Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. On July 31, 2026, Anita Zielinski notified Baxter International Inc. (the “Company”) of her decision to resign as the Company’s Interim Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller, effective as of September 15, 2026, to join another company. Ms. Zielinski’s resignation was not the result of any disagreement with Company management or the Company’s board of directors relating to the Company’s operations, policies, practices, financial disclosures or accounting matters. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. Baxter International Inc. By: /s/ Ellen K. Bradford Name: Ellen K. Bradford Date: August 4, 2026 Title: Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary