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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )

Filed by the Registrantý

Filed by a Partyparty other than the Registranto

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX:

Check the appropriate box:

ý

 

Preliminary Proxy Statement

o


Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

o


Definitive Proxy Statement

o

 

Definitive Additional Materials

o


Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

Abbott Laboratories

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Abbott Laboratories

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)


(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box)PAYMENT OF FILING FEE (CHECK ALL BOXES THAT APPLY):

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No fee required.required

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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials
Fee computed on table belowin exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.0-11


Table of Contents

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

OF SHAREHOLDERS AND

PROXY STATEMENT 2022



Table of Contents

Abbott Laboratories
100 Abbott Park Road
Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6400 U.S.A.

On the Cover: Dr. Veronika Meyer

St. Gallen, Switzerland

Veronika, a retired professor of chromatography, has been active her entire life, and takes every opportunity she can to go hiking in the mountains – those near her home, and others far afield. Notably, she was the first woman with a mechanical heart valve to reach the summit of Mt. Everest.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE
  
(1)Notice of 2022 Annual Meeting of ShareholdersTitle of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
2
  
(2)Proxy SummaryAggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
3
  
(3)Nominees for Election as Directors
(Item 1 on Proxy Card)
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
10
  (4)Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5)Total fee paid:

o


Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

o


Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.



(1)


Amount Previously Paid:
(2)Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3)Filing Party:
(4)Date Filed:

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Abbott Laboratories
100 Abbott Park Road
Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6400 U.S.A.









On the Cover: Tyler Walsh, Quality Control Technician, Rapid Diagnostics


By leveraging Abbott's experience in
infectious disease assay development and
research—knowing which regions of the
virus to target and applying proven
development approaches—we were able
to quickly develop a comprehensive array
of highly accurate tests for COVID-19 in a
matter of months, a process that often
takes years.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS


PAGE

Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders

2

Proxy Summary


3

Information About the Annual Meeting


12

Notice and Access

12

How to Attend the Meeting on the Virtual Meeting Platform

12

How to Attend the Meeting by Phone

12

Who Can Vote

12

How To Vote

13

How to Submit Questions

13

Technical Support

13

Revoking a Proxy

13

Cumulative Voting

13

Discretionary Voting Authority

14

Quorum and Vote Required to Approve Each Item on the Proxy

14

Effect of Withhold Votes, Broker Non-Votes, and Abstentions

14

Inspectors of Election

14

Cost of Soliciting Proxies

15

Abbott Laboratories Stock Retirement Plan

15

Confidential Voting

15

Householding of Proxy Materials

15

Nominees for Election as Directors (Item 1 on Proxy Card)


16

The Board of Directors and itsIts Committees


2316

The Board of Directors

2316

Leadership Structure

2316

Director Selection

24

Board Diversity and Composition

2518
Director Selection

Board Evaluation Process

2619
Board Oversight

20
Committees of the Board of Directors

2721
Shareholder Engagement

24
Board Evaluation Process24
Communicating with the Board of Directors

2925

Corporate Governance Materials

2925

2020 Director Compensation

26
 
30Executive Compensation28

Security Ownership of Executive Officers and Directors


32

Executive Compensation


33

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

3328

Compensation Committee Report

6051

Compensation Risk Assessment

52
Summary Compensation Table54
2021 Grants of Plan Based Awards57
2021 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End58
2021 Option Exercises and Stock Vested61
Pension Benefits

Summary Compensation Table

6361

2020 Grants of Plan-Based Awards

66

2020 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

67

2020 Option Exercises and Stock Vested

75

Pension Benefits

75

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

7865

CEO Pay Ratio

68
 80


PAGE
 

Ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as Auditors (Item 2 on Proxy Card)

8169

Report of the Audit Committee

8270

Say on Pay—An Advisory Vote on the Approval of Executive Compensation (Item 3 on Proxy Card)

71
PAGE
 

83Shareholder Proposals
73

Approval and Adoption of Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation To Eliminate Statutory Supermajority Voting StandardsShareholder Proposal on Special Shareholder Meeting Threshold (Item 4 on Proxy Card)


8573

Shareholder Proposals


87

Shareholder Proposal on Lobbying Disclosure (Item 5 on Proxy Card)

88

Shareholder Proposal on Report on Racial Justice (Item 6 on Proxy Card)

91

Shareholder Proposal on Independent Board Chairman (Item 5 on Proxy Card)

75
Shareholder Proposal on Rule 10b5-1 Plans (Item 6 on Proxy Card)78
Shareholder Proposal on Lobbying Disclosure (Item 7 on Proxy Card)

9580
Shareholder Proposal on Antimicrobial Resistance Report (Item 8 on Proxy Card)

83
Additional Information86
Security Ownership of Executive Officers and Directors86
Information Concerning Security Ownership87
Approval Process for Related Person Transactions


9787

Additional Information


98

Information Concerning Security Ownership

98

Date for Receipt of Shareholder Proposals for the 20222023 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement

9888

Procedure for Recommendation and Nomination of Directors and Transaction of Business at Annual Meeting

9988
General

General

10089
Information About the Annual Meeting

90
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements94
Exhibit A—Director Independence Standard


A-1

Exhibit B—Proposed Amendments to
the Articles of Incorporation


B-1


1

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NOTICE OF 20212022 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS


Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on April 23, 2021
29, 2022

The Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Abbott Laboratories will be held at Abbott's headquarters, 100 Abbott Park Road, at the intersection of Route 137 and Waukegan Road, Lake County, Illinois, on Friday, April 23, 2021,29, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. Central Time.

In lightThe 2022 Annual Meeting of restrictionsShareholders will be held virtually to enable broader and guidelines on group gatherings issued by government and public health officials regarding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic,more convenient shareholder participation and to support the health and safety of Abbott'sAbbott’s shareholders, employees, and communities shareholders may only attendduring the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. There will not be a physical location for the Annual Meeting, virtually. Shareholdersand shareholders will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person.

Shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 24, 2021March 2, 2022 will be able to attend the Annual Meeting at www.meetingcenter.io/290382097.meetnow.global/ABT2022. To be admitted to the Annual Meeting, shareholders will be required to enter the meeting password (ABT2021) and a 15-digit control number. Shareholders who wish to attend the meeting on a listen-only phone line should contact Abbott representatives at 224-668-7238 or abbottshareholders@abbott.com to obtain the meeting telephone number in advance of the meeting. Please see pages 12 and 13page 90 for further instructions on how to be admitted to the Annual Meeting.

Shareholders will be asked to vote on the following items of business:

Agenda           Board Voting
Recommendation
Item 1 Election of the 1312 director nominees named in this proxy statement to
hold office until the next Annual Meeting or until the next meeting of
shareholders at which directors are elected
 FOR
Each Director
Nominee
Item 2 Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as auditors of
Abbott for 20212022
 FOR
Item 3 Approval, on an advisory basis, of executive compensation FOR
Item 4Items 4-8 Approval and adoption of amendments to the Articles of Incorporation
to eliminate statutory supermajority voting standards for:
FOR
    (a) amendments to the Articles of Incorporation, and
    (b) approval of certain extraordinary transactions
Items
5 – 7
ThreeFive shareholder proposals, if properly presented at the meeting AGAINST

Shareholders will also transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting, including any adjournment or postponement thereof.

Abbott's 2021This proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card, and the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, are being provided to shareholders on or about March 18, 2022.

Abbott’s 2022 Proxy Statement and 20202021 Annual Report to Shareholders are available at www.abbott.com/proxy.

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT

Please sign and promptly return your proxy or voting instruction form in the enclosed envelope, or vote your shares by telephone or using the Internet.

If you are a registered shareholder (you received your proxy materials from Abbott through Abbott'sAbbott’s transfer agent, Computershare), you may vote your shares by telephone (1-800-652-VOTE (8683)) or on the Internet at www.investorvote.com/abt.

If you are a beneficial shareholder (you received your proxy materials from a broker, bank, or other agent), please refer to the voting instructions provided to you by your broker, bank, or other agent.

By order of the Board of Directors.

HubertHUBERT L. AllenALLEN
Secretary

March [      ], 202118, 2022

2

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PROXY SUMMARY

This summary contains highlights about Abbott and the upcoming 20212022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider in advance of the meeting, and we encourage you to read the entire proxy statement carefully before voting.

The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors on behalf of Abbott for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The meeting will be held on April 23, 2021, at Abbott's headquarters, 100 Abbott Park Road, at the intersection of Route 137 and Waukegan Road, Lake County, Illinois. This proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card are being mailed to shareholders on or about March [      ], 2021.

In light of restrictions and guidelines on group gatherings issued by government and public health officials regarding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and to support the health and safety of Abbott's shareholders, employees, and communities, any shareholder who wishes to attend the Annual Meeting may only attend virtually. Shareholders will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person. For more information on how to access and participate in the Annual Meeting, please see pages 12 to 13.

ABBOTT'SABBOTT’S DIVERSIFIED BUSINESS MODEL DELIVERS LEADING LONG-TERM GROWTH SHAREHOLDER RETURNS

Abbott'sAbbott’s sustained strong performance has resulted in total shareholder return (TSR) significantly exceeding the peer median and major market indices on a one-, three-, and five-year basis.

Abbott'sAbbott’s three-year TSR of 101.7%104% is more than twice that of the peer group median, and the broader Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) andAbbott’s five-year TSR of 300% is more than threefour times that of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) market indexpeer median. . These consistent above-markettop-tier returns are driven by strong execution, an effective governance structure, and the strength of our diversified business model with leadership positions in some of the largest and fastest growing markets in healthcare and innovative product portfolios across our businesses.

Abbott delivered strong returns for shareholders in 2020,2021, despite the continued global market challenges fromimpact and uncertainty of COVID-19, and achieved or exceeded the financial targets that were set beforeat the pandemic in January 2020.beginning of the year. Abbott'sAbbott’s one-year TSR was 28.0%31%, more than threetwo and a half times the peer median TSR, and significantly above major market indices, a testament to the strength of our diversified business model and ability to innovate and deliver in this challenging environment.

GRAPHICGRAPHICGRAPHIC

In addition to delivering significant shareholder returns, Abbott continued to take important steps to position the Company for long-term, sustainable growth.

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COVID-19 RESPONSE

CONTRIBUTION TO GLOBAL TESTING NEEDS

Abbott quickly responded to the global spread of SARS-CoV-2. We leveraged our expertise in infectious disease diagnostic testing and in a short period time, developed multiple diagnostic tests to meet the various needs in the market. We have launched and scaled significant manufacturing capacity for our tests around the globe and sold over 400 million tests in 2020.

Abbott's rapid response, significant manufacturing scale, and affordable pricing strategy have allowed for broad access to testing and have further positioned Abbott as a world leader in diagnostic testing. The demand for COVID-19 tests remains strong and Abbott will continue to be a leader in supporting global testing needs.

PROTECTING OUR PEOPLE

As a healthcare company, Abbott has continued to provide an uninterrupted supply of vital diagnostics, medical devices, medicines and nutritional products to our customers. To help keep our own people safe, Abbott has taken aggressive steps to limit exposure and enhance the safety of facilities for our employees, including implementing mandatory temperature screening and social distancing, providing and requiring the use of personal protective equipment, and at most U.S. facilities, on-site COVID-19 testing.

Abbott has 109,000 employees in more than 160 countries, and throughout 2020, there were no pay cuts and we did not lay off or furlough any employees due to COVID-19. We're also assisting Abbott families whose lives have been disrupted by COVID-19 including, paying people when sick or in quarantine, offering flexible working hours, providing support for employees with children, and expanding employee assistance programs that offer health and wellness resources.

MAINTAINING ACCESS TO OUR TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS

Throughout the pandemic, we were able to continue providing our essential products to people around the world—even when route closures meant we needed to adapt and identify new delivery pathways. With more than 75,000 suppliers in 120 countries, Abbott's global supply chain enabled our life-changing technologies to get to the millions of people who need them, when they need them. That's why we have spent years building our supply chain resilience to function even under the greatest stresses.

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COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Diversity is fundamental at Abbott—from our people and our mindset to our business model. It's core to fulfilling our purpose, is embedded in our values and key to our long-term growth and success.

Over the years we have received numerous honors related to a diverse and inclusive culture—Fortune 100 Best Workplaces for Diversity, Forbes Best Employers for Diversity, Working Mother, Top Company for Executive Women, DiversityInc, and Best Companies for Multicultural Women. Our Chief Executive Officer heads our Diversity Council and executive leader compensation has been tied to diversity results for several years.

During 2020, we reviewed our practices and took steps to further our commitment to diversity and inclusion, including:

Looking ahead, we are committed to further advancing diversity and inclusion across our company, and in our work with others, including:

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

SHAREHOLDER FEEDBACK

During 2020,In 2021, we conducted extensive shareholder outreach to discuss our compensation program, among other topics. In the spring, we engagedmet or initiated contact with shareholders representing over 60% of our outstanding shares, including 100% of our top 20 investors, in an open dialogue to discuss our compensation program and various topics, including Abbott's market-leading disclosures that enhance shareholder understanding of how pay decisions are made and how the metrics we use are linked to business strategy and goals. including:

The pandemic’s impact on our business, our COVID-19 testing response, and the strength and resilience of our diversified business model.
Business and sustainability strategy, including Abbott’s new 2030 Sustainability Plan and its focus on creating new life-changing technologies and products, expanding access and affordability of new product innovations and advancing health equity.
Human capital management and Abbott’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including Abbott’s new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report which provides goals, our progress against them, and disclosure of EEO-1 data.
Board composition and refreshment, including the addition of four new independent directors since 2018, three of whom are women and/or minorities.
Executive compensation program, including Abbott’s continued enhanced compensation disclosure.

Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive, which was reflected in the 92% support for our Say-on-Pay Vote.Proposal.

KEY FEATURES OF OUR EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM

The following practices and policies ensure alignment of interests between shareholders and executives, and effective ongoing compensation governance.

COMPENSATION PRACTICECompensation Practice ABBOTT POLICYMORE INFORMATION
ON PAGE
Abbott Policy
More
Information

On Page
​  Compensation is Market-BasedYesBenchmark peers with investment profiles, operating characteristics, and employment and business markets similar to Abbott. Annual incentive plan goals are set to exceed market growth in relevant markets/business segments35-3730-33
Compensation is Performance-BasedYesShort-term and long-term incentive awards are 100% performance based. Annual incentive plan goals are set to exceed market growth in relevant markets/business segments36-3731-33
​  Double-Trigger Change in ControlYesProvide change in control benefits under double-trigger circumstances only78-8066-67
Recoupment PolicyYesForfeiture for misconduct provision in equity grants and recoup compensation when warranted6051
​  Robust Share Ownership GuidelinesYesRequire significant share ownership for officers and directors, and share retention requirements until guidelines are met30-3127 and 5950
Capped Incentive AwardsYesIncentive award payments are capped3632 and 6153
​  Independent Compensation Committee ConsultantYesCommittee consultant performs no other work for Abbott2822
Tax Gross UpsNoNo tax gross ups under our executive officer pay program58-59 and 7949-50
​  Guaranteed BonusesNoNo guaranteed bonuses3631
Employment ContractsNoNo employment contracts7865
​  Excessive Risk TakingNoNo highly leveraged incentive plans that encourage excessive risk taking61-6252-53
Hedging of Company SharesNoNo hedging of Abbott shares is allowed6051 and 53
​  Discounted Stock OptionsNoNo discounted stock options are allowed or granted61
52

Details of the compensation decisions made for our named executive officers are outlined on pages 4238 to 57.48.

4

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DIRECTOR NOMINEES

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FORthe election of each of the following nominees for director. All nominees other than Mr. Roman, are currently serving as directors. Additional information about each director nominee'snominee’s background and experience can be found beginning on page 16.10.

Name     Principal Occupation     Age     Director
Since
    Committee
Memberships
ROBERT J. ALPERN, M.D. Independent Professor and Former Dean, Yale School of Medicine 71 2008 

 Nominations and Governance

 Public Policy

SALLY E. BLOUNT, PH.D. Independent President and CEO, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Professor and Former Dean, J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management 60 2011 

● Nominations and Governance

● Public Policy

ROBERT B. FORD Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Abbott Laboratories 48 2019  Executive (Chair)
PAOLA GONZALEZ Independent Vice President and Treasurer, The Clorox Company 50 2021 ● Audit
MICHELLE A. KUMBIER Independent President, Turf & Consumer Products, Briggs & Stratton, LLC 54 2018 

 Audit

 Compensation

DARREN W. McDEW Independent Retired General, U.S. Air Force, and Former Commander of U.S. Transportation Command 61 2019 

 Nominations and Governance

● Public Policy

NANCY McKINSTRY Independent CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, Wolters Kluwer N.V. 63 2011 

 Audit (Chair)

 Compensation

 Executive

WILLIAM A. OSBORN Lead Independent Director Retired Chairman and CEO, Northern Trust Corporation 74 2008 

● Compensation

 Nominations and Governance (Chair)

● Executive

MICHAEL F. ROMAN Independent Chairman, President, and CEO, 3M Company 62 2021 

● Audit

● Compensation

DANIEL J. STARKS Independent Retired Chairman, President and CEO, St. Jude Medical, Inc. 67 2017  Public Policy
JOHN G. STRATTON Independent Executive Chairman, Frontier Communications Parent, Inc. 61 2017 

● Audit

 Public Policy

GLENN F. TILTON Independent Retired Chairman, President and CEO, UAL Corporation 73 2007 

 Audit

 Public Policy (Chair)

 Executive

5

  Name
Principal Occupation

Age
Director
Since


Committee Memberships 
​   Robert J. Alpern, M.D. Professor and Former Dean, 70 2008 

Nominations and

 
​     Yale School of Medicine       Governance 
​        

Public Policy

 
  Roxanne S. Austin President and CEO,  60 2000 

Compensation (Chair)

  
    Austin Investment Advisors      

Nominations and

  
               Governance  
           

Executive

   
​   Sally E. Blount, Ph.D. CEO, Catholic Charities of the 59 2011 

Nominations and

 
​    Archdiocese of Chicago, and       Governance 
​    Professor and Former Dean,   

Public Policy

 
​    J.L. Kellogg Graduate School    
​    of Management    
  Robert B. Ford President and CEO,  47 2019 

Executive

  
    Abbott Laboratories          
​   Michelle A. Kumbier Former Chief Operating Officer, 53 2018 

Audit

 
​     Harley-Davidson Motor Company   

Compensation

 
  Darren W. McDew Retired General, U.S. Air Force,  60 2019 

Nominations and

  
    and Former Commander of          Governance  
    U.S. Transportation Command      

Public Policy

   
​   Nancy McKinstry CEO and Chairman of the Executive 62 2011 

Audit

 
​     Board, Wolters Kluwer N.V.   

Nominations and

 
​            Governance 
  William A. Osborn Retired Chairman and CEO,  73 2008 

Compensation

  
  (Lead Independent Director) Northern Trust Corporation      

Nominations and

  
               Governance (Chair)  
           

Executive

   
​   Michael F. Roman Chairman, President, and CEO, 61 New  
​    3M Company  Nominee  
  Daniel J. Starks Retired Chairman, President and CEO,  66 2017 

Public Policy

  
    St. Jude Medical, Inc.          
​   John G. Stratton Retired Executive Vice President and 60 2017 

Audit

 
​    President of Global Operations,   

Public Policy

 
​    Verizon Communications Inc.    
  Glenn F. Tilton Retired Chairman, President  72 2007 

Audit

  
    and CEO, UAL Corporation      

Public Policy

   
​   Miles D. White Executive Chairman, 66 1998 

Executive (Chair)

 
​    Abbott Laboratories    

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Abbott is committed to strong corporate governance that is aligned with shareholder interests. Our Board spends significant time with Abbott'sAbbott’s senior management to understand the dynamics, issues, and opportunities for Abbott. During these interactions, directors provide insightsAbbott, and ask probing questions which guide management decision-making. This collaborative approach to risk oversight and emphasis on long term sustainability begins with our leaders and is engrained in Abbott's culture. The Board also regularly monitors leading practices in governance and adopts measures that it determines are in the best interest of Abbott and its shareholders.

CEO SUCCESSION PLANNING:
LEAD INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR WITH DISTINCT RESPONSIBILITIES

On March 31, 2020, Miles D. White stepped down as Chief Executive Officer, after a remarkable 21-year tenure and became Executive Chairman of the Board. Robert B. Ford, previously President and Chief Operating Officer and a 24-year Abbott veteran, succeeded Mr. White as Abbott's President and Chief Executive Officer.

With this transition, Mr. Ford became the 13th CEO of Abbott in its 132-year history, all having been appointed from within, a testament to Abbott's strong management philosophy and succession-planning discipline.

BOARD GOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHTS:

Lead Independent Director with Distinct Responsibilities




Elected annually by independent directors




Authority to call meetings of independent directors



Liaises between chairman and independent directors




Reviews matters such as meeting topics and schedules



Consults and engages directly with major shareholders




Regularly presides over executive sessions of independent directors at Board meetings and provides feedback to management
Reviews matters, such as agenda items and schedule sufficiency
Leads annual performance review process
Oversees process for identifying and evaluating director candidates
Authority to call meetings of independent directors
Communicate regularly with the Chairman regarding appropriate agenda topics and other Board-related matters
Confers with the Nominations and Governance Committee and the CEO regarding management succession planning
Liaises between Chairman and independent directors
Engages directly with major shareholders as appropriate


ROBUST BOARD EVALUATION AND REFRESHMENT PROCESS

OTHER BOARD GOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHTS

Fully independent Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominations and Governance Committee, and Public Policy Committee
Committee chairs recommended to the Board by the Nominations and Governance Committee and approved by the full Board
All directors elected annually by majority vote
Executive sessions of the independent directors, led by the Lead Independent Director, at each regularly scheduled Board meeting
Annual anonymous evaluations of the Board, Committees, and each director
Strong risk oversight, with areas of focus including business strategy, human capital, cybersecurity and data protection, and Abbott’s sustainability, environmental, and social responsibility practices
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HIGHLY QUALIFIED BOARD, WITH BROAD DIVERSITY ACROSS BACKGROUNDS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES

THE 12 DIRECTOR NOMINEES COMPRISE A WELL-BALANCED, DIVERSE BOARD.



Leads annual Board and individual director performance reviewsRELEVANT EXPERTISE TO PROVIDE OVERSIGHT AND GUIDANCE FOR ABBOTT’S DIVERSIFIED OPERATING MODEL

  



Robust Board Evaluation and Refreshment Process TENURE

 

GRAPHIC

Healthcare and Medical Device Industry
Finance
Risk Management, including Data/Cybersecurity
Global Strategy and Operations
Regulatory/Compliance

Other Board Governance Highlights BOARD DIVERSITY

Consumer Products
Senior Leadership with Multinational Corporations and Diverse Business Models
Global Supply Chain Operations
Government and Military Leadership
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Highly qualified Board, with broad diversity across backgrounds, skills and experiences OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

GRAPHIC

SHAREHOLDER OUTREACH:

Active shareholder engagement throughout the year is essential to maintaining good corporate governance. We routinely seek investor input on a variety of topics, including corporate governance, executive compensation, sustainability and other strategic matters. During 2020, we conducted outreach with a cross-section of shareholders representing more than 60% of our outstanding shares. Investor sentiment and specific feedback was shared with executive management and the Board of Directors, as appropriate.

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SUSTAINABILITY

At Abbott, sustainability means managing our company to deliver long-term positive impact for the people we serve—shaping the future of healthcare and helping the greatest number of people live better and healthier lives.

Our Sustainabilitysustainability efforts are focused on the most relevant industry and company-specific risks and opportunities. In December 2020, we launched our new 2030 Sustainability Plan focused on Abbott'sAbbott’s greatest opportunities to make an impact: creating new life-changing technologies and products, expanding the access and affordability of this innovation, and breaking down barriers that prevent people from getting the care they need. That reach and impact requires a strong foundation and sustainable business, which is why we're also taking action in key areas, including building the workforce of tomorrow, responsibly applying data to advance care, building a more resilient, diverse and responsible supply chain and protecting health by safeguarding the environment.impact.

These areas have been identified through an in-depth materiality analysis, directed by executive management, and in partnership with numerous diverse stakeholders.external stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, and investors. We aim to deliver sustainable, responsible growth that improves lives and creates value in communities around the world.

GRAPHIC2030 SUSTAINABILITY PLAN GOALS

Our work touched 2 billion lives this past year, and by 2030, we intend to reach more than 3 billion lives per year, improving the lives of 1 in every 3 people on the planet by 2030.

INNOVATE FOR ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY

Make access and affordability core to new product innovationTransform care for chronic disease, malnutrition and infectious diseasesAdvance health equity through partnership
Integrate access, affordability and data insights as design principles into our work and portfolio.

Innovate to transform the standard of care for diabetes and deliver break-through technologies to improve clinical outcomes for people with cardiovascular disease.

Deliver scalable, integrated solutions to reduce preventable deaths and infectious diseases with diagnostics, treatment and education programs.

Expand affordable access to healthcare for underserved, diverse and at-risk communities by delivering innovative, decentralized models of care.

Partner with stakeholders to improve health outcomes by advancing standards and building access to affordable, integrated solutions.

BUILD A FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE

CLIMATE

Protect a healthy environment

Protect our climate and water, including reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 30% from 2018 baseline

Reduce product packaging and waste, including addressing 50 million pounds of packaging and using circular economy approach to achieve at least 90% waste diversion rate

OUR PEOPLE

Build the diverse, innovative workforce of tomorrow

Create opportunities in Abbott’s STEM programs and internships for more than 100,000 young people

Achieve gender balance across our global management team and ensure one-third of our U.S. leadership roles are held by people from underrepresented groups

SUPPLY CHAIN

Ensure a resilient, diverse and responsible supply chain

DATA AND DATA PRIVACY

Responsibly connect data, technology, and care

Certify that 80% of newly contracted direct material spends incorporate social responsibility requirements

Ensure ethical sourcing from suppliers with high-risk sustainability factors through 100% auditing

Increase spend with diverse and small businesses 50%

Be a trusted healthcare leader in secure and responsible data collection, use, management and privacy, in order to protect our patients and customers, empower them to make better, more complete decisions about their health, and drive innovation through insights and analytics

The Board of Directors and its committees have oversight over Abbott'sAbbott’s environmental, social and governance practices. The Board was presented with sustainability objectives and efforts and has regular discussions with management on all the above sustainability matters, as well as workplace, management, and Board diversity, emerging governance practices and trends, global compliance matters, and sustainability reporting. In addition, executive

Executive compensation is linked to Sustainability commitments, as discussed in more detail on pages 4036 and 41.37.

To learn more about Abbott'sAbbott’s Sustainability efforts, please visit www.abbott.com/responsibility/sustainability.html.

SELECT RECOGNITION BY THIRD-PARTY ORGANIZATIONS

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Dow Jones Sustainability Index global Industry Group Leader for 8 consecutive years.  

Fortune's Most Admired Top 50 Company and leader in the Medical Products and Equipment sector for the past 8 years, and on Fortune's 2020 "Change the World" list for companies making positive social impacts through their core business.



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Fast Company's 2020 World-Changing Company of the Year.  

Recognized by Working Mother, Great Place to Work, DiversityInc, and several other publications for workplace leadership and diversity.  

Member of the elite S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index, which recognizes companies who have raised their dividend payout annually for at least 25 consecutive years. In December 2020, Abbott announced a 25% increase to its quarterly dividend. This is the 49th consecutive year that Abbott has increased its quarterly dividend.


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VOTING MATTERS AND BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS

GRAPHICITEM


1
     

Election of 1312 Director Nominees Named in this Proxy Statement:The Board recommends a vote FOReach nominee

Highly qualified Board, with diversity in backgrounds, skills and experiences.

Relevant expertise to provide oversight and guidance for Abbott'sAbbott’s diversified operating model. See pages 1610 to 2215 for more information.

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2
 

Ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as Auditors:The Board recommends a vote FOR

  Independent firm with significant industry and financial reporting expertise.

See pages 8169 to 8270 for more information.

GRAPHICITEM


3
 

Say on Pay: Advisory Vote on the Approval of Executive Compensation:The Board recommends a vote FOR

  Market-based structure producing differentiated awards based on both company and individual performance, managed with independent oversight by the Compensation Committee.

Aligned to drive Abbott'sAbbott’s strategic priorities, reflects consistent above-market TSR and upper-quartile Relativeupper quartile relative 3-year TSR performance vs. Peers.peers, as well as upper quartile 1-year and 5-year TSR. See pages 83 to 8471 and 72 for more information.

GRAPHICSHAREHOLDER

PROPOSALS
4-8

 

Approval and Adoption of Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation to Eliminate Statutory Supermajority Voting Standards:The Board recommends a vote FORAGAINST

  Proposal 4: Special Shareholder Meeting Threshold

Implementing majority voting standards for amendments to the Articles of Incorporation and approval of certain extraordinary transactions.  Proposal 5: Independent Board Chairman

  Proposal 6: 10b5-1 Plans

  Proposal 7: Lobbying Disclosure

  Proposal 8: Antimicrobial Resistance Report

  See pages 8573 to 8685 for more information.

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The Board recommends a vote AGAINST

Proposal 5: Lobbying Disclosure

Proposal 6: Report on Racial Justice

Proposal 7: Independent Board Chairman

See pages 87 to 96 for more information.

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING

NOTICE AND ACCESS

In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission's "Notice and Access" rules, Abbott mailed a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the "Notice") to certain shareholders in mid-March of 2021. The Notice describes the matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting and how the shareholders can access the proxy materials online. It also provides instructions on how those shareholders can vote their shares. If you received the Notice, you will not receive a print version of the proxy materials, unless you request one. If you would like to receive a print version of the proxy materials, free of charge, please follow the instructions on the Notice.

HOW TO ATTEND THE MEETING ON THE VIRTUAL MEETING PLATFORM

Shareholders can attend, vote their shares, and submit questions during the Annual Meeting at www.meetingcenter.io/290382097. Shareholders may log into the Annual Meeting beginning at 8:15 Central Time on April 23, 2021. The Annual Meeting will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. Central Time.

To be admitted to the Annual Meeting, shareholders will be required to enter the meeting password (ABT2021) and a 15-digit control number.

Registered Shareholders.    If you are a registered holder (i.e., you received your proxy materials from Abbott through Abbott's transfer agent, Computershare), you may attend the Annual Meeting without advance registration. Your 15-digit control number is provided on your proxy card, email, or Notice. Please follow the instructions on your proxy card, email, or Notice to attend the meeting. If you no longer have these documents, please contact Computershare at 1-888-332-2268.

Beneficial Shareholders.    If you are a beneficial holder (i.e., you received your proxy materials from your broker, bank, or other agent), you must register in advance to receive a 15-digit control number and attend the Annual Meeting. To register, you must submit your name, email address, and one of the following registration materials to Computershare:

    A copy of the voter instruction form contained in the proxy materials mailed to you from your broker;

    A copy of a broker statement evidencing that you are an Abbott shareholder; or

    A legal proxy from your broker reflecting your ownership of Abbott shares.

Please send your registration materials to Computershare at legalproxy@Computershare.com, with "Registration Materials" in the subject line. Registration requests must be received by Computershare no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, April 20, 2021.

You will receive a confirmation of your registration by email from Computershare, along with a 15-digit control number needed to be admitted to the Annual Meeting. If you have questions, please contact Computershare at the telephone support line provided on the virtual meeting platform at www.meetingcenter.io/290382097.

HOW TO ATTEND THE MEETING BY PHONE

Shareholders who wish to attend the Annual Meeting by phone should contact Abbott representatives at 224-668-7238 or abbottshareholders@abbott.com to obtain the meeting telephone number in advance of the meeting. Shareholders participating by phone will be able to listen to the meeting but will not have the ability to vote or submit questions during the meeting. If you would like to vote your shares or submit questions during the meeting, please follow the instructions above in "How to Attend the Meeting on the Virtual Meeting Platform."

WHO CAN VOTE

Shareholders of record at the close of business on February 24, 2021 will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. As of January 31, 2021, Abbott had 1,771,529,358 outstanding common shares, which are Abbott's only outstanding voting securities. All shareholders have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors and one vote per share on all other matters.

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HOW TO VOTE

Whether or not you plan to virtually attend the Annual Meeting, Abbott strongly urges you to submit your proxy or vote your shares in advance of the Annual Meeting.

Registered Shareholders.    Registered shareholders may vote by mail by signing and promptly returning their proxy in the enclosed envelope. Abbott's By-Laws provide that a shareholder may authorize no more than two persons as proxies to attend and vote at the meeting. Registered shareholders may also vote their shares:

    by telephone (1-800-652-VOTE (8683)), or

    or on the Internet at www.investorvote.com/abt.

If you vote by telephone or using the Internet, you do not need to return your proxy card. The instructions for voting can be found with your proxy card or on the Notice.

Registered shareholders who have not voted their shares in advance of the meeting may do so at the Annual Meeting by clicking the "Cast Your Vote" link on the meeting center site.

Beneficial Shareholders.    Beneficial shareholders should refer to the voting instructions provided by their broker, bank, or other agent to direct the voting of their shares in advance of the meeting.

Beneficial shareholders may vote their shares at the Annual Meeting if they obtain a legal proxy from their broker, bank, or other agent giving the shareholder the right to vote such shares at the Annual Meeting. Please follow the instructions provided above in "How to Attend the Meeting on the Virtual Meeting Platform."

Shareholders participating by phone will not be able to vote their shares at the Annual Meeting.

HOW TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS

Following conclusion of the business items on the agenda for the Annual Meeting, Abbott will hold a live question and answer session where questions pertinent to meeting matters will be answered, as time permits. Shareholders participating in the meeting on the virtual meeting platform can submit questions during the Annual Meeting by clicking on the message icon in the upper right-hand corner of the page on the meeting center site. Questions that are substantially similar may be grouped together in a single response to avoid repetition and to allow more time for other questions.

Shareholders participating in the meeting by phone will not be able to submit questions during the meeting.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

If you experience technical difficulties accessing the Annual Meeting, a technical support telephone number and additional support information will be available on the virtual meeting platform at www.meetingcenter.io/290382097.

The virtual meeting platform is fully supported across browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome and Safari) and devices (desktops, laptops, tablets and cell phones) running the most up-to-date version of applicable software and plugins. Participants should ensure that they have a strong WiFi connection wherever they intend to participate in the Annual Meeting.

REVOKING A PROXY

You may revoke your proxy by voting in person at the Annual Meeting or, at any time prior to the meeting:

    by delivering a written notice to the Secretary of Abbott,

    by delivering an authorized proxy with a later date, or

    by voting by telephone or using the Internet after you have given your proxy.

CUMULATIVE VOTING

Cumulative voting allows a shareholder to multiply the number of shares owned by the number of directors to be elected and to cast the total for one nominee or distribute the votes among the nominees, as the shareholder desires. Shareholders may not cumulate their votes against a nominee. If shares are voted cumulatively and there are more nominees than there are director vacancies, nominees who receive the greatest number of votes will be

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elected. If you wish to cumulate your votes, you must sign and mail in your proxy card or attend the Annual Meeting.

DISCRETIONARY VOTING AUTHORITY

Unless authority is withheld in accordance with the instructions on the proxy, the persons named in the proxy will vote the shares covered by proxies they receive to elect the 13 nominees named in Item 1 on the proxy card. Should a nominee become unavailable to serve, the shares will be voted for a substitute designated by the Board of Directors, or for fewer than 13 nominees if, in the judgment of the proxy holders, such action is necessary or desirable. The persons named in the proxy may also decide to vote shares cumulatively in their sole discretion so that one or more of the nominees may receive fewer votes than the other nominees (or no votes at all), although they have no present intention of doing so. The proxy holders may not cast your vote for any nominee from whom you have withheld authority to vote.

Where a shareholder has specified a choice for or against the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as auditors, the advisory vote on the approval of executive compensation, the management proposal for approval and adoption of amendments to the Articles of Incorporation, or a shareholder proposal, or where the shareholder has abstained on these matters, the shares represented by the proxy will be voted (or not voted) as specified. Where no choice has been specified, the proxy will be voted FOR the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as auditors, FOR the approval of executive compensation, FOR the approval and adoption of amendments to the Articles of Incorporation, and AGAINST the shareholder proposals.

Aside from matters set forth in this proxy statement, the Board of Directors is not aware of any other issue which may properly be brought before the meeting. If other matters are properly brought before the meeting, the accompanying proxy will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the proxy holders.

QUORUM AND VOTE REQUIRED TO APPROVE EACH ITEM ON THE PROXY

A majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on a matter, represented in person or by proxy, constitutes a quorum for consideration of that matter at the meeting. The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares represented at the meeting and entitled to vote on a matter shall be the act of the shareholders with respect to that matter, except for the management proposal to approve and adopt amendments to Abbott's Articles of Incorporation, which requires the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes of the shares entitled to vote on such amendments.

EFFECT OF WITHHOLD VOTES, BROKER NON-VOTES, AND ABSTENTIONS

Shares represented by proxies which are present and entitled to vote on a matter but which have elected to withhold authority to vote for one or more directors or to abstain from voting on another matter will have the effect of votes against those directors or that matter. A proxy submitted by an institution, such as a broker or bank that holds shares for the account of a beneficial owner, may indicate that all or a portion of the shares represented by that proxy are not being voted with respect to a particular matter. This could occur, for example, when the broker or bank is not permitted to vote those shares in the absence of instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares. These "non-voted shares" will be considered shares not present and, therefore, not entitled to vote on those matters, although these shares may be considered present and entitled to vote for other purposes. Brokers and banks have discretionary authority to vote shares in the absence of instructions on matters the New York Stock Exchange considers "routine", such as the ratification of the appointment of the auditors. They do not have discretionary authority to vote shares in absence of instructions on "non-routine" matters. The election of directors, the advisory vote on the approval of executive compensation, and management and shareholder proposals are "non-routine" matters. Non-voted shares will not affect the determination of the outcome of the vote on any matter to be decided at the meeting, except for the management proposal to approve and adopt amendments to Abbott's Articles of Incorporation, for which non-voted shares will have the effect of votes against that matter.

INSPECTORS OF ELECTION

The inspectors of election and the tabulators of all proxies, ballots, and voting tabulations that identify shareholders are independent and are not Abbott employees.

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COST OF SOLICITING PROXIES

Abbott will bear the cost of making solicitations from its shareholders and will reimburse banks and brokerage firms for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with this solicitation. Proxies may be solicited by mail, telephone, Internet, or in person by directors, officers, or employees of Abbott and its subsidiaries.

Abbott has retained Morrow Sodali LLC to aid in the solicitation of proxies at an estimated cost of $19,500 plus reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

ABBOTT LABORATORIES STOCK RETIREMENT PLAN

Participants in the Abbott Laboratories Stock Retirement Plan will receive voting instructions for their shares held in the Abbott Laboratories Stock Retirement Trust. The Stock Retirement Trust is administered by both a trustee and an Investment Committee. The trustee of the Trust is The Northern Trust Company. The members of the Investment Committee are Mary K. Moreland, Karen M. Peterson, and Brian P. Wentworth, employees of Abbott. The voting power with respect to the shares is held by and shared between the Investment Committee and the participants. The Investment Committee must solicit voting instructions from the participants and follow the voting instructions it receives. The Investment Committee may use its own discretion with respect to those shares for which no voting instructions are received.

CONFIDENTIAL VOTING

It is Abbott's policy that all proxies, ballots, and voting tabulations that reveal how a particular shareholder has voted be kept confidential and not be disclosed, except:

    where disclosure may be required by law or regulation,

    where disclosure may be necessary in order for Abbott to assert or defend claims,

    where a shareholder provides comments with a proxy,

    where a shareholder expressly requests disclosure,

    to allow the inspectors of election to certify the results of a vote, or

    in other limited circumstances, such as a contested election or proxy solicitation not approved and recommended by the Board of Directors.

HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS

Shareholders sharing an address may receive only one copy of the proxy materials or the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, unless their broker, bank, or other intermediary has received contrary instructions from any shareholder at that address. This is known as "householding." Shareholders wishing to discontinue householding and receive separate copies of the proxy materials or the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials should notify their broker, bank, or other intermediary.

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NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTORS

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ROBERT J. ALPERN, M.D.
M. D.

Director sinceSince 2008  Age 70
71

Ensign Professor of Medicine and Physiology and Professor of
Internal Medicine and Cellular and Molecular Physiology, and
Former Dean of Yale School of Medicine

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Ensign Professor of Medicine and Professor of Internal Medicine at Yale School of Medicine since June 2004.
Dean of Yale School of Medicine from June 2004 to January 2020.
Dean of The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center from July 1998 to May 2004.
Served on the Board of Directors of Yale New Haven ConnecticutHospital from October 2005 to January 2020.

Dr. Alpern has served as the Ensign Professor of Medicine and Professor of Internal Medicine at Yale School of Medicine since June 2004. From June 2004 to January 2020, Dr. Alpern served as Dean of Yale School of Medicine. From July 1998 to May 2004, Dr. Alpern was the Dean of The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Alpern also serves as a Director of OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY BOARDS

AbbVie Inc. and, Tricida, Inc. and served as a Director on the Board of Yale New Haven Hospital from October 2005 through January 2020.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE

As a result of his long-tenured leadership positions at the Yale School of Medicine and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and as a former Director on the Board of Yale New Haven Hospital, Dr. Alpern contributes valuable insights to the Board through his medical and scientific expertise and his knowledge of the health care environment and the scientific nature of Abbott'sAbbott’s key research and development initiatives.


GRAPHICROXANNE S. AUSTIN
Director since 2000 Age 60
President and Chief Executive Officer, Austin Investment Advisors,
Newport Coast, California (Private Investment and Consulting Firm)
   

Ms. Austin is President and Chief Executive Officer of Austin Investment Advisors, a private investment and consulting firm, and chairs the U.S. Mid-Market Investment Advisory Committee of EQT Partners. Previously, Ms. Austin also served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Move Networks, Inc., a provider of Internet television services. Ms. Austin served as President and Chief Operating Officer of DIRECTV, Inc. Ms. Austin also served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Hughes Electronics Corporation and as a partner of Deloitte & Touche LLP. Ms. Austin served on the Board of Directors of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson from 2008 to 2016 and Target Corporation from 2002 to 2020. Ms. Austin currently serves on the Board of Directors of AbbVie Inc., CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc., Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, and Verizon Communications. Ms. Austin will not stand for re-election at Teledyne Technologies Incorporated's 2021 annual meeting of stockholders.

Through her extensive management and operating roles, including her financial roles, Ms. Austin contributes significant oversight and leadership experience, including financial expertise and knowledge of financial statements, corporate finance and accounting matters.

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GRAPHICSALLY E. BLOUNT, PH.D.
PH. D.

Director sinceSince 2011  Age 59
60

President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Michael L. Nemmers Professor of Strategy and Former Dean of the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University Evanston, Illinois

Ms. Blount has served as Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago since August 2020. Ms. Blount also is the Michael L. Nemmers Professor of Strategy and former Dean of the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University from 2010 to 2018. From 2004 to 2010, she served as the Vice Dean and Dean of the Undergraduate College of New York University's Leonard N. Stern School of Business. Ms. Blount joined the faculty of New York University's Leonard N. Stern School of Business in 2001 and was the Abraham L. Gitlow Professor of Management and Organizations. Prior to joining NYU in 2001, Ms. Blount held academic posts at the University of Chicago's Graduate School of Business from 1992 to 2001. Ms. Blount currently servesPROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

President and Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago since August 2020.
Michael L. Nemmers Professor of Strategy and Dean of the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University from 2010 to 2018.
Dean of the New York University Undergraduate College and Vice Dean of its Leonard N. Stern School of Business from 2004 to 2010. 
Professor at the New York University Leonard School of Business from 2001 to 2010, and became the Abraham L. Gitlow Professor of Management in 2004.
Held academic posts at the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business from 1992 to 2001.
Serves on the Board of Directors of the Joyce Foundation.

OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY BOARDS

Ulta Beauty, Inc. and the Joyce Foundation.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE

Having served as Dean of the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and as the Vice Dean and Dean of the Undergraduate College of New York University'sUniversity’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business, Ms. Blount provides Abbott'sAbbott’s Board with expertise on business organization, governance and business management matters.

 

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ROBERT B. FORD

Director sinceSince 2019  Age 47
President48

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Abbott Laboratories

Mr. Ford has served as Abbott's President and Chief Executive Officer since March 2020. Previously, Mr. Ford served as Abbott's President and Chief Operating Officer from 2018 to 2020, Executive Vice President, Medical Devices from 2015 to 2018, Senior Vice President, Diabetes Care from 2014 to 2015, and Vice President, Diabetes Care, Commercial Operations from 2008 to 2014. Prior to 2008, he served in various leadership roles across Abbott's Diagnostics, Nutrition, and Diabetes Care businesses in the U.S. and Latin America. Mr. Ford joinedPROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Abbott since December 2021.
President and Chief Executive Officer of Abbott from March 2020 to December 2021.
President and Chief Operating Officer of Abbott from 2018 to 2020.
Executive Vice President, Medical Devices of Abbott from 2015 to 2018.
Senior Vice President, Diabetes Care of Abbott from 2014 to 2015.
Held various leadership roles across Abbott’s Diagnostics, Nutrition, and Diabetes Care businesses in the U.S. and Latin America since joining Abbott in 1996.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE

As Abbott's PresidentAbbott’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and having previously held various leadership positions across several of Abbott's businesses, and ultimately assuming responsibilityat Abbott, including Chief Operating Officer, where he was responsible for all of Abbott'sAbbott’s operating businesses, as Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Ford contributes an extensive knowledge of the Company'sCompany’s global operations, a wide breadth of experience in strategy and execution, and valuable insights into global healthcare markets.

PAOLA GONZALEZ

Director Since 2021  Age 50

Vice President and Treasurer, The Clorox Company

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Vice President and Treasurer of The Clorox Company, a manufacturer and marketer of consumer and professional products, since January 2018.
Vice President of Finance, Household and Lifestyle Segments of Clorox from 2010 to 2017.
Vice President of Finance, Global Strategic Initiatives of Clorox from 2008 to 2010.
Held various leadership roles in finance across Clorox since joining Clorox in 1997.
Prior to Clorox, worked in finance for American Airlines in Latin America.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE

As Vice President and Treasurer of The Clorox Company, Ms. Gonzalez is responsible for treasury, investor relations and real estate matters, and through her prior financial roles in several of its businesses, has considerable experience providing financial leadership to a multinational public company with multiple businesses, contributing significant financial expertise and knowledge of financial statements, corporate finance and accounting matters.

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MICHELLE A. KUMBIER

Director sinceSince 2018  Age 53
Former 54

President, Turf & Consumer Products, Briggs & Stratton, LLC

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Senior Vice President and President, Turf & Consumer Products of Briggs & Stratton, LLC, a manufacturer and marketer of engines and outdoor power equipment, since March 2022.
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company,
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Motorcycle a motorcycle and Related Products Manufacturer)related products manufacturer, from 2017 to 2020.
Senior Vice President of Motor Company Product and Operations of Harley-Davidson from 2015 to 2017.
Held various other executive roles across Harley-Davidson, from 1997 to 2015.
Held various positions at Kohler Company, maker of premium plumbing products, from 1986 to 1997.

OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY BOARDS

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, Tenneco Inc. In connection with Tenneco’s publicly announced agreement to be acquired by Apollo Funds, Ms. Kumbier served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company from 2017would cease to 2020. Previously, she served as Senior Vice President of Motor Company Product and Operations from 2015 to 2017, as Senior Vice President of Motorcycle Operations from 2012 to 2015, and as Senior Vice President of Product Development from 2010 to 2012. She started her career with Harley-Davidson in 1997. Prior to Harley-Davidson, Ms. Kumbier was employed with Kohler Company, maker of premium plumbing products, inbe a variety of positions from 1986 to 1997. Ms. Kumbier currently serves as aTenneco Director of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated.upon the acquisition closing.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE

Having served in several executive roles at Harley-Davidson, Ms. Kumbier contributes extensive experience in the management of a multinational public company, including significant manufacturing, product development, business development and strategic planning experience.


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DARREN W. MCDEW

Director sinceSince 2019  Age 60
61

Retired General, United States Air Force, and Former Commander of
U.S. Transportation Command

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Four-star general who served for 36 years in the United States military before retiring in October 2018.
Commander, U.S. Transportation Command, Scottthe single manager for global air, land and sea transportation for the U.S. Department of Defense from 2015 to 2018.
Held various leadership roles across the U.S. Military, including Vice Director for Strategic Plans and Policy for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Military Aide to the President, Director of Air Force Base, IllinoisPublic Affairs, and Chief of Air Force Senate Liaison Division.

General McDew is a retired four-star general who served for 36 years in the United States military before retiring in October 2018. From August 2015 to August 2018, General McDew served as Commander, U.S. Transportation Command, the single manager for global air, land and sea transportation for the U.S. Department of Defense. Previously, he also served as Vice Director for Strategic Plans and Policy for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Military Aide to the President, Director of Air Force Public Affairs, and Chief of Air Force Senate Liaison Division. General McDew currently servesServes on the Board of Directors of Parsons Corporation, Rolls-Royce, North America, Inc., United Services Automobile Association, and Boys & Girls Club of America.

OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY BOARDS

Parsons Corporation

KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE

Through his extensive leadership in the U.S. Air Force, General McDew contributes significant experience managing large, complex global operations, including strategic planning, security and risk management, cybersecurity, and supply chain and infrastructure management.

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NANCY MCKINSTRY

Director sinceSince 2011  Age 62
63

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Board, Wolters Kluwer N.V.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Board of
Wolters Kluwer N.V., Alphen aan den Rijn,a global information, software, and services provider, since September 2003, and a member of its Executive Board since June 2001.
Member of the Netherlands
(Global Information, Software,European Round Table of Industrialists.
Serves on the Board of Directors of Russell Reynolds Associates and Services Provider)the Board of Overseers of Columbia Business School.

Ms. McKinstry has been the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Board of Wolters Kluwer N.V. since September 2003 and a member of its Executive Board since June 2001. Ms. McKinstry serves on the Board of Accenture plc, the Board of Overseers of Columbia Business School, and the Board of Directors of Russell Reynolds Associates. Ms. McKinstry is also a member of the European Round Table of Industrialists. Ms. McKinstry servedServed on the Board of Directors of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (LM Ericsson Telephone Company) from 2004 to 2012.

OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY BOARDS

Accenture plc

KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE

As the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Board of Wolters Kluwer N.V., Ms. McKinstry contributes global perspectives and management experience, including an understanding of key issues facing a multinational business such as Abbott's.Abbott’s.


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WILLIAM A. OSBORN

Lead Independent Director

Director sinceSince 2008  Age 73
74

Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Northern Trust Corporation

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Chairman of Northern Trust Corporation, (Multibank Holding Company)a multibank holding company, from 1995 to 2009 and Chief Executive Officer from 1995 to 2008.
President of Northern Trust Corporation and The Northern Trust Company, Chicago, Illinois (Banking Services Company)a banking services company, from 2003 to 2006.
Served on the Board of Directors of Nicor, Inc. from 1999 to 2006.
Served on the Board of Directors of Tribune Company from 2001 to 2012.
Served on the Board of Directors of Caterpillar Inc. from 2000 to 2021.
Served on the Board of Directors of General Dynamics Corporation from 2009 to 2021.

Mr. Osborn was Chairman of Northern Trust Corporation from 1995 through 2009 andKEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE

Having served as its Chief Executive Officer from 1995 through 2007. Mr. Osborn currently serves as a Director of Caterpillar Inc. and General Dynamics Corporation. Mr. Osborn served on the Board of Directors of Nicor, Inc. from 1999 to 2006 and on the Board of Directors of Tribune Company from 2001 to 2012.

As the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Northern Trust Corporation, and The Northern Trust Company, Mr. Osborn acquired broad experience in successfully overseeing complex global businesses operating in highly regulated industries.industries, including oversight of financial, operational, and governance matters facing large public companies.

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MICHAEL F. ROMAN

Director NomineeSince 2021  Age 61
62

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, 3M Company St. Paul, Minnesota (Global Manufacturing

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Chairman of the Board, President and Technology Company)Chief Executive Officer of 3M Company, a global manufacturing and technology company, since May 2019.
Chief Executive Officer of 3M from July 2018 to May 2019.
Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of 3M from July 2017 to June 2018 with direct responsibilities for 3M’s five business groups and its international operations.

Mr. Roman has served as the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of 3M Company since May 2019. Previously, he served as Chief Executive Officer from July 2018 to May 2019 and as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President from July 2017 to June 2018 with direct responsibilities for 3M's five business groups and its international operations. From June 2014 to July 2017, Mr. Roman served as 3M's Executive Vice President, Industrial Business Group. He served as 3M's Senior Vice President, Business Development, from May 2013 to June 2014 and as Executive Vice President, Industrial Business Group of 3M from June 2014 to July 2017.Senior Vice President, Business Development of 3M from May 2013 to June 2014.Vice President and General Manager of Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division of 3M from September 2011 to May 2013.

OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY BOARDS

3M Company

KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE

As Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of 3M Company, Mr. Roman has extensive experience leading a multinational public company with multiple businesses, contributing significant manufacturing, supply chain, technology, and finance experience, as well as valuable insights into corporate strategy and risk management.

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DANIEL J. STARKS

Director sinceSince 2017  Age 66
67

Retired Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, St. Jude Medical, Inc.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Executive Chairman of the Board of St. Jude Medical, Inc., a medical device manufacturer, from January 2016 to January 2017, when Abbott completed its acquisition of St. Jude Medical.
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Jude Medical Inc.,
from 2004 until his retirement in January 2016.
President and Chief Operating Officer of St. Paul, Minnesota (Medical Device Manufacturer)Jude Medical from 2001 to 2004.

Mr. Starks served as the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Jude Medical, Inc. from 2004 until his retirement in January 2016, after which he served as its Executive Chairman of the Board until January 2017, when Abbott completed the acquisition of St. Jude Medical. Mr. Starks also served as President and Chief Operating Officer of St. Jude Medical from 2001 to 2004 and as its President and CEO, Cardiac Rhythm Management Business of St. Jude Medical from 1997 to 2001.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE

Having served as St. Jude Medical'sMedical’s Executive Chairman and its Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and having joined St. Jude Medical in 1996, Mr. Starks contributes not only comprehensive and critical knowledge of the medical devices industry,St. Jude Medical’s operations, but also extensive business and management experience operating a global public company in a highly regulated industry.

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GRAPHIC

JOHN G. STRATTON

Director sinceSince 2017   Age 60
Retired 61

Executive Chairman, Frontier Communications Parent, Inc.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Executive Chairman of Frontier Communications Parent, Inc., a telecommunications company, since April 2021.
Executive Vice President and President of Global Operations of Verizon Communications Inc., New York, New York (Telecommunications from 2015 to 2018.
Executive Vice President and Media Company)President of Global Enterprise and Consumer Wireline of Verizon from 2014 to 2015.
President of Verizon Enterprise Solutions from 2012 to 2014.
Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Verizon Wireless from 2010 to 2012.
Member of The President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee from 2012 to 2018.
Director of the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association from 2015 to 2018.

Mr. Stratton served as Executive Vice President and President of Global Operations of VerizonOTHER PUBLIC COMPANY BOARDS

Frontier Communications Parent, Inc. from February 2015 to December 2018. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President and President of Global Enterprise and Consumer Wireline from April 2014 to February 2015, as President of Verizon Enterprise Solutions from January 2012 to April 2014, and as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Verizon Wireless from October 2010 to January 2012. Mr. Stratton currently serves on the Board of Directors of, General Dynamics Corporation. Mr. Stratton also served as a member of The President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee from October 2012 to July 2018 and as Director of the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association from February 2015 to July 2018.Corporation

KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE

Through his executive leadership at Verizon Communications,experience, Mr. Stratton contributes extensive business and management experienceexpertise operating a global public company such as Abbott, including valuable insights on corporate strategy and risk management. His service on the National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee enables him to provide government perspective and experience in a highly regulated industry.

GRAPHIC

GLENN F. TILTON

Director sinceSince 2007  Age 72
73

Retired Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, UAL Corporation

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of UAL Corporation, Chicago, Illinois (Airline Holding Company)an airline holding company, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Air Lines, Inc., an air transportation company and wholly owned subsidiary of UAL Corporation, from September 2002 to October 2010.
Served on the Board of Directors of United Continental Holdings, Inc. from 2001 to 2013 and served as its Non-Executive Chairman of the Board from October 2010 to December 2012.
Served on the Board of Directors of Lincoln National Corporation from 2002 to 2007, TXU Corporation from 2005 to 2007, and Corning Incorporated from 2010 to 2012.

Mr. Tilton served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of UAL Corporation, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Air Lines, Inc., an air transportation company and wholly owned subsidiary of UAL Corporation, from September 2002 to October 2010. Mr. Tilton also served on the Board of United Continental Holdings, Inc. from 2001 to 2013 and served as its Non-Executive Chairman of the Board from October 2010 to December 2012. Mr. Tilton is also a Director of AbbVie Inc. and Phillips 66. Mr. Tilton also served on the Board of Directors of Lincoln National Corporation from 2002 to 2007, of TXU Corporation from 2005 to 2007, of Corning Incorporated from 2010 to 2012, and as Chairman of the Midwest for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and a member of its companywide Executive Committee from June 2011 to June 2014.

OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY BOARDS

AbbVie Inc., Phillips 66

KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE

Having previously served as Chief Executive Officer of UAL Corporation and United Air Lines, Non ExecutiveNon-Executive Chairman of the Board of United Continental Holdings, Inc., Chairman of the Midwest for JPMorgan Chase & Co., Chairman, President, and Vice Chairman of Chevron Texaco, and as Interim Chairman of Dynegy, Inc., Mr. Tilton acquired strong management experience overseeing complex multinational businesses operating in highly regulated industries, as well as expertise in finance and capital markets matters.

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GRAPHICMILES D. WHITE
Director since 1998 Age 66
Executive Chairman of the Board, Abbott Laboratories

Mr. White has served as Abbott's Executive Chairman of the Board since March 2020. Mr. White previously served as Abbott's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer from 1999 to 2020 and as an Executive Vice President from 1998 to 1999. He joined Abbott in 1984. He currently serves as a Director of Caterpillar Inc. and McDonald's Corporation.

Having joined Abbott in 1984 and having served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer for 21 years, Mr. White contributes not only his valuable business, management and leadership experience, but also his extensive knowledge of the Company and its global operations, as well as key insights into strategic, management and operation matters, ensuring the appropriate level of oversight and responsibility is applied to all Board decisions.

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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEES

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors held 8 meetings in 2020.2021. The average attendance of all directors at Board and committee meetings in 20202021 was 98%95% and each director attended at least 75% of the total number of Board meetings and meetings of the committees on which he or she served. Abbott encourages its Board members to attend the annual shareholders meeting. Last year, all of Abbott'sAbbott’s directors attended the annual shareholders meeting.

The Board has determined that each of the following individualsdirector nominees is independent in accordance with the New York Stock Exchange listing standards: R.Robert J. Alpern, R. S. Austin, S.M.D., Sally E. Blount, M.Ph.D., Paola Gonzalez, Michelle A. Kumbier, E. M. Liddy, D.Darren W. McDew, N.Nancy McKinstry, P. N. Novakovic, W.William A. Osborn, M.Michael F. Roman, S. C. Scott III, D.Daniel J. Starks, J.John G. Stratton, and G.Glenn F. Tilton. Tilton, as well as Roxanne S. Austin, who will continue to serve as a director until the 2022 Annual Meeting, and Edward M. Liddy and Phoebe N. Novakovic, who served as directors during a portion of 2021.

To determine independence, the Board applied the categorical standards attached as Exhibit A to this proxy statement. The Board also considered whether a director has any other material relationships with Abbott or its subsidiaries and concluded that none of these directors had a relationship that impaired the director'shis or her independence. This included consideration of the fact that some of the directors or their family members are officers or serve on boards of companies or entities to which Abbott sold products or made contributions or from which Abbott purchased products and services during the year. In making its determination, the Board relied on both information provided by the directors and information developed internally by Abbott.

The Board has risk oversight responsibility for Abbott and administers this responsibility both directly and with assistance from its committees.

LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

On March 31, 2020, Miles D. White stepped down asAbbott’s current Board leadership is comprised of the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, after a remarkable 21-year tenure,Lead Independent Director, and became Executiveindependent Committee chairs.

Robert B. Ford currently serves as Chairman of the Board. Robert B. Ford, Abbott's then-President and Chief Operating Officer, succeeded Mr. White as Abbott's PresidentBoard and Chief Executive Officer. With this transition, Mr. Ford became the 13th CEO of Abbott in its 132-year history, all having been appointed from within, a testament to Abbott's strong management philosophy and succession planning.

The Board is actively involved in succession planning and is focused on ensuring leadership continuity. The Board believes that the continuation of Mr. White's service as Executive Chairmanthis is in the best interests of Abbott and its shareholders. Mr. White contributes comprehensive, in-depth knowledge of Abbott's businessesshareholders, as it provides cohesive leadership and direction for the global health care industry,Board and executive management, as well as valuable insights onclear accountability and unified leadership in the execution of strategic initiatives and strategy. The Board believesbusiness plans. Mr. Ford also has extensive industry expertise and familiarity with Abbott’s global businesses, such that his advicestrategic and guidance to Mr. Ford andoperational insights provide the Board will help continuewith a comprehensive vision, from long-term strategic direction to facilitate a successfulday-to-day execution.

Abbott’s Board leadership transition.

The Board also has a lead independent director that is chosenfurther strengthened by:

A strong Lead Independent Director with significant roles and responsibilities who is selected by and from the independent members of the Board. Currently, the Chair of the Nominations and Governance Committee, Mr. Osborn, is the Lead Independent Director.
Fully independent Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominations and Governance Committee, and Public Policy Committee, as required by Abbott’s Governance Guidelines.
Committee chairs who are recommended to the Board by the Nominations and Governance Committee and approved by the full Board.
Executive sessions of the independent directors, led by the Lead Independent Director, that generally take place at each regularly scheduled Board meeting.
Annual anonymous evaluations of each director, including the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, led by the Lead Independent Director and conducted by all directors.
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Table of the Board of Directors. Currently, the Chair of the Nominations and Governance Committee, Mr. Osborn, is the lead independent director, whose key functions and responsibilities include:Contents

    Serve as liaison between the Chairman of the Board and the independent directors,

    Facilitate communication with the Board and preside over regularly conducted executive sessions of the independent directors or sessions where the Chairman of the Board is not present,

    Review and approve matters, such as agenda items, schedule sufficiency, and, where appropriate, information provided to other Board members,

    Lead annual performance reviews of individual directors and the full Board,

    Has the authority to call meetings of the independent directors and, if requested by major shareholders, ensures that he or she is available for consultation and direct communication, and

    Communicate regularly with the Chairman of the Board regarding appropriate agenda topics and other Board related matters.

Key functions and responsibilities of the Lead Independent Director include:

 Preside at regularly conducted executive sessions of the independent directors and provide feedback to the Chairman and CEO and other senior management, as appropriate,

 Preside at all meetings of the Board at which the Chairman is not present,

 Facilitate communication with the Board and serve as liaison between the Chairman and the independent directors,

 Communicate regularly with the Chairman regarding appropriate agenda topics and other Board related matters,

 Review and approve matters, such as agenda items, meeting schedules to assure sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items, and, where appropriate, information provided to the Board,

 Confer with the Nominations and Governance Committee and the CEO regarding management succession planning,

 Lead the annual performance reviews of individual directors, the full Board, and each of its Committees,

 Oversee the process for identifying and evaluating director candidates,

 Work with management on corporate governance issues and developments,

 Has the authority to call meetings of the independent directors, and

 Engage directly with major shareholders as appropriate.

The Board reviews its leadership structure on at least an annual basis. The Boardannually and has determined that this leadership structure ensures the appropriate level of oversight, independence and responsibility is applied to all Board decisions, including risk oversight, and is in the best interests of Abbott and its shareholders.shareholders at this time. This structure balances strong, independent oversight with extensive business knowledge and experience. The Board also retains the flexibility necessary to adopt the leadership structure in the best interests of Abbott and its shareholders based on the specific circumstances and needs of the business over time.

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BOARD DIVERSITY AND COMPOSITION

In the process of identifying nominees to serve as members of the Board of Directors, the Nominations and Governance Committee considers the Board’s diversity of relevant experience, areas of expertise, ethnicity, gender, and geography and assesses the effectiveness of the process in achieving that diversity.

The process used to identify and select nominees has resulted in a balanced, diverse, and well-rounded Board of Directors that possesses the skills, experiences, and perspectives necessary for its oversight role. All of Abbott’s directors exhibit:

Global business perspective
Successful track record
Innovative thinking

Knowledge of corporate governance requirements and practices
High integrity
Commitment to good corporate citizenship
THE 12 DIRECTOR NOMINEES COMPRISE A WELL-BALANCED, DIVERSE BOARD.
RELEVANT EXPERTISE TO PROVIDE OVERSIGHT AND GUIDANCE FOR ABBOTT’S DIVERSIFIED OPERATING MODELTENURE
Healthcare and Medical Device Industry
Finance
Risk Management, including Data/Cybersecurity
Global Strategy and Operations
Regulatory/ComplianceBOARD DIVERSITY
Consumer Products
Senior Leadership with Multinational Corporations and Diverse Business Models
Global Supply Chain Operations
Government and Military Leadership
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DIRECTOR SELECTION

The Nominations and Governance Committee assists the Board of Directors in identifying individuals qualified to become Board members and recommends to the Board the nominees for election as directors at the next annual meeting of shareholders. The process used by the Nominations and Governance Committee to identify a nominee to serve as a member of the Board of Directors depends on the qualities being sought. From time to time, Abbott engages an executive search firm to assist the Committee in identifying individuals qualified to be Board members. Mr. Roman was recommended as a director nominee by a third-party search firm retained to help identify and evaluate potential director nominees.

Abbott'sAbbott’s outline of directorship qualifications, which is part of Abbott'sAbbott’s corporate governance guidelines, is available in the corporate governance section of Abbott'sAbbott’s investor relations website (www.abbottinvestor.com)(www.abbottinvestor.com). These qualifications describe specific characteristics that the Nominations and Governance Committee and the Board take into consideration when selecting nominees for the Board, such as: strong management experience and senior-level experience in medicine, hospital administration, medical and scientific research and development, finance, international business, technology, government, and academic administration.

strong management experience and senior level experience in medicine,
hospital administration,
medical and scientific research and development,
finance,
international business,
technology,
government, and
academic administration.

An individual nominee is not required to satisfy all the characteristics listed in the outline of directorship qualifications and there is no requirement that all such characteristics be represented on the Board.

In addition, Board members should have backgrounds that, when combined, provide a portfolio of experience and knowledge that will serve Abbott'sAbbott’s governance and strategic needs. Board candidates will be considered on the basis of a range of criteria, including broad-basedbroad based business knowledge and relationships, prominence, and excellent reputations in their primary fields of endeavor, as well as a global business perspective and commitment to good corporate citizenship. Directors should have demonstrated experience and ability that is relevant to the Board of Directors'Directors’ oversight role with respect to Abbott'sAbbott’s business and affairs. Each director'sdirector’s biography includes the particular experience and qualifications that led the Board to conclude that the director should serve on the Board. The directors'directors’ biographies are on pages 1610 through 22.15.

A description of the procedure for the recommendation and nomination of directors, including by proxy access, is on page 99.88.

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BOARD DIVERSITY AND COMPOSITION OVERSIGHT

In the process of identifying nomineesAbbott is committed to serve as members of thestrong governance that is aligned with shareholder interests. Our Board of Directors, the Nominationsspends significant time with Abbott’s senior management to understand global dynamics, challenges, and Governance Committee considers the Board's diversity of relevant experience, areas of expertise, ethnicity, gender,opportunities for Abbott. During these interactions, directors provide insights and geographyask probing questions which guide management decision making. This collaborative approach to risk oversight and assesses the effectiveness of the processemphasis on long-term sustainability begins with our leaders and is engrained in achieving that diversity.Abbott’s culture.

OVERSIGHT OF RISK

The process used to identifyBoard has risk oversight responsibility for Abbott, which it administers directly and select nominees has resulted in a balanced, diverse, and well-rounded Board of Directors that possesseswith assistance from its Committees. Throughout the skills, experiences, and perspectives necessary for its oversight role. All of Abbott's directors exhibit:

Global business perspectiveSuccessful track recordInnovative thinking



Knowledge of corporate governance requirements and practices




High integrity




Commitment to good corporate citizenship

GRAPHIC

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BOARD EVALUATION PROCESS

Each year, Abbott's directors evaluate the effectiveness of the Board and its Committees in performing its governanceengage with management to discuss a wide range of enterprise risks, such as risks related to Abbott’s businesses, enterprise and product cybersecurity, litigation, and human capital management, and they confirm the alignment of risk assessment and mitigation with business strategy. The Audit Committee conducts an annual review of the enterprise risk management process, including the program structure, risk assessment, and risk oversight responsibilities. Directors assess the performance of their peers, as well asmitigation. The Board and its Committees also consult with advisors, including legal counsel, internal and external auditors, and consultants. Such engagement and consultations are done by the full Board, independent directors in executive sessions, or fully independent Committees, as appropriate.

Specific risk areas of Directorsfocus for the Board, its Committees, and eachmanagement include:

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 Business strategy and operations

 Management development and succession planning

 Human capital and diversity, equity and inclusion

 Litigation

    

AUDIT COMMITTEE

 Accounting, internal controls, and financial reporting

●  Enterprise cybersecurity

 Information security and data protection

 Major financial and business risk exposures

COMPENSATION
COMMITTEE

 Executive officer compensation, including incentive compensation plans

●  Equity-based plans

 Director compensation

NOMINATIONS
AND GOVERNANCE
COMMITTEE

 Board composition, refreshment, and succession planning

 Board governance structure

 Governance guidelines and practices

PUBLIC POLICY
COMMITTEE

●  Sustainability, environment, and social responsibility

 Global ethics and compliance programs

 Product quality and cybersecurity, and data privacy

    

MANAGEMENT

 Design and execution of Abbott’s enterprise risk management process

 Identification, evaluation, and prioritization of risks

 Development and implementation of mitigating actions

 Regular communication with the Board and its Committees on how risks are being managed

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OVERSIGHT OF STRATEGY

One of the Committees on which they serve,Board’s key responsibilities is overseeing and monitoring business strategy. The Board conducts an annual in-depth review of the long-term strategy and areas of focus for Abbott and its businesses. The Board also regularly engages with management throughout the year to review and discuss the strategic planning for Abbott’s businesses, including operating and financial plans, strategic business priorities and initiatives, and key risks and opportunities. These reviews include discussions of matters such as follows:global talent management and succession planning, diversity, equity and inclusion, global market dynamics and changes in regulatory and competitive landscapes, supply chain initiatives and sustainability programs, and significant corporate actions such as acquisitions and capital expenditures.

GRAPHICThe Board monitors management’s strategy execution, receiving regular updates to confirm that activities align with such strategies and that progress is made toward strategic objectives. Most years, the Board also visits Abbott facilities and locations around the world to observe business dynamics and strategy execution by the businesses.

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COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors has five committees established in Abbott'sAbbott’s By-Laws: Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominations and Governance Committee, Public Policy Committee, and Executive Committee.

All members of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominations and Governance Committee, and Public Policy Committee are independent. These Committees are governed by written charters setting forth their respective responsibilities, and each Committee reviews its charter at least annually, with any changes being recommended to the full Board for approval. Copies of the Committee charters are all available in the governance section of Abbott'sAbbott’s investor relations website (www.abbottinvestor.com)(www.abbottinvestor.com).

  COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS
Current Members   Audit
Committee*
   Compensation
Committee
   Nominations
and Governance
Committee
   Public Policy
Committee
   Executive
Committee
   
Robert J. Alpern, M.D.         
Roxanne S. Austin        
Sally E. Blount, Ph.D.         
Robert B. Ford          
Paola Gonzalez          
Michelle A. Kumbier         
Darren W. McDew         
Nancy McKinstry        
William A. Osborn        
Michael F. Roman         
Daniel J. Starks          
John G. Stratton         
Glenn F. Tilton        
Total Meetings Held in 2021 7 4 5 4 0 
ChairMember
*Each of the committee members is financially literate, as is required of audit committee members by the New York Stock Exchange. The Board of Directors has determined that Nancy McKinstry is an “audit committee financial expert.”
Ms. Austin is not standing for re-election at the Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors will appoint a new Compensation Committee chair upon conclusion of her tenure at the Annual Meeting.
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  Current Members

Audit*

Compensation

Nominations
and Governance


Public Policy†

Executive

 R. J. Alpern  GRAPHICGRAPHIC  
 R. S. Austin GRAPHIC GRAPHIC GRAPHIC
 S. E. Blount  GRAPHICGRAPHIC  
R. B. Ford GRAPHIC
 M. A. KumbierGRAPHICGRAPHIC    
E. M. Liddy GRAPHIC GRAPHIC GRAPHIC
 D. W. McDew  GRAPHICGRAPHIC  
N. McKinstry GRAPHIC GRAPHIC
 P. N. Novakovic GRAPHIC GRAPHICGRAPHIC 
W. A. Osborn GRAPHIC GRAPHIC GRAPHIC
 D. J. Starks   GRAPHIC  
J. G. Stratton GRAPHIC GRAPHIC
 G. F. TiltonGRAPHIC  GRAPHIC  
M. D. White GRAPHIC
 Total Meetings Held in 202084540 
Contents

Audit Committee
AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibility with respect to:

    Abbott's accounting and financial reporting practices and the audit process,

    The quality and integrity of Abbott's financial statements,

    The independent auditors' qualifications, independence, and performance,

    The performance of Abbott's internal audit function and internal auditors,

    Legal and regulatory compliance relating to financial matters, including accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and securities law issues, and

    Enterprise risk management, including major financial and cybersecurity risk exposures.

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Abbott’s accounting and financial reporting practices and the audit process,
The quality and integrity of Abbott’s financial statements,
The independent auditors’ qualifications, independence, and performance,
The performance of Abbott’s internal audit function and internal auditors,
Legal and regulatory compliance relating to financial matters, including accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and securities law issues, and
Enterprise risk management, including major financial and cybersecurity risk exposures.

In performing these functions, the Audit Committee meets regularly with the independent auditor, Abbott'sAbbott’s management, and Abbott'sAbbott’s internal auditors to review the adequacy, effectiveness and quality of Abbott'sAbbott’s accounting and financial reporting principles, policies, procedures and controls, as well as Abbott'sAbbott’s enterprise risk management, including Abbott'sAbbott’s risk assessment and risk management policies. The Audit Committee also receives regular reports from management on Abbott’s information security and enterprise cybersecurity risk programs.

A copy of the report of the Audit Committee is on page 82.70.

Compensation Committee
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

The Compensation Committee assists the Board of Directors in carrying out the Board'sBoard’s responsibilities relating to the compensation of Abbott'sAbbott’s executive officers and directors. Its primary responsibilities include:

    Review director compensation annually and recommend to the full Board both the amount and the allocation between equity-based awards and cash. In recommending director compensation, the Compensation Committee takes comparable director fees into account and reviews any arrangement that could be viewed as indirect director compensation.

    Review, approve, and administer the incentive compensation plans in which any executive officer participates and all of Abbott's equity-based plans. The Compensation Committee may delegate the responsibility to administer and make grants under these plans to management, except to the extent that such delegation would be inconsistent with applicable law or regulation or with the listing rules of the New York Stock Exchange.

    Engage compensation consultants to provide counsel and advice on executive and non-employee director compensation matters. The consultant and its principal report directly to the Chair of the Committee. The principal meets regularly and as needed with the Committee in executive sessions, has direct access to the Chair during and between meetings, and performs no other services for Abbott or its senior executives.

      The Committee determines what variables it will instruct the consultant to consider, including peer groups against which performance and pay should be examined, financial metrics to be used to assess Abbott's relative performance, competitive incentive practices in the marketplace, and compensation levels relative to market practice. The Committee negotiates and approves any fees paid to the consultant for these services.

Review, approve, and administer the incentive compensation plans in which any executive officer participates and all of Abbott’s equity-based plans. The Compensation Committee may delegate the responsibility to administer and make grants under these plans to management, except to the extent that such delegation would be inconsistent with applicable law or regulation or with the listing rules of the New York Stock Exchange.
Review director compensation annually and recommend to the full Board both the amount and the allocation between equity-based awards and cash. In recommending director compensation, the Compensation Committee takes comparable director fees into account and reviews any arrangement that could be viewed as indirect director compensation.
Engage compensation consultants to provide counsel and advice on executive and non-employee director compensation matters. The consultant and its principal report directly to the Chair of the Committee. The principal meets regularly and as needed with the Committee in executive sessions, has direct access to the Chair during and between meetings, and performs no other services for Abbott or its senior executives.
The Committee determines what variables it will instruct the consultant to consider, including peer groups against which performance and pay should be examined, financial metrics to be used to assess Abbott’s relative performance, competitive incentive practices in the marketplace, and compensation levels relative to market practice. The Committee negotiates and approves any fees paid to the consultant for these services.

The Compensation Committee engaged Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC as its compensation consultant for 2020.2021. Meridian performs no other work for Abbott. Based on its evaluation of Meridian'sMeridian’s independence in accordance with the New York Stock Exchange listing standards and information provided by Meridian, the Committee determined that the work performed by Meridian does not present any conflicts of interest.

A copy of the report of the Compensation Committee report is on page 60.51.

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Nominations and Governance Committee
NOMINATIONS AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

The Nominations and Governance Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibility with respect to governance matters. Its primary responsibilities include:

    Assist the Board in identifying individuals qualified to become Board members, and recommend to the Board the nominees for election as directors at the next annual meeting of shareholders,

    Recommend to the Board the people to be elected as executive officers of Abbott,

    Develop and recommend to the Board the corporate governance guidelines applicable to Abbott, and

    Serve in an advisory capacity to the Board and the Chairman of the Board on matters of organization, management succession plans, major changes in the organizational structure of Abbott, and the conduct of Board activities.
Assist the Board in identifying individuals qualified to become Board members, and recommend to the Board the nominees for election as directors at the next annual meeting of shareholders,
Recommend to the Board the people to be elected as executive officers of Abbott,
Develop and recommend to the Board the corporate governance guidelines applicable to Abbott, and
Serve in an advisory capacity to the Board and the Chairman of the Board on matters of organization, management succession plans, major changes in the organizational structure of Abbott, and the conduct of Board activities.

The process used by this Committee to identify a nominee to serve as a member of the Board of Directors depends on the qualities being sought. From time to time, Abbott engages an executive search firm to assist the Committee in identifying individuals qualified to be Board members. The process used by the Committee to identify nominees is described on page 2419 in the section captioned, "Director“Director Selection."

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Public Policy Committee
PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE

The Public Policy Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibility with respect to:

    Certain areas of legal and regulatory compliance, including evaluating Abbott's compliance policies and practices and reviewing Abbott's compliance program,

    Governmental affairs and healthcare compliance issues that affect Abbott, and

    Abbott's public policy, including evaluating Abbott's social responsibility policies and practices and reviewing social, political, economic, and environmental trends and public policy issues that affect or could affect Abbott's business activities, performance, and public image.
Legal, regulatory, and healthcare compliance matters, including evaluating Abbott’s compliance policies and practices and reviewing Abbott’s compliance program,
Product quality and cybersecurity matters,
Governmental affairs and political participation, including advocacy priorities, political contributions, lobbying activities, and trade association memberships,
Sustainability and social responsibility policies and practices, and
Social, political, economic, and environmental trends and public policy issues that affect or could affect Abbott’s business activities, performance, and public image.

Executive Committee
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee may exercise all the authority of the Board in the management of Abbott, except for matters expressly reserved by law for Board action.

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SHAREHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Active shareholder engagement throughout the year is essential to maintaining good corporate governance. We routinely seek investor input on a variety of topics, including corporate governance, executive compensation, sustainability and other strategic matters. During 2021, we met or initiated contact with shareholders representing over 60% of our outstanding shares, including 100% of our top 20 investors, in an open dialogue to discuss our compensation program and other topics. Investor sentiment and specific feedback was shared with executive management and the Board of Directors, as appropriate.

Topics discussed with our investors included:

The pandemic’s impact on our business, our COVID-19 testing response, and the strength and resilience of our diversified business model.
Business and sustainability strategy, including Abbott’s new 2030 Sustainability Plan and its focus on creating new life-changing technologies and products, expanding access and affordability of new product innovations and advancing health equity.
Human capital management and Abbott’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,including Abbott’s new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report which provides goals, our progress against them, and disclosure of EEO-1 data.
Board composition and refreshment, including the addition of four new independent directors since 2018, three of whom are women and/or minorities.
Executive compensation program, including Abbott’s continued enhanced compensation disclosure.
BOARD EVALUATION PROCESS

Each year, Abbott’s directors evaluate the effectiveness of the Board and its Committees in performing its governance and risk oversight responsibilities. Directors assess the performance of their peers, as well as the full Board of Directors and each of the Committees on which they serve, as follows:

PEER, BOARD, AND COMMITTEE EVALUATIONS

Written evaluations solicit feedback on the performance of:

Each individual director, including:      The full Board and Board Committees, including:     

●  Independent thinking and action

●  Contributions to discussions and decisions

●  Ethical standards and values

●  Professional competence in matters of oversight and governance

●  Structure and composition

●  Effectiveness of oversight and other responsibilities

●  Encouragement of open communication and differing viewpoints

COLLECTION AND REVIEW OF RESULTSINCORPORATION OF FEEDBACK
To ensure candid feedback, directors submit their evaluation responses to an independent third party, who anonymizes all responses and compiles them into reports for the Board and Committees.

The Nominations and Governance Committee reviews the peer and full Board reports, and each Committee reviews its respective report. All evaluation responses are shared with the full Board.
Feedback requiring additional consideration is addressed at subsequent Board and Committee meetings, and opportunities for additional enhancements are identified, considered and implemented as appropriate.

The Chair of the Nominations and Governance Committee discusses peer evaluation results with individual directors as needed.
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COMMUNICATING WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Interested parties may communicate with the Board of Directors by writing a letter to the Chairman of the Board, to the Chair of the Nominations and Governance Committee, who acts as the lead independent director, or to the independent directors c/o Abbott Laboratories, 100 Abbott Park Road, D-364, AP6D, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064, Attention: Corporate Secretary. The General Counsel and Corporate Secretary regularly forwards to the addressee all letters other than mass mailings, advertisements, and other materials not relevant to Abbott'sAbbott’s business. In addition, directors regularly receive a log of all correspondence received by Abbott that is addressed to a member of the Board and may request any correspondence on that log.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATERIALS

Abbott'sAbbott’s corporate governance guidelines, outline of directorship qualifications, director independence standards, code of business conduct, and the charters of Abbott'sAbbott’s Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominations and Governance Committee, and Public Policy Committee are all available in the corporate governance section of Abbott'sAbbott’s investor relations website ((www.abbottinvestor.com).

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www.abbottinvestor.com).

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2020 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Messrs. White andMr. Ford areis not compensated for serving on the Board or Board committees. Abbott'sMr. White was not compensated for serving on the Board or Board committees during his tenure as Executive Chairman of the Board. Abbott’s remaining directors, who are all non-employee directors, are compensated for their service under the Abbott Laboratories Non-Employee Directors'Directors’ Fee Plan and the Abbott Laboratories 2017 Incentive Stock Program.

The following table sets forth a summary of the non-employee directors' 2020directors’ 2021 compensation.

Name   Fees Earned
or Paid in Cash
($)(1)
   Stock
Awards
($)(2)
   Option
Awards
($)(3)
   Change in
Pension Value
and Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)(4)
   All Other
Compensation
($)(5)
   Total
($)
R. J. Alpern $ 126,000 $184,944 $0 $53,408 $25,000 $389,352
R. S. Austin 146,000 184,944 0 0 25,000 355,944
S. E. Blount 126,000 184,944 0 7,590 25,000 343,534
P. Gonzalez 43,500 0 0 0 0 43,500
M. A. Kumbier 132,000 184,944 0 0 0 316,944
E. M. Liddy 50,333 0 0 0 0 50,333
D. W. McDew 126,000 184,944 0 0 0 310,944
N. McKinstry 144,667 184,944 0 0 5,000 334,611
P. N. Novakovic 47,000 0 0 0 0 47,000
W. A. Osborn 156,000 184,944 0 0 0 340,944
M. F. Roman 88,000 184,944 0 0 0 272,944
D. J. Starks 126,000 184,944 0 0 0 310,944
J. G. Stratton 132,000 184,944 0 0 0 316,944
G. F. Tilton 142,000 184,944 0 0 25,000 351,944
(1)Under the Abbott Laboratories Non-Employee Directors’ Fee Plan, non-employee directors earn $10,500 for each month of service as a director. Audit Committee members, other than the Audit Committee chair, receive $500 for each month of service on the Audit Committee. Board Committee chairs receive monthly fees of: $2,083.33 for the Audit Committee chair, $1,666.66 for the Compensation Committee chair, $1,250.00 for the Public Policy Committee chair, and $1,250.00 for the chair of any other Board committee. In addition, the lead independent director earns $2,500 for each month of such service and does not receive a fee for service as Nominations and Governance Committee chair. Fees earned under the Abbott Laboratories Non-Employee Directors’ Fee Plan are paid in cash to the director, paid in the form of vested non-qualified stock options (based on an independent appraisal of their fair value), deferred (as a non-funded obligation of Abbott), or paid currently into an individual grantor trust established by the director. The distribution of deferred fees and amounts held in a director’s grantor trust generally commences when the director reaches age 65, or upon retirement from the Board of Directors, if later. The director may elect to have deferred fees and fees deposited in trust credited to either a guaranteed interest account or to a stock equivalent account that earns the same return as if the fees were invested in Abbott shares. If necessary, Abbott contributes funds to a director’s trust so that as of year-end the stock equivalent account balance (net of taxes) is not less than seventy-five percent of the market value of the related common shares at year-end.
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Name


Fees Earned
or Paid in Cash
($)(1)



Stock
Awards
($)(2)



Option
Awards
($)(3)



Change in
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)(4)








All Other
Compensation
($)(5)



Total
($)


R. J. Alpern

$126,000$184,920$0$63,098$25,000$399,018 

R. S. Austin

152,000184,9200025,000361,920

S. E. Blount

126,000184,92009,50825,000345,428 

M. A. Kumbier

132,000184,920000316,920

E. M. Liddy

151,000184,920000335,920 

D. W. McDew

126,000184,920000310,920

N. McKinstry

132,000184,9200020,000336,920 

P. N. Novakovic

141,000184,920000325,920

W. A. Osborn

156,000184,920000340,920 

S. C. Scott III

44,000000044,000

D. J. Starks

126,000184,920000310,920 

J. G. Stratton

126,000184,9200025,000335,920

G. F. Tilton

132,000184,9200025,000341,920 

(1)

Under the Abbott Laboratories Non-Employee Directors' Fee Plan, non-employee directors earn $10,500 for each month of service as a director. Audit Committee members, other than the Audit Committee chair, receive $500 for each month of service on the Audit Committee. Board Committee chairs receive monthly fees of: $2,083.33 for the Audit Committee chair, $1,666.66 for the Compensation Committee chair, $1,250.00 for the Public Policy Committee chair, and $1,250.00 for the chair of any other Board committee. In addition, the lead independent director earns $2,500 for each month of such service and does not receive a fee for service as Nominations and Governance Committee chair. Fees earned under the Abbott Laboratories Non-Employee Directors' Fee Plan are paid in cash to the director, paid in the form of vested non-qualified stock options (based on an independent appraisal of their fair value), deferred (as a non-funded obligation of Abbott), or paid currently into an individual grantor trust established by the director. The distribution of deferred fees and amounts held in a director's grantor trust generally commences when the director reaches age 65, or upon retirement from the Board of Directors, if later. The director may elect to have deferred fees and fees deposited in trust credited to either a guaranteed interest account or to a stock equivalent account that earns the same return as if the fees were invested in Abbott shares. If necessary, Abbott contributes funds to a director's trust so that as of year-end the stock equivalent account balance (net of taxes) is not less than seventy-five percent of the market value of the related common shares at year-end.

(2)
The amounts reported in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the awards calculated in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC Topic 718. Abbott determines the grant date fair value of stock unit awards by multiplying the number of restricted stock units granted by the average of the high and low market prices of an Abbott common share on the date of grant. In addition to the fees described in footnote 1, each non-employee director elected to the Board of Directors at the annual shareholders meeting receives vested restricted stock units having a value of $185,000 (rounded down) under the Abbott Laboratories 2017 Incentive Stock Program). In 2020, this was 1,974 units. The non-employee directors receive cash payments equal to the dividends paid on the shares covered by the units at the same rate as other shareholders. Upon termination, retirement from the Board, death, or a change in control of Abbott, a non-employee director will receive one common share for each restricted stock unit outstanding under the Incentive Stock Program. Each director is required to own, within five years of becoming a director, the number of Abbott shares having a fair

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(2)The amounts reported in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the awards calculated in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC Topic 718. Abbott determines the grant date fair value of stock unit awards by multiplying the number of restricted stock units granted by the average of the high and low market prices of an Abbott common share on the date of grant. In addition to the fees described in footnote 1, each non-employee director elected to the Board of Directors at the annual shareholders meeting receives vested restricted stock units having a value of $185,000 (rounded down) under the Abbott Laboratories 2017 Incentive Stock Program). In 2021, this was 1,499 units. The non-employee directors receive cash payments equal to the dividends paid on the shares covered by the units at the same rate as other shareholders. Upon termination, retirement from the Board, death, or a change in control of Abbott, a non-employee director will receive one common share for each restricted stock unit outstanding under the Incentive Stock Program. Each director is required to own, within five years of becoming a director, the number of Abbott shares having a fair market value equal to five times the annual director fees earned or paid in cash. All directors with five years tenure or more meet or exceed the guidelines. The following Abbott restricted stock units were outstanding as of December 31, 2021: R. J. Alpern, 33,879; R. S. Austin, 41,542; S. E. Blount, 27,139; M. A. Kumbier, 5,714; D. W. McDew, 3,473; N. McKinstry, 27,139; W. A. Osborn, 35,796; M. F. Roman, 1,499; D. J. Starks, 12,096; J. G. Stratton, 8,659; and G. F. Tilton, 37,526.
(3)The following options were outstanding as of December 31, 2021: R. S. Austin, 64,718; E. M. Liddy, 58,861; N. McKinstry, 63,391; P. N. Novakovic, 81,381; and W. A. Osborn, 29,567.
(4)The totals in this column include reportable interest credited under Abbott Laboratories Non-Employee Directors’ Fee Plan during the year.
(5)Charitable contributions made by Abbott’s non-employee directors are eligible for a matching contribution (up to $25,000 annually). The amounts reported in this column represent charitable matching grant contributions.
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    market value equal to five times the annual director fees earned or paid in cash. All directors with five years tenure or more meet or exceed the guidelines. The following Abbott restricted stock units were outstanding as of December 31, 2020: R. J. Alpern, 32,380; R. S. Austin, 40,043; S. E. Blount, 25,640; M. A. Kumbier, 4,215; E. M. Liddy, 27,807; D. W. McDew, 1,974; N. McKinstry, 25,640; P. N. Novakovic, 27,807; W. A. Osborn, 34,297; D. J. Starks, 10,597; J. G. Stratton, 7,160; and G. F. Tilton, 36,027.

    (3)
    The following options were outstanding as of December 31, 2020: R. S. Austin, 57,618; E. M. Liddy, 56,414; N. McKinstry, 56,356; P. N. Novakovic, 93,553; W. A. Osborn, 37,733; and S. C. Scott III, 44,440.

    (4)
    The totals in this column include reportable interest credited under Abbott Laboratories Non-Employee Directors' Fee Plan during the year.

    (5)
    Charitable contributions made by Abbott's non-employee directors are eligible for a matching contribution (up to $25,000 annually). The amounts reported in this column represent charitable matching grant contributions, as follows: R. J. Alpern, $25,000; R. S. Austin, $25,000; S. E. Blount, $25,000; N. McKinstry, $20,000; J. G. Stratton, $25,000; and G. F. Tilton, $25,000.

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    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

    The table below reflects the number of Abbott common shares beneficially owned as of January 31, 2021 by (i) each director nominee, (ii) each individual serving as Chief Executive Officer and as Chief Financial Officer during 2020, and the three other most highly paid executive officers in 2020 (collectively, the "named officers"), and (iii) all directors and executive officers of Abbott as a group. It also reflects the number of stock equivalent units held by non-employee directors under the Abbott Laboratories Non-Employee Directors' Fee Plan and restricted stock units held by non-employee directors, named officers, and executive officers.

      Name

    Shares
    Beneficially
    Owned(1)(2)



    Stock Options
    Exercisable
    Within 60 Days of
    January 31, 2021(3)




    Stock
    Equivalent
    Units



     
      H. L. Allen 151,896 1,109,341 0  
     R. J. Alpern 32,380 0 8,214 
      R. S. Austin 40,043 57,618 0  
     S. E. Blount 28,240 0 0 
      R. B. Ford 244,868 1,218,661 0  
     R. E. Funck, Jr. 200,475 378,314 0 
      J. F. Ginascol 89,003 169,059 0  
     M. A. Kumbier 5,248 0 0 
      E. M. Liddy 30,127 56,414 21,584  
     D. W. McDew 1,974 0 0 
      N. McKinstry 25,640 56,356 0  
     P. N. Novakovic 41,004 93,553 0 
      W. A. Osborn 79,745 37,733 28,935  
     M. F. Roman 0 0 0 
      D. G. Salvadori 102,433 594,254 0  
     D. J. Starks 7,020,657 0 0 
      J. G. Stratton 10,615 0 6,049  
     G. F. Tilton 43,377 0 33,196 
      M. D. White 3,141,293 5,959,728 0  
     B. B. Yoor 69,886 197,150 0 
      All directors and executive officers as a group(4)(5) 12,367,861 14,370,846 97,978  
    (1)
    This column includes shares held in the officers' accounts in the Abbott Laboratories Stock Retirement Trust as follows: R. E. Funck, Jr., 17,758; M. D. White, 35,146; B. B. Yoor, 2,272; and all executive officers as a group, 79,829. Each officer has shared voting power and sole investment power with respect to the shares held in his or her account.

    (2)
    This column includes restricted stock units held by the non-employee directors and payable in stock upon their retirement from the Board as follows: R. J. Alpern, 32,380; R. S. Austin, 40,043; S. E. Blount, 25,640; M. A. Kumbier, 4,215; E. M. Liddy, 27,807; D. W. McDew, 1,974; N. McKinstry, 25,640; P. N. Novakovic, 27,807; W. A. Osborn, 34,297; D. J. Starks, 10,597; J. G. Stratton, 7,160; G. F. Tilton, 36,027; and all directors as a group, 273,587.

    (3)
    This column also includes 72,590 restricted stock units held by all named officers and executive officers as a group that will be payable in stock within 60 days of January 31, 2021.

    (4)
    Certain executive officers of Abbott are fiduciaries of several employee benefit trusts maintained by Abbott. As such, they have shared voting and/or investment power with respect to the common shares held by those trusts. The table does not include the shares held by the trusts. As of January 31, 2021, these trusts owned a total of 29,672,769 (1.7%) of the outstanding shares of Abbott.


    None of the directors, named officers, or executive officers has pledged shares.

    (5)
    No director or executive officer beneficially owns more than one percent of the outstanding shares of Abbott. Excluding the shared voting and/or investment power over the shares held by the trusts described in footnote 4, the directors and executive officers as a group beneficially own 1.5 percent of the outstanding shares of Abbott.

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    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

    COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    INTRODUCTION

    This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (CD&A) describes Abbott'sAbbott’s executive compensation program in 2020.2021. In particular, this CD&A explains how the Compensation Committee (the Committee) and Board of Directors made compensation decisions for the Company'sCompany’s executives, including the sevensix named officers: Robert B. Ford, PresidentChairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer effective March 31, 2020December 10, 2021 (previously President and Chief OperatingExecutive Officer); Robert E. Funck, Jr., Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer effective March 1, 2020;Officer; Hubert L. Allen, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary; John F. Ginascol, Executive Vice President, Core Diagnostics; Daniel G. Salvadori, Executive Vice President and Group President, Established Pharmaceuticals and Nutritional Products;Products effective December 1, 2021 (previously Executive Vice President, Nutritional Products); Andrea F. Wainer, Executive Vice President, Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics; and Miles D. White, Former Executive Chairman of the Board effective March 31, 2020 (previously Chairman and Chief Executive Officer); and Brian B. Yoor, former Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer.Board.

    The CD&A also describes the process the Committee utilizes to examine performance in the context of executive pay decisions, the performance goals and results for each named officer, and recent updates to our compensation program. This year'syear’s CD&A reflects the feedback from our shareholders gathered during our 20202021 shareholder outreach described on page 34.29.

    2020 PERFORMANCE
    VALUE CREATION FOR SHAREHOLDERS

    Abbott'sAbbott’s sustained strong performance has resulted in total shareholder return (TSR) significantly exceeding the peer median and major market indices on a one-,one, three-, and five-year basis.

    Abbott'sAbbott’s three-year TSR of 101.7%104% is more than twice that of the peer group median, and the broader Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) andAbbott’s five-year TSR of 300% is more than threefour times that of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) market indexpeer median. . These consistent above-markettop-tier returns are driven by strong execution, an effective governance structure, and the strength of our diversified business model with leadership positions in some of the largest and fastest growing markets in healthcare and innovative product portfolios across our businesses.

    Abbott delivered strong returns for shareholders in 2020,2021, despite the continued global market challenges from COVID-19,impact and achieved oruncertainty of COVID 19, and exceeded the financial targets that were set beforeat the pandemic in January 2020.beginning of the year. Abbott'sAbbott’s one-year TSR was 28.0%31%, more than threetwo and a half times the peer median TSR, and significantly above major market indices, a testament to the strength of our diversified business model and ability to innovate and deliver in this challenging environment.


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    In addition to delivering significant shareholder returns, Abbott continued to take important steps to position the Company for long-term, sustainable growth.

      Achieved important product approvals in 2020 across our businesses that will be significant contributors to growth in the coming years.

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      Increased manufacturing scale and capabilities across several important products, including significant investment in COVID-19 diagnostic test capacity to help meet immediate global testing needs and further accelerate Abbott's leadership position in diagnostic testing.

      Returned $2.6 billion to shareholders through dividends in 2020 and announced a 25% increase to the dividend payable in 2021, demonstrating Abbott's financial strength and commitment to shareholder returns.

      Launched our 2030 Sustainability Plan focused on Abbott's greatest opportunities to make an impact: creating new life-changing technologies and products, expanding the access and affordability of this innovation, and breaking down barriers that prevent people from getting the care they need.

    CHANGES BASED ON SHAREHOLDER FEEDBACK AND MARKET PRACTICES

    During 2020,In 2021, we conducted extensive shareholder outreach to discuss our compensation program, among other topics. In the spring, we engagedmet or initiated contact with shareholders representing over 60% of our outstanding shares, including 100% of our top 20 investors in an open dialogue to discuss our compensation program and various topics, including Abbott's market-leading disclosures that enhance shareholder understanding of how pay decisions are made and how the metrics we use are linked to business strategy and goals. including:

    The pandemic’s impact on our business, our COVID-19 testing response, and the strength and resilience of our diversified business model.
    Business and sustainability strategy, including Abbott’s new 2030 Sustainability Plan and its focus on creating new life-changing technologies and products, expanding access and affordability of new product innovations and advancing health equity.
    Human capital management and Abbott’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including Abbott’s new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report which provides goals, our progress against them, and disclosure of EEO-1 data.
    Board composition and refreshment, including the addition of four new independent directors since 2018, three of whom are women and/or minorities.
    Executive compensation program, including Abbott’s continued enhanced compensation disclosure.

    Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive, which was reflected in the 92% support for our Say-on-Pay Proposal.

    As illustrated in the table below, over the past several years we have made numerous changes to our program and our proxy statement based on feedback from our shareholders as well as a review of market practices.


    RECENT EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION CHANGES
    BASED ON SHAREHOLDER FEEDBACK


          

      Increased disclosure related to Abbott’s 2030 Sustainability Plan goals and linkage to executive pay

      Revised annual cash incentive plan goals and weighting

    Significantly increased disclosure related to payouts for both annual and long-termlong term incentives

    Revised annual cash incentive plan goals and weighting

    Changed performance-based restricted stock awards to vest only over a 3-year term with no more than one-third of the award vesting in any one year

    Implemented a strengthened recoupment policy

     

    Introduced new long-term incentive measures to reflect sustained performance over a three-year period

    Increased director share ownership guidelines

    Increased the ROE target for vesting of performance restricted shares

    Updated our peer group to reflect increased size and complexity of business


      Implemented a strengthened recoupment policy

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    ABBOTT'SABBOTT’S PEER GROUP FOR PAY AND COMPANY PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKING

    To determine the competitiveness of our compensation and benefit programs, the Committee, in consultation with its independent consultant, annually compares the level of compensation, pay practices, and our relative performance to those of peer companies. Our Compensation Committee reviewed our peer group in 2020 to determine whether any changes were necessary to better reflect2021 and determined that the increased size (sales and market capitalization) and complexity of Abbott's business. They also reviewed whether United Technologies should remain a peer following its corporate transaction with Raytheon in which they merged and spun off various businesses, resulting in the new company, Raytheon Technologies.

    Based on this review, the Compensation Committee replaced Raytheon Technologies with Cisco and Nike. This revisedexisting peer group strikes the appropriate balance between size (revenue and market capitalization between approximately one-third and three times Abbott's)three-times Abbott’s), growth and return profiles, geographic breadth, and management and operating structure. This approach has been overwhelmingly supported by our investors during shareholder outreach.

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    The updated peer group is summarized below, showing the primary characteristics for each company selected, including the Abbott business segment(s) represented by the peer company.

     Company NameSales/
    Rev.(1)
    (billions)
    Market
    Cap(1)
    (billions)
    % Rev.
    Outside
    U.S.
    Similar #
    Employees
    Mfg. Driven/
    Consumer-
    Facing
    Abbott Business Segment(s)/Characteristics
    Represented
     
     3M Company$32.2$100.8üüüDiagnostics 
     Becton Dickinson$17.1$72.8üüüDiagnostics, Medical Devices 
     Boston Scientific$10.1$51.5ü üMedical Devices 
    Bristol-Myers Squibb$39.4$140.2üüEstablished Pharmaceuticals 
     Cisco$48.1$189.1üüüDiagnostics, Medical Devices 
    The Coca-Cola Company$33.5$235.7üüüConsumer 
     Danaher Corporation$22.3$157.8üüüDiagnostics 
    Honeywell International$32.6$149.2üüüDiagnostics, Medical Devices 
     Johnson & Johnson$82.6$414.3üüüDiagnostics, Established Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices 
    Medtronic$27.9$157.7üüüMedical Devices 
     Merck$47.3$207.0üüüEstablished Pharmaceuticals 
    Mondelez International$26.6$83.6üüüConsumer 
     Nike$38.3$222.1üüüConsumer 
     Procter & Gamble$74.0$345.0üüüConsumer 
     Reckitt Benckiser(2)$18.4$63.4ü üNutrition 
    Stryker Corporation$14.4$92.1üMedical Devices 
     Thermo Fisher Scientific$32.2$184.6üüüDiagnostics 
    Peer Group Median$32.2$157.7 
     Abbott$34.6$194.1üüü  
    Abbott Percentile Rank65th71st  
    (1)
    Data source: Nasdaq IR Insight database reflects most recently disclosed (as of January 31, 2021) trailing 12-month sales/revenue. The market cap reflects values on December 31, 2020.

    (2)
    Revenue/Market Cap converted to USD for companies outside the U.S.

    Company Name Sales/
    Rev.(1)
    (billions)
     Market
    Cap(1)
    (billions)
     % Rev.
    Outside
    U.S.
     Similar #
    Employees
     Mfg.
    Driven/
    Consumer-
    Facing
     Abbott Business Segment(s)/
    Characteristics Represented
    3M Company $35.4 $102.4    Diagnostics
    Becton Dickinson $20.2 $  71.7    Diagnostics, Medical Devices
    Boston Scientific $11.5 $  60.5     Medical Devices
    Bristol-Myers Squibb $45.5 $138.4     Established Pharmaceuticals
    Cisco $50.8 $267.3    Diagnostics, Medical Devices
    The Coca-Cola Company $37.8 $255.8    Consumer
    Danaher Corporation $29.5 $235.1    Diagnostics
    Honeywell International $34.6 $143.5    Diagnostics, Medical Devices
    Johnson & Johnson $93.8 $450.4    Consumer, Diagnostics, Established Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices
    Medtronic $31.8 $139.1    Medical Devices
    Merck $49.2 $193.6    Established Pharmaceuticals
    Mondelez International $28.7 $  92.5    Consumer
    Nike $46.3 $263.8    Consumer
    Procter & Gamble $78.3 $395.9    Consumer
    Reckitt Benckiser(2) $24.6 $  60.7     Nutrition
    Stryker Corporation $17.1 $100.9    Medical Devices
    Thermo Fisher Scientific $39.1 $262.9    Diagnostics
    Peer Group Median $35.4 $143.5        
    Abbott $43.1 $248.9     
    Abbott Percentile Rank 65th 65th        
    (1)Data source: Nasdaq IR Insight database reflects most recently disclosed (as of January 31, 2022) trailing 12-month sales/revenue. The market cap reflects values on December 31, 2021.
    (2)Revenue/Market Cap converted to USD for companies outside the U.S.
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    BASIS FOR COMPENSATION DECISIONS

    Abbott and its Compensation Committee have designed a compensation program that balances short- and long-term objectives to focus our executives on actions that create value today, while building for sustainable future success. Approximately two-thirds90% of our pay is equity-based,performance-based, directly tying a significant portion of executive compensation to Company performance and shareholder returns.

    Our compensation program is market-based (to(to ensure our ability to attract and retain talented executives) and produces compensation outcomes that are performance-based (to(to incent the achievement of profitable growth that increases shareholder value).

    COMPENSATION PROGRAM IS MARKET-BASED

    All components of total direct compensation are market-based. Each year, the Compensation Committee reviews market data with the independent compensation consultant to ensure our programs are aligned and our officers are positioned appropriately relative to the market.

    Base Salary

    Base salary targets are initially set using the median of the peer group as a benchmark. Base salaries then vary depending on the officer'sofficer’s experience, expertise, and performance. The average base salary of our executive officers is approximately at the market median.

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    Annual Incentive Plan

    Annual incentive targets are initially set using the median of the peer group as a benchmark. The targets may vary based on other factors, including internal pay comparisons. Further linkage to the market is achieved by setting targets that require our officers to exceed the anticipated growth of the market in which they compete in order to achieve a target payout of their annual incentives.

    Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTI)

    To set annual LTI award guidelines, the Committee first reviews LTI grants made by peer companies to identify the competitive market range. Each year the guidelines are set at the appropriate level within the competitive market range based on Abbott'sAbbott’s relative performance, as described on the following page.pages 32 and 33. To recognize the continued growth focus of Abbott and to directly align the interests of executive officers with the interests of our shareholders, the Compensation Committee grants long-term incentive awards in the form of 50% stock options and 50% performance restricted shares. This mix of incentive awards is consistent with our peers.

    COMPENSATION OUTCOMES ARE PERFORMANCE-BASED

    Other than base salary, which is the smallest component of our executives'executives’ compensation, all remaining components of Total Direct Compensation (i.e., annual incentive, performance-based restricted stock awards, and stock options) are aligned with individual, business segment and Company performance.

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    Annual Incentive Plan

    In order for the annual incentive plan to pay out, the EPS goal must be achieved. If the EPS goal is not achieved, then the annual incentive plan is not funded. Final payoutsPayouts are determined based upon performance relative to annual goals and are capped as a percentage of consolidated net earnings (CEO cap is 0.15%; other NEO cap is 0.075%). The following formula summarizes the annual incentive payout process for officers, assuming the EPS goal is achieved.officers.

    For example:

    BASE SALARY   BONUS TARGET %   

    TOTAL GOAL SCORE

       AWARD PAYOUT BONUS TARGET % TOTAL GOAL SCORE AWARD PAYOUT
    $525,000 x 90% x 

    95%

     = $448,875x90%x95%=$448,875

    For 20202021 performance, annual incentive payouts for Abbott executive officers averaged 96%101% of target. For individual calculations for each named officer, see pages 4238 to 57.48. The annual incentive plan is formula driven based on financial, strategic, and talent and succession, and diversity results. Officer financial goals are based on adjusted financial measures that reflect the true results of our ongoing operations and are set based on the expected market growth of the businesses in the markets in which we compete.

    The goals usedLong-Term Incentive Plan

    Abbott’s process to determine annuallong-term incentive payouts for Abbott executive officers wereawards is based on both company and individual performance. Guidelines are set at the beginning of 2020. Abbott did not adjust 2020 financial goals due to the impactbased on relative performance of the pandemic. Instead, the Compensation Committee evaluated and rewarded each business leaderCompany to peers. Those guidelines are adjusted, up or down, based on their original goals, as well as their contribution toindividual officer performance over the Company's extraordinary response toprior three years. Performance restricted shares vest only if performance achieves expectations over the pandemic.

    This response, which enhanced Abbott's position as a world leader in diagnostic testing, included:

      The timely development of multiple COVID-19 related diagnostic tests across Abbott's broad diagnostics portfolio.

      Global manufacturing ramp up to meet demand, with expansions at existing facilitiesfollowing three years, and the creation of two new manufacturing sites in the U.S.

    In addition, business continuity across the Company was maintainedstock options provide value only through close partnerships with existing suppliers and a focus on supply chain management that ensured customer needs were met and R&D programs continued yielding approvals and a strong pipeline for future growth.

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    Long-Term Incentive Plan

    Throughout the process, Abbott's awards are based on Company and individual performance, from guideline positioning all the way through vesting.share price appreciation. Conversely, most other companies reflect performance only at the companyCompany level through future relative TSR at vesting. Thus, Abbott'sTSR. Abbott’s process is much more rigorous, reflecting both company and performance-based than other companies' programs.individual performance over a longer period of time.

    The Committee positions LTI award guidelines relative to the market by comparing Abbott'sAbbott’s 3-year TSR performance against our peers. 5- and 1-year TSR performance are also referenced to ensure long-term performance is sustained, and current performance is on track with shareholder expectations.

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    For example, guidelines for grants made in February 20202021 were set at the 60th75th percentile of our peer group, reflecting 100th82nd percentile relative 3-year3-, 5-, and 1-year TSR performance for the period ending in 2019. 2020, as summarized in the graphic below.

    The 5-yearinformation below represents the February 2021 annual grant.

    STEP 1: Link to Market

    Compare Abbott’s 3-year TSR ranked at the 75th percentile ofperformance against our peer group, for the period ending in 2019, while theconsider 5-, and 1-year TSR was at the 25thto ensure long-term performance is sustained

    STEP 2: Link to Company Performance

    Position LTI guideline value relative to peer group

    STEP 3: Link to Individual Performance

    Adjust for individual performance


    5-year relative TSR = 82%
    3-year relative TSR = 82%
    1-year relative TSR = 82%
    2021 LTI Guideline = 75th
    percentile of our peer group.Peer Group LTI
    LTI Award guideline adjusted up or down based on individual officer's sustained 3-year contributions to:

    ● Sales and market growth

    ● Margin

    ● Strategic financial measures

    The recommendation for each officer starts with the Company LTI award guideline (based on relative TSR performance and market data as described above) for the officer'sofficer’s position and is adjusted based upon assessment of their sustained contributions over the last three years. Contribution scores are totaled and used to adjust each officer'sofficer’s award guideline. Final awards may be increased or decreased based on the long-term impact each individual officer had on the organization. For example:

    SAMPLE INDIVIDUAL LTI PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
    Metric 2018 2019 2020 Overall
    Sales and Market Growth Contribution Met (0) Did Not Meet (-1) Exceeded (+1) 0
    Margin Contribution Met (0) Met (0) Exceeded (+1) +1
    Strategic Financial Contribution Met (0) Met (0) Met (0) 0
          Total +1
          LTI Adjustment 110%

    LTI ADJUSTMENT LEGEND
    Total     Result
    +4 or More 125%
    +1 to +3 110%
    0 100%
    -1 or -2 90%
    -3 or Less 75%
    33

      SAMPLE INDIVIDUAL LTI PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
     
    ​   METRIC  2017  2018  2019  OVERALL 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      Sales and Market Growth Contribution  Met (0)  Did not meet (-1)  Exceeded (+1)  0 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      Margin Contribution   Met (0)   Met (0)   Exceeded (+1)   +1   
      Strategic Financial Contribution  Met (0)  Met (0)  Met (0)  0 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
                  Total   +1   
    ​         LTI Adjustment
     110% 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
     LTI ADJUSTMENT LEGEND
    ​  TOTAL RESULT
    ​ 
     +4 or More 125%
    ​ 
     +1 to +3 110%
     0 100%
    ​ 
     -1 or -2 90%
     -3 or Less 75%
    ​ 

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    Awards granted in 2020,2021, based on individual officer performance for the three-year period ending in 2019,2020, resulted in awards ranging from the 1049th percentile to the 90th percentile of our peer group, with an average of the 60th percentile.group. For individual calculations for each named officer, see pages 4238 to 57.48.

    Since stock options realize value only through share price appreciation, the value realized upon the exercise of vested stock options directly aligns the compensation earned with the value shareholders received over the same period. Options are also aligned with shareholder value through the impact of relative TSR in determining the LTI award guidelines.

    Performance restricted shares vest one-third each year only if the Adjusted Return on Equity (ROE) performance target is achieved. Vesting is absolute—either 100% or 0%. There is no partial vesting if the target is missed and no additional vesting upside if the Company over-performs. The Committee believes Adjusted ROE is the appropriate performance measure for vesting because ROE measures how much profit the Company generates over the long-term with the capital that shareholders have invested and is a measure reflecting deployment of capital or capital allocation.

    In 2021, the Adjusted ROE reflects earningsvesting target to determine future vesting was increased from continuing operations excluding specified items, such as intangible amortization expense and various other costs including expenses related13% to restructuring actions or business acquisitions.14%. This increase follows similar increases in prior years, which have increased this target 40% since 2014. This is consistent with our stated intent to increase our Adjusted ROE also excludestargets over time following the separation of AbbVie, which had a significant impact on our ROE and other return measures, including Return on Assets (ROA).

    Prior to the separation of foreign exchange on equity.Abbott and AbbVie, the AbbVie business accounted for the majority (65%) of Abbott’s adjusted net income. However, at the separation of AbbVie, Abbott retained the majority (90%) of the equity. While Abbott’s ROE was disproportionally lower following the AbbVie separation, shareholders that retained both their Abbott and AbbVie shares over the past eight years since the AbbVie separation would have seen a 322% appreciation in their holdings.

    Impact of Abbott/
    AbbVie Separation

    In 2021, the Adjusted ROE vesting target to determine future vesting was increased from 13% to 14%. This increase follows similar increases in prior years, which have increased this target 40% since 2014. This is consistent with our stated intent to increase our Adjusted ROE targets over time following the separation of AbbVie, which had a significant impact on our ROE and other return measures, including Return on Assets (ROA).

    Prior to the separation of Abbott and AbbVie, the AbbVie business accounted for the majority (65%) of Abbott's adjusted net income. However, at the separation of AbbVie, Abbott retained the majority (90%) of the equity. While Abbott's ROE was disproportionally lower following the AbbVie separation, shareholders that retained both their Abbott and AbbVie shares over the past eight years since the AbbVie separation would have seen a 231% appreciation in their holdings.

    34

    IMPACT OF ABBOTT/ABBVIE SEPARATION

    GRAPHIC


    38      GRAPHIC


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    Summary of LTI Process

    The graphic below summarizes the LTI process and its direct linkage to the market and company and individual performance.

    GRAPHIC

    GRAPHIC 39


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    COMPENSATION PROGRAM IS DIRECTLY LINKED TO BUSINESS STRATEGY

    Our compensation program is also linked directly to our business strategy, to ensure that officers are focused on those activities that drive our business strategy and create value for shareholders.

    The table below explains the strategic link of the key metrics used in our annual and long-term incentive plans.

    EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE
         
    ​  METRIC     STRATEGIC LINK
    ​ ​ ​ ​ 
    Our annual incentive plan is aligned to the following drivers of shareholder value:
    Sales Measures Abbott'sAbbott’s ability to compete effectively in the markets in which we participate and focuses management on achieving strong top-line growth, consistent with our business strategy.
    ​ ​ ​ ​ 
    Diluted EPS Basis on which Abbott sets annual performance expectations and consistent with how we report operating resultsMeasures Abbott’s ability to the financial community.deliver profitable growth, contributing to strong shareholder returns.
    ​  Return on Assets Measures profitability and how effectively Company assets are used to generate profit.
    ​ ​ ​ ​ 
    Free Cash Flow Recognizes the importance of generating cash to fund ongoing investments in our business and to pay down debt, pay dividends, and fund investments outside of capital expenditures.
    Our long-term incentive plan relies on the following Company metrics, and 3-year sustained individual performance metrics, to determine award value:
    Total Shareholder Return Measures Abbott'sAbbott’s stock and dividend performance against our peer group. Used to position LTI award guidelines relative to the market.
    ​ ​ ​ ​ 
    3-year LTI Contribution Metrics Measures how each officer has performed relative to their sales, margin, and strategic financial contribution goals. Used to adjust LTI award guidelines to reflect individual performance.
    ​  Return on Equity Measures how much profit Abbott generates over the long-term with the capital that shareholders have invested. Used to determine if performance-restricted awards vest.
    ​ ​ ​ ​ 

    Officer financial goals are set and assessed based on adjusted measures that the Committee believes more accurately reflect the results of our ongoing operations. We make certain adjustments for specified items, whether favorable or unfavorable, that are unusual or unpredictable, such as cost reduction initiatives, restructuring programs, integration activities and other business acquisition-related costs, and the impact of significant tax changes. We also exclude intangible amortization expense to provide greater visibility on the results of operations excluding these costs, similar to how Abbott'sAbbott’s management internally assesses performance.

    The Committee believes these adjusted measures provide a more stable assessment of Abbott'sAbbott’s core business and encourage decision-making that considers long-term value. They also align compensation goals with the financial guidance we communicate to investors, which is also based on adjusted measures.

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    COMPENSATION LINK TO SUSTAINABILITY

    Our leadership covenant includes commitments to multiple environmental, social and governance efforts. Examples include:

      A sustainable infrastructure to drive quality, environmental, health and safety performance

      Human capital management to ensure an inclusive culture and the fair and balanced treatment of our employees

      Quality products provided at competitive prices to patients and consumers at hospitals and retailers

      Abbott's Code of Conduct to ensure adequate internal controls for financial reporting and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

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    Table of Contents

    Since this covenant is considered the minimum requirement of being an officer at Abbott, anyAbbott. Any officer that does not fulfill the covenant can receive a reduction of up to 100% of their annual incentive and/or long-term incentive awards. In addition, our leadership covenant specifically states that senior leaders are accountable for the achievement of Abbott’s 2030 Sustainability Plan goals.

    The sustainability plan is integrated into our business plans, financial planning processes and existing governance structures. Each senior manager is responsible for taking actions in their organization that help achieve our targeted priority goals regarding:

    Making access and affordability core to new product innovation

    This approach has helped create some of our most successful products, including FreeStyle Libre®, the world’s most-used glucose-monitoring system, and our BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 test. In our rapid diagnostics business, we’re bringing testing closer to the patient, even in the most remote locations. Importantly, many of our tests are used at the point of care and provide answers while the patient is still present, accelerating treatment decisions and reducing life-threatening delays. Access and affordability are also core to our Established Pharmaceuticals business strategy, bringing our high-quality, trusted medicines to emerging markets at affordable prices.

    Transforming care for chronic disease, malnutrition, and infectious diseases

    In 2021, we launched the Abbott Malnutrition Solution Center. This internal, cross-functional innovation hub will help identify, treat and prevent malnutrition among vulnerable populations. We also launched the Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition, a first-of-its-kind global scientific and public health partnership dedicated to the early detection of, and rapid response to, future pandemic threats. The coalition is designed with a comprehensive approach to containing emerging threats, with partners ranging in expertise from scientific research, public health and diagnostic testing to attack new viral threats from all angles. This coalition is in full force as our scientists are currently monitoring new COVID-19 variants. We’re collecting and analyzing samples from around the globe to look for mutations that may impact the function of the virus to ensure that our tests are able to detect them, aiming to prevent further spread.

    Advancing health equity through partnership

    Abbott and the American Diabetes Association® launched a first-of-its-kind community initiative to advance access to diabetes care and technology. The program launched in Columbus, Ohio in partnership with the National Center for Urban Solutions (NCUS). As part of the program, NCUS will provide up to 150 Black adults living with diabetes in the Columbus community with health education and access to Abbott’s FreeStyle® Libre flash glucose monitoring technology. By removing existing barriers to tools and technology, this program aims to demonstrate how continuous glucose monitoring can help improve diabetes management and quality of life for Black people living with diabetes in the Columbus community.

    In addition to these priority goals, senior leaders will also take actions in key areas, including:

    Protecting a healthy environment

    In 2020, we maintain several sustainability commitments,implemented 54 energy efficiency and air emissions projects at 28 sites in nine countries. These resulted in more than 30 million kWh in annual energy savings, preventing more than 8,900 metric tons of CO2e emissions and delivered more than $1.1 million annual cost savings.

    In 2020, we also implemented 16 water efficiency and reduction projects at 12 manufacturing and R&D sites across six countries, four of which are further describedlocated in water-stressed areas. These projects resulted in savings of around 14.6 million gallons of water per year and $120,000.

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    Our Zero Waste to Landfill program provides our Proxy Summarysites with a clear target for diverting waste away from landfills. Thirty-one Abbott manufacturing facilities and seven nonmanufacturing facilities, located across 18 countries, have now achieved Zero Waste to Landfill status.

    We set an aggressive target to reduce the total weight of packaging for Abbott products by 10% by 2020, when compared with our 2010 baseline. We surpassed our initial goal and reduced our total weight of packaging by 14.2% since 2010. In doing so, we eliminated approximately 42.1 million pounds of packaging and saved more than $100 million.

    Building the diverse, innovative workforce of tomorrow

    In 2021, all of our U.S. employees received unconscious bias training, and 97% of our people managers globally completed “Leading with Impact”, a development program focused on page 10,inclusive leadership. We published our first ever Diversity, Equity and include:Inclusion report which provides goals, our progress against them, and disclosure of EEO-1 data.

      InnovateResponsibly connecting data, technology and care

      The NeuroSphere™ Virtual Clinic which offers a telehealth service, from a patient’s iPhone to their physician’s iPad, but also allows for Accessa digital prescription to be delivered, near-instantaneously, from the physician’s iPad to a patient’s brain, over the internet. This allows doctors to assess patients live, treat them over the internet, and Affordability assess the effects of the treatment, in real-time, without the patient having to leave home.



      Talent

      DataCreating a resilient, diverse and Data Privacy responsible supply chain

      Supply Chain

      Climate

      The COVID-19 pandemic tested the resilience of our supply chain to the extreme. Working across our business functions, we rose to the challenge by building an inventory of raw materials and Water Use

    products to support continuity of supply, monitoring performance more tightly to identify distressed suppliers early enough to implement contingency plans, mapping supplier manufacturing sites in known COVID-19 “hot spots” or in locations affected by government lockdowns, and offering COVID-19 testing for employees at a few strategic suppliers to ensure continued operations and supply.

    PAY DECISIONS FOR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

    The following pages detail the goals and metrics used to determine each named officer'sofficer’s payout under our annual and long-term incentive plans. For some goals, the target is not disclosed for competitive reasons. The long-term incentive decisions shown in the Summary Compensation Table of this proxy statement and detailed here were based upon performance through 2019,2020, whereas the annual incentive plan payouts are based upon performance during 2020.2021.

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    GRAPHIC 41


    NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION DECISIONS

    GRAPHIC

    ROBERT B. FORD

    President

    Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and Director

      

    Mr. Ford previously served as President and Chief OperatingExecutive Officer until his appointment to Presidentthe role of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer on March 31, 2020.December 10, 2021.

    Base Salary

    Mr. Ford'sFord’s annual base salary was increased to $1,400,000$1,500,000 in March 2020 in connection with his promotion to President and Chief Executive Officer.2021 based on competitive market data among Abbott’s peers.

    Annual Incentive Plan

    Mr. Ford'sFord’s target bonus of 175% was increased to 175%not changed in connection with his promotion to President and Chief Executive Officer.2021. Based on performance in 2020,2021, Mr. Ford received a bonus in February 20212022 which was calculated as follows:

     2019
    2020 GOAL MEASUREMENT
    2020
     GOAL
     RESULTS
    ACHIEVED


     GOAL
    WEIGHT


     THRESHOLD
     TARGET
     MAXIMUM
     RESULTS
    ACHIEVED


     GOAL
    SCORE


     
     FINANCIAL METRICS(1)
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Adjusted Sales(2)$31.96B25%$34.02B$34.18B$34.33B$34.92B37.5%
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Adjusted Diluted EPS $3.24 25% $3.55 $3.60 $3.65 $3.65 37.5%  
    ​  
    ​  Adjusted ROA10.9%10%11.6%11.7%11.8%11.8%15.0%
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Free Cash Flow $4.5B 10% $4.3B $4.6B $4.8B $5.7B 15.0%  
    ​  
                  Financial Total 105.0%  
    (1)
    Adjusted Sales exclude the impact of foreign exchange on actual sales relative to the goal target. Adjusted Diluted EPS is diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations excluding specified items, such as intangible amortization expense and various other costs including expenses related to restructuring actions or business acquisitions. Adjusted Return on Assets (ROA) reflects earnings from continuing operations, excluding interest expense and specified items. Adjusted ROA also reflects total assets less current liabilities excluding short-term borrowings. Free Cash Flow equals Operating Cash Flow less acquisitions of property and equipment.

    (2)
    Set based on expected market growth of the businesses and markets in which we compete. To achieve target payout, must increase market share.
    ​  
     STRATEGIC METRICS(3)   
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Diabetes Care Sales Growth10%93.7% of TargetTarget106.0% of TargetBelow Threshold0.0%
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Structural Heart Sales Growth 10% 83.6% of Target Target 109.3% of Target Below Threshold 0.0%  
    ​  
     Core Diagnostics Sales Growth10%85.5% of TargetTarget112.0% of TargetBelow Threshold0.0%
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
    (3)
    Target not disclosed for competitive reasons. Diabetes Care, Structural Heart and Core Diagnostics Sales Growth exclude the impact of foreign exchange.
    GOAL2020
    RESULTS
    ACHIEVED
    GOAL
    WEIGHT
    2021 GOAL MEASUREMENT2021
    RESULTS
    ACHIEVED
    GOAL
    SCORE
    THRESHOLDTARGETMAXIMUM
    FINANCIAL METRICS(1)
    Adjusted Sales(2)$34.92B25%$42.99B$43.19B$44.20B$43.61B30.2%
    Adjusted Diluted EPS$3.6525%$4.93$5.00$5.25$5.2135.5%
    Adjusted ROA11.8%10%14.9%15.0%15.5%15.9%15.0%
    Free Cash Flow$5.7B10%$6.9B$7.2B$7.6B$8.6B15.0%
    STRATEGIC METRICS(3)
    COVID-19 Test Sales 10%92.9%
    of target
    Target114.3%
    of Target
    108.6%
    of Target
    13.1%
    Diabetes Care Sales Growth 10%89.1%
    of Target
    Target108.7%
    of Target
    103.3%
    of Target
    11.9%
    Core Diagnostics Sales Growth 10%89.7%
    of Target
    Target109.2%
    of Target
    Below
    Threshold
    0.0%
          Total120.7%

    42      GRAPHIC


    (1)Adjusted Sales exclude the impact of foreign exchange on actual sales relative to the goal target. Adjusted Diluted EPS is diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations excluding specified items, such as intangible amortization expense and various other costs including expenses related to restructuring actions or business acquisitions. Adjusted Return on Assets (ROA) reflects earnings from continuing operations, excluding interest expense and specified items. Adjusted ROA also reflects total assets less current liabilities excluding short-term borrowings. Free Cash Flow equals Operating Cash Flow less acquisitions of property and equipment.
    (2)Set based on expected market growth of the businesses and markets in which we compete. To achieve target payout, must increase market share.
    (3)Target not disclosed for competitive reasons. Diabetes Care and Core Diagnostics Sales Growth exclude the impact of foreign exchange.

    BASE SALARY BONUS TARGET % TOTAL GOAL SCORE AWARD PAYOUT
    $1,500,000  ×  175%  ×  120.7%  =  $3,168,400
      
    38

    Given the courseTable of the pandemic, the strategic goals set in February 2020 shifted immediately to focus on pandemic response. ContentsOur extraordinary response was focused on 3 specific goals, all of which were overachieved.

    STRATEGIC METRICS2020 RESULTSGOAL SCORE

    Goal (10% weight): Develop COVID-19 related tests across Abbott's broad diagnostic portfolios.Overachieved: Abbott developed 12 tests, half of which were approved for use during the first six months of 2020.15.0%
    ���Goal (10% weight): Expand manufacturing capacity for COVID-19 tests in both the U.S. and internationally.Overachieved: Authorized $639MM of spending to expand manufacturing at existing facilities and create two new facilities (in IL and ME). Sold 424MM COVID-19 tests during 2020, representing $3.9B in sales.15.0%
    ​  Goal (10% weight): Ensure supply chain and business continuity for existing base business.Overachieved: Through proactive and continuous communication with suppliers and vendors, Abbott experienced no disruptions to our supply chain.15.0%
    Strategic Total45.0%
    Financial Total
    (prior page)
    105.0%
    Total Goal Score150.0%


    BASE SALARY   BONUS TARGET %   

    TOTAL GOAL SCORE

       AWARD PAYOUT
     $1,400,000 x 175% x 

    150%

     = $3,675,000

    GRAPHIC 43



    Long-Term Incentives

    Based on the Committee'sCommittee’s review of Abbott and individual performance through 2019,2020, Mr. Ford received an LTI award in February 20202021 with a value of $11,250,000,$17,380,000, which was 90%110% of the market value equity award for a CEO in Abbott'sAbbott’s peer group. This award was paid 50% in stock options(1)and 50% in performance restricted shares(2).

    LTI AWARD
    GUIDELINE
     LTI ADJUSTMENT AWARD ALLOCATION AWARD
    VALUE
    $15,800,000  ×  110%  ×  50% Stock Options(1)  =   $8,690,000
    50% Performance Restricted Shares(2)$8,690,000
         Total $17,380,000

    INDIVIDUAL LTI PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
    METRIC201820192020OVERALL
    Sales and Market Growth ContributionExceeded (+1)Exceeded (+1)Exceeded (+1)+3
    Margin ContributionExceeded (+1)Exceeded (+1)Exceeded (+1)+3
    Strategic Financial ContributionMet (0)Did Not Meet (-1)Exceeded (+1)0
     Total+6
    Preliminary Adjustment125%
    Impact(3)-
    LTI Adjustment110%

    LTI ADJUSTMENT LEGEND
    PRELIMINARY ADJUSTMENTIMPACT
    TOTALRESULTIMPACT ON
    BUSINESS PRIORITIES
    SCORERESULT
    +4 or More125%High Impact+++25% or More
    +1 to +3110%Medium/High Impact+Up to +25%
    0100%Medium Impact=0%
    -1 or -290%Medium/Low Impact-Up to -25%
    -3 or Less75%Low Impact---25% or More
    (1)Stock options realize value only through share price appreciation.
    (2)Performance restricted shares vest only if the 14% Adjusted Return on Equity (ROE) performance target is achieved.
    (3)Individual LTI performance assessment was based upon Mr. Ford’s roles as Chief Operating Officer through March 31, 2020 and as President and Chief Executive Officer thereafter.
    39

    LTI AWARD
    GUIDELINE
       LTI ADJUSTMENT   

    AWARD ALLOCATION

       AWARD
    VALUE

    $12,500,000
     x 
    90%
     x 

    ​ 50% Stock Options(1)

     = $5,625,000
    ​  
    ​           50% Performance Restricted Shares(2)   $5,625,000
            Total   $11,250,000


      INDIVIDUAL LTI PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
      METRIC  2017  2018  2019  OVERALL 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
       Sales and Market Growth Contribution  Exceeded (+1)  Exceeded (+1)  Exceeded (+1)  +3 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      Margin Contribution   Met (0)   Exceeded (+1)   Exceeded (+1)   +2   
    ​   Strategic Financial Contribution  Exceeded (+1)  Met (0)  Did not meet (-1)  0 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      Total   +5   
    ​   Preliminary Adjustment

     125% 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      Impact(3)   -   
    ​   LTI Adjustment

     90% 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 


      LTI ADJUSTMENT LEGEND 
    ​   PRELIMINARY ADJUSTMENT  IMPACT 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
    ​   TOTAL  RESULT  IMPACT ON BUSINESS
    PRIORITIES

     
     SCORE  RESULT 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      +4 or More  125%  High Impact  ++  +25% or More 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      +1 to +3   110%   Medium/High Impact   +   Up to +25%   
    ​   0  100%  Medium Impact  =  0% 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      -1 or -2   90%   Medium/Low Impact   -   Up to -25%   
    ​   -3 or Less  75%  Low Impact  --  -25% or More 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
    (1)
    Stock options realize value only through share price appreciation.

    (2)
    Performance restricted shares vest only if the 13% Adjusted Return on Equity (ROE) performance target is achieved.

    (3)
    Individual LTI performance assessment was based upon Mr. Ford's role as President and Chief Operating Officer. The Committee adjusted the grant to reflect Mr. Ford's upcoming promotion to President and Chief Executive Officer.

    44      GRAPHIC


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    GRAPHIC

    ROBERT E. FUNCK, JR

    Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer

      

    Mr. Funck previously served as Senior Vice President, Finance and Controller. Mr. Funck was appointed to Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer effective March 1, 2020.

    Base Salary

    Mr. Funck'sFunck’s annual base salary was increasedof $825,000 did not change in January 2020 to $825,000 in connection with his promotion to Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer.2021.

    Annual Incentive Plan

    Mr. Funck'sFunck’s target bonus of 115% was increased to 115% of base salarynot changed in 2020 in connection with his promotion to Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer.2021. Based on performance in 2020,2021, Mr. Funck received a bonus in February 20212022 which was calculated as follows:

     2019
    2020 GOAL MEASUREMENT
    2020
     GOAL
     RESULTS
    ACHIEVED


     GOAL
    WEIGHT


     THRESHOLD
     TARGET
     MAXIMUM
     RESULTS
    ACHIEVED


     GOAL
    SCORE


     
     FINANCIAL METRICS(1)
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Adjusted Sales(2)$31.96B10%$34.02B$34.18B$34.33B$34.92B15.0%
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Adjusted Diluted EPS $3.24 20% $3.55 $3.60 $3.65 $3.65 30.0%  
    ​  
    ​  Free Cash Flow$4.5B10%$4.3B$4.6B$4.8B$5.7B15.0%
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Achieve Key Treasury and Tax Metrics(3)  15% Target Target Target Achieved 15.0%  
    ​  
                  Financial Total 75.0%  
    (1)
    GOAL2020
    RESULTS
    ACHIEVED
    GOAL
    WEIGHT
    2021 GOAL MEASUREMENT2021
    RESULTS
    ACHIEVED
    GOAL
    SCORE
    THRESHOLDTARGETMAXIMUM
    FINANCIAL METRICS(1)
    Adjusted Sales(2)$34.92B10%$42.99B$43.19B$44.20B$43.61B12.1%
    Adjusted Diluted EPS$3.6520%$4.93$5.00$5.25$5.2128.4%
    Free Cash Flow$5.7B10%$6.9B$7.2B$7.6B$8.6B15.0%
    Achieve Key Treasury and Tax Metrics(3)Achieved15%TargetTargetTargetAchieved15.0%
    STRATEGIC METRICS(3)
    Goal (10% weight): Execute milestones related to data asset management
    Result: Achieved
    10.0%
    Goal (10% weight): Implement a global guided buying platform
    Result: Partially Achieved
    5.0%
    Goal (10% weight): Implement key financial systems implementations within select countries
    Result: Achieved
    10.0%
    HUMAN CAPITAL METRICS
    Goal (15% weight): Meet talent, succession planning, and diversity targets.
    Result: Achieved
     15.0%
          Total110.5%
    (1)Adjusted Sales exclude the impact of foreign exchange on actual sales relative to the goal target. Adjusted Diluted EPS is diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations excluding specified items. Free Cash Flow equals Operating Cash Flow less acquisitions of property and equipment.

    (2)
    Set based on expected market growth of the businesses and markets in which we compete. To achieve target payout, must increase market share

    (3)
    Target not disclosed for competitive reasons.
    ​  (2)Set based on expected market growth of the businesses and markets in which we compete. To achieve target payout, must increase market share
    (3)STRATEGIC METRICS   Target not disclosed for competitive reasons.
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​

    BASE SALARY BONUS TARGET % TOTAL GOAL SCORE AWARD PAYOUT
    $825,000  ×  115%  ×  110.5%  =  $1,048,400
     Goal (10% weight): Execute integration milestones related to Cardiovascular Entity/Enterprise Resource Planning, global expense reporting and management, and site strategies.
    Result: Achieved
     
    ​  40
    Goal (10% weight): Reduce operational risk associated with aging technology through specific application remediation, upgrading and replacing critical applications, and remediating unsupported infrastructure.
    Result: Mostly achieved

    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​
    Goal (10% weight): Execute improvements to key financial processes, including financial planning, monthly close, capital expenditure, and Financial Policies and Procedures.
    Result: Mostly achieved
    ​  

    GRAPHIC 45


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    Given the course of the pandemic, the strategic goals set in February 2020 shifted immediately to focus on pandemic response. Our extraordinary response was focused on 3 specific goals, all of which were overachieved.

    STRATEGIC METRICS2020 RESULTSGOAL SCORE

    Goal (10% weight): Develop COVID-19 related tests across Abbott's broad diagnostic portfolios.Overachieved: Abbott developed 12 tests, half of which were approved for use during the first six months of 2020.15.0%
    Goal (10% weight): Expand manufacturing capacity for COVID-19 tests in both the U.S. and internationally.Overachieved: Authorized $639MM of spending to expand manufacturing at existing facilities and create two new facilities (in IL and ME). Sold 424MM COVID-19 tests during 2020, representing $3.9B in sales.15.0%
    ​  Goal (10% weight): Ensure supply chain and business continuity for existing base business.Overachieved: Through proactive and continuous communication with suppliers and vendors, Abbott experienced no disruptions to our supply chain.15.0%


    TALENT AND SUCCESSION METRICS2020 RESULTSGOAL SCORE

    Goal (15% weight): Meet talent and succession planning targets.Achieved15.0%
    Strategic and Talent Total60.0%
    ​​​​​​​​
    Financial Total
    (prior page)

    75.0%
    ​​​​​​​​
    Total Goal Score135.0%


    BASE SALARY   BONUS TARGET %   

    TOTAL GOAL SCORE

       AWARD PAYOUT
     $825,000 x 115% x 

    135.0%

     = $1,280,800

    46      GRAPHIC


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    Long-Term Incentives

    Based on the Committee'sCommittee’s review of Abbott and individual performance through 20192020, Mr. Funck received an LTI award in February 20202021 with a value of $4,432,500,$6,000,000, which was equal to 112.5%113.2% of his LTIthe market value equity award guideline.for a CFO in Abbott’s peer group. Additional calculation details are as follows:

    LTI AWARD
    GUIDELINE
     LTI ADJUSTMENT AWARD ALLOCATION AWARD
    VALUE
    $5,300,000  ×  113.2%  ×  50% Stock Options(1)  =  $3,000,000
    50% Performance Restricted Shares(2)$3,000,000
         Total $6,000,000

    INDIVIDUAL LTI PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
    METRIC201820192020OVERALL
    Sales and Market Growth ContributionExceeded (+1)Exceeded (+1)Exceeded (+1)+3
    Margin ContributionExceeded (+1)Exceeded (+1)Exceeded (+1)+3
    Strategic Financial ContributionMet (0)Met (0)Exceeded (+1)+1
     Total+7
    Preliminary Adjustment125%
    Impact(3)-
    LTI Adjustment113.2%

    LTI ADJUSTMENT LEGEND
    PRELIMINARY ADJUSTMENTIMPACT
    TOTALRESULTIMPACT ON
    BUSINESS PRIORITIES
    SCORERESULT
    +4 or More125%High Impact+++25% or More
    +1 to +3110%Medium/High Impact+Up to +25%
    0100%Medium Impact=0%
    -1 or -290%Medium/Low Impact-Up to -25%
    -3 or Less75%Low Impact---25% or More
    (1)Stock options realize value only through share price appreciation.
    (2)Performance restricted shares vest only if the 14% Adjusted Return on Equity (ROE) performance target is achieved.
    (3)Individual LTI performance assessment was based upon Mr. Funck’s roles as Senior Vice President, Finance and Controller through February 29, 2020 and as Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer thereafter.
    41

    LTI AWARD
    GUIDELINE
       LTI ADJUSTMENT   

    AWARD ALLOCATION

       AWARD
    VALUE

    $3,940,000
     x 
    112.5%
     x 

    ​ 50% Stock Options(1)

     = $2,216,250
    ​  
    ​           50% Performance Restricted Shares(2)   $2,216,250
            Total   $4,432,500


      INDIVIDUAL LTI PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
      METRIC  2017  2018  2019  OVERALL 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
       Sales and Market Growth Contribution  Met (0)  Exceeded (+1)  Exceeded (+1)  +2 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      Margin Contribution   Exceeded (+1)   Exceeded (+1)   Exceeded (+1)   +3   
    ​   Strategic Financial Contribution  Exceeded (+1)  Met (0)  Met (0)  +1 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      Total   +6   
    ​   Preliminary Adjustment

     125% 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      Impact(3)   -   
    ​   LTI Adjustment

     112.5% 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 


      LTI ADJUSTMENT LEGEND 
    ​   PRELIMINARY ADJUSTMENT  IMPACT 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
    ​   TOTAL  RESULT  IMPACT ON BUSINESS
    PRIORITIES

     
     SCORE  RESULT 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      +4 or More  125%  High Impact  ++  +25% or More 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      +1 to +3   110%   Medium/High Impact   +   Up to +25%   
    ​   0  100%  Medium Impact  =  0% 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      -1 or -2   90%   Medium/Low Impact   -   Up to -25%   
    ​   -3 or Less  75%  Low Impact  --  -25% or More 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
    (1)
    Stock options realize value only through share price appreciation.

    (2)
    Performance restricted shares vest only if the 13% Adjusted Return on Equity (ROE) performance target is achieved.

    (3)
    Individual LTI performance assessment was based upon Mr. Funck's role as Controller. The Committee adjusted the grant to reflect Mr. Funck's upcoming promotion to Chief Financial Officer.

    GRAPHIC 47


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    GRAPHIC

    HUBERT L. ALLEN

    Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

      

    Base Salary

    Mr. Allen'sAllen’s annual base salary was increased toof $760,000 did not change in March 2020.2021.

    Annual Incentive Plan

    Mr. Allen’s target bonus of 105% was not changed in 2021. Based on performance in 2020,2021, Mr. Allen received a bonus in February 20212022 which was calculated as follows:

     2019
    2020 GOAL MEASUREMENT
    2020
     GOAL
     RESULTS
    ACHIEVED


     GOAL
    WEIGHT


     THRESHOLD
     TARGET
     MAXIMUM
     RESULTS
    ACHIEVED


     GOAL
    SCORE


     
     FINANCIAL METRICS(1)
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Adjusted Sales(2)$31.96B10%$34.02B$34.18B$34.33B$34.92B15.0%
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Adjusted Diluted EPS $3.24 15% $3.55 $3.60 $3.65 $3.65 22.5%  
    ​  
    ​  Free Cash Flow$4.5B10%$4.3B$4.6B$4.8B$5.7B15.0%
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Other Financial Returns(3)  10% Target Target Target Achieved 10.0%  
    ​  
     STRATEGIC METRICS   
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Goal (30% weight): Resolve certain key litigation matters and investigations.  
     Result: Achieved 30.0%  
    ​  
    ​  Goal (10% weight): Achieve intellectual property strategy initiatives across all Abbott divisions.
    ​  Result: Achieved10.0%
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     TALENT AND SUCCESSION METRICS   
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Goal (15% weight): Meet talent and succession planning targets.  
     Result: Mostly achieved 12.5%  
    ​  
                  Total 115.0%  


    BASE SALARY   BONUS TARGET %   

    TOTAL GOAL SCORE

       AWARD PAYOUT
     $760,000 x 105% x 

    115%

     = $917,700
    ​  
      (1)
      Adjusted Sales exclude the impact of foreign exchange on actual sales relative to the goal target. Adjusted Diluted EPS is diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations excluding specified items. Free Cash Flow equals Operating Cash Flow less acquisitions of property and equipment.

      (2)
      Set based on expected market growth of the businesses and markets in which we compete. To achieve target payout, must increase market share.

      (3)
      Target not disclosed for competitive reasons.

    48      GRAPHIC


    Table of Contents

    GOAL2020
    RESULTS
    ACHIEVED
    GOAL
    WEIGHT
    2021 GOAL MEASUREMENT2021
    RESULTS
    ACHIEVED
    GOAL
    SCORE
    THRESHOLDTARGETMAXIMUM
    FINANCIAL METRICS(1)
    Adjusted Sales(2)$34.92B10%$42.99B$43.19B$44.20B$43.61B12.1%
    Adjusted Diluted EPS$3.6520%$4.93$5.00$5.25$5.2128.4%
    Free Cash Flow$5.7B10%$6.9B$7.2B$7.6B$8.6B15.0%
    Other Financial Returns(3)Achieved10%TargetTargetTargetAchieved10.0%
    STRATEGIC METRICS
    Goal (35% weight): Resolve certain key litigation matters and investigations.
    Result: Achieved
    35.0%
    HUMAN CAPITAL METRICS
    Goal (15% weight): Meet talent, succession planning, and diversity targets.
    Result: Achieved
     15.0%
          Total115.5%
    (1)Adjusted Sales exclude the impact of foreign exchange on actual sales relative to the goal target. Adjusted Diluted EPS is diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations excluding specified items. Free Cash Flow equals Operating Cash Flow less acquisitions of property and equipment.
    (2)Set based on expected market growth of the businesses and markets in which we compete. To achieve target payout, must increase market share
    (3)Target not disclosed for competitive reasons.

    BASE SALARY BONUS TARGET % TOTAL GOAL SCORE AWARD PAYOUT
    $760,000  ×  105%  ×  115.5%  =  $921,700
      
    42

    Table of Contents

    Long-Term Incentives

    Based on the Committee'sCommittee’s review of Abbott and individual performance through 20192020, Mr. Allen received an LTI award in February 20202021 with a value of $3,750,000,$4,231,250, which was equal to 125% of his LTI award guideline. Additional calculation details are as follows:

    LTI AWARD
    GUIDELINE
     LTI ADJUSTMENT AWARD ALLOCATION AWARD
    VALUE
    $3,385,000  ×  125%  ×  50% Stock Options(1)  =  $2,115,625
    50% Performance Restricted Shares(2)$2,115,625
         Total $4,231,250

    INDIVIDUAL LTI PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
    METRIC201820192020OVERALL
    Sales and Market Growth ContributionExceeded (+1)Exceeded (+1)Exceeded (+1)+3
    Margin ContributionExceeded (+1)Exceeded (+1)Exceeded (+1)+3
    Strategic Financial ContributionMet (0)Met (0)Met (0)0
     Total+6
    LTI Adjustment125%

    LTI ADJUSTMENT LEGEND
    TOTALRESULT
    +4 or More125%
    +1 to +3110%
    0100%
    -1 or -290%
    -3 or Less75%
    (1)Stock options realize value only through share price appreciation.
    (2)Performance restricted shares vest only if the 14% Adjusted Return on Equity (ROE) performance target is achieved.
    43

    LTI AWARD GUIDELINE   LTI ADJUSTMENT   

    AWARD ALLOCATION

       AWARD
    VALUE

    $3,000,000
     x 
    125%
     x 

    ​ 50% Stock Options(1)

     = $1,875,000
    ​  
    ​           50% Performance Restricted Shares(2)   $1,875,000
            Total   $3,750,000


      INDIVIDUAL LTI PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
    ​   METRIC  2017  2018  2019  OVERALL 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
       Sales and Market Growth Contribution  Met (0)  Exceeded (+1)  Exceeded (+1)  +2 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      Margin Contribution   Exceeded (+1)   Exceeded (+1)   Exceeded (+1)   +3   
    ​   Strategic Financial Contribution  Exceeded (+1)  Met (0)  Met (0)  +1 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
                  Total   +6   
    ​         LTI Adjustment

     125% 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 


     LTI ADJUSTMENT LEGEND
    ​  TOTAL RESULT
    ​ 
     +4 or More 125%
    ​ 
     +1 to +3 110%
     0 100%
    ​ 
     -1 or -2 90%
     -3 or Less 75%
    ​ 
    (1)
    Stock options realize value only through share price appreciation.

    (2)
    Performance restricted shares vest only if the 13% Adjusted Return on Equity (ROE) performance target is achieved.

    GRAPHIC 49


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    GRAPHIC

    JOHN F. GINASCOLDANIEL G. SALVADORI

    Executive Vice President Core Diagnosticsand Group President, Established Pharmaceuticals and Nutritional Products

      

    Mr. Salvadori previously served as Executive Vice President, Nutritional Products. Mr. Salvadori was appointed to the role of Executive Vice President and Group President, Established Pharmaceuticals and Nutritional Products effective December 1, 2021.

    Base Salary

    Mr. Ginascol'sSalvadori’s annual base salary was increased in December 2021 to $710,000$790,000 in March 2020.connection with his promotion to Executive Vice President and Group President, Established Pharmaceuticals and Nutritional Products.

    Annual Incentive Plan

    Mr. Salvadori’s target bonus of 115% was not changed in 2021. Based on performance in 2020,2021, Mr. GinascolSalvadori received a bonus in February 20212022 which was calculated as follows:

     2019
    2020 GOAL MEASUREMENT
    2020
     GOAL
     RESULTS
    ACHIEVED


     GOAL
    WEIGHT


     THRESHOLD
     TARGET
     MAXIMUM
     RESULTS
    ACHIEVED


     GOAL
    SCORE


     
     FINANCIAL METRICS(1)
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Adjusted Division Net Sales(2)$4.8B20%$4.97B$5.03B$5.08B$4.52B0.0%
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Adjusted Division Margin(3)  20% Target Target 101.7% of Target 72.5% of Target 0.0%  
    ​  
    ​  Adjusted Division Gross Margin(3)5%99.6% of TargetTarget103.9% of Target91.1% of Target0.0%
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Gross Margin Improvement(3)  5% 90.0% of Target Target 110.0% of Target 105.7% of Target 6.5%  
    ​  
    ​  Market Share(3)10%<TargetTargetTargetPartially Achieved6.0%
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Adjusted Division Free Cash Flow(3)  5% Target Target 103.0% of Target 88.7% of Target 0.0%  
    ​  
    ​  Cash Conversion Cycle(3)5%5 days over targetTargetTarget5 days over Target2.5%
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     STRATEGIC METRICS   
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

     


    Goal (20% weight): Execute specified reliability improvements, product submissions and launches, network strategies, and achieve test of record and utilization targets.
    Result: Achieved.


     


    20.0%


     
    ​  
     TALENT AND SUCCESSION METRICS   
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    ​  


    Goal (10% weight): Meet talent and succession planning targets.
    Result: Achieved.





    10.0%


    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
                  Total 45.0%  

    50      GRAPHIC


    Table of Contents

     2020
    RESULTS
    GOAL 2021 GOAL MEASUREMENT 2021
    RESULTS
     GOAL
    GOALACHIEVEDWEIGHT THRESHOLD TARGETMAXIMUMACHIEVEDSCORE
    FINANCIAL METRICS(1)       
    Adjusted Division Net Sales(2)$7.68B20%$7.79B$7.88B$7.98B$8.14B30.0%
    Adjusted Division Margin(3)20%TargetTarget103.6%
    of Target
    102.6%
    of Target
    27.2%
    Adjusted Division Gross Margin(3)5%99.4%
    of Target
    Target103.8%
    of Target
    97.3%
    of Target
    0%
    Gross Margin Improvement(3) 5%TargetTarget110.0%
    of Target
    101.2%
    of Target
    5.3%
    Market Share(3)10%TargetTargetTargetMostly
    Achieved
    7.5%
    Adjusted Division Free Cash Flow(3)5%TargetTarget102.4%
    of Target
    108.4% of Target7.5%
    Cash Conversion Cycle(3)5%5 days over TargetTargetTarget2 days under Target5.0%
    STRATEGIC METRICS       
    Goal (20% weight): Complete all commercialization milestones and implement key capital projects.
    Result: Achieved
     20.0%
    HUMAN CAPITAL METRICS       
    Goal (10% weight): Meet talent, succession planning, and diversity targets.
    Result: Achieved
     10.0%
          Total112.5 %
    (1)Adjusted Division Net Sales exclude the impact of foreign exchange on actual Nutrition sales relative to the goal target. Adjusted Division Margin and Adjusted Division Gross Margin exclude the impact of foreign exchange on actual Nutrition division margin and gross margin relative to the respective goal target. Adjusted Division Free Cash Flow reflects Nutrition’s pre-tax operating cash flow less capital expenditures and excludes the impact of foreign exchange.
    (2)Set based on expected growth in Nutrition market. To achieve target payout, must increase market share
    (3)Target not disclosed for competitive reasons.
      

    Mr. Ginascol and his business contributed significant resources and expertise, particularly in R&D and manufacturing, to assist the Rapid Diagnostics Infectious Disease Developed Market (IDDM) business as they developed and produced COVID-19 tests. Given the significant contributions to both businesses, the Committee determined Mr. Ginascol's payout based on the sales and margin of the two businesses combined.

     2020 GOAL MEASUREMENT
    2020
     GOAL
     GOAL
    WEIGHT


     THRESHOLD
     TARGET
     MAXIMUM
     RESULTS
    ACHIEVED


     GOAL
    SCORE


     
     Adjusted Division Net Sales Core + IDDM businesses(3)20%98.6% of TargetTarget100.9% of Target129.7% of Target30.0%
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Adjusted Division Margin Core + IDDM businesses(3) 20% Target Target 101.8% of Target 163.6% of Target 30.0%  
    ​  
                Sales and Margin Total60.0%
    ​ ​​​​​​​
                Total
    (prior
    page)
     45.0%  
                Total Goal Score105.0%
    ​ ​​​​​​​


    BASE SALARY    BONUS TARGET %   

    TOTAL GOAL SCORE

        AWARD PAYOUT
     $710,000 x 115% x 

    105.0%

     = 

    $857,300

      (1)
      Adjusted Division Net Sales exclude the impact of foreign exchange on actual Core Diagnostics sales relative to the goal target. Adjusted Division Margin and Adjusted Division Gross Margin exclude the impact of foreign exchange on actual Core Diagnostics division margin and gross margin relative to the respective goal target. Adjusted Division Free Cash Flow reflects Core Diagnostics pre-tax operating cash flow less capital expenditures and excludes the impact of foreign exchange.

      (2)
      Set based on expected market growth in Core Diagnostics market. To achieve target, must gain market share.

      (3)
      Target not disclosed for competitive reasons.

    GRAPHIC 51


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    BASE SALARY BONUS TARGET % TOTAL GOAL SCORE AWARD PAYOUT
    $715,539  ×  115%  ×  112.5%  =  $925,700
      
    44

    Table of Contents

    Long-Term Incentives

    Based on the Committee'sCommittee’s review of Abbott and individual performance through 20192020, Mr. GinascolSalvadori received an LTI award in February 20202021 with a value of $3,308,000,$4,777,500, which was equal to 100%125% of his LTI award guideline. Additional calculation details are as follows:

    LTI AWARD
    GUIDELINE
     LTI ADJUSTMENT AWARD ALLOCATION AWARD
    VALUE
    $3,822,000  ×  125%  ×  50% Stock Options(1)  =   $2,388,750
    50% Performance Restricted Shares(2)$2,388,750
         Total $4,777,500
            

    INDIVIDUAL LTI PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
    METRIC201820192020OVERALL
    Sales and Market Growth ContributionExceeded (+1)Exceeded (+1)Exceeded (+1)+3
    Margin ContributionMet (0)Exceeded (+1)Exceeded (+1)+2
    Strategic Financial ContributionMet (0)Exceeded (+1)Did Not Meet (-1)0
     Total+5
    LTI Adjustment125%

    LTI ADJUSTMENT LEGEND
    TOTALRESULT
    +4 or More125%
    +1 to +3110%
    0100%
    -1 or -290%
    -3 or Less75%
    (1)Stock options realize value only through share price appreciation.
    (2)Performance restricted shares vest only if the 14% Adjusted Return on Equity (ROE) performance target is achieved.
    45

    LTI AWARD GUIDELINE   LTI ADJUSTMENT   

    AWARD ALLOCATION

       AWARD
    VALUE

    $3,308,000
     x 
    100%
     x 

    ​ 50% Stock Options(1)

     = $1,654,000
    ​  
    ​           50% Performance Restricted Shares(2)   $1,654,000
            Total   $3,308,000


      INDIVIDUAL LTI PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
    ​   METRIC  2017  2018  2019  OVERALL 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      Sales and Market Growth Contribution  Did Not Meet (-1)  Exceeded (+1)  Exceeded (+1)  +1 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      Margin Contribution   Did Not Meet (-1)   Met (0)   Did Not Meet (-1)   -2   
    ​   Strategic Financial Contribution  Exceeded (+1)  Met (0)  Did Not Meet (-1)  0 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
                  Total   -1   
    ​   Preliminary Adjustment

     90% 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      Impact   +   
    ​   LTI Adjustment
     100% 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 


      LTI ADJUSTMENT LEGEND 
    ​   PRELIMINARY ADJUSTMENT  IMPACT 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
    ​   TOTAL  RESULT  IMPACT ON BUSINESS
    PRIORITIES

     
     SCORE  RESULT 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      +4 or More  125%  High Impact  ++  +25% or More 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      +1 to +3   110%   Medium/High Impact   +   Up to +25%   
    ​   0  100%  Medium Impact  =  0% 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      -1 or -2   90%   Medium/Low Impact   -   Up to -25%   
    ​   -3 or Less  75%  Low Impact  --  -25% or More 
    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
    (1)
    Stock options realize value only through share price appreciation.

