compensation actions relating to the CEO are

subject to the approval of the independent directors of the Board. The CHC Committee met five times in 2024.

The CHC Committee Report begins on page 38 .

The CHC Committee has the sole and direct responsibility for the appointment, compensation and oversight of

the work of any advisor retained by the CHC Committee. Aon Consulting, Inc. (Aon), as the CHC Committee's

independent compensation consultant, reports directly and exclusively to the CHC Committee and, except as

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Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc. 29

noted below, has not historically provided any additional services to Baxter except advising on executive and

Board compensation matters (inclusive of a review of related company disclosures). The CHC Committee

consultant provides analyses and recommendations that help inform the CHC Committee’s decisions but does

not decide or approve any compensation actions. During 2024, the CHC Committee consultant advised the chair

of the CHC Committee on agenda items for CHC Committee meetings, reviewed management proposals

presented to the CHC Committee, assisted in the CHC Committee’s assessment of Baxter’s compensation

policies and practices and conducted a review of the compensation of non-employee directors at Baxter’s peer

companies. See “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Structure of Executive

Compensation Program—Peer Group and Use of Peer Group Data” for additional information on Baxter’s

compensation peer group. For services rendered in 2024, Baxter paid approximately $315,000 to Aon in fees

related to recommending the amount or form of executive and director compensation and approximately $1.5

million in fees primarily related to commercial risk advisory services and tools to benchmark benefits. The

company also paid Aon approximately $506,000 (paid from assets contained in the Hillrom Pension Plan) for

serving as the plan’s outsourced chief investment officer and investment manager in 2024, which services Aon

started providing prior to Baxter's acquisition of Hillrom in December 2021 . The determination to engage Aon for

the additional services rendered was recommended by management and approved by Baxter’s Investment

Committee, which is comprised of members of management annually appointed by the Audit Committee. In

accordance with the rules of the SEC and the NYSE regarding the independence of compensation consultants,

the CHC Committee consultant provided the CHC Committee information regarding any personal, financial or

business relationships between it and Baxter, the consultant’s management or the members of the CHC

Committee that could impair the consultant's independence or present a conflict of interest. Based on its review

of this information, the CHC Committee determined that there were no relationships that impair Aon's

independence or create a conflict of interest between Baxter and Aon and the partners, consultants and

employees who provide(d) services to the CHC Committee. In addition, the CHC Committee annually reviews the

substantive performance of the independent CHC Committee consultant as part of its engagement process.

CHC Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During 2024, Mses. Schlichting and Wendell and Messrs. Rusckowski and Wilver served as a member of the

CHC Committee. No current or former director that served on the CHC Committee in 2024 is or has been one of

the company’s officers or employees, and none have any relationships with Baxter of the type that is required to

be disclosed under Item 404 of Regulation S-K. None of the company’s executive officers serves or has served

as a member of the board, the compensation committee or other board committee performing equivalent

functions of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving as one of Baxter’s directors, including on

the CHC Committee.

Nominating, Corporate Governance and Public Policy Committee

The NCGPP Committee is composed of Cathy R. Smith (Chair), Patricia B. Morrison, Stephen N. Oesterle, M.D.,

and David S. Wilkes, M.D., each of whom is independent under the rules of the NYSE. The NCGPP Committee

assists and advises the Board on director nominations, corporate governance, general Board organization and

planning matters and on current and emerging political, corporate citizenship and public policy issues that may

affect Baxter's business operations, performance or public image.

As provided in its amended charter, the NCGPP Committee’s duties include:

(1) developing general criteria for use in evaluating and selecting candidates for election or re-election to

the Board;

(2) assisting the Board in identifying and attracting qualified director candidates;

(3) having the sole authority to retain and terminate any search firm to be used to identify director

candidates;

(4) recommending to the Board annually a slate of nominees to be proposed by the Board to stockholders

as nominees for election as directors and, from time to time, recommend persons to fill any vacancy on the

Board;

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30 Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc.

(5) reviewing and making recommendations to the Board regarding director nominees' independence for

the general Board and CHC Committee and Audit Committee service, and the financial literacy and expertise

of Audit Committee members and nominees who may be asked to serve on the Audit Committee;

(6) reviewing the suitability for continued service of each director when his or her term expires, including

each director's time commitments, and when he or she has a change in circumstances under Baxter’s

Corporate Governance Guidelines;

(7) reviewing periodically the size and composition of the Board and each committee, including whether the

Board possesses an appropriate mix of skills, tenure, experiences and backgrounds;

(8) recommending to the Board any changes in number, authority, procedures and duties of Board

committees and the chairs and members who should serve thereon;

(9) advising the Board and the Chair and CEO on major organizational matters, including the proposed

election of any new officers in response to any organizational changes;

(10) recommending for election by the full Board an acting or successor CEO in the event of death,

incapacity, resignation or other absence (temporary or permanent) of the CEO;

(11) overseeing the annual process for evaluating the performance of the CEO (and Chair if applicable) and

the Lead Independent Director in connection with his or her appointment or re-election;

(12) overseeing the annual process for evaluating Board and committee performance and effectiveness in

light of Baxter’s strategic objectives, Baxter’s Corporate Governance Guidelines and each committee

charter;

(13) to the extent not delegated to other committees, reviewing matters impacting Baxter’s image and

reputation and its standing as a responsible corporate citizen;

(14) overseeing the orientation of new Board members to Baxter and its business as well as the continuing

education of the directors;

(15) ensuring compliance with the Board’s overboarding policy for directors;

(16) reviewing and reassessing at least annually the adequacy of Baxter’s Corporate Governance

Guidelines; and

(17) reviewing and approving or ratifying related person transactions in accordance with Baxter’s Corporate

Governance Guidelines.

The NCGPP Committee met six times in 2024.

Quality and Regulatory Compliance Committee

The QRC Committee is composed of Stephen N. Oesterle, M.D. (Chair), William A. Ampofo, II, Stephen H.

Rusckowski, Nancy M. Schlichting, Amy A. Wendell and David S. Wilkes, M.D. The QRC Committee has

oversight responsibility with respect to quality and medical affairs and certain other compliance matters, including

with respect to quality and regulatory aspects of the company’s research and development programs.

As provided in its amended charter, the QRC Committee’s duties include:

(1) overseeing risk management in the area of product quality and safety (including with respect to quality

and regulatory aspects of the company’s research and development programs);

(2) reviewing periodic reports on significant compliance matters from senior executives in charge of the

company’s quality and compliance functions;

(3) coordinating with the Audit Committee with respect to the QRC Committee’s oversight of quality and

regulatory compliance issues; and

(4) reviewing strategic issues and corporate actions relating to current and emerging environmental, health

and safety and sustainability matters that may affect Baxter business operation, performance or public

image.

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Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc. 31

The QRC Committee met five times in 2024.

Operating Committee

The Operating Committee was formed in February 2025 and is composed of Stephen H. Rusckowski (Chair),

William A. Ampofo, II, Patricia B. Morrison and Amy A. Wendell. The Operating Committee assists management

and the Board in reviewing and identifying opportunities for improvement in the company’s plans and strategies

related to product development, manufacturing, distribution, growth and operating efficiency. Unless the Board

should otherwise determine to extend its term, the Operating Committee will dissolve automatically on the date

that is six months following the Board’s appointment of a permanent CEO.

Director Compensation

Non-employee directors are compensated for their service under Baxter’s non-employee director compensation

plan with cash compensation and equity awards of fully vested Baxter shares. Baxter’s director compensation

program utilizes equity awards in order to further align the interests of directors with those of Baxter stockholders.

No changes were made to the director compensation program for 2024. However, effective beginning in 2025,

certain committee chair cash retainers have been increased and committee meeting fees have been eliminated,

as further described below. These changes were made by the Board consistent with the recommendation of the

CHC Committee and upon the independent compensation consultant's recommendation. They are intended to

better align the company's director compensation program with market practice . Non-employee director

compensation is reviewed annually utilizing market data and analyses provided by the CHC Committee’s

independent compensation consultant.

Cash Compensation

In 2024, non-employee directors were entitled to receive a $100,000 annual cash retainer and a $2,000 fee for

each committee meeting attended. Directors that joined during the year were paid their retainer on a pro rata

basis for the period of service. Directors did not receive additional compensation for each Board meeting

attended or for attending meetings for committees on which he or she did not sit.

Beginning in 2025, the annual cash retainer for the Board has been raised to $120,000, and committee meeting

fees have been eliminated. Additional market competitive adjustments were made to the retainers of the chairs

of the QRC and NCGPP Committees, which increased from $15,000 to $20,000 each. The cash retainer for the

Lead Independent Director, the Audit Committee chair and the CHC Committee chair remained unchanged from

2024 at $50,000, $25,000 and $20,000, respectively. I n addition, in February 2025, both the Operating

Committee and CEO Search Working Group were established in connection with the ongoing CEO transition.

The chairs of each group will be paid a stipend upon the completion of certain events, as discussed in the

footnotes to the table below. See “—Committees of the Board—Operating Committee” and "—Board

Responsibilities—Management Succession Planning" for additional information on the Operating Committee and

CEO Search Working Group, respectively.

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32 Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc.

Cash Compensation:	2024	2025
Annual Cash Retainer	$ 100,000	$ 120,000
Committee Meeting Fee (Per Meeting)	$ 2,000	$ —
Lead Independent Director Cash Retainer	$ 50,000	$ 50,000
Committee Chair Cash Retainers:
Audit Committee Chair	$ 25,000	$ 25,000
CHC Committee Chair	$ 20,000	$ 20,000
QRC Committee Chair	$ 15,000	$ 20,000
NCGPP Committee Chair	$ 15,000	$ 20,000
Operating Committee Chair 1	NA	$ 20,000
CEO Search Working Group Chair 2	NA	$ 10,000

1. The chair of the Operating Committee will receive a stipend upon the earlier of (i) the dissolution of the Operating Committee

(or the date that is six months following the Board’s appointment of a permanent CEO), and (ii) any decision by the Board to

extend the term of the Operating Committee.

1. The chair of the CEO Search Working Group will be paid a stipend upon the appointment of the permanent CEO.

Non-employee directors are eligible to participate in a deferred compensation plan that allows for the deferral of

all or any portion of cash payments until their Board service ends. The plan provides participants with a select

subset of investment elections available to all eligible employees under Baxter’s U.S. tax-qualified Section 401(k)

plan (401(k) Plan).

Equity Grant

For 2024, the aggregate value of each non-employee director’s annual equity grant was $215,000. One hundred

percent (100%) of this grant was made in fully vested Baxter shares on the date of the 2024 annual meeting to

non-employee directors then in office. All equity awards are subject to a six-month forfeiture period in the event

the director stops serving on the Board during that period (other than as a result of death, disability or qualifying

retirement). Each non-employee director can elect to defer receipt of all of his or her fully vested stock awards

under the deferred compensation plan each year until the director stops serving on the Board.

Other Director Compensation

Directors are eligible to participate in the Baxter International Foundation matching gift program, under which

Baxter’s foundation matches gifts made by employees and directors to eligible non-profit organizations. The

maximum gift total for a director participant in the program is $20,000 in any calendar year.

Baxter’s Stock Ownership Guidelines for Directors; Prohibitions on Trading

Baxter’s Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that after five years of Board service, each director is

expected to hold common stock equal to five times the annual cash Board retainer provided to directors. As of

December 31, 2024, all directors who have served on the Board for at least five years were in compliance with

these guidelines .

Pursuant to Baxter’s Securities Trading Policy, Baxter directors are prohibited from engaging in short-term trading

activities (including hedging) and option transactions in Baxter stock. As a result, directors cannot enter into any

“put” or “call” options or otherwise buy or sell derivatives on any Baxter stock. Additionally, it is Baxter’s policy not

to permit directors to pledge Baxter securities as collateral for loans or otherwise as a security interest.

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Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc. 33

Director Compensation Table

The following table provides information on 2024 compensation for non-employee directors who served during

any portion of 2024.

Name	Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) 1	Stock Awards ($) 2	All Other Compensation ($) 3	Total ($)
William A. Ampofo II	110,000	214,986	—	324,986
Jeffrey A. Craig 4	37,333	136,207	—	173,540
Patricia B. Morrison	130,000	214,986	4,496	349,482
Stephen N. Oesterle, M.D.	137,000	214,986	20,000	371,986
Stephen H. Rusckowski	120,000	214,986	20,000	354,986
Nancy M. Schlichting	140,000	214,986	14,535	369,521
Brent Shafer	172,000	214,986	—	386,986
Cathy R. Smith	145,000	214,986	—	359,986
Amy A. Wendell	120,000	214,986	20,000	354,986
David S. Wilkes, M.D.	122,000	214,986	34,535	371,521
Peter M. Wilver 5	153,000	214,986	20,000	387,986

1. Consists of the amounts described above under “—Cash Compensation” above.

2. The amounts shown in this column are valued based on the grant date fair value of the underlying fully vested Baxter share

awards computed in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic

718, Stock Compensation (FASB ASC Topic 718). For more information on how these amounts are calculated, please see

Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2024 Form 10-K. The following non-employee directors

were granted 5,952 fully vested shares in May 2024: Mr. Ampofo, Ms. Morrison, Dr. Oesterle, Mr. Rusckowski, Ms.

Schlichting, Mr. Shafer, Ms. Smith, Ms. Wendell, Dr. Wilkes and Mr. Wilver. In connection with Mr. Craig’s appointment to the

Board in September, 2024, he received 3,472 fully vested shares for his prorated service between his appointment and the

Annual Meeting. As of December 31, 2024, each current and former non-employee director, as set forth above, had the

following number of stock options outstanding, all of which were fully vested as of such date: Mr. Ampofo 0; Mr. Craig 0; Ms.

Morrison 0; Dr. Oesterle 1,060; Mr. Rusckowski 0; Ms. Schlichting 0; Mr. Shafer 0 ; Ms. Smith 17,868; Ms. Wendell 17,116;

Dr. Wilkes 0; and Mr. Wilver 0.

1. The amounts in this column include matching gift contributions made by Baxter’s charitable foundation as of March 1, 2025

on qualifying charitable donations made by the following directors in 2024: Dr. Oesterle ($20,000); Mr. Rusckowski

($20,000); Ms. Wendell ($20,000); Mr. Wilkes ($20,000); and Mr. Wilver ($20,000). All other amounts in this column include

the dividend equivalent unit payments made in 2024 on previously deferred restricted stock units ( RSUs) pursuant to the

deferred compensation plan: Ms. Morrison ($4,496); Ms. Schlichting ($14,535); and Dr. Wilkes ($14,535).

1. Mr. Craig was appointed effective September 9, 2024.

2. Mr. Wilver resigned effective December 31, 2024.

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34 Corporate Responsibility

Corporate Responsibility

What Corporate Responsibility Means to Baxter

Driven by Baxter’s Mission to Save and Sustain lives, Baxter strives to create lasting value and meaningful

impact by Empowering our Patients, Protecting our Planet and Championing our People and Communities.

Baxter’s corporate responsibility strategy focuses on addressing the corporate responsibility matters that affect

its patients, customers, employees, communities and other critical stakeholders worldwide.

Advancing Baxter’s corporate responsibility goals contributes to business, social and economic value, including

the attraction, retention and engagement of employees, enhanced operational efficiency and implementation of

enterprise risk management strategies, among others. The company remains focused on its 2030 Corporate

Responsibility Commitment, which features strategic goals for focused action (as discussed in “—2030 Corporate

Responsibility Commitment and Goals” below). The 2030 Corporate Responsibility Commitment and Goals

highlight Baxter's corporate responsibility focus and help to further advance Baxter's corporate responsibility

performance. This commitment, which was established to help drive innovation and create value for the

company's full range of stakeholders, supports and complements Baxter's business strategy. Baxter expects to

announce a refreshed corporate responsibility commitment and goal set after the issuance of the 2024 Corporate

Responsibility Report (currently projected to be issued in June 2025), either in a separate announcement or as

part of the 2025 Corporate Responsibility Report. This timing should allow for the permanent CEO to have the

opportunity to review and contribute to Baxter's commitment and goals and for the commitment and goals to

reflect recent operational and other developments (including the recent Kidney Care sale).

Management and Board Oversight

Corporate responsibility matters receive strategic guidance and oversight at the highest levels of the company,

including Baxter’s Interim CEO, the COO, many of the direct reports of the Interim CEO and COO and other

functional leaders, the Board and the CHC, NCGPP and QRC Committees. An executive cross-functional

steering committee (the Corporate Responsibility Steering Committee) provides direction and oversight regarding

the company’s corporate responsibility initiatives and advances Baxter’s corporate responsibility strategy and

culture. The Corporate Responsibility Steering Committee meets or receives updates quarterly to monitor

policies, action plans and strategies and other matters of significance to Baxter’s reputation as a socially

responsible organization. The Corporate Responsibility Steering Committee also provides guidance to the

Corporate Responsibility Council (the Council). The Council, composed of cross-functional leaders, meets

throughout the year to (i) track progress toward Baxter’s 2030 Corporate Responsibility Commitment and Goals

and deliver regular updates to the Corporate Responsibility Steering Committee, (ii) solicit and review

stakeholder input on Baxter’s corporate responsibility programs, priorities, goals and disclosures, as well as

broader industry trends, and (iii) periodically lead Baxter’s materiality assessments to help validate the direction

and focus of the company’s corporate responsibility programs. Day-to-day corporate responsibility matters are

managed by a combination of corporate responsibility goal owners and working group members, which include

environmental, health, safety and sustainability, operations, human resources, finance, investor relations, legal,

communications and other personnel depending on the nature of the matter.

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Corporate Responsibility 35

Board of Directors
Quality and Regulatory Compliance Committee Nominating Corporate Governance and Public Policy Committee
Compensation and Human Capital Committee
Corporate Responsibility Steering Committee*
Chair and Interim CEO EVP, COO and Interim Group President, Medical Products & Therapies
EVP and CFO EVP and General Counsel EVP, Chief Supply Chain Officer
EVP and Chief Human Resources Officer EVP and Group President, Pharmaceuticals
EVP and Group President, Healthcare Systems & Technologies
SVP, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller SVP, Chief Quality Officer SVP, Chief Investor Relations Officer
SVP, Chief Information Officer SVP, Chief Communications Officer & Corporate Marketing SVP and Corporate Secretary
SVP, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer SVP and President, Growth and Emerging Markets
VP, Finance, Financial Planning and Analysis VP, Audit
Co-Chairs of Corporate Responsibility Council
VP, Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability VP, Corporate Responsibility and Global Philanthropy
Corporate Responsibility Council Members and 2030 Goal Leaders
Corporate Responsibility Working Groups

*As of March 13, 2025

To drive further accountability, the individual performance assessment of the Executive Operating Committee ,

which includes all of the Interim CEO’s direct reports and certain of the COO's direct reports, are based as an

initial matter on the company’s performance against pre-established measures for certain strategic priorities,

including those related to corporate responsibility. The strategic 2024 priorities that impact the related individual

assessment are included in three categories: Patient Safety and Quality; Best Place to Work; and Growth

Through Innovation. See “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of

Executive Compensation—Annual Incentive Plan—Determination of 2024 Annual Incentive Plan Payouts—

Individual Performance” for additional information. One or more executive leaders are also assigned to each of

Baxter’s 2030 Corporate Responsibility Goals to help ensure the accountability of cross-functional teams

responsible for achieving the goals.

In addition, the Board plays a critical role in corporate responsibility oversight. The full Board receives updates at

least annually on corporate responsibility matters (including a discussion of related goals and industry trends).

The QRC Committee and the NCGPP Committee share oversight for corporate responsibility-related matters and

the CHC Committee oversees certain human capital management matters. The QRC Committee provides

oversight for issues related to environmental, health and employee safety, sustainability and compliance matters,

while the NCGPP Committee provides oversight for other areas related to Baxter’s corporate responsibility,

including charitable contributions, public policy, and other social and governance issues. The CHC Committee

provides oversight for succession planning for key members of management (other than the Chair and CEO),

leadership development and inclusion initiatives. See “Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc.—

Committees of the Board” for additional information regarding the responsibilities of each committee of the

Board.

Pursuant to Baxter’s robust stockholder engagement program, Baxter's management and certain directors

regularly engage in corporate responsibility discussions with many of the company’s investors. Outputs from

these discussions are shared with the entire Board during Board-wide corporate responsibility updates and with

the NCGPP Committee as part of its oversight of corporate governance matters generally. See “Corporate

Governance at Baxter International Inc.—Other Corporate Governance Information—Stockholder Engagement”

for additional Information.

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36 Corporate Responsibility

2030 Corporate Responsibility Commitment and Goals

Baxter has a long-standing commitment to responsible operations and corporate responsibility reporting. Baxter

is ever conscious of its global impact, including with respect to its employees, the communities in which it

operates and the people who use its products. Setting goals across a broad range of corporate responsibility

focus areas demonstrates Baxter’s commitment to this important topic, reinforces accountability and helps to

drive ongoing improvement across the organization.

Baxter's 2030 Corporate Responsibility Commitment and Goals demonstrate the connection between its

corporate responsibility initiatives and business priorities. Anchored by three pillars—Empower Our Patients,

Protect Our Planet and Champion Our People and Communities—this commitment features strategic goals for

focused action. T he company’s corporate responsibility goals align with certain of the United Nations Sustainable

Development Goals (UN SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly UN SDGs 3

(good health and well-being), 6 (clean water and sanitation) and 12 (responsible consumption and production).

Baxter has been consistently recognized by external rankings and ratings organizations as a corporate

responsibility and sustainability leader. Representative of this recognition, in 2024, Baxter was named one of

America’s Most JUST Companies by JUST Capital for 2024, one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens of 2024 by

3BL Media, a constituent company in the FTSE4Good Index Series, and was listed within the Wall Street

Journal’s Management Top 250. CDP also scored Baxter for its environmental management with B scores in both

Climate Change and Water Security for taking coordinated action within these areas. These awards are among

other regional and country-specific recognitions received by the company across the globe.

Annual Reporting and Disclosures

Transparent reporting is a longstanding focus for Baxter, as it has more than a 30-year history of publishing

environmental performance reports. The company’s corporate responsibility disclosures have evolved and

broadened in scope, generally in line with stakeholders’ significant interests combined with the increasing

sophistication of Baxter’s corporate responsibility strategy and evolving regulatory requirements. Every year,

Baxter measures and evaluates its performance, communicates progress and challenges and identifies

opportunities to drive even greater impact across its business and society. In 2024, Baxter completed a double

materiality assessment to inform its corporate responsibility strategy and 2030 Corporate Responsibility

Commitment and Goals and to help address related regulatory reporting requirements.

Baxter is committed to sharing information about its corporate responsibility initiatives, priorities, goals and

performance. The annual Corporate Responsibility Report illustrates the company’s commitment to sound

governance and balanced, transparent disclosure. It also serves as a platform for stakeholder engagement and

provides an important means for soliciting feedback on the company’s related activities. Since 2019, Baxter has

published its Sustainability Accounting Standards Board Index in alignment with the Medical Equipment and

Supplies Sustainability Accounting Standard, and in 2023, Baxter issued its inaugural report against the

framework established by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. The company elected to

make these voluntary public disclosures in the interest of providing enhanced corporate responsibility information

to investors and in response to feedback received during the company’s annual corporate governance outreach

discussions (as described in “Corporate Governance at Baxter International Inc.—Other Corporate Governance

Information—Stockholder Engagement”). In addition, the company has published a redacted version of its 2024

U.S. Employer Equal Opportunity EEO-1 consolidated report on its website.

Neither the Corporate Responsibility Report nor any other report or website listed herein are incorporated by

reference into this proxy statement or any other document filed with the SEC. More information about Baxter’s

corporate responsibility efforts and initiatives, including the 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report, is available on

Baxter’s website under “Our Story—Corporate Responsibility.”

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Executive Compensation 37

Executive Compensation

Advisory Vote to Approve Named Executive Officer Compensation for 2024 At the 2023 annual meeting, stockholders recommended that the Board continue to hold annual advisory votes approving the compensation of Baxter’s NEOs (commonly referred to as “say-on-pay”). The Board determined to follow the stockholders’ recommendation and continues to hold annual say-on-pay votes. Accordingly, the Board is requesting that stockholders approve, pursuant to a non-binding vote, the compensation of the company’s NEOs for 2024 as disclosed in this proxy statement. The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR approval of the compensation of the company’s NEOs for 2024.

In accordance with Section 14A of the Exchange Act, stockholders are being asked to vote on a resolution to

approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation of Baxter’s NEOs for 2024. The Board encourages

stockholders to carefully review the “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of the proxy statement in

connection with this advisory vote. The Compensation Discussion and Analysis section describes Baxter’s

executive compensation program and the decisions made by the CHC Committee and the Board with respect to

the compensation of the company’s NEOs for 2024.

The company has designed its executive compensation program to attract, motivate, reward and retain the

executive talent required to help achieve its corporate and strategic objectives and increase stockholder value.

As discussed below in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section, pay-for-performance is the most

significant structural element of Baxter’s executive compensation program, where the majority of executive pay is

at risk and is only delivered if specific annual or long-term performance requirements are met.

In addition, Baxter has adopted policies, like its stock ownership guidelines and its clawback policies, to promote

the long-term focus of, and appropriate levels of risk-taking by, its executive officers.

The Board believes that Baxter’s executive compensation program is designed to meet the objectives discussed

in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section. Accordingly, the Board recommends that stockholders

vote in favor of the following resolution:

RESOLVED , that the stockholders of Baxter International Inc. approve the compensation paid to the company’s NEOs for 2024 as described in this proxy statement under “Executive Compensation,” including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the executive compensation tables and other narrative disclosure contained therein.

This say-on-pay advisory vote is non-binding on the Board. Although the vote is non-binding, the Board and the

CHC Committee will review and thoughtfully consider the voting results when making future decisions concerning

the compensation of the company’s future NEOs. The company will hold the next say-on-pay advisory vote at the

2026 annual meeting.

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38 Executive Compensation

Compensation and Human Capital Committee Report

The CHC Committee is responsible for the oversight of Baxter’s compensation programs on behalf of the Board.

In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the CHC Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the

Compensation Discussion and Analysis set forth in the proxy statement.

Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the CHC Committee recommended to the Board that the

following Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the 2024 Form 10-K and the proxy statement,

each of which has been or will be filed with the SEC.

Compensation and Human Capital Committee

Nancy M. Schlichting (Chair)

Stephen H. Rusckowski

Amy A. Wendell

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (CD&A) discusses the 2024 compensation paid to Baxter’s

executive officers who are identified as NEOs below. The purpose of this discussion is to provide stockholders

with an understanding of the company’s executive compensation policies and practices and the decisions

regarding the NEOs’ compensation.

For 2024, Baxter’s NEOs are:

Named Executive Officer	Title
José Almeida 1	Former Chair of the Board, President and CEO
Joel Grade 2	Executive Vice President and CFO
Heather Knight 3	Executive Vice President, COO and Interim Group President, Medical Products & Therapies
Alok Sonig	Executive Vice President and Group President, Pharmaceuticals
Christopher Toth 4	Former Executive Vice President and Group President, Kidney Care

1. Mr. Almeida ceased serving as Chair of the Board, President and CEO, effective on February 3, 2025 and transitioned into a

non-executive officer role (Special Advisor). Mr. Almeida's employment with Baxter will terminate effective as of October 31,

2025.

1. Mr. Grade ceased serving as the company's Interim Chief Accounting Officer as of February 21, 2025, and continues to

serve as the company's Executive Vice President and CFO.

1. Prior to February 3, 2025, Ms. Knight served as the company’s Executive Vice President and Group President, Medical

Products & Therapies.

1. Mr. Toth cease d serving as Executive Vice President and Group President, Kidney Care on January 31, 2025 in connection

with the closing of the sale of that business to certain affiliates of Carlyle on the same date.

The Executive Summary section of this CD&A highlights the following:

• 2024 Company Results

• 2022 – 2024 CEO Realizable Pay

• 2024 Say-on-Pay Vote

• 2024 Executive Compensation Program Actions and Changes

• 2025 Executive Compensation Program Changes

• Compensation Philosophy and Governance Practices

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Executive Compensation 39

The remainder of this CD&A discusses the following:

• Structure of Executive Compensation Program

• Elements of Executive Compensation

• Additional Compensation Governance

Executive Summary

2024 Company Results

Baxter’s 2024 financial results, as calculated for purposes of the 2024 annual incentive plan, reflect the

company’s improving performance:

• Adjusted Net Sales Including Discontinued Operations of $15,181 million, which was 101% of the

annual incentive target of $15,017 million;

• Further Adjusted EPS Including Discontinued Operations of $2.79, which was 95% of the annual

incentive target of $2.95; and

• Adjusted Free Cash Flow Including Discontinued Operations of $501 million, which was 72% of the

annual incentive target of $700 million.

See “—2024 Executive Compensation Program Actions and Changes—2024 Annual Incentive Design and

Performance” below for an overview of Baxter’s 2024 annual incentive plan and “ —Elements of Executive

Compensation—Annual Incentive Plan—Determination of 2024 Annual Incentive Plan Payouts ” for a description

of Adjusted Net Sales Including Discontinued Operations, Further Adjusted EPS Including Discontinued

Operations and Adjusted Free Cash Flow Including Discontinued Operations (including a description of

adjustments from the closest GAAP measures to derive these amounts).

A comparison of the performance of Baxter’s common stock against certain of its peers over the past three and

five years provides other perspectives on Baxter’s overall performance.

The graphs below compare the cumulative TSR (including reinvested dividends) on Baxter common stock, the

Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Health Care Index for the three- and

five-year periods ended December 31, 2024. As set forth below, the TSR for Baxter for the three-year period

totaled approximately (63%), as compared to 29% for the S&P 500 Composite Index and 3% for the S&P 500

Health Care Index over the same period. These numbers reflect softness in Baxter stock, which likely reflects the

company’s reduction in guidance due to certain macroeconomic headwinds and related supply constraints which

impacted the company’s 2022 earnings results. In addition, the company’s Healthcare Systems & Technologies

business has underperformed expectations in recent years due to the impact from select operational factors and

supply constraints. In January 2023, the company began executing on a series of strategic actions to enhance

future performance, the latest of which was completed on January 31, 2025. These actions included the

divestiture of two businesses which lowered the company’s overall earnings. These strategic actions have now

been completed and the company should be well positioned to drive enhanced performance and create

incremental value for all stakeholders going forward. F or the five-year period, the TSR for Baxter totaled

approximately (61%), as compared to 97% for the S&P 500 Composite Index and 47% for the S&P 500 Health

Care Index over the same period. These results may be attributable to similar cau ses.

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40 Executive Compensation

1. TSR calculations (as provided by FactSet) include reinvested dividends.

2. TSR calculations (as provided by FactSet) include reinvested dividends.

2022 – 2024 CEO Realizable Pay

Paying for performance is the foundation of the company’s compensation program, and much of the company’s

executives’ pay is “at-risk.” Over the past several years, the company has granted a mix of time-based restricted

stock units (RSUs) and performance share units (PSUs), as well as stock options, to help retain and motivate

executives to deliver long-term performance. Given that a significant portion of the compensation packages vary

depending on company performance, oftentimes the grant date value of compensation (as reported annually in

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Executive Compensation 41

the Summary Compensation Table) is not always reflective of the actual realizable pay value that is ultimately

received by the CEO.

To illustrate the differences, the company compared Target Compensation (as defined below) and the Summary

Compensation Table values to Realizable Pay on a year-by-year basis; for this purpose:

• “Target Compensation” refers to the sum of target salary, target annual bonus and target long-term

equity incentive (LTI) grant values,

• “Summary Compensation Table” refers to the actual disclosure in the Summary Compensation Table,

and

• “Realizable Pay” refers to the sum of actual salary, actual annual bonus and the potential payout value

of equity grants, including performance criteria and stock price.

As shown in the table further below, as of December 31, 2024, Mr. Almeida’s aggregate Realizable Pay was 42%

of the intended aggregate Target Compensation for years 2022-2024, and 42% of the aggregate Summary

Compensation Table disclosure for these years, taking into account only such amounts reported under the

“Salary”, “Bonus”, “Stock Awards”, “Option Awards” and “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” columns of

the Summary Compensation Table. This level of Realizable Pay is consistent with the company’s performance

during those years and the company’s pay-for-performance philosophy, which resulted in a significant amount of

Mr. Almeida’s compensation being placed “at-risk”.

The graph below is not a substitute for the information required by the 2024 Summary Compensation Table for

years 2022-2024, which appears on page 62 . All values in the graph below are in U.S. Dollars and shown in

thousands. Realizable Pay reinforces a pay-for-performance linkage as the target economic value of short- and

long-term incentive opportunities only provide value when meaningful performance is achieved.

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42 Executive Compensation

2024 Say-on-Pay Vote

At the 2024 annual meeting, approximately 80 % of the stockholders voting at the meeting approved, in an

advisory vote, the compensation for Baxter’s NEOs for 2023. As discussed in “Corporate Governance at Baxter

International Inc.—Other Corporate Governance Information—Stockholder Engagement,” the company engaged

with select institutional investors to solicit feedback and understand executive compensation concerns after

completion of the 2024 annual meeting and through early 2025. In direct response to stockholder feedback, the

company enhanced disclosures in the proxy statement regarding certain elements of its programs, including

enhancements regarding factors the CHC Committee considers when reviewing executive pay . The Board and

the CHC Committee value and take into consideration comments received during stockholder outreach

discussions.

The CHC Committee and management are committed to continuing to strengthen pay-for-performance

alignment, as well as the overall design of Baxter’s executive compensation program, informed by stockholder

feedback obtained from corporate governance outreach discussions.

2024 Executive Compensation Program Actions and Changes

Baxter continues to review its executive compensation program based on the company’s operational strategy

and stockholder feedback. The following outlines: (i) 2024 annual incentive design and performance; (ii) 2024

annual PSU grant design; and (iii) other 2024 executive compensation actions.

2024 Annual Incentive Design and Performance

The 2024 annual incentive payout was calculated using the following formula:

The three applicable financial performance metrics remained unchanged from 2023 to 2024 and included

NEO's Target

Annual Incentive

The Aggregate

Performance Across the

Three Applicable

Financial Performance

Metrics with a Payout

Range Between

0%-200%

The NEO's

Individual

Performance

Assessment

that Ranges

Between

0%-125%

Annual Incentive

Payout

X

X

=

Adjusted Net Sales ( 50% weighting), Further Adjusted EPS ( 25% weighting) and Free Cash Flow ( 25%

weighting). Both the Adjusted Net Sales and Free Cash Flow metrics are also included in the annual incentive

plans for the eligible broader population at Baxter. For 2024, t hese measures are referred to as Adjusted Net

Sales Including Discontinued Operations, Further Adjusted EPS Including Discontinued Operations and Adjusted

Free Cash Flow Including Discontinued Operations in this proxy statement (to reflect the impacts of the

discontinued operations treatment of the recent sale of the Kidney Care business).

For 2024, to mitigate the potential challenges around financial target setting due to the proposed separation of

the Kidney Care business, the performance curves for Adjusted EPS and Free Cash Flow were widened by 10%

at threshold and 10% at maximum, as shown in the table below. The CHC Committee reviews these curves

each year, taking into account unique circumstances when making these determinations.

Metric	Threshold — 2023	2024	Maximum — 2023	2024
Adjusted EPS	90%	80%	110%	120%
Free Cash Flow	80%	70%	120%	130%

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Executive Compensation 43

No adjustments were made for 2024 to the performance curve for Adjusted Net Sales metric. For all metrics,

100% achievement will result in target payout.

For 2024, each NEO’s individual performance assessment, as well as that of the broader Executive Operating

Committee, was initially determined in connection with an assessment of Baxter’s performance against pre-

established measures for key strategic 2024 priorities, which include various corporate responsibility metrics.

See “ —Elements of Executive Compensation—Annual Incentive Plan—Determination of 2024 Annual Incentive

Plan Payouts ” below for details on the 2024 financial and individual performance metric results for each NEO.

2024 Annual Equity Design

In order to support the stability and focus required of senior leadership in connection with the proposed

separation of the Kidney Care business, the company made its 2024 annual LTI grant to all equity-eligible

employees in the form of 100% RSUs, with the exception of Messrs. Almeida and Grade. Messrs. Almeida and

Grade each received 50% of their 2024 annual equity grants in the form of RSUs and 50% of their annual equity

grants in the form of PSUs, as the company recognizes the importance of the CEO and CFO to have a significant

portion of their equity awards consist of performance-based equity.

As the proposed Kidney Care separation was known during the planning phase for the 2024 annual grant , setting

three-year PSU targets to accurately reflect performance before and after the separation was complex. To

mitigate potential complications of setting these multi-year targets based on internal metrics for Messrs. Almeida

and Grade in the year in which the Kidney Care separation could have been completed, PSUs granted in 2024

are wholly based on Baxter’s relative TSR versus the S&P 500 Healthcare Equipment & Services Index. This

index is used to measure relative TSR for the company's PSU grants made in 2022 and 2023. The 2024 PSU

design is set forth in the table below:

2024 Plan Design
Metric:	Relative TSR
Weighting:	100%
Measurement:	Three-year performance period

See “—Elements of Executive Compensation—Long-Term Incentive Plan—2024 Annual LTI Grants” for

additional detail on Baxter’s 2024 PSU grants.

2024 Executive Compensation Actions

The following summarizes 2024 compensation actions for NEOs:

• Base Salary: Mr. Almeida did not receive a salary increase in 2024. As specified in Mr. Toth's offer letter

dated April 22, 2023, his salary was to remain the same through the business separation of Kidney Care

and he did not receive a salary increase in 2024. Mr. Grade, Ms. Knight and Mr. Sonig each received

salary increases during the 2024 annual compensation cycle.

• Annual Incentives: Each NEO received a cash bonus pursuant to the 2024 annual incentive plan,

funded as explained in " —Elements of Executive Compensation—Annual Incentive Plan—

Determination of 2024 Annual Incentive Plan Payouts ".

• Long-term Incentives: Each NEO received an equity grant during the company's annual cycle in March

1. As explained above, Messrs. Almeida and Grade received their awards with 50% delivered in

PSUs and 50% in RSUs. Ms. Knight's and Messrs. Sonig's and Toth's awards were delivered wholly in

the form of RSUs. No off-cycle LTI grants were made to NEOs in 2024.

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44 Executive Compensation

2022—2024 PSU Performance

The following highlights the performance results for the PSUs granted in March 2022, with a performance period

of January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024, which were calculated as follows:

Performance Metric	Weighting	Threshold (50% Payout)	Target (100% Payout)	Maximum (200% Payout)	Result 1	Payout as a % of Target
Relative TSR against the TSR performance of the companies in the S&P 500 Healthcare Equipment & Services Index	33-1/3%	35th Percent Rank	50th Percent Rank	80th Percent Rank	6.3 rd Percent Rank	0%
Adjusted ROIC	33-1/3%	7.7%	9.6%	11.5%	6.5%	0%
Adjusted Net Sales CAGR	33-1/3%	2.6%	4.4%	6.2%	2.6%	0%
Weighted Payout as a % of Target						0%

1. Actual r esults for Adjusted Net Sales CAGR were slightly below 2.6%, but appear at 2.6% due to rounding conventions.

See “—Elements of Executive Compensation—Long-Term Incentive Plan—2022–2024 PSU Performance” for

additional detail on PSU performance, including targets and performance ranges.

2025 Executive Compensation Program Changes

Annual Incentive Plan Design Changes

In November 2024, the CHC Committee approved returning to the prior Free Cash Flow performance curve (80%

at threshold and 120% at maximum). Given the recent separation of the Kidney Care business, less variability

should exist in forecasting Free Cash Flow for 2025. The Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Net Sales performance

curves are aligned with that of Baxter's peers and were unchanged for 2025.

For 2025, the CHC Committee has selected (i) Patient Safety and Quality and (ii) Growth as the two categories

for the individual modifier for the Executive Operating Committee , each with an equal 50% weight. The CHC

Committee believes that these categories are most important to supplement senior management's annual

financial goals to promote disciplined focus on a number of key measures (including profitable growth and new

product development) and drive further accountability. For more information on the three categories for the

individual modifier used for 2024, see "—Elements of Executive Compensation—Annual Incentive Plan—

Determination of 2024 Annual Incentive Plan Payouts— Individual Performance".

Long-Term Incentive Design Changes

Now that the Kidney Care separation has been completed, the CHC Committee approved the prior annual equity

LTI mix, last used in 2023, which is meant to balance performance-based equity while also providing a stable

retentive value. This mix reflects typical market practice and reinforces the link of pay-for-performance as stock

options only provide value to the holder if the stock price appreciates . The table below illustrates the 2023, 2024

and 2025 annual equity grant mixes for the Executive Operating Committee (including the NEOs that are still in

role).

Equity Type	2023	2024	2025
PSUs:	50%	50% (CEO and CFO only)	50%
Stock Options:	25%	—	25%
RSUs:	25%	50% (CEO and CFO only) and 100% all other NEOs	25%

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Executive Compensation 45

Compensation Philosophy and Governance Practices

Baxter's compensation program is built on the following principles:

Principles:

Compare competitively to

companies where Baxter

competes for executive

talent.

Equitably reflect the value

of each executive's position

in the market and within the

company.

Encourage innovation and

appropriate levels of risk-

taking.

Enhance the company's

long-term financial and

stockholder value

performance.

Attract, retain and

motivate high-performing

executives.

Recognize company and

individual performance.

The objectives of the program are to:

Objectives:

Compensate Baxter's

executives in a manner that is

consistent with the above

principles.

Align the interests of

management with those of

stockholders to reflect best

practices.

Drive sustained and

superior performance

relative to the company's

peers.

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46 Executive Compensation

What Baxter Does

What Baxter Does Not Do

✓ Emphasize company performance. 92% of the CEO’s 2024 total target direct compensation and an average of 85% of the other NEOs’ 2024 total target direct compensation is variable based on Baxter’s performance. ✓ Align with stockholders. 78% of the CEO’s 2024 total target direct compensation and an average of 69% of the other NEOs’ 2024 total target direct compensation is based on long-term incentives aligned with stockholders’ interests. ✓ Incorporate corporate responsibility metrics into the annual incentive plan. NEOs have shared corporate responsibility goals embedded into their 2024 annual incentive individual performance assessment measured under three categories: (i) Patient Safety and Quality (40%); (ii) Best Place to Work (30%) and (iii) Growth Through Innovation (30%). ✓ Require significant stock ownership. Executive officers are subject to certain stock ownership requirements and neither unvested PSUs nor unexercised stock options (or any portions thereof) count towards the requirements. ✓ Maintain anti-hedging and anti-pledging stock policies for executives and directors. These policies reflect good governance and mitigate compensation- related risk. ✓ Allow for clawbacks and forfeitures under the annual incentive and long-term incentives based on the Mandatory Clawback Policy and Compensation Recoupment Policy (including without limitation all time-based incentive awards). The company's Mandatory Clawback Policy is consistent with Dodd- Frank requirements and corresponding NYSE listing standards and the company's Compensation Recoupment Policy extends beyond the applicable Dodd-Frank requirements. Various actions can be taken under the two policies (or are required to be taken, as applicable) with regard to annual and long- term incentive payouts to executives and other incentive-based compensation upon a financial restatement or for an employee’s violation of restrictive covenants. ✓ Pay severance and vest outstanding equity grants only upon a “double trigger” in the event of a change in control. The “double trigger” requires both a change in control and termination of employment by the company without cause or by the executive for good reason.

X Provide tax gross-ups in the event of a change in control . Taxes are each NEO’s sole responsibility. X Re-price or exchange of underwater stock options. The company does not re-price outstanding stock options, whether vested or unvested, without prior stockholder approval. X Pay dividend equivalent units (DEUs) on unvested RSUs or PSUs. DEUs on RSUs and PSUs in the form of additional shares are paid only upon the vesting of the underlying RSUs and PSUs with the number of DEUs for PSUs based on actual company performance. X Offer excessive perquisites. Executives are eligible for a very limited number of perquisites that generally meet criteria for efficiency, personal health and safety.

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Executive Compensation 47

Structure of Executive Compensation Program

Pay-for-Performance and Total Target Direct Compensation Mix

Pay-for-performance is the most significant structural element of Baxter’s compensation program, where the

majority of executive pay is variable and subject to specific annual or long-term performance requirements. As

shown below for 2024, 92% of Mr. Almeida’s total target direct compensation and 85% of the average total target

direct compensation for the other NEOs was variable and subject to various performance metrics and company

stock price performance.

Named Executive Officer Total Target Direct Compensation 1

Fixed	Variable	Fixed	Variable
8%	92%	15%	85%

1. Percentages are calculated using annual base salary, target annual incentive and target LTI grant values as of December 31,

2024.

Peer Group and Use of Peer Group Data

The CHC Committee uses competitive compensation data from the annual total compensation study of peer

companies to inform its decisions about overall compensation opportunities and specific compensation elements.

Additionally, the CHC Committee uses multiple reference points when establishing targeted compensation levels.

The CHC Committee does not benchmark specific compensation elements or total compensation to any specific

percentile relative to the peer companies or the broader market. Instead, the CHC Committee applies judgment

and discretion in establishing targeted pay levels, taking into account not only competitive market data, but also

factors such as company, business and individual performance, scope of responsibility, critical needs and skill

sets, leadership potential and succession planning. The CHC Committee also evaluates the compensation

programs of other companies which, while not in the peer set, have similar characteristics of Baxter’s business

model, complexity and sophistication.

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48 Executive Compensation

The CHC Committee, with input from its independent compensation consultant, annually reviews the

Compensation Peer Group to determine the appropriate companies to include. In its review, the CHC Committee

considers companies with all of the following factors for objectivity:

• Publicly-traded, US-based companies, with a focus on healthcare equipment, services and supplies and

life sciences tools and services indices.

• Revenues and market capitalization within a reasonable range of Baxter’s revenue and market

capitalization.

• List Baxter as a peer, are in Baxter’s peer group as selected by a proxy advisory firm or are prevalent

peers of Baxter’s peer group selected by a proxy advisory firm.

Based on this review, the annual evaluation resulted in the addition of GE HealthCare Technologies and the

removal of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. for 2024.

For 2024, the Compensation Peer Group is as follows:

Abbott Laboratories	DENTSPLY Sirona Inc.	Medtronic Public Limited Company
Agilent Technologies, Inc.	Edwards Lifesciences	Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
Becton, Dickinson and Company	GE HealthCare Technologies	Stryker Corporation
Boston Scientific Corporation	Hologic, Inc.	Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.
Danaher Corporation	Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
DaVita Inc.	Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings

The median revenue and market capitalization for the Compensation Peer Group was approximately $12.7 billion

and $41.0 billion, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2024. Baxter’s revenue of $15.1 billion for the

year ended December 31, 2024 (net sales including discontinued operations as reported under GAAP for 2024)

placed Baxter at the 58 th percentile of this peer group. Baxter’s market capitalization of approximately $19.6

billion as of December 31, 2024 placed Baxter at the 28 th percentile of this peer group.

Individual Performance

The CHC Committee assesses the individual performance and future potential of each company executive officer

or other key executive (other than the CEO) in making compensation decisions related to base salary, annual

incentive and annual LTI grant. The independent members of the Board make this determination with respect to

the CEO. Baxter believes it is important to consider an individual’s performance in assessing compensation and

not just the company’s financial performance relative to the financial targets in the interest of recognizing how he

or she performed with respect to his or her individual goals.

The CHC Committee’s assessment of individual performance and future potential relies on informed judgment

and requires significant input from the CEO, who reviews the evaluations of each of the other executive officers

and key executives and shares his or her insights and recommendations with the CHC Committee. Based on that

input, the CHC Committee assesses how well an executive officer or other key executive fulfilled his or her

obligations in the past year and such executive officer’s or other key executive’s potential for future contributions

to Baxter. The assessment of the prior year’s performance focuses on how well the operations or function for

which an executive officer or key executive is responsible performed during the year. The CHC Committee also

considers how well an executive officer or key executive performed against his or her performance goals.

The independent members of the Board are responsible for assessing the CEO’s performance each year and

making adjustments, if any, to his or her base salary, annual incentive award and annual LTI grant. As part of this

assessment, they review the extent to which the CEO satisfied his or her goals for the year. This review is

conducted with the support of the Lead Independent Director and the NCGPP and CHC Committees, which

oversee the establishment of the CEO’s goals and the annual performance and compensation review process.

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Executive Compensation 49

Elements of Executive Compensation

See "Proxy Statement Highlights—Performance Highlights—Compensation Design for 2024" for a summary of

base salary, annual incentive, and LTI grants components of the company's 2024 executive compensation

program. Additional general details of the program are provided below. To help ensure an overall competitive

total compensation program, executives are also eligible for benefits that are generally available to all

employees.

Base Salary

Overview

As discussed above, the CHC Committee (in the case of the NEOs other than the CEO) or the independent

members of the Board (in the case of the CEO) determine base salaries using competitive compensation data

from the annual total compensation study of the Compensation Peer Group to inform related decision making.

The CHC Committee uses multiple reference points when establishing base salaries, and applies judgment and

discretion, taking into account not only competitive market data, but also factors such as company, business and

individual performance, scope of responsibility, critical needs and skill sets, leadership potential and succession

planning.

2024 Actions

For 2024, Mr. Almeida’s annual base salary remained at $1,300,000 and Mr. Toth’s annual base salary remained

at $1,000,000.

In March 2024, in connection with the annual compensation cycle, Ms. Knight and Messrs. Grade and Sonig

each received salary increases. In recognition of their continued expanded leadership responsibilities and to

drive stability during the ongoing transformation of the company, Ms. Knight and Mr. Sonig were provided more

meaningful salary increases.

The following table provides each NEO’s 2023 and 2024 annual base salary as of December 31, 2023 and

December 31, 2024 , incorporating the increases described above (if any):

	2023 Base Salary	2024 Base Salary	% Increase
Mr. Almeida	$ 1,300,000	$ 1,300,000	— %
Mr. Grade	$ 800,000	$ 812,000	1.5 %
Ms. Knight	$ 800,000	$ 900,000	12.5 %
Mr. Sonig	$ 725,000	$ 800,000	10.3 %
Mr. Toth	$ 1,000,000	$ 1,000,000	— %

Annual Incentive Plan

Overview

Similar to base salary, the CHC Committee (or the independent members of the Board, in the case of the CEO)

determines annual incentive targets using competitive compensation data from the annual total compensation

study of the Compensation Peer Group to inform related decision making. The CHC Committee applies judgment

and discretion, taking into account not only competitive market data, but also factors such as company, business

and individual performance, scope of responsibility, critical needs and skill sets, leadership potential and

succession planning. The same factors that influence the setting of base salary also influence the establishment

of annual incentive target awards.

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50 Executive Compensation

Annual incentive payouts are calculated using the following formula :

For the 2024 annual incentive plan, consistent with the 2023 plan , the CHC Committee selected Adjusted Net

NEO's Target

Annual

Incentive

The Aggregate

Performance Across the

Three Applicable

Financial Performance

Metrics with a Payout

Range Between

0%-200%

The NEO's

Individual

Performance

Assessment

that Ranges

Between

0%-125%

Annual Incentive

Payout

X

X

=

Sales, Adjusted EPS and Free Cash Flow as the financial performance metrics for funding the annual incentive

plan. Baxter placed greater emphasis on Adjusted Net Sales (which is weighted at 50%) as compared to the

other metrics to recognize the criticality of continuing organic sales growth. The weightings for Adjusted EPS and

Free Cash Flow continued to be equally weighted for 2024 (at 25% each), as the two metrics remain important

measures of Baxter’s operational strategy used by stockholders to assess Baxter’s financial performance. All

three measures for 2024 are referred to in this proxy statement as Adjusted Net Sales Including Discontinued

Operations, Further Adjusted EPS Including Discontinued Operations and Adjusted Free Cash Flow Including

Discontinued Operations (to reflect the impacts of the discontinued operations treatment of the recent sale of the

Kidney Care business) .

See “—Executive Summary—2024 Executive Compensation Program Actions and Changes—2024 Annual

Incentive Design and Performance” for additional information on changes made to the annual incentive plan and

individual performance assessment discussion for 2024.

Annual Incentive Target Awards

NEOs’ annual incentive target awards are set within a competitive range for the Compensation Peer Group.

The 2024 annual incentive target as of December 31, 2024 for each NEO is outlined below.

The target annual incentive did not change from the prior year for Messrs. Almeida, Grade or Toth. The annual

incentive target change for Mr. Sonig was to better align to market for his role. In connection with her promotion

to EVP and COO, Ms. Knight received an increase in her annual incentive target for 2025.

NEO	2024 Target Annual Incentive as a % of Base Salary
Mr. Almeida	165%
Mr. Grade	100%
Ms. Knight	105%
Mr. Sonig	100%
Mr. Toth	125%

Determination of 2024 Annual Incentive Plan Payouts

Financial Performance. The tables below provide Adjusted Net Sales Including Discontinued Operations, Further

Adjusted EPS Including Discontinued Operations and Adjusted Free Cash Flow Including Discontinued

Operations targets for 2024, as well as actual results for each NEO. The payout for performance in between the

payout ranges is based on linear interpolation. Given related segment oversight responsibilities, the performance

for each of Ms. Knight and Messrs. Sonig and Toth was measured on the Adjusted Net Sales Including

Discontinued Operations for his or her respective segment (which reflect budgeted exchange rates). The

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Executive Compensation 51

Adjusted Net Sales Including Discontinued Operations metric for each of Messrs. Almeida and Grade are based

on overall Baxter results to recognize his enterprise-wide responsibilities. Performance for all NEOs continues to

be measured on overall Baxter results for Further Adjusted EPS Including Discontinued Operations and Adjusted

Free Cash Flow Including Discontinued Operations metrics. See "—Individual Performance" beginning on page

53 for final payout percentages and amounts.

Messrs. Almeida and Grade

	2024 — Threshold (50% Payout)	Target (100% Payout)	Maximum (200% Payout)	Actual	Achievement as a % of Target 4	Formulaic Payout as a % of Target
Company—Adjusted Net Sales Including Discontinued Operations (in millions) 1	$ 14,266	$ 15,017	$ 15,768	$ 15,181	101.1 %	122 %
Further Adjusted EPS Including Discontinued Operations 2	$ 2.36	$ 2.95	$ 3.54	$ 2.79	94.5 %	86 %
Adjusted Free Cash Flow Including Discontinued Operations (in millions) 3	$ 490	$ 700	$ 910	$ 501	71.6 %	53 %
	Weighted Financial Formulaic Payout as a % of Target:					96 %

Ms. Knight

	2024 — Threshold (50% Payout)	Target (100% Payout)	Maximum (200% Payout)	Actual	Achievement as a % of Target 4	Formulaic Payout as a % of Target
Medical Products & Therapies—Adjusted Net Sales Including Discontinued Operations (in millions) 1	$ 4,920	$ 5,179	$ 5,438	$ 5,217	100.7 %	115 %
Further Adjusted EPS Including Discontinued Operations 2	$ 2.36	$ 2.95	$ 3.54	$ 2.79	94.5 %	86 %
Adjusted Free Cash Flow Including Discontinued Operations (in millions) 3	$ 490	$ 700	$ 910	$ 501	71.6 %	53 %
	Weighted Financial Formulaic Payout as a % of Target:					92 %

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52 Executive Compensation

Mr. Sonig

	2024 — Threshold (50% Payout)	Target (100% Payout)	Maximum (200% Payout)	Actual	Achievement as a % of Target 4	Formulaic Payout as a % of Target
Pharmaceuticals—Adjusted Net Sales Including Discontinued Operations (in millions) 1	$ 2,232	$ 2,349	$ 2,467	$ 2,407	102.5 %	149 %
Further Adjusted EPS Including Discontinued Operations 2	$ 2.36	$ 2.95	$ 3.54	$ 2.79	94.5 %	86 %
Adjusted Free Cash Flow Including Discontinued Operations (in millions) 3	$ 490	$ 700	$ 910	$ 501	71.6 %	53 %
	Weighted Financial Formulaic Payout as a % of Target:					109 %

Mr. Toth

	2024 — Threshold (50% Payout)	Target (100% Payout)	Maximum (200% Payout)	Actual	Achievement as a % of Target 4	Formulaic Payout as a % of Target
Kidney Care—Adjusted Net Sales Including Discontinued Operations (in millions) 1	$ 4,140	$ 4,358	$ 4,576	$ 4,539	104.1 %	183 %
Further Adjusted EPS Including Discontinued Operations 2	$ 2.36	$ 2.95	$ 3.54	$ 2.79	94.5 %	86 %
Adjusted Free Cash Flow Including Discontinued Operations (in millions) 3	$ 490	$ 700	$ 910	$ 501	71.6 %	53 %
	Weighted Financial Formulaic Payout as a % of Target:					126 %

1. Adjusted Net Sales Including Discontinued Operations is calculated as the company’s reported net sales (determined in

accordance with GAAP) using budgeted exchange rates as of January 1, 2024 and including net sales from discontinued

operations. Company Adjusted Net Sales Including Discontinued Operations, Medical Products & Therapies Adjusted Net

sales Including Discontinued Operations, Pharmaceuticals Adjusted Net Sales Including Discontinued Operations and

Kidney Care Adjusted Net Sales Including Discontinued Operations totaled $15.2 billion, $5.2 billion, $2.4 billion and $4.5

billion, respectively, for 2024. Company net sales from continuing operations, Medical Products & Therapies net sales from

continuing operations and Pharmaceuticals net sales from continuing operations as reported under GAAP for 2024 totaled

$10.6 billion, $5.2 billion, and $2.4 billion, respectively. Kidney Care net sales included in Discontinued Operations as

reported under GAAP for 2024 totaled $4.5 billion. Totals may not foot due to rounding. The company uses net sales at

budgeted exchange rates as a target under the 2024 an nual incentive plan for the same reason that Baxter provides sales

guidance excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations and certain other items—that is, the company believes it

provides a better perspective on underlying sales growth. The use of budgeted exchange rates also allows Baxter to

evaluate final performance on the same foreign currency basis that was used for setting the target and establishing the

budget.

1. Further Adjusted EPS including Discontinued Operations is calculated as the company's diluted earnings per share

(determined in accordance with GAAP) as adjusted for special items and including adjusted earnings per share from

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Executive Compensation 53

discontinued operations less certain operational adjustments to the extent that they were not included in the 2024 adjusted

earnings per share target. Special items for 2024 totaled $2.3 billion (or $2.1 billion on an after-tax basis), or $4.17 per

diluted share. These adjustments primarily related to goodwill and long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset

amortization, business optimization items, separation-related costs, costs associated with European regulations (medical

devices reporting regulations), Hurricane Helene costs, acquisition and integration costs related to its acquisition and

integration of Hillrom, legal matters, product related reserves and tax matters. Further Adjusted EPS for the 2024 annual

incentive plan was further adjusted to remove the impact of certain operational adjustments of $55 million, or $0.11 per

diluted share. Total GAAP diluted EPS in 2024 was ($1.27). Further adjusted EPS may not foot due to rounding.

1. Adjusted Free Cash Flow including Discontinued Operations is calculated as the company’s operating cash flow calculated

in accordance with GAAP less capital expenditures. It includes free cash flow from discontinued operations and reflects the

exclusion of certain income tax payments that were disbursed in the third quarter of 2024 and were included in discontinued

operations related to the company's former BPS business which was sold in 2023 and certain operational adjustments to the

extent that they were not included in the 2024 free cash flow target. The company uses free cash flow (rather than operating

cash flow) as it gives effect to the company’s capital expenditures and better reflects the cash generated by the company

that may be available for future investment. In 2024, the company’s operating cash flow from continuing operations was

$819 million and the company incurred $446 million in capital expenditures from continuing operations. The company’s 2024

operating cash flow from discontinued operations was $200 million and the company incurred $216 million in capital

expenditures from discontinued operations over that period. Free cash flow for the purposes of the 2024 annual incentive

plan was further adjusted by excluding $158 million of tax payments related to the company's former BPS business, included

in discontinued operations in the third quarter of 2024 less $14 million of certain operational adjustments.

1. Level of achievement used to determine funding of the annual incentive may not foot due to rounding.

Individual Performance. For 2024, each NEO’s individual performance assessment, as well as that of the

broader Executive Operating Committee, was initially determined in connection with an assessment of Baxter’s

performance against pre-established measures for key strategic 2024 priorities. This approach is intended to

further motivate and incentivize the NEOs and broader Executive Operating Committee to meet key 2024

priorities focused on various strategic areas, including corporate responsibility matters, while continuing to help

enable the delivery of strong financial results through the financial metrics used to calculate aggregate financial

performance.

The strategic 2024 priorities are included in the three categories highlighted below along with the applicable

weightings used to calculate the overall weighted payout. The payout for each category ranged from a 90%

payout for threshold performance up to a 110% payout for maximum performance. The initial weighted payout is

subject to further adjustment for each NEO’s overall individual performance assessment based on individual

achievements down to a minimum of 0% and up to a maximum of 125%.

Based on the strategic priority qualitative assessment described below, input from the independent members of

the Board (in the case of the CEO’s individual performance assessment) and the CHC Committee (for all other

NEOs), the 2024 individual performance assessment for each NEO (based on the sum of the weightings of the

related categories and resulting payouts) was reduced as an initial matter from 102.7% to 100%, consistent with

the negative discretion of the Board. In its review of 2024 performance, the CHC Committee felt that a reduction

to 100% most accurately represented achievement with respect to these goals. See below for discussion of

additional adjustments made to the individual performance assessment made for each NEO.

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Category	Weighting	Initial Payout 1	Notable Items 2
Patient Safety and Quality (including product safety and quality systems)	40%	103%	• The company met its internal benchmarks in key areas such as CAPA (Corrective and Preventative Actions) effectiveness and product quality, notwithstanding the incurrence of certain regulatory actions
Best Place to Work (including effective talent management)	30%	100%	• The company met internal benchmarks in manager effectiveness, while it fell slightly below the internal benchmark for voluntary turnover
Growth Through Innovation (including the company’s focus on new product development)	30%	105%	• The company met or exceeded internal benchmarks including new product sales and the vitality index score, notwithstanding that the Kidney Care separation was not completed until 2025
Final Weighted Payout as a % of Target for NEOs		100%

1. The initial payout for each category ranged from a 90% payout for threshold performance up to a 110% payout for maximum

performance. The weighted payout is subject to further adjustment for each NEO’s overall individual performance

assessment based on individual achievements down to a minimum of 0% and up to a maximum of 125%.

1. Reflects certain notable items in each category, which is not comprehensive of all related goals in each category.

Taking into account both financial and individual performance, the table below outlines the 2024 annual incentive

payout for each NEO. It reflects the limited discretion utilized by the CHC Committee for the 2024 annual

incentive payouts for each NEO to further align their payouts to that of the employees in their respective business

segments (consistent with the performance of such segments), and for Baxter overall for the CEO and CFO.

NEO	Base Salary	Target Annual Incentive as a % of Base Salary	Target Annual Incentive Amount	Formulaic Weighted Financial Payout	Adjusted Weighted Financial Payout 1	Additional Individual Performance Assessment	Total Annual Incentive Payout	Total Annual Incentive Payout as a % of Target
Mr. Almeida	$1,300,000	165%	$2,145,000	96%	94%	100%	$2,016,300	94%
Mr. Grade	$812,000	100%	$812,000	96%	94%	110%	$839,608	103%
Ms. Knight	$900,000	105%	$945,000	92%	100%	110%	$1,039,500	110%
Mr. Sonig	$800,000	100%	$800,000	109%	113%	100%	$904,000	113%
Mr. Toth	$1,000,000	125%	$1,250,000	126%	111%	100%	$1,387,500	111%

1. Formulaic weighted payout percentages were adjusted to align payouts to that of the employees in each NEO's respective

business segment (consistent with the performance of each segment), and for Baxter overall for the CEO and CFO. Reflects

the initial individual performance assessment of 100% (based on strategic qualitative assessment described above).

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Overview

LTI grants are a significant component of each NEO’s compensation package. In 2024, 78% of the total target

direct compensation provided to the CEO and an average of 69% of the total target direct compensation provided

to all other NEOs was LTI-based.

The emphasis on LTI grants motivates executives to drive the long-term performance of the company and aligns

their long-term interests with those of stockholders. This alignment is furthered by requiring executive officers to

satisfy the stock ownership guidelines discussed in the section below “—Additional Compensation Governance—

Stock Ownership Guidelines for Executive Officers.”

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Similar to the approach taken with respect to base salaries and the annual incentive target awards, the CHC

Committee (or the independent members of the Board, in the case of the CEO) determines target annual LTI

grant values using competitive compensation data from the annual total compensation study of the

Compensation Peer Group to inform its decisions. The CHC Committee applies judgment and discretion, taking

into account not only competitive market data, but also factors such as company, business and individual

performance, scope of responsibility, critical needs and skill sets, leadership potential and succession planning.

The same factors that influence the setting of base salaries and annual incentive target awards also impact the

establishment of the target annual LTI grant values.

2024 Annual LTI Grants

LTI Grant Structure

In order to support the stability and focus required of senior leadership in connection with the proposed

separation of the Kidney Care business, the company made its 2024 annual LTI grant to all equity-eligible

employees (including all NEOs, with the exception of Messrs. Almeida and Grade) in the form of 100% RSUs.

Messrs. Almeida and Grade received 50% of their 2024 annual equity grants in the form of RSUs and 50% of

their annual equity grants in the form of PSUs, as the company recognizes the importance of the CEO and CFO

to have a significant portion of their equity awards in performance-based equity. To mitigate potential

complications of setting multi-year targets in the year in which the Kidney Care separation could have been

completed, PSUs granted in 2024 are based on Baxter’s relative TSR versus the S&P 500 Healthcare Equipment

& Services Index.

All NEOs received regular annual LTI equity grants in March 2024, and no off-cycle LTI grants were made to

NEOs in 2024. Annual LTI grant values are aligned to market for all individuals and are assessed annually to

ensure market competitiveness. In connection with her promotion to EVP and COO, Ms. Knight received an

increase in her 2025 annual LTI equity grant target value.

NEO	2024 Target Annual LTI Grant Value 1	# of PSUs (50% of Target Annual LTI Grant Value for CEO and CFO) 2	# of Restricted Stock Units (50% of Target Annual LTI Grant Value for CEO and CFO; 100% for All Others) 3
Mr. Almeida	$12,000,000	142,891	142,891
Mr. Grade	$3,600,000	42,867	42,867
Ms. Knight	$4,500,000	—	107,168
Mr. Sonig	$3,500,000	—	83,353
Mr. Toth	$5,000,000	—	119,076

1. The grant date for the 2024 annual LTI grants was March 6, 2024.

2. Reflects the target number of PSUs granted. The actual number of shares earned, if any, will be determined after the three-

year performance period ending on December 31, 2026. The target number of PSUs is calculated based on the five-day

average of Baxter’s closing share prices beginning two weeks before the grant date and ending one week prior to the grant

date (Average Share Price). The target grant value attributable to the 2024 PSUs differs from the value disclosed in the

Summary Compensation Table and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table below, which use the accounting values including

a Monte Carlo valuation for TSR PSUs.

1. The number of RSUs is calculated based on the Average Share Price.

2024 Annual PSU Grants. To mitigate potential complications of setting multi-year targets in the year in which

the Kidney Care separation could have been completed, yet maintain focus on Baxter’s performance relative to

its industry peers, PSUs granted in 2024 to Messrs. Almeida and Grade are based on Baxter’s relative TSR

versus the S&P 500 Healthcare Equipment & Services Index, with the actual payouts ranging between 0% and

200% of target depending on actual company performance. The performance period is three years and runs

from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026.

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56 Executive Compensation

The performance and payout schedule for 2024-2026 relative TSR PSUs, which is aligned with typical peer

and broad market practice , and is unchanged from prior years, is provided below:

Peer Group Achievement Level	Payout as a % of Target
80th Percent Rank or higher	200 %
50th Percent Rank	100 %
35th Percent Rank	50 %
Below 35th Percent Rank	0 %

Payout between each percent rank is based on linear interpolation. Additionally, if Baxter’s TSR is negative at the

end of the three-year performance period, the maximum PSU payout will be capped at 100%.

When dividends are paid on Baxter’s common stock, DEUs accrue on unvested PSUs during the performance

period and are paid out upon vesting of such PSUs based on the number of shares actually earned.

2024 Annual RSU Grants. All annual RSUs granted to NEOs in 2024 are scheduled to vest ratably over a three-

year period, starting on the first anniversary of the grant date.

2022—2024 PSU Performance

In February 2025, the CHC Committee certified the final results for PSU awards granted to certain NEOs on

March 2, 2022 for the performance period of January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024 (the 2022 PSUs). The

chart below details the applicable performance metrics, weightings, targets, certified performance results and

payout as a percentage of target shares. The payout for performance between the ranges is based on linear

interpolation. Performance below threshold would result in a 0% payout for that performance metric, while

performance at or above maximum would result in a 200% payout. The CHC Committee did not apply any

discretion to adjust the final performance achievement for the 2022 PSUs.

Performance Metric	Weighting
Relative TSR against the TSR performance of the companies in the S&P 500 Healthcare Equipment & Services Index	33-1/3%
Adjusted ROIC	33-1/3%
Adjusted Net Sales CAGR	33-1/3%

Performance Metric	Weighting	Threshold (50% Payout)	Target (100% Payout)	Maximum (200% Payout)	Result 4	Payout as a % of Target
Relative TSR against the TSR performance of the companies in the S&P 500 Healthcare Equipment & Services Index 1	33-1/3%	35th Percent Rank	50th Percent Rank	80th Percent Rank	6.3 rd Percent Rank	0%
Adjusted ROIC 2	33-1/3%	7.7%	9.6%	11.5%	6.5%	0%
Adjusted Net Sales CAGR 3	33-1/3%	2.6%	4.4%	6.2%	2.6%	0%
Weighted Payout as a % of Target						0%

1. The TSR PSUs described in this section are measured for the company and companies in the S&P 500 Healthcare

Equipment & Services Index based on the following formula: average closing stock price over the last 20 consecutive trading

days of the performance period end date (December 31, 2024) minus average closing stock price over the last 20

consecutive trading days immediately preceding the commencement of the performance period (January 1, 2022) plus

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Executive Compensation 57

reinvested dividends divided by average closing stock price over the last 20 consecutive trading days immediately preceding

the commencement of the performance period.

1. Adjusted ROIC (Return on Invested Capital) performance for purposes of this grant is calculated by first determining the

annual Adjusted ROIC performance target for each of 2022, 2023 and 2024 and then determining the simple average

Adjusted ROIC performance over the three-year performance period. Adjusted ROIC performance is measured by

considering each applicable calendar year’s adjusted operating income less adjusted income tax expense, divided by

average invested capital and adjusted for any business or asset acquisition or divestiture with annualized revenue of greater

than $75 million at the time of the acquisition or divestiture. This amount was adjusted for the divestiture of the company's

BPS business in October 2023 prospectively but includes Adjusted ROIC associated with the company's former Kidney Care

business, which was divested after year end 2024 .

3 . Adjusted Net Sales means “net sales” of the company that shall be (i) computed on a constant currency basis using the

average foreign exchange rates in each applicable jurisdiction for the calendar year immediately preceding the grant date

and (ii) adjusted to exclude the revenue for any business or asset acquisition or divestiture with annualized revenue of

greater than $75 million at the time of the acquisition or divestiture. Adjusted Net Sales CAGR (compound annual growth

rate) performance for purposes of this grant is calculated by taking the Adjusted Net Sales for the last calendar year of the

three-year performance period (or 2024) and comparing it against Adjusted Net Sales for 2021, the calendar year

immediately preceding the grant date. This amount was adjusted to exclude BPS related revenue for the periods following

the company’s divestiture of that business.

4 . Actual results for Adjusted Net Sales CAGR were slightly below 2.6%, but appear at 2.6% due to rounding conventions.

Considering the performance disclosed above, the table below illustrates the target number of 2022 PSUs and

final number of shares earned for each NEO eligible to receive PSUs at the time of grant. Messrs. Grade, Sonig

and Toth joined Baxter after the beginning of this performance cycle and therefore were not eligible for this grant.

NEO	Target # of PSUs	# of Shares Earned
Mr. Almeida	65,398	0
Ms. Knight	5,351	0

Perquisites

Baxter provides a very limited range of perquisites to its NEOs. While Baxter permits limited personal travel on

the company aircraft in connection with potential efficiencies and security risk reduction associated with such

use, all personal aircraft usage for senior executives other than the CEO must be pre-approved by the CEO in

accordance with the terms of the company’s aircraft policy. In conjunction with Mr. Almeida's July 2023 amended

offer letter, as described below, and until February 3, 2025, the Board granted Mr. Almeida the ability to use the

company aircraft, or if unavailable, charter aircraft, for personal use for up to 50 hours each calendar year. Any

personal use in excess of the 50 hours each calendar year was reimbursed by Mr. Almeida pursuant to the

Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement in place between Mr. Almeida and the company and based on rates set by the

Federal Aviation Regulations. This agreement was terminated as of February 3, 2025. In connection with Mr.

Shafer’s appointment as Chair and Interim CEO, he has entered into an Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement

pursuant to which he will reimburse the company for any personal, non-commuting use of the company aircraft.

Additionally, NEOs are eligible for reimbursement of executive physical examinations and related health services.

Retirement and Other Benefits

E ach NEO still employed by Baxter is eligible to participate in Baxter’s U.S. tax-qualified Section 401(k) plan

(401(k) Plan) on the same terms as all eligible U.S. employees. All eligible employees in the 401(k) Plan are

eligible to receive immediately vested 100% matching contributions up to 4% of eligible compensation. Eligible

employees, including NEOs, also receive an additional non-elective 401(k) Plan employer contribution equal to

3% of eligible compensation.

Additionally, each NEO still employed by Baxter is eligible to participate in Baxter’s U.S. nonqualified deferred

compensation plan (Deferred Compensation Plan) on the same terms and conditions as eligible U.S. employees,

which allows them to accumulate additional retirement savings and tax deferral opportunities beyond the

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58 Executive Compensation

limitations for tax-qualified retirement plans under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code).

The terms of the Deferred Compensation Plan are more fully described below under “Executive Compensation

Tables—2024 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan.”

Employment Arrangements, Executive Severance Plan and Change in Control Agreements

In July 2023, Mr. Almeida entered into an amended offer letter (Almeida Offer Letter) governing the terms and

conditions of his employment. Under the terms of the Almeida Offer Letter, Mr. Almeida was entitled to receive

two times base salary and target annual incentive and certain health and welfare benefit coverage in the event

that his employment with Baxter was terminated by Baxter other than for cause or by Mr. Almeida for good

reason. In conjunction with the renewal of his offer letter and as discussed above, the Board granted Mr. Almeida

the ability to use the company aircraft or, if unavailable, charter aircraft, for personal use of up to 50 hours each

calendar year. Any personal use in excess of the 50 hours each calendar year was to be reimbursed by Mr.

Almeida pursuant to his Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement and based on rates set by the Federal Aviation

Regulations.

In April 2023, Mr. Toth entered into an offer letter. In accordance with the terms of his offer letter, his sign-on cash

bonus is not subject to repayment as the Kidney Care business had not emerged as a standalone public

company by December 31, 2024. Additionally, his onboarding RSU equity grant accelerated as of the same date

for the same reason. See "Executive Compensation Tables—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Following

a Change in Control—Mr. Toth's Offer Letter" for additional details.

For other U.S.-based executives, the company generally executes an offer of employment before an executive

joins the company and in some cases, a standard offer letter . The offer describes the basic terms of the

executive’s employment, including his or her start date, title, annual base salary, annual incentive target and

long-term incentive equity award target. Stock ownership guidelines and perquisites are also included, if

applicable. Except as described herein with respect to Messrs. Almeida and Toth (who are no longer serving in

the same roles with the company), the other NEOs have entered into a standard offer letter with the company,

the material terms of which have been described herein.

The company maintains an executive severance plan for all U.S.-based executives (other than the CEO)

(Executive Severance Plan), including Messrs. Grade and Sonig and Ms. Knight. Mr. Toth was a party to the

Executive Severance Plan prior to completion of the Kidney Care sale on January 31, 2025. If within 12 months

of an executive’s termination of employment the executive violates any obligations under an employment

agreement, restrictive covenant or similar agreement, or it is determined that the executive could have been

terminated for cause, then the executive will be required to repay all amounts received and future payments will

cease.

Beginning in February 2023, each NEO became subject to an executive cash severance policy that limits cash

severance benefits to 2.99 times the sum of the NEO’s base salary plus target annual bonus opportunity.

Payments cannot exceed this threshold without prior stockholder ratification or approval.

Additionally, as of December 31, 2024, each NEO was a party to a change in control (CIC) agreement, which

provides for certain severance payments if Baxter undergoes a CIC and the NEO ceases to be employed.

Providing for payments in a CIC situation is consistent with market practice and helps to ensure that if a CIC is in

the best interests of the company’s stockholders (as determined by the Board), the NEOs have appropriate

incentives to remain focused on their responsibilities before, during and after the transaction without undue

concern for their personal circumstances.

For a more detailed discussion of these arrangements, please refer to the information under “Executive

Compensation Tables—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Following a Change in Control.”

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Senior Management Transitions and Related Compensation Beginning in February 2025

On February 3, 2025, Baxter announced that Mr. Almeida had ceased serving as Chair, President and CEO

effective as of the same date (the CEO Transition Date), but would continue serving as Special Advisor through

October 31, 2025 (the CEO Separation Date). As part of this announcement, the company announced the

appointment of Mr. Shafer as Chair and Interim CEO effective as of the CEO Transition Date. In addition, Ms.

Knight was appointed Executive Vice President, COO and Interim Group President, Medical Products &

Therapies.

Below are the related compensation decisions approved by the Board and CHC Committee, as applicable, in

connection with Mr. Shafer's appointment, Mr. Almeida's separation without cause and Ms. Knight's appointment.

Mr. Shafer:

In order to recognize the significant time and effort required to serve as Chair and Interim CEO, while Mr. Shafer

holds this position, his compensation will consist of:

• An annual base salary payable at the rate $108,333.33 per month (equivalent to annualized base salary

of $1,300,000);

• A bonus equal to $600,000, payable upon the earlier of a) the six month anniversary of the CEO

Transition Date (the Interim CEO Term) and b) when the successor CEO begins; and

• An equity award with a target grant value of $2,500,000 made in RSUs on February 5, 2025, that will

vest upon the completion of the Interim CEO Term.

Mr. Shafer is also eligible to use the company aircraft, or, if unavailable, charter aircraft for any required business

and commuting travel to company offices. The company will reimburse Mr. Shafer to make him whole for any

taxes he incurs in connection with taxable income allocated to him based on his commuting travel (which

includes any taxes payable in connection with any tax gross up paid to him). As discussed in "—Elements of

Executive Compensation—Perquisites," Mr Shafer has entered into an Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement pursuant

to which he will reimburse the company for any personal, non-commuting use of the company aircraft.

The terms of Mr. Shafer's offer letter were structured to align with market practice and developed in consultation

with the CHC Committee's independent compensation consultant.

Mr. Almeida:

In connection with his separation, Mr. Almeida’s outstanding equity awards will continue to vest in accordance

with their terms through the CEO Separation Date, and, subject to his compliance with certain release

requirements, he will receive a lump-sum separation payment equal to $6,890,000, payable no later than 60 days

following the CEO Separation Date. This amount is equivalent to what Mr. Almeida would have received had he

been terminated without “Cause” under the provisions of the Almeida Offer Letter.

As compensation for services performed as Special Advisor during the period between the CEO Transition Date

and the CEO Separation Date, Mr. Almeida will receive a salary based on an annual rate of $650,000 and

continue to be eligible for the company’s health benefits. Mr. Almeida will not be eligible to receive any bonus

under the 2025 annual incentive plan or any LTI awards for his service during 2025. The company will also

arrange to provide him and his dependents health insurance benefits substantially similar to those provided to

him and his dependents immediately prior to the CEO Separation Date for a period of 24 months following the

CEO Separation Date (Post-Separation Health Benefits).

Ms. Knight:

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60 Executive Compensation

In connection with her appointment as Executive Vice President, COO and Interim Group President, Medical

Products & Therapies, effective as of the CEO Transition Date, Ms. Knight’s (i) annual target bonus under the

MICP increased to 110% and (ii) a nnual target LTI award under the LTI plan i ncreased to $5,000,000.

Additional Compensation Governance

Risk Assessment of Compensation Policies and Practices

With the assistance of the CHC Committee’s independent compensation consultant, the CHC Committee

reviewed Baxter’s material compensation policies and practices and concluded that these policies and practices

do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the company. The key features

of the executive compensation program as well as incentive and commission arrangements below the executive

level that support this conclusion include:

• appropriate pay philosophy, peer group and market positioning;

• effective balance in cash and equity mix, short- and long-term focus, corporate, business unit and

individual performance focus and financial and non-financial performance measurement and discretion;

and

• meaningful policies that mitigate risk, such as the stock ownership guidelines and recoupment policies

discussed below.

Stock Ownership Guidelines for Executive Officers

In order to align their long-term economic interests with those of stockholders, executive officers are required to

own a certain amount of Baxter stock within five years of becoming an executive officer.

Stock Ownership Requirements by Role :

Role	Stock Ownership Guideline Minimum (Multiple of Base Pay)
CEO	6x
All Other NEOs Still In Role	4x

Below summarizes the types of equity that are included and excluded from the stock ownership guideline

requirement:

Equity Type	Included
Unexercised Stock Options (Vested or Unvested)	X
Shares retained from a stock option exercise	X
RSUs (Vested or Unvested or DEUs)	X
PSUs (Vested and Certified)	X
PSUs (Unvested)	X
Shares purchased through the Employee Stock Purchase Program	X
Shares purchased on the open market	X

As of December 31, 2024, Mr. Almeida had met his stock ownership requirements and Messrs. Grade, Sonig,

and Toth and Ms. Knight, while not yet subject to this ownership requirement as they have been executive

officers with the company for less than five years, were, using reasonable assumptions, on track to achieve his or

her stock ownership objective within the prescribed time frame.

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This requirement, like the Mandatory Clawback Policy and Compensation Recoupment Policy discussed below,

helps to align the interests of the executive officers with those of the company’s stockholders and help ensure

appropriate levels of risk-taking by executive officers.

Prohibitions on Trading; No-Hedging

Baxter has adopted a Securities Trading Policy governing the purchase, sale and/or other disposition of the

company’s securities by, among others, its directors, officers and employees, as well as by the company itself,

that is reasonably designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules and regulations and NYSE

listing standards. Pursuant to Baxter’s Securities Trading Policy, all company employees (regardless of role or

title), directors, consultants, contract workers, temporary staff worldwide, and, in certain instances, former

directors and employees, together with their family members, are prohibited from directly or indirectly

participating in certain trading activities with respect to company securities that by their nature are aggressive or

speculative or may give rise to an appearance of impropriety. Such prohibited activities include:

• Same-day or short-term trading ( i.e., “day trading”) of company stock.

• Selling company stock that the seller does not own or a sale that is completed by delivery of borrowed

company stock ( i.e., a “short sale”).

• Purchasing or holding company securities on margin.

• Pledging company securities as collateral for a loan.

• Entering into any derivative (including purchasing, selling or writing put or call options, forward

contracts, “equity” or “performance” swaps or any similar agreements denominated in company

securities) or similar transactions with respect to company securities.

Prior to effecting most transactions in company securities, certain executive officers, directors and other company

employees who are routinely exposed to information that would necessarily be considered material (such as

certain financial information or important press releases) before it is released to the public must first obtain pre-

clearance of the transaction from the Corporate Secretary or General Counsel. A copy of the Securities Trading

Policy is filed as Exhibit 19 to the 2024 Form 10-K.

R ecoupment Policies; Non-Competition Agreement Clawback

Baxter has a Mandatory Clawback Policy, applicable to executive officers, and a Compensation Recoupment

Policy, applicable to all employees, including executive officers (together, the Recoupment Policies). The

Mandatory Clawback Policy is consistent with the SEC’s adoption of rules to implement Section 954 of the Dodd-

Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and corresponding NYSE listing standards and

provides for the recoupment of erroneously awarded incentive-based compensation received by current and

former executive officers (as defined in Rule 10D-1 of the Exchange Act), including the NEOs, during the three

completed fiscal years immediately preceding the date that Baxter is required to prepare an accounting

restatement. The Compensation Recoupment Policy applies to all payments under Baxter’s incentive plans as

well as all LTI grants (including without limitation all time-based incentive awards) to any person, including

executives (including all NEOs). Under the Compensation Recoupment Policy, following any restatement of the

company’s financial results or where a participant violates a restrictive covenant contained in any agreement, the

Board (with respect to executives (including all NEOs)) or the CEO (with respect to all other persons) will review

the facts and circumstances related to the violation and take any actions it deems appropriate under the

Compensation Recoupment Policy, including recovery, reduction or forfeiture of all or part of any annual incentive

or any previously awarded LTI grant (or to be awarded LTI grant), disciplinary actions and the pursuit of any other

remedies. The company made no such recoupments under the Recoupment Policies in 2024.

Additionally, all LTI participants, including the NEOs, are required to execute updated non-competition, non-

solicitation and confidentiality agreements (the Non-Competition Agreement). All LTI participants who execute a

Non-Competition Agreement, including the NEOs, are subject to a clawback provision in the event a participant

violates the terms of the Non-Competition Agreement following a termination of employment for any reason. In

the event of any such violation, all unvested LTI grants (including grants that would otherwise have vested if the

participant were retirement eligible) are immediately forfeited. Additionally, in that case, all LTI grants that vested

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62 Executive Compensation

or became exercisable within the 12 months prior to the termination date that have not otherwise been sold or

exercised are cancelled and the shares are returned to the company and any gain from the sale or exercise of

any LTI grant that vested within 12 months prior to the termination date is subject to repayment.

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Executive Compensation 63

Executive Compensation Tables

2024 Summary Compensation Table

The following table shows compensation provided to the NEOs for the years indicated below.

Name and Principal Position	Year	Salary ($) 1	Bonus ($) 2	Stock Awards ($) 3	Option Awards ($) 4	Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) 5	All Other Compensation ($) 6	Total
José E. Almeida	2024	1,300,000	—	14,319,107	—	2,016,300	435,608	18,071,015
Former Chair of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer	2023	1,300,000	—	7,527,469	2,635,170	2,187,900	136,132	13,786,671
	2022	1,300,000	—	8,730,301	2,760,487	675,675	121,773	13,588,236
Joel Grade	2024	810,000	500,000	4,295,702	—	839,608	62,238	6,507,548
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer	2023	164,384	—	3,636,661	902,897	167,671	4,608	4,876,222
Heather Knight	2024	883,333	—	4,607,152	—	1,039,500	66,505	6,596,490
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Interim Group President, Medical Products & Therapies	2023	791,507	—	2,395,122	838,466	771,091	64,057	4,860,243
Alok Sonig	2024	787,500	—	3,583,345	—	904,000	70,961	5,345,806
Executive Vice President and Group President, Pharmaceuticals	2023	725,000	—	1,710,802	598,904	794,568	36,759	3,866,033
Christopher Toth	2024	1,000,000	—	5,119,077	—	1,387,500	78,224	7,584,801
Former Executive Vice President and Group President, Kidney Care	2023	586,301	3,200,000	4,385,140	—	730,238	738,636	9,640,315

1. Amounts shown in this column represent base salary actually earned in the applicable year. For additional information

regarding each NEO’s salary for 2024, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Executive Compensation

—Base Salary—2024 Actions.”

1. The amount shown for 2024 represents a $500,000 cash sign-on bonus for Mr. Grade, in connection with his hiring to (i)

compensate for equity awards from his former employer that were scheduled to vest in the near term and (ii) increased costs

associated with traveling to his work location in Deerfield, Illinois . The amount shown for 2023 for Mr. Toth represents a

$3,200,000 cash sign-on bonus in connection with his hiring, to compensate Mr. Toth for (i) a portion of equity awards from

his former employer that were scheduled to vest in the near term, as well as (ii) loss of bonus with his former employer, and

(iii) increased costs due to his work location in Deerfield, Illinois prior to his permanent relocation .

1. Amounts shown for 2024 represent the grant date fair value of TSR PSUs granted in 2024 (to Messrs. Almeida and Grade

only) and the grant date fair value of RSUs granted in 2024 (to all NEOs). Amounts shown for 2023 represent the grant date

fair value of TSR PSUs, Adjusted ROIC PSUs and Adjusted Net Sales CAGR PSUs granted in 2023, and the grant date fair

value of RSUs granted in 2023. Amounts shown for 2022 represent the grant date fair value of TSR PSUs, Adjusted ROIC

PSUs and Adjusted Net Sales CAGR PSUs granted in 2022, and the grant date fair value of RSUs granted in 2022. PSU

awards reflect the grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Refer to Note 9 to the

Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2024 Form 10-K for a discussion of how grant date fair value of PSU

awards were calculated. DEUs accrue on the unvested PSUs included in this table but are paid only if the underlying awards

vest. The grant date fair value for the maximum performance of the PSUs granted in 2024 is as follows: $8,176,223 for Mr.

Almeida, and $2,452,850 for Mr. Grade . For further information on these awards, see the “—2024 Grants of Plan-Based

Awards” table.

1. Amounts shown in this column represent the value of Baxter stock options based on the grant date fair value computed in

accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For more information on how these amounts are calculated, please see Note 9 to the

Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2023 Form 10-K . For further information on these awards, see the “—

2024 Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table.

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64 Executive Compensation

1. Amounts shown in this column represent annual incentives paid for performance in the applicable year. The methodology

applied in determining the annual incentive amounts earned by the NEOs is discussed under “Compensation Discussion and

Analysis—Elements of Executive Compensation—Annual Incentive Plan.”

1. Amounts shown in this column represent (i) the dollar value of term life insurance premiums paid by the company on behalf

of M essrs. Almeida, Grade, Sonig and Toth, and Ms. Knig ht; (ii) the cost related to executive physicals for Messrs. Toth and

Sonig and Ms. Knight (iii) contributions made by the company to the 401(k) Plan for Messrs. Almeida, Grade, Sonig and Toth

and Ms. Knight; and (iv) contributions made by the company to the Deferred Compensation Plan for Messrs. Almeida,

Grade, Sonig and Toth, and Ms. Knight. Deferred Compensation Plan and 401(k) Plan contributions on behalf of Messrs.

Almeida, Grade, Sonig and Toth and Ms. Knight include an additional employer contribution equal to 3% of eligible

compensation as a result of their ineligibility to participate in, or accumulate additional benefits under, the company’s pension

and supplemental pension plans. This additional employer contribution is made to all eligible U.S. employees and

attributable to 2024 but was credited to accounts in February 2025. Mr. Toth also received $3,148 in relocation benefits (and

$2,503 in additional related gross up benefits) in 2024 related to the sale of his home and relocation to Kidney Care's current

headquarters in Deerfield, Illinois in preparation for the proposed separation of the Kidney Care business segment. Mr.

Almeida received $315,839 in value related to use of company aircraft under his personal 50-hour allotment, as described in

the Almeida Offer Letter. The amount shown reflects actual expenses incurred during the personal 50-hour allotment,

including the cost of fuel, crew travel expenses, security, parking, facility, concessions and after-hours fees.

The following table quantifies the amounts paid to each NEO in 2024 for the components discussed above that exceed the

greater of $25,000 or 10% of the total amount of perquisites and personal benefits for that NEO:

	Personal Aircraft Usage Allowance ($)	Deferred Compensation Contributions ($)
Mr. Almeida	315,839	94,287
Mr. Grade	—	42,103
Ms. Knight	—	35,736
Mr. Sonig	—	37,054
Mr. Toth	—	41,557

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2024 Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table summarizes grants of plan-based awards to NEOs in 2024.

Name	Grant Date	CHC Committee Approval Date — Threshold ($)	Target ($)	Maximum ($)	Estimated Future Payments Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards — Threshold (#)	Target (#)	Maximum (#)	Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards ($)
Mr. Almeida
Annual Incentive 2		0	2,145,000	5,362,500
RSU Grant	3/6/2024	2/12/2024					142,891	6,142,884
2024 PSU Grant 3	3/6/2024	2/12/2024			71,446	142,891	285,782	8,176,223
Mr. Grade
Annual Incentive 2		0	812,000	2,030,000
RSU Grant	3/6/2024	2/12/2024					42,867	1,842,852
2024 PSU Grant 3	3/6/2024	2/12/2024			21,434	42,867	85,734	2,452,850
Ms. Knight
Annual Incentive 2		0	945,000	2,362,500
RSU Grant	3/6/2024	2/12/2024					107,168	4,607,152
Mr. Sonig
Annual Incentive 2		0	800,000	2,000,000
RSU Grant	3/6/2024	2/12/2024					83,353	3,583,345
Mr. Toth
Annual Incentive 2		0	1,250,000	3,125,000
RSU Grant	3/6/2024	2/12/2024					119,076	5,119,077

1. RSUs are scheduled to vest ratably (33-1/3% per year) over the three-year vesting period beginning on the grant date.

2. The amounts shown represent award opportunities under Baxter’s 2024 annual incentive plan at threshold, target and

maximum payouts incorporating both financial and individual performance. The threshold, target and maximum incentive

opportunity for financial performance is 50% of target, 100% of target and 200% of target, respectively. The financial

performance is multiplied by a NEO’s individual performance assessment, which ranges between 0%—125% and is based

as an initial matter on the company’s performance versus key 2024 strategic priorities, including various corporate

responsibility matters as discussed in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Executive Compensation—

Annual Incentive Plan—Determination of 2024 Annual Incentive Plan Payouts—Individual Performance". The actual annual

incentive paid to each NEO for 2024 performance is reported in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column in the

Summary Compensation Table.

1. PSUs granted to Messrs. Almeida and Grade in 2024 will be paid out in shares of Baxter common stock based on

performance against relative TSR during the three-year performance period ending on December 31, 2026. For more

information on how these payouts are determined, please see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of

Executive Compensation— Long-Term Incentive Plan—2024 Annual LTI Grants—LTI Grant Structure—2024 Annual PSU

Grants” .

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66 Executive Compensation

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2024 Fiscal Year-End

The following table summarizes equity awards outstanding for the NEOs as of December 31, 2024 .

Name	Option Awards — Grant Date	Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable (#)	Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable (#) 1	Option Exercise Price ($)	Option Expiration Date	Stock Awards — Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) 2	Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) 2	Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) 3,4,5	Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($) 3,4,5
Mr. Almeida	10/28/2015	720,000		37.25	10/28/2025
	3/2/2017	534,759		50.77	3/2/2027
	3/1/2018	373,435		66.31	3/1/2028
	2/28/2019	342,933		74.73	2/28/2029
	3/20/2020	381,437		75.75	3/20/2030
	3/3/2021	348,483		77.15	3/3/2031
	3/2/2022	101,064	50,532	85.23	3/2/2032
	3/1/2023	93,815	187,630	39.06	3/1/2033
	3/2/2022					11,659	339,988
	3/1/2023					47,331	1,380,182
	3/6/2024 6					139,310	4,062,279
	3/2/2022							—	—
	3/1/2023							141,995	4,140,578
	3/6/2024							72,638	2,118,138
Mr. Grade	12/1/2023	34,091	68,182	36.55	12/1/2033
	12/1/2023					19,239	561,022
	12/1/2023					17,315	504,917
	3/6/2024					43,583	1,270,874
	12/1/2023							51,945	1,514,721
	3/6/2024							21,791	635,437
Ms. Knight	2/28/2019	18,861		74.73	2/28/2029
	3/1/2019	20,000		75.84	3/1/2029
	3/20/2020	20,979		75.75	3/20/2030
	3/3/2021	21,780		77.15	3/3/2031
	3/2/2022	16,538	8,269	85.23	3/2/2032

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Executive Compensation 67

Name	Option Awards — Grant Date	Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable (#)	Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable (#) 1	Option Exercise Price ($)	Option Expiration Date	Stock Awards — Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) 2	Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) 2	Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) 3,4,5	Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($) 3,4,5
	3/1/2023	29,850	59,701	39.06	3/1/2033
	3/2/2022					3,817	111,292
	3/1/2023					15,060	439,160
	3/6/2024					108,957	3,177,200
	3/2/2022							—	—
	3/1/2023							45,180	1,317,450
Mr. Sonig	9/1/2022	17,069	8,535	56.76	9/1/2032
	3/1/2023	21,321	42,644	39.06	3/1/2033
	9/1/2022					6,250	182,256
	3/1/2023					10,758	313,694
	3/6/2024					84,745	2,471,159
	3/1/2023							32,272	941,053
Mr. Toth 7	6/1/2023					74,158	2,162,436
	3/6/2024					121,064	3,530,235

1. The chart below represents stock options scheduled to vest as follows (as of December 31, 2024).

Name	March 2025	September 2025	December 2025	March 2026	December 2026	Totals
Mr. Almeida	144,347	—	—	93,815	—	238,162
Mr. Grade	—	—	34,091	—	34,091	68,182
Ms. Knight	38,119	—	—	29,851	—	67,970
Mr. Sonig	21,322	8,535	—	21,322	—	51,179
Mr. Toth	—	—	—	—	—	—

1. T he amounts in this column represent unvested RSU awards. Amounts shown in this column also include DEUs accrued on

the unvested RSUs. The market value is based on the closing price of Baxter common stock on December 31, 2024

($29.16). These RSUs were scheduled to vest as follows as of December 31, 2024 and excluding DEUs accrued on the

unvested RSUs.

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68 Executive Compensation

Name	March 2025	June 2025	September 2025	December 2025	March 2026	June 2026	December 2026	March 2027	Totals
Mr. Almeida	75,191	—	—	—	70,258	—	—	47,631	193,080
Mr. Grade	14,289	—	—	17,725	14,289	—	17,727	14,289	78,319
Ms. Knight	46,490	—	—	—	42,923	—	—	35,723	125,136
Mr. Sonig	32,927	—	5,869	—	32,927	—	—	27,785	99,508
Mr. Toth	39,692	35,453	—	—	39,692	35,453	—	39,692	189,982

1. For the grants made on March 2, 2022, amounts represent the actual numbe r and value of shares of common stock that an

NEO would have received under the 2022 PSU grant based on performance of relative TSR, Adjusted ROIC and Adjusted

Net Sales and related DEUs, as of December 31, 2024. The final payout under the 2022 PSUs was 0% of target, which is

reflected in the number above following CHC Committee certification in February 2025. The market value of the PSUs

included in these columns is based on the closing price of Baxter common stock on December 31, 2024 ($29.16).

1. For the grants made on March 1, 2023, amounts represent the target number and value of shares of common stock that an

NEO would receive under the 2023 PSU grant based on performance of relative TSR, Adjusted ROIC and Adjusted Net

Sales and related DEUs as of December 31, 2024. The 2023 PSUs are scheduled to vest following CHC Committee

certification after the end of the three-year performance period (December 31, 2025) in early 2026. The market value of the

PSUs included in these columns is based on the closing price of Baxter common stock on December 31, 2024 ($29.16).

1. For the grants made on March 6, 2024 to Messrs. Almeida and Grade, amounts represent the threshold number and value of

shares of common stock and related DEUs that an NEO would receive under the 2024 PSU grant based on performance of

relative TSR as of December 31, 2024. The 2024 PSUs are scheduled to vest following CHC Committee certification after

the end of the three-year performance period (December 31, 2026) in early 2027. The market value of the PSUs included in

these columns is based on the closing price of Baxter common stock on December 31, 2024 ($29.16).

1. Because Mr. Almeida qualified for the company's equity retirement provisions, accelerated Federal Insurance Contributions

Act taxes were due on his RSU grants in the year of grant. For his 2024 RSU grant, Mr. Almeida chose to satisfy this

obligation by having RSUs withheld. As a result, as of December 31, 2024, his RSUs that have not vested are less than the

number of RSUs granted in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table.

1. As specified in his offer letter, the remaining unvested RSUs from Mr. Toth's June 1, 2023 RSU grant had their vesting

accelerated to December 31, 2024. See “ Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Executive Compensation—

Employment Arrangements, Executive Severance Plan and Change in Control Agreements ” for additional information

regarding Mr. Toth’s onboarding RSU equity grant. The amounts set forth for Mr. Toth do not reflect the impact of the Kidney

Care sale on January 31, 2025, at which time his unvested RSUs were partially accelerated and partially converted into

replacement Carlyle awards in accordance with the terms of the related equity purchase agreement.

2024 Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table sets forth stock options exercised and RSUs and PSUs that vested in 2024 for the NEOs.

Name	Option Awards — Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#)	Value Realized on Exercise ($)	Stock Awards — Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#)	Value Realized on Vesting ($) 1
Mr. Almeida	—	—	67,400	2,758,031
Mr. Grade	—	—	18,276	613,173
Ms. Knight	—	—	26,522	991,948
Mr. Sonig	—	—	11,456	450,213
Mr. Toth	—	—	36,469	1,242,857

1. Amounts represent the market value of Baxter RSU and PSUs (and related DEUs), as applicable, on the date of vesting as

determined by the closing price of Baxter's common stock on the vesting date.

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Executive Compensation 69

2024 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan

Name	Executive Contributions in 2024 ($) 1	Registrant Contributions in 2024 ($) 2	Aggregate Earnings in 2024 ($) 3	Aggregate Balance at December 31, 2024 ($) 4, 5
Mr. Almeida	$ —	$ 94,287	$ 131,044	$ 1,063,806
Mr. Grade	$ 39,095	$ 42,103	$ 4,589	$ 67,989
Ms. Knight	$ 115,664	$ 35,736	$ 103,765	$ 838,333
Mr. Sonig	$ —	$ 37,054	$ 326	$ 15,103
Mr. Toth	$ —	$ 41,557	$ 153	$ 7,214

1. Amounts in this column are included in either the “Salary” or “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the

Summary Compensation Table.

1. Amounts in this column are included in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table and

include company non-matching contributions attributable to 2024 and credited to accounts in February 2025.

1. Amounts in this column are not included in the Summary Compensation Table as the Deferred Compensation Plan provides

participants with a subset of investment elections available to all eligible employees under the 401(k) Plan.

1. Amounts in this column exclude company non-matching contributions attributable to 2024 but not credited to participant

accounts as of December 31, 2024.

1. The aggregate balance includes amounts previously reported as compensation for the NEOs in the Summary Compensation

Table for prior years, which are as follows:

Name	Amount Previously Reported ($)
Mr. Almeida	706,625
Mr. Grade	—
Ms. Knight	160,132
Mr. Sonig	13,015
Mr. Toth	7,062

A participant in the Deferred Compensation Plan may elect to defer a portion of his or her eligible compensation

(up to 50% of base salary and up to 100% of eligible annual incentive) during the calendar year as long as the

participant makes such election prior to the beginning of the calendar year. For NEOs, eligible compensation

under the Deferred Compensation Plan includes base salary and any annual incentive. Participants in the

Deferred Compensation Plan may select from a subset of investment elections available to all eligible employees

under the 401(k) Plan, which are described in greater detail below. Amounts in a participant’s account are

adjusted upward or downward to reflect the investment return that would have been realized had such amounts

been invested in the investments selected by the participant. Participants may elect to change their investment

elections daily. Baxter is also required to match contributions to the Deferred Compensation Plan up to 4% of a

participant’s eligible compensation in the same manner as under the 401(k) Plan. Any participant who either was

hired after December 31, 2006, or elected not to continue to accrue benefits in the pension plan, receives a

company contribution equal to 3% of his or her eligible compensation in excess of the compensation that is

recognized in the 401(k) Plan, regardless of whether the participant is otherwise eligible to elect to defer a portion

of his or her compensation. Deferrals under the plan are not recognized in calculating benefit pay under Baxter’s

welfare benefit plans and result in lower compensation recognized for company matching under the 401(k) Plan .

Participants may elect to be paid distributions either in a lump sum payment or in annual installment payments

over two to 15 years. Distributions will be paid in the first quarter of the plan year following such participant’s

termination of employment unless such participant is a “specified employee” as defined in Section 409A of the

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70 Executive Compensation

Code. No distributions will be paid in connection with the termination of a specified employee until at least six

months following such termination and any amounts that would have otherwise been paid during such six-month

period shall be accumulated and paid in a lump sum, without interest, at the expiration of such period.

The table below lists the available investment options under the Deferred Compensation Plan and their annual

return as of December 31, 2024.

Name of Fund	Annual Rate of Return as of December 31, 2024
Stable Income Fund	2.53 %
S&P 500 Equity Index Fund	25.01 %
International EAFE Fund	3.89 %
Extended Equity Market Index Fund	16.85 %

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Following a Change in Control

The narrative and tables below describe the potential payments to each NEO upon certain terminations,

including following a CIC event. All information described in this section is presented as if the triggering events

took place on December 31, 2024 (other than with respect to Messrs. Almeida and Toth who no longer serve as

executive officers of the company).

Mr. Almeida’s Amended Offer Letter

In July 2023, Mr. Almeida entered into the Almeida Offer Letter (as described above in “Compensation

Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Executive Compensation—Employment Arrangements, Executive

Severance Plan and Change in Control Agreements”). The Almeida Offer Letter provided for Mr. Almeida’s

annual base salary, target annual incentive and target LTI opportunity, which amounts were subject to adjustment

by the independent members of the Board in accordance with the terms of the Almeida Offer Letter. He was

eligible to receive benefits to the same extent and on the same terms as those benefits provided to other senior

executives of the company, such as health, disability, insurance and retirement benefits.

The Almeida Offer Letter provided Mr. Almeida with the right to receive cash severance equal to two times base

salary and target annual incentive in the event of an involuntary termination without cause or termination with

good reason. Good reason means a voluntary termination within 180 days of the occurrence of any of the

following events (provided notification is given to the company within 90 days and the company fails to cure the

related event within 30 days): assignment of any duties inconsistent with the executive status as a senior

executive officer of the company; material reduction in annual base salary; material change in the location of the

executive’s principal place of employment greater than 50 miles; failure to pay any portion of current

compensation or nonqualified deferred compensation; or any material breach of the Almeida Offer Letter.

In addition, beginning with Mr. Almeida’s 2020 annual LTI grant and for all subsequent annual LTI grants, Mr.

Almeida was eligible to receive retirement treatment when he attained 60 years of age (as opposed to 65 years

of age), which benefit provides for continued vesting of his stock option, RSU and PSU grants and a longer

period of time to exercise his outstanding stock options.

Prior to the CEO Transition Date, Mr. Almeida, like the other NEOs, was eligible for certain payments in the event

of his termination for good reason or involuntary termination without cause following a CIC, which is described in

greater detail below.

On February 1, 2025, the company and Mr. Almeida entered into a letter agreement (the Almeida Letter

Agreement), pursuant to which his service as Chair of the Board, President and CEO ceased as of the CEO

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Executive Compensation 71

Transition Date and on the CEO Transition Date, he transitioned into the role of Special Advisor and will continue

employment in this role through the CEO Separation Date.

In accordance with the terms of the Almeida Letter Agreement, Mr. Almeida’s outstanding equity awards will

continue to vest in accordance with their terms through the CEO Separation Date, and, subject to his compliance

with certain release requirements, he will receive a lump-sum separation payment equal to $6,890,000, payable

no later than 60 days following the CEO Separation Date. This amount is equivalent to what Mr. Almeida would

have received had he been terminated without “Cause” under the provisions of the Almeida Offer Letter.

Mr. Toth’s Offer Letter

In connection with his hiring, Mr. Toth entered into an offer letter on April 22, 2023. On December 31, 2024, in

accordance with the terms of his offer letter, Mr. Toth's onboarding RSU grant accelerated and his obligation to

repay any portion of his sign-on cash bonus was terminated as the Kidney Care separation had not been

completed as of that date. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Executive Compensation

—Employment Arrangements, Executive Severance Plan and Change in Control Agreements” for additional

information.

Executive Severance Plan

The company maintains an Executive Severance Plan, which covers all U.S.-based executives, presidents and

vice presidents, including Messrs. Grade and Sonig and Ms. Knight. Mr. Toth was covered by the Executive

Severance Plan prior to the completion of the sale of the Kidney Care business on January 31, 2025. Mr.

Almeida was not a participant in the Executive Severance Plan as he was entitled to receive related benefits

under the Almeida Offer Letter.

The Executive Severance Plan provides for various severance payments upon an involuntary termination for any

reason other than due to death, disability, or for cause. Cause means the willful and continued failure to

substantially perform the executive’s duties that has not been cured within 30 days or the willful engaging by the

executive in conduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the company or its subsidiaries, monetarily

or otherwise. Upon a qualifying involuntary termination, Messrs. Grade and Sonig and Ms. Knight would be

entitled to the following:

• a cash payment generally equal to 1.5x the aggregate amount of the executive’s annual base salary

and target annual incentive for the year in which termination occurs;

• if the executive terminates February 1 st or later, a prorated annual incentive determined using the

number of days worked in the calendar year based on actual company performance and target

individual performance;

• a lump-sum cash payment equivalent to 18 months of employer benefits costs (if enrolled at the time of

termination); and

• outplacement expense reimbursement in an amount not to exceed $35,000.

All benefits under the Executive Severance Plan are reduced by any amount paid or provided to an executive

under any other applicable plan or arrangement providing for a payment upon a termination of employment,

including but not limited to, statutory severance or other termination pay arrangements, any CIC payments, or

payments associated with individual employment or retention agreements, but not including payments associated

with any LTI grants.

Additionally, if within 12 months of an executive’s termination of employment: (i) the executive violates any

obligations under an employment agreement, restrictive covenant or similar agreement; or (ii) it is determined

that the executive could have been terminated for cause, then the executive will be required to repay all amounts

received and future payments will cease. All payments and other benefits under the Executive Severance Plan

are subject to the timely execution of a general release of claims in favor of the company and the expiration of

the period of revocation for such release.

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72 Executive Compensation

LTI Grants

Outstanding LTI grants to the NEOs are governed by the terms and conditions and applicable plan, which are the

Baxter International Inc. 2011 Incentive Plan, the Baxter International Inc. 2015 Incentive Plan and the Baxter

International Inc. Amended and Restated 2021 Incentive Plan. The table below outlines the vesting treatment of

LTI grants upon various scenarios under each plan.

Scenario	Vesting Treatment	Definitions
Death or Disability	Stock Options All unvested stock options vest upon death or Disability with a participant having the lesser of five years from the death or Disability date, or 10 years from the grant date to exercise. RSUs All unvested RSUs vest upon death or Disability. PSUs All unvested PSUs vest upon death or Disability based on target company performance.	Disability means (i) as defined in any employment, consulting or similar agreement; or (ii) in the absence of any such employment, consulting or similar agreement, a condition entitling the participant to receive benefits under a long-term disability plan of the company in which such participant is eligible to participate, or, in the absence of such a plan, the complete and permanent inability of the participant by reason of illness or accident to perform the duties of the occupation at which the participant was employed or served when such disability commenced.
Voluntary or Involuntary Termination	Stock Options All unvested stock options forfeit upon a voluntary or involuntary termination with a participant having the lesser of 90 days or 10 years from the grant date to exercise. However, if a participant is “retirement eligible,” then all stock options granted in years prior to the year of termination vest on their original vesting dates and stock options granted in the year of termination are prorated based on the number of months worked in the year of termination and vest on their original vesting dates. Retirement eligible participants have the lesser of five years from the termination date or 10 years from the grant date to exercise. RSUs All unvested RSUs forfeit upon a voluntary or involuntary termination. However, if a participant is “retirement eligible,” then all RSUs granted in years prior to the year of termination vest on their original vesting dates and RSUs granted in the year of termination are prorated based on the number of months worked in the year of termination and vest on their original vesting dates.	To qualify as retirement eligible , a participant must terminate employment (for any reason other than disability, death or for cause) at a time when the participant is 55 years of age or older with at least 10 years of continuous service, or 65 years of age with no consideration for service. As of December 31, 2024, Mr. Almeida was the only NEO who was retirement eligible based on the terms of the Almeida Offer Letter.

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Scenario	Vesting Treatment	Definitions
	PSUs All unvested PSUs forfeit upon a voluntary or involuntary termination. However, if a participant is “retirement eligible,” then all PSUs granted in years prior to the year of termination vest upon certification of the performance results and PSUs granted in the year of termination are prorated based on the number of months worked in the year of termination and vest upon certification of the performance results. In all cases, PSUs are subject to actual company performance for the full performance period.
Qualifying Termination Following a CIC	Stock Options All unvested stock options immediately vest upon a “qualifying termination” within 24 months following a CIC (unless the stock options are not assumed in the transaction). RSUs All unvested RSUs immediately vest upon a “qualifying termination” within 24 months following a CIC (unless RSUs are not assumed by the acquirer in the transaction, in which case they will vest on the closing of the transaction). PSUs All unvested PSUs immediately vest upon a “qualifying termination” within 24 months following a CIC (unless PSUs are not assumed by the acquirer in the transaction, in which case they will vest on the closing of the transaction). The PSUs vest assuming target company performance.	A qualifying termination includes an involuntary termination of employment for any reason other than death, disability or cause or termination for good reason (as defined in the CIC Agreement). CIC or change in control is defined as (i) the acquisition by any person of more than 30% of company common stock; (ii) individuals who, on the grant date, constitute the Board cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board unless the appointment is approved by 2/3 of the Board; (iii) a merger or consolidation of the company; or (iv) the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all company assets.

As described above under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Additional Compensation Governance—

Recoupment Policies; Non-Competition Agreement Clawback”, all LTI participants, including the NEOs, are

required to execute a Non-Competition Agreement. All LTI participants who execute a Non-Competition

Agreement, including the NEOs, are subject to a clawback provision in the event a participant violates the terms

of the Non-Competition Agreement following a termination of employment for any reason. In the event of any

such violation, all unvested LTI grants (including grants that would otherwise have vested if the participant were

retirement eligible) are immediately forfeited. Additionally, in that case, all LTI grants that vested or became

exercisable within the 12 months prior to the termination date that have not otherwise been sold or exercised are

cancelled and the shares are returned to the company and any gain from the sale or exercise of any LTI grant

that vested within 12 months prior to the termination date is subject to repayment.

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74 Executive Compensation

Change in Control Agreements

In July 2020, the company amended its form of CIC agreement (CIC Agreement) on a go forward basis to

provide reduced CIC benefits with respect to lump sum cash payments, the term of continued health and welfare

coverage and the value of outplacement services that may be delivered consistent with the CHC Committee’s

evaluation of evolving market trends. The CIC Agreement provides for certain payments (as described below) in

the event Baxter undergoes a CIC and the NEO is terminated by the company (other than for cause or as a

result of death or Disability (as defined in the CIC Agreement)) or t he NEO terminates employment for good

reason during the term (which generally lasts two years and automatically extends each year unless applicable

notice is provided). Good reason means a voluntary termination within 180 days of the occurrence of any of the

following events (provided notification is given to the company within 90 days and the company fails to cure the

related event within 30 days): assignment of any duties inconsistent with the executive status as a senior

executive officer of the company; material reduction in annual base salary; material change in the location of the

executive’s principal place of employment greater than 50 miles; failure to pay any portion of current

compensation or nonqualified deferred compensation; or any material breach of the CIC Agreement.

In September 2020, Mr. Almeida entered into an amended CIC Agreement, which was subsequently terminated

effective as of the CEO Transition Date. Mr. Grade entered into this amended form of agreement in connection

with his hiring and Ms. Knight and Mr. Sonig entered into this amended form of agreement in connection with

their officer appointments. Mr. Toth entered into a modified version of this form of agreement in connection with

his hiring, consistent with the terms of certain restrictive covenants contained in his prior employment agreement.

Mr. Toth's agreement was terminated in connection with the sale of the Kidney Care business on January 31,

2025.

Upon a qualifying involuntary termination following a CIC, as of December 31, 2024, the NEOs would have been

entitled to the following:

NEO	Lump Sum Cash Payment Equal to:	Prorated Annual Incentive for the Year of Termination:	Continued Health and Welfare Benefit Coverage Equal to:	Outplacement Services Not to Exceed:
Mr. Almeida	2x annual salary and target annual incentive	Eligible	Two years	$50,000
Mr. Grade	1.5x annual salary and target annual incentive		Eighteen months	$35,000
Ms. Knight
Mr. Sonig
Mr. Toth

Additionally, the CIC Agreement provides that payments may be reduced to avoid excise taxes imposed under

Section 280G and Section 4999 of the Code if the after-tax benefit to the NEO would be greater than outright

paying the excise taxes. In all cases, no CIC Agreement provides any NEO with a gross-up payment to cover

potential excise taxes that may be payable in connection with a CIC .

In consideration for the benefits provided under the CIC Agreement, each NEO, other than Messrs. Almeida and

Toth, has agreed to be bound to non-competition and non-solicitation covenants as well as a perpetual non-

disparagement covenant for 18 months from the date of a qualifying termination. Each NEO would be required to

execute a customary release of claims in favor of the company in connection with any such termination.

The following chart illustrates payments and benefits the NEOs (other than Mr. Toth) would have received upon

the occurrence of various separation scenarios, including a qualifying termination within two years following a

CIC, an involuntary termination without cause and death or disability, in each case, assuming such event

occurred as of December 31, 2024. In the event that an NEO is involuntarily terminated with cause or voluntarily

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Executive Compensation 75

terminates for good reason (except for Mr. Almeida and other than in connection with a CIC), the executive would

not be entitled to receive any severance payments or LTI vesting. Under the Almeida Offer Letter, Mr. Almeida

was entitled to receive certain severance payments in the event of his termination without cause or for good

reason outside of a CIC. No incremental severance payments or LTI vesting occurs (unless a participant is

retirement eligible) following a voluntary resignation for all NEOs.

	Qualifying Termination Following a CIC ($)	Involuntary Termination without Cause ($)	Death or Disability ($)
Mr. Almeida
Severance Payments 1	6,890,000	6,890,000	—
Prorated Annual Incentive Payments 2	2,145,000	2,016,300	2,016,300
Health & Welfare Benefits Coverage	49,000	49,000	—
Accelerated Vesting of Equity Awards 3	16,367,200	—	16,367,200
Outplacement Expenses	50,000	—	—
Total	25,501,200	8,955,300	18,383,500
Mr. Grade
Severance Payments 1	2,436,000	2,436,000	—
Prorated Annual Incentive Payments 2	812,000	763,280	763,280
Health & Welfare Benefits Coverage	35,000	34,000	—
Accelerated Vesting of Equity Awards 3	5,122,407	—	5,122,407
Outplacement Expenses	35,000	35,000	—
Total	8,440,407	3,268,280	5,885,686
Ms. Knight
Severance Payments 1	2,767,500	2,767,500	—
Prorated Annual Incentive Payments 2	945,000	945,000	945,000
Health & Welfare Benefits Coverage	30,000	29,000	—
Accelerated Vesting of Equity Awards 3	5,212,007	—	5,212,007
Outplacement Expenses	35,000	35,000	—
Total	8,989,506	3,776,500	6,157,006
Mr. Sonig
Severance Payments 1	2,400,000	2,400,000	—
Prorated Annual Incentive Payments 2	800,000	904,000	904,000
Health & Welfare Benefits Coverage	35,000	34,000	—
Accelerated Vesting of Equity Awards 3	3,908,162	—	3,908,162
Outplacement Expenses	35,000	35,000	—
Total	7,178,163	3,373,000	4,812,162

1. Upon a qualifying termination following a CIC, severance payments reflect two times the sum of the NEO’s base salary plus

target annual incentive for Mr. Almeida and one and a half times the sum of Messrs. Grade’s and Sonig’s and Ms. Knight’s

base salary plus target annual incentive, which is provided for under each NEO’s CIC Agreement. Upon an involuntary

termination without cause, Mr. Almeida’s severance payments, which were governed by the Almeida Offer Letter, would have

been equal to the benefits provided under his CIC Agreement. Additionally, Mr. Almeida was eligible for severance payments

under his Almeida Offer Letter upon a termination for good reason. Messrs. Grade and Sonig and Ms. Knight are covered

under the Executive Severance Plan, which provides each will receive 1.5 times the sum of base salary plus target annual

incentive following an involuntary termination without cause.

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76 Executive Compensation

1. Reflects the pro rata 2024 annual incentive, which each NEO would be eligible to receive. Upon an involuntary termination

without cause and death or disability, the amount reflects actual 2024 financial performance and target individual

performance. Upon a qualifying termination following a CIC, the amount reflects target financial and individual performance.

1. Amounts reflect the “in-the-money” value of unvested stock options, if applicable, which is the difference between the

applicable share price and the exercise price, and the value of unvested PSUs assuming target performance and applicable

DEUs. All amounts are based on the closing stock price on December 31, 2024 ($29.16).

In connection with Mr. Almeida's separation, and pursuant to the Almeida Letter Agreement, (i) his outstanding

equity awards will continue to vest in accordance with their terms through the Separation Date, (ii) Mr. Almeida will

receive a lump-sum separation payment equal to $6,890,000 (equal to what Mr. Almeida would have received had

he been terminated without “Cause” under the provisions of the Almeida Offer Letter ), payable no later than 60

days following the CEO Separation Date, and (iii) the company will arrange to provide him and his dependents

Post-Separation Health Benefits for a period of 24 months . The Post-Separation Health Benefits will be eliminated

if Mr. Almeida receives benefits of the same type during the 24 month period following the CEO Separation Date.

Mr. Toth’s employment with the company ceased on January 31, 2025 in connection with the closing of the sale of

the company's Kidney Care business to certain affiliates of Carlyle on the same date. Pursuant to the related

equity purchase agreement, (i) effective as of the closing, each outstanding and unvested equity award granted to

a transferring Baxter employee within the perimeter of the sale (including Mr. Toth) generally vested on a pro rata

basis, with such pro rata portion computed based on the number of calendar days elapsed from the start of the

vesting period applicable to such award through January 31, 2025, relative to the total number of calendar days in

such vesting period, (ii) any such accelerated portion was (or will be) settled within the time period set forth in the

applicable award agreement (such treatment described in clauses and (i) and (ii), the LTIP Award Treatment ) and

(iii) the purchaser became obligated to grant cash-based replacement awards in respect of the forfeited portion of

each such award in accordance with the terms and conditions of the equity purchase agreement. Mr. Toth was

eligible to receive the LTIP Award Treatment as of the closing, and the value of the accelerated vesting of his

equity awards on a pro rata basis as of such date was equal to $2,196,465.04. Mr. Toth was not eligible to receive

payments or benefits under his CIC Agreement or the Executive Severance Plan in connection with the sale of the

Kidney Care business.

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Executive Compensation 77

CEO Pay Ratio

As required by Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K, the company is providing the following estimated information about

the relationship between the annual total compensation of its median employee and the annual total

compensation of Mr. Almeida, Former Chair, President and CEO.

For the year ended December 31, 2024:

• the annual total compensation of the median Baxter employee (identified in accordance with the

procedures described below) calculated in the same manner as the NEOs in the Summary

Compensation Table above was $70,331; and

• the annual total compensation of Mr. Almeida as reported in the “Total” column of the Summary

Compensation Table above was $18,071,015.

Based on this information, the estimated ratio of Mr. Almeida’s annual total compensation for 2024 to the annual

total compensation of the median Baxter employee in 2024 is 257 to 1.

The company believes this ratio is a reasonable estimate based on Baxter-specific employee demographics and

compensation. The company’s ratio may not be comparable to the ratio disclosed by its peer companies due to a

number of factors, including the geographic distribution of its employees, the nature of the business (products or

services), the performance of the company and whether and where the company manufactures its own products.

Given there was no change in the company’s employee population or employee compensation arrangements as

of December 31, 2024 that the company believes would result in a significant change to the pay ratio disclosure,

the same median employee was used for the 2024 analysis as was used for the 2023 analysis, as permitted

under the applicable SEC rules.

To identify the median employee from Baxter’s employee population for the 2023 proxy statement, the company

analyzed its consistently applied compensation measure—the sum of base salary and target annual incentive

opportunity—for its approximately 60,000 full-time, part-time, seasonal and temporary employees as of

November 1, 2023. The company did not utilize any exceptions permitted under the applicable SEC rules to

exclude any individuals from the total employee population when identifying the median employee. For

employees outside of the United States, the amounts were converted to U.S. dollars using the applicable

exchange rates as of November 1, 2023. Based on application of this methodology, the median employee is a

full-time employee based outside the United States.

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78 Executive Compensation

Pay Versus Performance Disclosure

In accordance with rules adopted by the SEC pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer

Protection Act of 2010, the company is providing the following disclosure regarding executive compensation for

the company’s principal executive officer (PEO) and Non-PEO NEOs and company performance for the fiscal

years listed below.

Year	Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO¹ ($)	Compensation Actually Paid to PEO 1,2,3 ($)	Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs 1 ($)	Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs 1,2,3 ($)	Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment based on: 4		Net Income (Loss) ($ Millions) 5	Net Sales ($ Millions) 6
					TSR ($)	Peer Group TSR ($)
2024	18,071,015	9,204,471	6,508,661	4,227,617	38.55	146.87	( 638 )	15,149
2023	13,786,671	10,408,814	5,194,682	3,994,655	49.69	143.18	2,663	14,813
2022	13,588,236	( 9,114,999 )	6,721,562	14,410	63.62	140.29	( 2,421 )	14,506
2021	15,634,734	19,600,136	4,853,630	5,588,070	105.26	143.09	1,295	12,146
2020	15,865,396	4,130,682	3,893,864	1,603,952	97.06	113.45	1,110	11,673

1. Mr. Almeida was the company’s PEO for each year presented. The individuals comprising the Non-PEO NEOs for each year

presented are listed below.

2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
James K. Saccaro	James K. Saccaro	James K. Saccaro	Joel Grade	Joel Grade
Giuseppe Accogli	Giuseppe Accogli	Giuseppe Accogli	James K. Saccaro	Heather Knight
Cristiano Franzi	Cristiano Franzi	Cristiano Franzi	Brian Stevens	Alok Sonig
Sean Martin	Andrew Frye	David Rosenbloom	Cristiano Franzi	Christopher Toth
			Heather Knight
			Alok Sonig
			Christopher Toth

1. The amounts set forth above for compensation actually paid to PEO and non-PEO NEOs (as set forth in the “Compensation

Actually Paid to PEO” and “Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs” columns) have been calculated in

accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K and do not reflect compensation actually earned, realized or received by the

company’s NEOs. These amounts reflect the Summary Compensation Table total with certain adjustments as described in

footnote 3 below.

1. Compensation actually paid to PEO and non-PEO NEOs (as set forth in the “Compensation Actually Paid to PEO” and

“Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs” columns) reflects the exclusions and inclusions of certain

amounts for the PEO and the Non-PEO NEOs as set forth below. Related information regarding compensation paid in 2020,

2021, 2022, and 2023 has not changed from what was included in the company’s 2023 proxy statement and what is set forth

in the proxy statement, and as such, information for such years has not been included in the following tables. Equity values

are calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Amounts in the “Exclusion (or Average Exclusion) of Stock Awards

and Option Awards” columns are the totals from the “Stock Awards” and “Option Awards” columns set forth in the Summary

Compensation Table. Amounts in the “Exclusion (or Average Exclusion) of Change in Pension Value” columns reflect the

amounts attributable to the “Change in Pension Value” reported in the Summary Compensation Table. Amounts in the

“Inclusion (or Average Inclusion) of Pension Service Cost” columns are based on the service cost for services rendered

during the listed year.

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Executive Compensation 79

Year	Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO ($)	Exclusion of Change in Pension Value for PEO ($)	Exclusion of Stock Awards and Option Awards for PEO ($)	Inclusion of Pension Service Cost for PEO ($)	Inclusion of Equity Values for PEO ($)	Compensation Actually Paid to PEO ($)
2024	18,071,015	—	( 14,319,107 )	—	5,452,563	9,204,471

Year	Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs ($)	Average Exclusion of Change in Pension Value for Non-PEO NEOs ($)	Average Exclusion of Stock Awards and Option Awards for Non-PEO NEOs ($)	Average Inclusion of Pension Service Cost for Non-PEO NEOs ($)	Average Inclusion of Equity Values for Non-PEO NEOs ($)	Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs ($)
2024	6,508,661	—	( 4,401,319 )	—	2,120,275	4,227,617

The amounts in the "Inclusion (or Average Inclusion) of Equity Values" columns in the tables above are derived

from the amounts set forth in the following tables:

Year	Year-End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted During Year That Remained Unvested as of Last Day of Year for PEO ($)	Change in Fair Value from Last Day of Prior Year to Last Day of Year of Unvested Equity Awards for PEO ($)	Vesting-Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted During Year that Vested During Year for PEO ($)	Change in Fair Value from Last Day of Prior Year to Vesting Date of Unvested Equity Awards that Vested During Year for PEO ($)	Fair Value at Last Day of Prior Year of Equity Awards Forfeited During Year for PEO ($)	Value of Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards Not Otherwise Included for PEO	Total— Inclusion of Equity Values for PEO ($)
2024	7,313,162	( 2,206,884 )	—	346,285	—	—	5,452,563

Year	Average Year- End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted During Year That Remained Unvested as of Last Day of Year for Non-PEO NEOs ($)	Average Change in Fair Value from Last Day of Prior Year to Last Day of Year of Unvested Equity Awards for Non-PEO NEOs ($)	Average Vesting- Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted During Year that Vested During Year for Non-PEO NEOs ($)	Average Change in Fair Value from Last Day of Prior Year to Vesting Date of Unvested Equity Awards that Vested During Year for Non- PEO NEOs ($)	Average Fair Value at Last Day of Prior Year of Equity Awards Forfeited During Year for Non- PEO NEOs ($)	Average Value of Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards Not Otherwise Included for Non-PEO NEOs ($)	Total— Average Inclusion of Equity Values for Non- PEO NEOs ($)
2024	2,863,495	( 392,527 )	—	( 350,693 )	—	—	2,120,275

1. The Peer Group TSR set forth in this table utilizes the S&P 500 Health Care Index which the company also utilizes in the

stock performance graph required by Item 201(e) of Regulation S-K included in the 2024 Form 10-K. The comparison

assumes $100 was invested for the period starting December 31, 2019, through the end of the listed year in the company

and in the S&P 500 Health Care Index, respectively. Historical stock performance is not necessarily indicative of future stock

performance.

1. The amounts set forth above includes net income (loss) inclusive of discontinued operations.

2. The company determined net sales , inclusive of discontinued operations, to be the most important financial performance

measure used to link company performance to “Compensation Actually Paid” to the company's PEO and Non-PEO NEOs in

2024.

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80 Executive Compensation

Description of Relationship Between PEO and Non-PEO NEO Compensation Actually

Paid and Company TSR

The following chart sets forth the relationship between Compensation Actually Paid to the company's PEO, the

average of Compensation Actually Paid to the company's Non-PEO NEOs and the cumulative TSR over the five

most recently completed fiscal years for the company and the S&P 500 Health Care Index TSR.

106.26

• Actual Average Non-PEO NEO Compensation Actually Paid for 2022 was $14,410.

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Description of Relationship Between PEO and Non-PEO NEO Compensation Actually

Paid and Net Income (Loss)

The following chart sets forth the relationship between Compensation Actually Paid to the company's PEO, the

average of Compensation Actually Paid to the company's Non-PEO NEOs and Baxter's net income (loss)

inclusive of discontinued operations during the five most recently completed fiscal years.

• Actual Average Non-PEO NEO Compensation Actually Paid for 2022 was $14,410.

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82 Executive Compensation

Description of Relationship Between PEO and Non-PEO NEO Compensation Actually

Paid and Net Sales

The following chart sets forth the relationship between Compensation Actually Paid to the company's PEO, the

average of Compensation Actually Paid to the company's Non-PEO NEOs, and Baxter's net sales during the five

most recently completed fiscal years.

• Actual Average Non-PEO NEO Compensation Actually Paid for 2022 was $14,410.

As described in “—Proxy Statement Highlights—Performance Highlights” and in “—Compensation Discussion

and Analysis—Executive Summary—2024 Company Results,” for purposes of calculating performance under the

company’s 2024 annual incentive plan, net sales were calculated at budgeted exchange rates as of January 1,

2024 and include net sales from discontinued operations. This amount (which is referred to as Adjusted Net

Sales Including Discontinued Operations in the proxy statement) was $15,181 million for 2024.

The financial performance measures that the company considers to have been the most important in linking

Compensation Actually Paid to the company's PEO and Non-PEO NEOs to company performance are shown

below. These measures are not ranked.

• Net Sales

• Adjusted Earnings Per Share

• Free Cash Flow

• ROIC

• Relative TSR

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Option Award Disclosure

The company provides the following discussion of the timing of option awards in relation to the disclosure of

material nonpublic information, as required by Item 402(x) of Regulation S-K. The company did not grant any

stock options to executive officers of the company, including NEOs, in the last completed fiscal year. The equity

compensation awards have historically included RSUs, PSUs and stock options and the company is returning to

this mix for NEOs in 2025.

Generally, the company grants equity awards on a predetermined schedule. In February of each year , the CHC

Committee or, with respect to the CEO’s equity award, the independent members of the Board, review and

approve the value and amount of the equity compensation to be awarded to executive officers and non-employee

directors. The grant of approved equity awards then typically occurs in early March, which is usually after the

filing of the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is generally filed in mid-February.

As a result the company does not generally grant stock options during periods in which there is material

nonpublic information about the company, including outside a “trading window” established in connection with the

public release of earnings information under the company’s Securities Trading Policy.

The CHC Committee and, with respect to the CEO’s equity award, the independent members of the Board, do

not take material nonpublic information into account when determining the timing and terms of equity awards.

Stock options may occasionally be awarded on an off-cycle basis, including to new hires. It is the company’s

historic practice to grant off-cycle stock option awards on the first trading date in June, September and

December.

The company has not timed the disclosure of material nonpublic information to affect the value of executive

compensation.

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84 Audit Matters

Audit Matters

Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2025 The Audit Committee of the Board is directly responsible for the appointment, retention and oversight of the independent registered public accounting firm retained to audit the company’s financial statements. The Audit Committee has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) as the independent registered public accounting firm for Baxter for 2025. The Audit Committee recommends a vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of PwC as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2025.

In accordance with its charter, the Audit Committee of the Board is directly responsible for the appointment,

compensation (including the negotiation of audit fees), retention and oversight of the independent registered

public accounting firm retained to audit the company’s financial statements. The Audit Committee has appointed

PwC as the independent registered public accounting firm for Baxter in 2025. PwC, or its predecessor firm, has

served as Baxter’s independent registered public accounting firm continuously since 1985.

Before reappointing PwC as the company’s independent auditor for 2025, the Audit Committee carefully

considered PwC’s qualifications as an independent registered public accounting firm as well as their prior

experience auditing Baxter . This included a review of PwC’s performance in prior years, its knowledge of the

company and its operations (including its experience in connection with the recent sale of the company's Kidney

Care business) and its reputation for integrity and competence in the fields of accounting and auditing. The Audit

Committee’s review also included matters required to be considered under rules of the SEC on auditor

independence, including the nature and extent of non-audit services, to ensure that the provision of such

services will not impair the independence of the auditors. The Audit Committee expressed its satisfaction with

PwC in all of these respects. In accordance with SEC rules and PwC policies, the lead partner overseeing the

company’s engagement rotates every five years and the Audit Committee and its chair are directly involved in

Baxter’s selection of the lead engagement partner. A new lead partner was assigned to the Baxter account

beginning in 2025, after consultation with the Audit Committee (including its chair).

The Audit Committee believes that retaining PwC again in 2025 is in the best interests of the company and its

stockholders and therefore, the Audit Committee requests that stockholders ratify the appointment. Further, the

Audit Committee believes that, if handled properly, there are numerous benefits of a long independent auditor

relationship, including:

• more efficient audit due to PwC’s deep understanding of Baxter’s business and accounting policies

and practices;

• efficient fee structures due to PwC’s familiarity with Baxter and industry expertise; and

• avoidance of significant costs and disruptions (including Board and management time and

distractions) that would be associated with retaining a new independent auditor.

Nonetheless, the Audit Committee is also aware that a long-tenured auditor may be believed by some to pose an

independence risk. To address these concerns, there are robust safeguards for auditor independence, including:

• a strong regulatory framework for auditor independence, including limitations on non-audit services

and mandatory audit partner rotation requirements;

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Audit Matters 85

• oversight of PwC that includes regular communication on and evaluation of the quality of the audit

and auditor independence;

• PwC’s own internal independence processes and compliance reviews;

• annual assessment of PwC’s qualifications, service quality, sufficiency of resources, quality of

communications, independence, working relationship with Baxter management, objectivity and

professional skepticism;

• conducting regular private meetings separately with each of PwC and certain members of Baxter

management at the end of each regularly scheduled Audit Committee meeting;

• overseeing the selection of PwC’s new lead engagement partner with each rotation; and

• considering periodically whether to conduct a search or request for proposal process for a new

independent registered public accounting firm.

If the company’s stockholders do not ratify the appointment of PwC, the Audit Committee may investigate the

reasons for stockholders’ rejection and may consider whether to retain PwC or appoint another independent

auditor. Furthermore, even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee may appoint a different

independent auditor if, in its discretion, it determines that such a change would be in the company’s and its

stockholders’ best interests.

One or more representatives of PwC will be present at the Annual Meeting to respond to appropriate questions

and to make a statement if they so desire.

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86 Audit Matters

Audit Committee Report

Dear Stockholders:

The Audit Committee is currently composed of three directors, all of whom meet the independence and other

requirements of the NYSE and Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act. Additionally, two Audit Committee members (Ms.

Smith and Mr. Craig) qualify as an “audit committee financial expert.” The Audit Committee’s responsibilities are

set out in its charter, which has been adopted by the Board of Directors and is reviewed annually. These

responsibilities include: (1) reviewing with management, internal audit and the external auditors the adequacy

and effectiveness of Baxter’s internal controls over financial reporting; (2) reviewing with management Baxter’s

disclosure controls and procedures; (3) retaining and evaluating the qualifications, independence and

performance of PwC, the company’s independent registered public accounting firm; (4) approving audit and

permissible non-audit engagements to be undertaken by PwC; (5) reviewing the scope of the annual external

and internal audit plans; (6) reviewing and discussing with management and PwC Baxter’s financial statements

(audited and unaudited), as well as earnings press releases and related information, prior to their filing or

release; (7) overseeing legal and regulatory compliance as it relates to financial matters; (8) overseeing Baxter’s

response to cybersecurity incidents involving the company’s IT systems or products and services; (9) holding

separate executive sessions with PwC, internal audit and management; (10) reviewing guidelines and policies

governing the process by which Baxter assesses and manages risk; ( 11) reviewing updates on the company's

directors' and officers' and property liability insurance policies and related matters ; and (12) approving certain

financing matters, proposed corporate transactions and capital expenditures.

Management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of Baxter’s consolidated financial

statements and Baxter’s internal control over financial reporting. PwC is responsible for performing an

independent integrated audit of Baxter’s consolidated financial statements and of the effectiveness of Baxter’s

internal control over financial reporting in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting

Oversight Board (PCAOB). PwC also reviews Baxter’s interim financial statements in accordance with the

applicable auditing standards. Ultimately, it is the Audit Committee’s responsibility to monitor and oversee these

processes on behalf of the Board. The Audit Committee met nine times in 2024, which included discussions with

PwC and internal audit, both privately and with management present, and sessions with legal counsel .

In fulfilling its duties, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management Baxter’s audited

financial statements included in the 2024 Form 10-K as well as Baxter’s interim financial statements included in

the company’s 2024 Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, in all cases including discussions of the accompanying

footnotes and related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

These reviews included, among other things, a discussion of Baxter’s critical accounting policies; the

reasonableness of significant financial reporting judgments, including the quality (not just the acceptability) of the

company’s accounting principles; the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting;

corrected and uncorrected misstatements noted by PwC during its audit of the company’s annual financial

statements and review of the company’s interim financial statements; and the potential effects of changes in

accounting regulation and guidance on the company’s financial statements. In 2024, these reviews also included

matters related to the proposed separation of the company's Kidney Care business.

In addition, in connection with its review of the company’s annual audited financial statements, the Audit

Committee has discussed with PwC the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the

PCAOB and the SEC, has received and reviewed the written disclosures and letter from PwC required by

applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the audit

committee concerning independence and has discussed with PwC its independence, including whether the non-

audit services provided by PwC to Baxter are compatible with maintaining PwC’s independence.

Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that

Baxter’s audited financial statements referred to above be included in the 2024 Form 10-K for filing with the SEC.

Respectfully submitted,

The Audit Committee

Jeffrey A. Craig (Chair)

Patricia B. Morrison

Cathy R. Smith

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Audit Matters 87

Audit and Non-Audit Fees

The table set forth below lists the fees billed to Baxter by PwC for audit services rendered in connection with the

integrated audits of Baxter’s consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

and fees billed for other services rendered by PwC during these periods.

	2024	2023
	(Dollars in thousands)
Audit Fees	$ 14,137	$ 12,490
Audit-Related Fees	2,395	9,775
Tax Fees	651	626
All Other Fees	4	18
Total	$ 17,301	$ 22,909

Audit Fees include fees for services performed by PwC relating to the integrated audit of Baxter’s consolidated

annual financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, the review of financial statements

included in the company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, statutory audits and related regulatory filings. The

audit fees in 2024 were higher than 2023 primarily due to audit procedures related to the sale of the company's

Kidney Care business, including the related discontinued operations presentation.

Audit-Related Fees include fees for assurance and related services performed by PwC that are reasonably

related to the performance of the audit or review of the financial statements, including policy and contractual

compliance services. In 2024, the fees primarily related to carve-out audits of the company's Kidney Care

business and related regulatory filings in connection with the recent sale of the Kidney Care business.

Tax Fees include fees for services performed by PwC for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. Of these

amounts, approximately $0.3 million in each of 2024 and 2023 was related to direct and indirect tax compliance

services, including transfer pricing support and tax return preparation. Fees for tax consulting services of

approximately $0.4 million in each of 2024 and 2023 was related to international, federal, state and local tax

planning, assistance with tax controversy matters and other tax consultations.

All Other Fees include fees for all other services performed by PwC.

Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Fees

The Audit Committee must pre-approve the engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm to

audit the company’s consolidated financial statements. Prior to the engagement, the Audit Committee reviews

and approves a list of services expected to be rendered during that year by the independent registered public

accounting firm. Reports on projects and services are presented to the Audit Committee on a regular basis.

The Audit Committee has established a pre-approval policy for engaging the independent registered public

accounting firm for other audit and permissible non-audit services. Under the policy (which is reviewed at least

annually, with any recommended changes subject to Audit Committee approval), the Audit Committee has

identified specific audit, audit-related, tax and other services that may be performed by the independent

registered public accounting firm. The engagement for these services specified in the policy requires the further,

separate pre-approval of the chair of the Audit Committee or the entire Audit Committee if specific dollar

thresholds set forth in the policy are exceeded. Any project approved by the chair under the policy must be

reported to the Audit Committee at the next meeting. Services not specified in the policy, as well as the provision

of internal control-related services by the independent registered public accounting firm, require separate pre-

approval by the Audit Committee.

All audit, audit-related, tax and other services provided by PwC in 2024 were approved by the Audit Committee in

accordance with its pre-approval policy.

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88 Ownership of Baxter Stock

Ownership of Baxter Stock

Security Ownership by Directors and Executive Officers

Except as set for the below, the following table sets forth information as of February 27, 2025 regarding beneficial

ownership of Baxter common stock by NEOs and directors.

Name of Beneficial Owner	Shares of Common Stock 1	Shares Under Exercisable Options 2
Directors:
Mr. Ampofo	10,066	—
Mr. Craig	3,472	—
Ms. Morrison	15,758	—
Dr. Oesterle	28,522	1,060
Mr. Rusckowski	9,270	—
Ms. Schlichting	787	—
Mr. Shafer 3	89,841	—
Ms. Smith	23,048	17,868
Ms. Wendell	24,009	17,116
Dr. Wilkes	2,832	—
Named Executive Officers:
Mr. Almeida 4	570,016	3,040,273
Mr. Grade	93,096	34,091
Ms. Knight	158,621	166,127
Mr. Sonig	113,107	59,712
Mr. Toth 5	105,186	—
All directors and executive officers as a group (17 persons) 3-6	1,050,732	1,038,827

1. In clu des shares over which the person held voting and/or investment power as of February 27, 2025. Pursuant to Baxter’s

Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, a non-employee director may elect to defer the receipt of all of his or her shares of

common stock that he or she is entitled to receive as an annual grant of fully vested common stock for his or her service on

the Board, and as a result, this table does not reflect such deferrals as being beneficially owned for those directors who have

elected deferral. None of the holdings (including the holdings of all directors and executive officers as a group) represents

holdings of more than 1% of Baxter’s outstanding common stock based on shares outstanding as of February 13, 2025, as

set forth in the 2024 Form 10-K.

1. Amount of shares includes options that are exercisable as of February 27, 2025 and options which become exercisable

within 60 days thereafter.

1. Mr. Shafer was appointed as Chair and Interim CEO on the CEO Transition Date.

2. All information for Mr. Almeida set forth in this table is as of the CEO Transition Date., the date on which he stopped serving

as Chair, President and CEO.The total number of shares includes 324,976 shares not held directly by Mr. Almeida as of the

CEO Transition Date but in a revocable trust for which he serves as trustee.

1. All information for Mr. Toth set forth in this table is as of January 31, 2025, the date of the Kidney Care sale and the date on

which he stopped serving as an executive officer of the company.

1. Share ownership of the former executives, Mr. Almeida and Mr. Toth, is not included in the total of shares owned by all

directors and executive officers as a group.

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Ownership of Baxter Stock 89

Security Ownership by Certain Beneficial Owners

The following entities were the only persons known to Baxter to be the beneficial owners of more than five

percent of Baxter common stock, based on public filings made with the SEC (as described below):

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner	Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership	Percent of Class 1 (%)
The Vanguard Group 2 100 Vanguard Blvd. Malvern, PA 19355	60,155,132	11.8%
BlackRock, Inc. 3 50 Hudson Yards New York, NY 10001	59,678,841	11.7%
Dodge & Cox 4 555 California Street, 40th Floor San Francisco, CA 94104	51,581,409	10.1%
Pzena Investment Management LLC 5 320 Park Avenue, 8th Floor. New York, NY 10022	32,468,070	6.3%

1. Based on shares outstanding as of February 13, 2025, as set forth in the 2024 Form 10-K.

2. Based solely on Amendment No.10 to Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 13, 2024, The Vanguard Group has

sole voting power with respect to none of the reported shares, shared voting power with respect to 628,382 of the reported

shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 57,933,960 of the reported shares and shared dispositive power with respect

to 2,221,172 of the reported shares.

1. Based solely on Amendment No.10 to Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 23, 2024, BlackRock, Inc. has sole

voting power with respect to 56,047,721 of the reported shares, shared voting power with respect to none of the reported

shares, sole dispositive power with respect to all of the reported shares and shared dispositive power with respect to none of

the reported shares. As reported on the amended Schedule 13G, a portion of the reported shares are also beneficially

owned by the subsidiaries set forth on Exhibit A to the amended Schedule 13G.

1. Based solely on Amendment No.3 to Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on March 7, 2025, Dodge & Cox has sole voting

power with respect to 48,813,709 of the reported shares, shared voting power with respect to none of the reported shares,

sole dispositive power with respect to all of the reported shares and shared dispositive power with respect to none of the

reported shares.

1. Based solely Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on October 21, 2024, Pzena Investment Management LLC has sole voting

power with respect to 27,014,920 of the reported shares, shared voting power with respect to none of the reported shares,

sole dispositive power with respect to all of the reported shares and shared dispositive power with respect to none of the

reported shares.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the company’s executive officers and directors and persons who own

more than 10% of Baxter common stock to file initial reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the

SEC. Based solely on the company’s review of the reports that have been filed by or on behalf of such persons in

this regard and written representations from the company's executive officers and directors, the company

believes that all reports required by Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act were filed on a timely basis during or with

respect to 2024.

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90 Stockholder Proposal

Stockholder Proposal

Executives to Retain Significant Stock Baxter has been advised that John Chevedden will present the following resolution at the Annual Meeting. Baxter has also been advised that Mr. Chevedden is owner of at least 60 shares of Baxter common stock. Baxter will furnish the address of Mr. Chevedden promptly upon oral or written request. After thoughtful consideration, the Board of Directors recommends that you vote AGAINST this proposal for the reasons set forth in the Board of Directors’ statement that follows the proposal. In accordance with the rules of the SEC, the proposal and supporting statement are being reprinted as they were submitted to Baxter’s Corporate Secretary by the proponent. Baxter takes no responsibility for them. The Board recommends a vote AGAINST this stockholder proposal. Proxies solicited by the Board will be voted AGAINST this proposal unless otherwise instructed.

Stockholder Proposal

Proposal 4 – Executives to Retain Significant Stock

Shareholders ask the Baxter Board of Directors to adopt a policy requiring the 5 Baxter International named

executive officers to retain a significant percentage of stock acquired through equity pay programs until reaching

normal retirement age and to report to shareholders regarding the policy in our Company’s next annual meeting

proxy. For the purpose of this policy, normal retirement age would be an age of at least 60 and be determined by

our executive pay committee. Shareholders recommend a share retention percentage requirement of 30% of net

after-tax shares.

This single unified policy shall prohibit hedging transactions for shares subject to this policy which are not sales

but reduce the risk of loss to the executive. Otherwise our directors might be able to avoid the impact of this

proposal. This policy shall supplement any other share ownership requirements that have been established for

senior executives, and should be implemented without violating current company contractual obligations or the

terms of any current pay or benefit plan. The Board is encouraged to obtain waivers of any current pay or benefit

plan for senior executives that might delay implementation of this proposal.

Requiring senior executives to hold a significant portion of stock obtained through executive pay plans would

focus our executives on our company’s long-term success. A Conference Board Task Force report stated that

hold-to-retirement requirements give executives “an ever-growing incentive to focus on long-term stock price

performance.”

This proposal topic is all the more important at Baxter due to the recent poor stock performance. Baxter stock

has fallen from $83 in 2019. Additionally executive pay was rejected by 22% of shares in 2023 when a 5%

rejection is often the norm at well performing companies.

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Stockholder Proposal 91

Plus Baxter does not have an independent Board Chairman and the Baxter Board of Directors refused to allow

shareholders to cast an advisory vote on Baxter adopting an independent Board Chairman in 2024 in spite of

shareholders voting 54% in favor of this topic at an earlier Baxter annual meeting.

Please vote yes:

Executives to Retain Significant Stock – Proposal 4

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92 Stockholder Proposal

Board of Directors’ Statement Opposing the Stockholder Proposal

The Board has carefully considered the proposal and the fact that a similar proposal has been rejected by

Baxter’s stockholders in 2023 and 2024, and recommends that stockholders vote AGAINST the proposal for the

following reasons:

The Board has carefully evaluated the appropriate stock ownership requirements for all executive

officers.

The Board remains committed to maintaining strong corporate governance practices and protecting stockholders’

interests. The Board understands that Baxter’s stockholders view stock retention as an important measure to

help hold executives accountable, and Baxter’s robust stock ownership guidelines already require all executive

officers to hold significant amounts of shares:

• The CEO is required to achieve ownership of Baxter common stock valued at a minimum of six

times annual base salary within five years of appointment; and

• Each other executive officer (including all of Baxter’s NEOs who would be covered by this proposal)

is required to achieve ownership of Baxter common stock valued at a minimum of four times annual

base salary within five years of becoming an executive officer.

Baxter’s current stock ownership guidelines are rigorous, periodically reviewed by the CHC Committee and

carefully designed to ensure long-term focus and appropriate levels of risk-taking by the company’s executive

and corporate officers, which helps supports sustainable long-term stockholder return while enabling Baxter to

attract and retain talented executives. As of December 31, 2024, each of the NEOs who is still serving as an

executive officer with the company had met his or her ownership requirements or, using reasonable assumptions,

was on track to achieve his or her stock ownership objective within the prescribed time frame .

Baxter’s current executive compensation program appropriately aligns executives’ interests with the

company’s and stockholders’ long-term interests.

The Board believes that Baxter’s emphasis on long-term incentive grants motivates executives to drive the long-

term performance of the company and aligns their long-term interests with those of stockholders. For this reason,

a significant majority of executive pay is variable and only delivered if specific annual and long-term performance

requirements are met. For example, in 2024, the CEO’s compensation was 92% variable, depending on

performance-based elements, and Baxter’s NEOs’ compensation, collectively, excluding the CEO, was 85%

variable, depending on performance-based elements . Accordingly, at any particular time, company executives

hold significant unvested equity awards, which helps to align their interests with those of the company’s

stockholders.

Further, the Board believes the proposed retention policy’s prohibition against executive officers entering into

hedging transactions for shares subject to the policy is unnecessary as Baxter already prohibits such hedging

transactions and has other rigorous governance practices in place, such as a prohibition on short sales, entering

into any derivative ( e.g., purchasing, selling or writing put or call options, forward contracts or swap agreements)

and pledging company stock. Baxter also has a Mandatory Clawback Policy, which complies with NYSE

requirements, and a Compensation Recoupment Policy, which goes beyond NYSE requirements. Baxter’s

executive compensation program is structured to appropriately motivate and reward executives to achieve

Baxter’s long-term objectives and build sustained stockholder value. The proposal would place excessive

restrictions on CHC Committee’s ability to design a compensation program that drives long-term value.

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Stockholder Proposal 93

The proposal is overly prescriptive and would put Baxter at a competitive disadvantage for attracting and

retaining top executive talent, would create an administrative burden on Baxter without commensurate

value to stockholders and fails to enhance corporate governance.

The Board believes that the proposed stock ownership requirements are not necessary and would put Baxter at

a competitive disadvantage for recruiting and retaining talented executives. Experienced executives in the

healthcare industry are in high demand, and the competition for talent has become increasingly intense. Baxter’s

stock ownership guidelines and retention requirements are consistent with market practice, whereas the stock

retention policy in the proposal, which requires Baxter’s NEOs to retain a significant percentage of stock acquired

through equity pay programs until reaching normal retirement age, is not market practice. Further, the proposed

retention policy penalizes executives that have been with Baxter the longest, as the number of shares such

executives would be required to retain are greater as compared to executives that have recently joined Baxter.

Requiring executives to hold additional shares (above what is required by the company’s stock ownership

guidelines) would be burdensome to the executives, impact Baxter’s ability to attract and retain top executive

talent, and not provide additional incentives.

Further, Baxter’s NEOs are subject to change year-to-year. For example, since 2020, the named executive

officers have differed each year, largely due to new appointments and voluntary departures . This proposal would

effectively place different stock retention requirements on certain executives every year, which would be difficult

for Baxter to administer. Instead, the Board believes Baxter’s current robust stock ownership requirements, which

are applied consistently each year, provide meaningful stock ownership and retention requirements at a low

administrative cost for Baxter to implement.

In short, given Baxter’s current stock ownership guidelines, governance policies, demonstrated openness and

commitment to stockholder responsiveness and accountability, the Board believes this proposal is not necessary

and does not provide additional benefit to the company's stockholders. The proposal, in contrast, fails to strike a

reasonable balance between aligning the interests of stockholders and management and motivating desired

management behavior. It would, therefore, unnecessarily damage Baxter’s ability to attract and retain talent and

would create an unnecessary administrative burden on Baxter, thereby wasting company resources without

commensurate benefit to the company’s stockholders. Moreover, Baxter’s stockholders considered, and rejected,

a similar proposal in 2023 and 2024 with support for the proposal declining year over year. This indicates that

Baxter’s stockholders remain generally supportive of the Board’s position on this proposal and current executive

compensation structure.

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “ AGAINST ” this proposal.

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94 General Information

General Information

Questions and Answers about the Annual Meeting

Q: Who is entitled to vote?

A: All record holders of Baxter common stock as of the close of business on March 13, 2025 are entitled to

vote. On that day, approximately 512,924,066 shares were outstanding. Each share is entitled to one vote

on each matter presented at the Annual Meeting.

Q: How do I vote?

A: Baxter offers registered stockholders three ways to vote, other than by virtually attending the Annual Meeting

and voting through the online platform:

• By Internet, following the instructions on the Notice or the proxy card;

• By telephone, using the telephone number printed on the proxy card; or

• By mail (if you received your proxy materials by mail), using the enclosed proxy card and return

envelope.

Q: How do I participate in the Annual Meeting?

A: To provide a safe, convenient and cost-efficient experience to all stockholders regardless of location, the

Annual Meeting will be held only in a virtual format. Please refer to “—Other Information—Attending the

Annual Meeting” for more information.

Q: How do I vote shares that are held by my broker?

A: If you have shares held by a broker or other nominee, you may instruct your broker or other nominee to vote

your shares by following instructions that your broker or nominee provides to you. Most brokers offer voting

by mail, telephone and the Internet.

Q: What does it mean to vote by proxy?

A: It means that you give someone else the right to vote your shares in accordance with your instructions. In

this way, you ensure that your vote will be counted even if you are unable to attend the Annual Meeting. If

you give your proxy but do not include specific instructions on how to vote, the individuals named as proxies

will vote your shares in accordance with the following recommendations of the Board:

Company Proposals	Board Recommendation
• Proposal 1 —Election of Directors	FOR
• Proposal 2 —Advisory Vote to Approve Named Executive Officer Compensation for 2024	FOR
• Proposal 3 —Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2025	FOR
Stockholder Proposal	Board Recommendation
• Proposal 4 —Executives to Retain Significant Stock	AGAINST

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General Information 95

Q: What if I submit a proxy and later change my mind?

A: If you have given your proxy and later wish to revoke it, you may do so by giving written notice to the

Corporate Secretary, submitting another proxy bearing a later date (in any of the permitted forms), or voting

online during the Annual Meeting.

Q: What happens if other matters are raised at the Annual Meeting?

A: If other matters are properly presented at the Annual Meeting, the individuals named as proxies will have the

discretion to vote on those matters for you in accordance with their best judgment. However, Baxter’s

Corporate Secretary has not received timely and proper notice from any stockholder of any other matter to

be presented at the Annual Meeting.

Q: How is it determined whether a matter has been approved?

A: Assuming a quorum is present, the approval of the matters specified in the Notice of Annual Meeting of

Stockholders will be determined as follows:

• Each director nominee under Proposal 1 receiving a majority of votes cast (meaning, the number of

votes cast “for” the director’s election exceeds the number of votes cast “against” his or her election) will

be elected as a director; and

• Each other matter requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of common stock, present

virtually or represented by proxy, and entitled to vote on the matter at the Annual Meeting.

Q: Who will count the vote?

A: Baxter has engaged Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (Broadridge) to serve as the tabulator of votes and

a representative of Broadridge will serve as the Inspector of Election at the Annual Meeting.

Q: How do I find out the voting results?

A: Preliminary results are typically announced at the Annual Meeting. Final voting results will be reported on a

Form 8-K filed with the SEC following the Annual Meeting.

Q: What constitutes a quorum?

A: The holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting,

present virtually or represented by proxy, constitutes a quorum. Broker non-votes and abstentions will be

counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present.

Q: What are broker non-votes and what effect do they have?

A: Broker non-votes occur when nominees, such as banks and brokers holding shares on behalf of beneficial

owners, do not receive voting instructions from the beneficial holders. If that happens, the nominees may

vote those shares only on matters deemed “routine” by the NYSE, such as the ratification of the appointment

of the company’s independent registered public accounting firm. On “non-routine” matters, nominees cannot

vote unless they receive voting instructions from beneficial owners, resulting in so called “broker non-votes.”

The items being considered at the Annual Meeting, except for “Proposal 3—Ratification of Appointment of

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2025,” are considered “non-routine” matters.

Broker non-votes will have no impact on “Proposal 1—Election of Directors,” “Proposal 2—Advisory Vote to

Approve Named Executive Officer Compensation for 2024,” or “Proposal 4—Executives to Retain Significant

Stock.”

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96 General Information

Q: What effect does an abstention have?

A: Abstentions or directions to withhold authority will have no effect on the outcome of Proposal 1. Abstentions

will have the same effect as a vote against any of the other matters specified in the Notice of Annual Meeting

of Stockholders.

Q: What is “householding” and how does it affect me?

A: Baxter has adopted “householding,” a procedure under which stockholders of record who have the same

address and last name and do not receive proxy materials electronically will receive a single Notice of

Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or set of proxy materials, unless one or more of these stockholders

notifies the company that they wish to continue receiving individual copies. Stockholders who participate in

householding will continue to receive separate proxy cards. This procedure can result in significant savings

to the company by reducing printing and postage costs and reduces the environmental impact of the Annual

Meeting.

If you participate in householding and wish to receive a separate Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy

Materials or set of proxy materials, or if you wish to receive separate copies of future notices, annual reports

and proxy statements, please call 1-866-540-7095 or write to: Broadridge, Householding Department, 51

Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717. The company has instructed Broadridge to deliver requested

documents to a requesting stockholder of record promptly upon receipt of a related request.

Any stockholders of record who share the same address and currently receive multiple copies of proxy

materials who wish to receive only one copy of these materials per household in the future may contact

Broadridge at the address or telephone number listed above. If you hold your shares through a broker, bank

or other nominee, please contact your broker, bank, or other nominee to request information about

householding.

Q: What shares are covered by the proxy card?

A: The proxy card covers all shares held by you of record (registered in your name). If you hold your shares

through a broker, bank or other nominee, you will receive separate instructions from your broker, bank or

other nominee describing how to vote your shares.

Q: Does the company offer an opportunity to receive future proxy materials electronically?

A: Yes. If you wish to receive future proxy materials over the Internet instead of receiving copies in the mail,

follow the instructions provided when you vote through the Internet. If you vote by telephone, you will not

have the option to elect electronic delivery while voting.

If you elect electronic delivery, the company will discontinue mailing the proxy materials to you beginning

next year and will send you an e-mail message notifying you of the Internet address or addresses where you

may access next year’s proxy materials and vote your shares. You may discontinue electronic delivery at

any time.

Q: What are the benefits of electronic delivery?

A: Electronic delivery reduces the company’s printing and mailing costs as well as the environmental impact of

the Annual Meeting. It is also a convenient way for you to receive your proxy materials and makes it easy to

vote your shares over the Internet.

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General Information 97

Other Information

Attending the Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 9 a.m., Central Time. Online access to the

Annual Meeting will begin at 8:45 a.m., Central Time. To provide a safe, convenient and cost-efficient experience

to all stockholders regardless of location, the Annual Meeting will be held only in a virtual format. You can attend

the Annual Meeting by accessing www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BAX2025 and entering the 16-digit control

number on the proxy card or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials you previously received. If you hold

your shares in “street name” ( i.e., through an account at a broker or other nominee), please follow your broker’s

or nominee’s instructions you previously received to obtain your 16-digit control number or otherwise attend

through the broker or nominee. If you have other questions about attending the Annual Meeting, please contact

Investor Relations at 224-948-3020 or Global_CORP_Investor_Relations@baxter.com.

Asking Questions

If you wish to submit a question, you may do so in two ways. If you want to ask a question before the Annual

Meeting, then beginning on April 22, 2025 and until 11:59 p.m., Central Time, on May 5, 2025, you may log into

www.proxyvote.com and enter your 16-digit control number. Once past the login screen, click on “Question for

Management,” type in your question and click “Submit.” Alternatively, you will be able to submit questions live

during the Annual Meeting by accessing the meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BAX2025, typing

your question into the “Ask a Question” field and clicking “Submit.”

Only questions pertinent to Annual Meeting matters will be answered during the Annual Meeting. If any questions

pertinent to Annual Meeting matters cannot be answered during the Annual Meeting due to time constraints, the

company will post and answer a representative set of these questions online at https://investor.baxter.com. The

questions and answers will be available as soon as reasonably practicable after the Annual Meeting and will

remain available until one week after posting.

Voting Shares at the Virtual Meeting

If you have not voted your shares prior to the Annual Meeting, you will be able to vote your shares electronically

at the Annual Meeting by clicking “Vote Here” on the Annual Meeting website. Whether or not you plan to attend

the Annual Meeting, you are encouraged to vote your shares prior to the Annual Meeting by one of the methods

described in the proxy statement.

Attending the Virtual Meeting as a Guest

If you would like to attend the Annual Meeting as a guest in listen-only mode, please access

www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BAX2025 and enter the information requested on the screen. Please note

you will not have the ability to ask questions or vote during the Annual Meeting if you participate as a guest.

Stockholder Proposals for the 2026 Annual Meeting

Any stockholder who intends to present a proposal at the 2026 annual meeting and who wishes to have a

proposal included in Baxter’s proxy statement for that annual meeting, must deliver the proposal to the Corporate

Secretary. All such proposals must be received by the Corporate Secretary no later than November 25, 2025 and

must satisfy the rules and regulations of the SEC to be eligible for inclusion in the proxy statement for that

meeting.

To be eligible for consideration at the 2026 annual meeting, any proposal that is a proper subject for

consideration which has not been submitted by the deadline for inclusion in the proxy statement (as set forth

above) must comply with the procedures specified in Baxter’s Bylaws. These procedures require, among other

things, that notice of any such proposal be received by the Corporate Secretary no earlier than January 6, 2026

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and no later than February 5, 2026 and contain all of the information required to be included in such notice under

the Bylaws.

All submissions to, or requests of, the Corporate Secretary should be made to Baxter’s principal executive offices

at One Baxter Parkway, Deerfield, Illinois 60015.

Nominations of Individuals for Election as Directors at the 2026 Annual Meeting

A stockholder or group of up to 20 stockholders who have continuously owned Net Long Shares (as defined in

Baxter's Bylaws) representing at least 3% of Baxter’s common stock for at least three years have the ability to

submit director nominees (up to the greater of two and 20% of the Board) for inclusion in the related proxy

statement if the stockholder(s) and the nominee(s) satisfy the requirements specified in the proxy access

provision of Baxter’s Bylaws. Notice of any such nomination must be received by the Corporate Secretary no

earlier than October 26, 2025 and no later than November 25, 2025 and contain all of the information required to

be included in any Access Notice (as defined in Baxter's Bylaws).

To be eligible for consideration at the 2026 annual meeting, any nomination for director that is made outside of

the proxy access procedures (as described above) must comply with the procedures specified in Baxter’s

Bylaws. These procedures require, among other things, that notice of any such nomination be received by the

Corporate Secretary no earlier than January 6, 2026 and no later than February 5, 2026 and contain all of the

information required to be included in such notice under Baxter's Bylaws.

In addition to satisfying the foregoing requirements under Baxter’s Bylaws, to comply with the universal proxy

rules, stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than Baxter’s nominees

must also comply with all applicable requirements of Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act. The advance notice

requirement under Rule 14a-19 does not override or supersede the longer advance notice requirement under

Baxter’s Bylaws.

All submissions to, or requests of, the Corporate Secretary should be made to Baxter’s principal executive offices

at One Baxter Parkway, Deerfield, Illinois 60015.

Cost of Proxy Solicitation

Baxter will bear the costs of soliciting proxies. Copies of proxy solicitation materials will be mailed to stockholders

and employees of Baxter may communicate with stockholders to solicit their proxies. Banks, brokers and others

holding stock in their names, or in the names of nominees, may request and forward copies of the proxy

solicitation material to beneficial owners and seek authority for execution of proxies and Baxter will reimburse

them for their expenses.

In addition, Baxter has retained D.F. King & Co., Inc. to assist in the distribution and solicitation of proxies. Baxter

has agreed to pay D.F. King & Co., Inc. a fee of approximately $22,000 plus other solicitation-related expenses.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

Correspondence concerning Baxter common stock holdings or lost or missing certificates or dividend checks

should be directed to: Computershare Trust Company, N.A., P.O. Box 43078, Providence, RI 02940-3078, (888)

359-8645.

Forward-Looking Statements

The proxy statement contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on our current

assumptions regarding future business and financial performance and various strategic and operational initiatives

and actions. These statements by their nature address matters that are uncertain to different degrees. Words

such as “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential,” “expects,” “plans,”

“seeks,” “intends,” “evaluates,” “pursues,” “anticipates,” “continues,” “designs,” “impacts,” “affects,” “forecasts,”

investor.baxter.com

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General Information 99

“target,” “outlook,” “initiative,” “objective,” “designed,” “priorities,” “goal,” or the negative of those words or other

similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements that represent the company’s current judgment

about possible future events, although not all forward-looking statements contain such words. These forward-

looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made in light of Baxter’s experience and

perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments as well as other factors that

it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. While these statements represent the company’s judgment on

what the future may hold, and the company believes these judgments are reasonable, these statements are not

guarantees of any events or financial results. Whether actual future results and developments will conform to

expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those described in the

2024 Form 10-K, many of which are beyond the company’s control. Further, other unknown or unpredictable

factors could also have material adverse effects on future results. Any forward-looking statement in the proxy

statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by law, Baxter assumes no

obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in

the proxy statement to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that may arise after the date the forward-

looking statements were made.

Websites

References to Baxter’s website or other links to its publications or other information are provided for the

convenience of the company’s stockholders. None of the information or data included on its websites or

accessible at these links is incorporated into, and will not be deemed to be a part of, the proxy statement or any

of the company’s other filings with the SEC.

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