    (2)
    Performance restricted shares vest only if the 13% Adjusted Return on Equity (ROE) performance target is achieved.

    52      GRAPHIC


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    GRAPHIC

    DANIEL G. SALVADORIANDREA F. WAINER

    Executive Vice President, Nutritional ProductsRapid and Molecular Diagnostics

      

    Base Salary

    Mr. Salvadori'sMs. Wainer’s annual base salary ofwas increased from $650,000 to $710,000 did not change in 2020.March 2021.

    Annual Incentive Plan

    Ms. Wainer’s target bonus of 115% was not changed in 2021. Based on performance in 2020, Mr. Salvadori2021, Ms. Wainer received a bonus in February 20212022 which was calculated as follows:

     2019
    2020 GOAL MEASUREMENT
    2020
     GOAL
     RESULTS
    ACHIEVED


     GOAL
    WEIGHT


     THRESHOLD
     TARGET
     MAXIMUM
     RESULTS
    ACHIEVED


     GOAL SCORE
     
     FINANCIAL METRICS(1)
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Adjusted Division Net Sales(2)$7.47B20%$7.54B$7.63B$7.74B$7.68B24.2%
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Adjusted Division Margin(3)  20% Target Target 103.2% of Target 101.3% of Target 24.2%  
    ​  
    ​  Adjusted Division Gross Margin(3)5%99.8% of TargetTarget103.7% of Target100.0% of Target5.0%
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Gross Margin Improvement(3)  5% Target Target 110.0% of Target 100.0% of Target 5.0%  
    ​  
    ​  Market Share(3)10%TargetTargetTargetAt Target10.0%
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Adjusted Division Free Cash Flow(3)  5% Target Target 102.9% of Target 119.7% of Target 7.5%  
    ​  
    ​  Cash Conversion Cycle(3)5%5 days over TargetTargetTarget1 day less than Target5.0%
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     STRATEGIC METRICS   
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Goal (20% weight): Execute specified product launches, innovation sales, key country initiatives, ingredient supply strategy, and manufacturing capacity initiatives.   
     Result: Achieved. 20.0%  
    ​  
     TALENT AND SUCCESSION METRICS   
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
     Goal (10% weight): Meet talent and succession planning targets.
     Result: Achieved.10.0%
    ​  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
                  Total 110.9%  


    BASE SALARY   BONUS TARGET %   

    TOTAL GOAL SCORE

       AWARD PAYOUT
     $710,000 x 115% x 110.9% = $905,500
      (1)
      Adjusted Division Net Sales exclude the impact of foreign exchange on actual Nutrition sales relative to the goal target. Adjusted Division Margin and Adjusted Division Gross Margin exclude the impact of foreign exchange on actual Nutrition division margin and gross margin relative to the respective goal target. Adjusted Division Free Cash Flow reflects Nutrition's pre-tax operating cash flow less capital expenditures and excludes the impact of foreign exchange.

      (2)
      Set based on expected growth in nutrition market. To achieve target, must gain market share.

      (3)
       2020
      RESULTS
      GOAL 2021 GOAL MEASUREMENT 2021
      RESULTS
       GOAL
      GOALACHIEVEDWEIGHT THRESHOLD TARGETMAXIMUMACHIEVEDSCORE
      FINANCIAL METRICS(1)
      Adjusted Division Net Sales(2)$6.16B20%$9.47B$9.83B$10.85B$10.52B26.7%
      Adjusted Division Margin(3)20%TargetTarget120.0%
      of Target
      112.2%
      of Target
      26.1%
      Adjusted Division Gross Margin(3)5%98.1%
      of Target
      Target120.0%
      of Target
      101.3%
      of Target
      5.2%
      Gross Margin Improvement(3) 5%TargetTarget120.0%
      of Target
      Above
      Maximum
      7.5%
      Market Share(3)10%TargetTargetTargetAchieved10.0%
      Adjusted Division Free Cash Flow(3)10%TargetTarget120.0%
      of Target
      114.6%
       of Target
      13.6%
      STRATEGIC METRICS
      Goal (20% weight): Complete the necessary innovation, development, and expansion metrics per approved plans.
      Result: Mostly Achieved
      15.5%
      HUMAN CAPITAL METRICS
      Goal (10% weight): Meet talent, succession planning, and diversity targets.
      Result: Mostly Achieved
      9.5%
            Total114.1%
      (1)Adjusted Division Net Sales exclude the impact of foreign exchange on actual Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics sales relative to the goal target. Adjusted Division Margin and Adjusted Division Gross Margin exclude the impact of foreign exchange on actual Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics division margin and gross margin relative to the respective goal target. Adjusted Division Free Cash Flow reflects Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics’ pre-tax operating cash flow less capital expenditures and excludes the impact of foreign exchange. Given the significant fluctuations in demand for COVID-19 diagnostic tests during the year, Adjusted Division Net Sales target for 2021 was revised from $12.3 billion to $9.8 billion and other financial targets were determined based on that sales target.
      (2)Set based on expected growth in Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics market.
      (3)Target not disclosed for competitive reasons.

      GRAPHIC 53


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      BASE SALARY BONUS TARGET % TOTAL GOAL SCORE AWARD PAYOUT
      $710,000  ×  115%  ×  114.1%  =  $931,600
       
       
      46

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      Long-Term Incentives

      Based on the Committee'sCommittee’s review of Abbott and individual performance through 20192020, Mr. SalvadoriMs. Wainer received an LTI award in February 20202021 with a value of $3,804,200,$4,777,500, which was equal to 115%125% of her LTI award guideline. Additional calculation details are as follows:

      LTI AWARD
      GUIDELINE
       LTI ADJUSTMENT AWARD ALLOCATION AWARD
      VALUE
      $3,822,000  ×  125%  ×  50% Stock Options(1)    $2,388,750
      50% Performance Restricted Shares(2)$2,388,750
           Total $4,777,500
              
      INDIVIDUAL LTI PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
      METRIC201820192020OVERALL
      Sales and Market Growth ContributionMet (0)Did Not Meet (-1)Exceeded (+1)0
      Margin ContributionExceeded (+1)Did Not Meet (-1)Exceeded (+1)+1
      Strategic Financial ContributionMet (0)Did Not Meet (-1)Exceeded (+1)0
       Total+1
      Preliminary Adjustment110%
      Impact+
      LTI Adjustment125%

      LTI ADJUSTMENT LEGEND
      PRELIMINARY ADJUSTMENTIMPACT
      TOTALRESULT
      IMPACT ON
      BUSINESS PRIORITIES
      SCORERESULT
      +4 or More125%High Impact+++25% or More
      +1 to +3110%Medium/High Impact+Up to +25%
      0100%Medium Impact=0%
      -1 or -290%Medium/Low Impact-Up to -25%
      -3 or Less75%Low Impact---25% or More
      (1)Stock options realize value only through share price appreciation.
      (2)Performance restricted shares vest only if the 14% Adjusted Return on Equity (ROE) performance target is achieved.
      47

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      MILES D. WHITE

      Former Executive Chairman of the Board

      Mr. White retired from Abbott on December 31, 2021.

      Base Salary

      Mr. White had an annual base salary of $1,900,000.

      Long-term Incentives

      Based on the Committee’s review of Abbott and individual performance through 2020, Mr. White received an LTI award in February 2021 with a value of $11,000,000, which was equal to 110% of his LTI award guideline. Additional calculation details are as follows:

      LTI AWARD GUIDELINE   LTI ADJUSTMENT   

      AWARD ALLOCATION

         AWARD
      VALUE

      $3,308,000
       x 
      115%
       x 

      ​ 50% Stock Options(1)

       = $1,902,100
      ​  
      ​           50% Performance Restricted Shares(2)   $1,902,100
              Total   $3,804,200

       

        INDIVIDUAL LTI PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
        METRIC  2017  2018  2019  OVERALL 
      ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
        Sales and Market Growth Contribution  Met (0)  Exceeded (+1)  Exceeded (+1)  +2 
      ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
        Margin Contribution   Met (0)   Met (0)   Exceeded (+1)   +1   
      ​   Strategic Financial Contribution  Met (0)  Met (0)  Exceeded (+1)  +1 
      ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
                    Total   +4   
      ​       Preliminary Adjustment

       125% 
      ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
                    Impact   -   
      ​         LTI Adjustment
       115% 
      ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      LTI AWARD
      GUIDELINE
       LTI ADJUSTMENT AWARD ALLOCATION AWARD
      VALUE
      $10,000,000  ×  110%  ×  50% Stock Options(1)  =   $5,500,000
      50% Performance Restricted Shares(2)$5,500,000
           Total $11,000,000
              
      INDIVIDUAL LTI PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
      METRIC201820192020OVERALL
      Sales and Market Growth ContributionExceeded (+1)Exceeded (+1)Exceeded (+1)+3
      Margin ContributionExceeded (+1)Exceeded (+1)Exceeded (+1)+3
      Strategic Financial ContributionExceeded (+1)Met (0)Exceeded (+1)+2
       Total+8
      Preliminary Adjustment125%
      Impact(3)-
      LTI Adjustment110%

       

        LTI ADJUSTMENT LEGEND 
      ​   PRELIMINARY ADJUSTMENT  IMPACT 
      ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      ​   TOTAL  RESULT  IMPACT ON BUSINESS
      PRIORITIES

       
       SCORE  RESULT 
      ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
        +4 or More  125%  High Impact  ++  +25% or More 
      ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
        +1 to +3   110%   Medium/High Impact   +   Up to +25%   
      ​   0  100%  Medium Impact  =  0% 
      ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
        -1 or -2   90%   Medium/Low Impact   -   Up to -25%   
      ​   -3 or Less  75%  Low Impact  --  -25% or More 
      ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      (1)
      LTI ADJUSTMENT LEGEND
      PRELIMINARY ADJUSTMENTIMPACT
      TOTALRESULTIMPACT ON
      BUSINESS PRIORITIES
      SCORERESULT
      +4 or More125%High Impact+++25% or More
      +1 or +3110%Medium/High Impact+Up to +25%
      0100%Medium Impact=0%
      -1 or -290%Medium/Low Impact-Up to -25%
      -3 or Less75%Low Impact---25% or More
      (1)Stock options realize value only through share price appreciation.

      (2)
      Performance restricted shares vest only if the 13% Adjusted Return on Equity (ROE) performance target is achieved.

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      GRAPHIC(2)Performance restricted shares vest only if the 14% Adjusted Return on Equity (ROE) performance target is achieved.
      (3)MILES D. WHITE

      Individual LTI performance assessment was based upon Mr. White’s roles as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer through March 31, 2020 and as Executive Chairman of the Board, and Director

      thereafter.

      Mr. White previously served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. White stepped down as Chief Executive Officer on March 31, 2020.

      Base Salary

      Mr. White has an annual base salary of $1,900,000.

      Annual Incentive Plan

      Mr. White is eligible for a 2020 annual incentive plan payout for the 3 months he served as CEO. Based on Abbott and Mr. White's performance, the Committee awarded Mr. White a payout of 150% of his target.

      Long-term Incentives

      Based on the Committee's review of Abbott and individual performance through 2019, Mr. White received an LTI award in February 2020 with a value of $12,000,000, which was equal to 96% of his LTI award guideline. Additional calculation details are as follows:

      LTI AWARD GUIDELINE   LTI ADJUSTMENT   

      AWARD ALLOCATION

         AWARD
      VALUE

      $12,500,000
       x 
      96%
       x 

      ​ 50% Stock Options(1)

       = $6,000,000
      ​  
      ​           50% Performance Restricted Shares(2)   $6,000,000
              Total   $12,000,000


        INDIVIDUAL LTI PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
        METRIC  2017  2018  2019  OVERALL 
      ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
        Sales and Market Growth Contribution  Met (0)  Exceeded (+1)  Exceeded (+1)  +2 
      ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
        Margin Contribution   Exceeded (+1)   Exceeded (+1)   Exceeded (+1)   +3   
      ​   Strategic Financial Contribution  Exceeded (+1)  Exceeded (+1)  Met (0)  +2 
      ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
                    Total   +7   
      ​        Preliminary Adjustment

       125% 
      ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
                    Impact(3)   -   
      ​         LTI Adjustment

       96% 
      ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 

      GRAPHIC 55


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      48


        LTI ADJUSTMENT LEGEND 
      ​   PRELIMINARY ADJUSTMENT  IMPACT 
      ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      ​   TOTAL  RESULT  IMPACT ON BUSINESS
      PRIORITIES

       
       SCORE  RESULT 
      ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
        +4 or More  125%  High Impact  ++  +25% or More 
      ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
        +1 or +3   110%   Medium/High Impact   +   Up to +25%   
      ​   0  100%  Medium Impact  =  0% 
      ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
        -1 or -2   90%   Medium/Low Impact   -   Up to -25%   
      ​   -3 or Less  75%  Low Impact  --  -25% or More 
      ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
      (1)
      Stock options realize value only through share price appreciation.

      (2)
      Performance restricted shares vest only if the 13% Adjusted Return on Equity (ROE) performance target is achieved.

      (3)
      Individual LTI performance assessment was based upon Mr. White's role as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The Committee adjusted the grant to reflect Mr. White's upcoming transition to Executive Chairman.

      56      GRAPHIC


      GRAPHICBRIAN B. YOOR

      Former Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer

      Mr. Yoor retired from Abbott on February 29, 2020.

      Base Salary

      Mr. Yoor had an annual base salary of $825,000.

      Long-Term Incentives

      Based on the Committee's review of Abbott and individual performance through 2019 and his upcoming retirement, Mr. Yoor received an LTI award in February 2020 with a value of $2,262,500. This award was paid 50% in stock options(1) and 50% in performance restricted shares(2)

      (1)
      Stock options realize value only through share price appreciation.

      (2)
      Performance restricted shares vest only if the 13% Adjusted Return on Equity (ROE) performance target is achieved.

      GRAPHIC 57


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      BENEFITS AND PERQUISITES

      Each of the benefits described below was designed to support the Company'sCompany’s objective of providing a competitive total pay program. Individual benefits do not directly affect decisions regarding other benefits or pay components, except to the extent that benefits and pay components must, in aggregate, be competitive.

      BENEFITS AND PERQUISITES
           

      BENEFITS AND PERQUISITES


      DESCRIPTION

      Retirement Benefits
       

      Retirement Benefits

      The named officers participate in Abbott-sponsored defined benefit plans: the Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan and the Abbott Laboratories Supplemental Pension Plan. These plans are described in greater detail in the "Pension Benefits"“Pension Benefits” section of the proxy.

        

      Since officers'officers’ Supplemental Pension Plan benefits cannot be secured in a manner similar to qualified plans, which are held in trust, officers receive an annual cash payment equal to the increase in present value of their Supplemental Pension Plan benefit. Officers have the option of depositing these annual payments to an individually established grantor trust, net of tax withholdings. Deposited amounts may be credited with the difference between the officers'officers’ actual annual trust earnings and the rate used to calculate trust funding (currently 8%) while they are employed. Amounts deposited in the individual trusts are not tax deferred.

        

      Officers do not receive tax gross-ups on their grantor trusts. The manner in which the grantor trust will be distributed to an officer upon retirement from the Company generally follows the manner elected by the officer under the Annuity Retirement Plan. Should an officer (or the officer'sofficer’s spouse, depending upon the pension distribution method elected by the officer under the Annuity Retirement Plan) live beyond the actuarial life expectancy age used to determine the Supplemental Pension Plan benefit and, therefore, exhaust the trust balance, the Supplemental Pension Plan benefit will be paid by the Company.

      Deferred Compensation 

      Deferred Compensation

      Officers of the Company, like all U.S. employees, are eligible to defer a portion of annual base salary and bonus (in certain cases), on a pre-tax basis, to the Company'sCompany’s qualified 401(k) plan, up to the IRS contribution limits. Officers are also eligible to defer up to 18% of their base salary, less contributions to the 401(k) plan, to a non-qualified plan. Unlike other U.S. managers, officers are not eligible to elect to defer compensation into the Deferred Compensation Plan. However, up to one hundred percent (100%) of annual incentive awards earned under the Company'sCompany’s Performance Incentive Plan is eligible for deferral to a non-qualified plan. Officers may defer these amounts to unfunded book accounts or choose to have the amounts paid in cash on a current basis and deposited into individually established grantor trusts, net of tax withholdings. These amounts are credited annually with earnings. Officers do not receive tax gross-ups on their grantor trusts. Officers elect the manner in which the assets held in their grantor trusts will be distributed to them upon retirement or other separation from the Company.

      49

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      BENEFITS AND PERQUISITES

           

      58      GRAPHIC


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      BENEFITS AND PERQUISITES


      DESCRIPTION

      Change in Control Arrangements

       

      Mr. White doesdid not have an Abbott change in control agreement. The other named officers have Abbott change in control agreements, the purpose of which is to aid in retention and recruitment, encourage continued attention and dedication to assigned duties during periods involving a possible change in control of the Company, and protect the earned benefits of the officer against adverse changes resulting from a change in control. The level of payments provided under the agreements is established to be consistent with market practices as confirmed by data provided to the Committee by its independent compensation consultant. These arrangements are described in greater detail in the "Potential“Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control"Control” section of this proxy.

      Financial Planning 

      Financial Planning

      Named officers are eligible to receive up to $10,000 of fees annually associated with estate planning advice, tax preparation, and general financial planning. If an officer chooses to utilize this benefit, fees for services received up to the annual allocation are paid by the Company and are treated as imputed income to the officer, who then is responsible for payment of all taxes due on the fees paid by the Company.

      Company Automobile 

      Company Automobile

      Named officers are eligible for use of a Company-leased vehicle, with a lease term of 50 months. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the cost of the vehicle is imputed to the officer as income for federal income tax purposes.

      Company Aircraft 

      Company Aircraft

      Non-business-related flights on corporate aircraft by Messrs. Ford and White are covered by time-sharing lease agreements, pursuant to which incremental costs associated with those flights are reimbursed by the executive to the Company in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

      Disability Benefit 

      Disability Benefit

      In addition to Abbott'sAbbott’s standard disability benefits, the U.S. named officers are eligible for a monthly long-term disability benefit, which is described in greater detail in the "Potential“Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control"Control” section of this proxy.

      SHARE OWNERSHIP AND RETENTION GUIDELINES

      To further promote sustained shareholder returns and to ensure the Company'sCompany’s executives remain focused on both short- and long-term objectives, the Company has established share ownership guidelines. Each officer has five years from the date appointed/elected to his/her position to achieve the ownership level associated with the position.

      ROLE

           GUIDELINE

      Chief Executive Chairman

      Officer 6 times base salary

      Chief Executive Officer

      6 times base salary

      ​  

      Executive Vice Presidents

       3 times base salary

      Senior Vice Presidents

       3 times base salary

      ​  

      All other officers

       2 times base salary

      Any officer who has not achieved at least 50% of the share ownership guideline after three years in their current position will be required to hold 50% of future equity awards until they meet the ownership guideline. All named officers with 5 years tenure in their current position meet or exceed the guidelines.

      50

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      HEDGING

      Directors and officers are prohibited from entering into or engaging in any financial transaction that is designed to reduce the financial risk associated with owning Abbott shares. These financial transactions include, but are not limited to, engaging in short sales, derivative transactions (such as equity swaps, straddles, puts, or calls), and hedging or monetizing transactions (such as collars, exchange funds, or prepaid forward variable contracts) that are linked directly to Abbott stock.

      PLEDGING

      Directors and officers are prohibited from holding Abbott stock in a margin account, pledging Abbott stock, or otherwise securing any of their obligations by assigning Abbott stock as collateral. The Compensation Committee, or its delegate, may grant an exception provided that:

        The director or officer meets Abbott's applicable minimum stock ownership guideline; and

        Only Abbott stock in excess of the applicable minimum stock ownership guideline is held in the margin account, pledged, or assigned as collateral.
      The director or officer meets Abbott’s applicable minimum stock ownership guideline; and
      Only Abbott stock in excess of the applicable minimum stock ownership guideline is held in the margin account, pledged, or assigned as collateral.

      RECOUPMENT POLICY

      The Compensation Committee has broad discretion to administer and implement the Company'sCompany’s policy and seek recoupment of equity or cash incentive awards if it determines that a senior executive engaged in misconduct or failed in a supervisory capacity, resulting in a material violation of law or Abbott policy that causes significant financial harm to Abbott. The Compensation Committee may recover incentive compensation awarded to a senior executive in the prior three years or reduce future awards. The policy will not affect awards made prior to its effective date or following a change in control.

      COMPLIANCE

      The Committee considers the deductibility of executive compensation in making its compensation decisions, but believes that shareholder interests are best served by not restricting the Committee'sCommittee’s discretion and flexibility in crafting compensation programs, even if such programs may result in certain non-deductible compensation expenses. Accordingly, Abbott may provide compensation that is not deductible.

      COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

      The Compensation Committee of the Board is primarily responsible for reviewing, approving, and overseeing Abbott'sAbbott’s compensation plans and practices, and works with management and the Committee'sCommittee’s independent consultant to establish Abbott'sAbbott’s executive compensation philosophy and programs. The Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management and has recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.

      Compensation Committee

      R. S. Austin, Chair

      M. A. Kumbier
      E. M. Liddy
      P.

      N. Novakovic
      McKinstry

      W. A. Osborn

      60      GRAPHIC


      M. F. Roman

      51

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      COMPENSATION RISK ASSESSMENT

      During 2020,2021, Abbott conducted its annual risk assessment of its compensation policies and plan design practices for employees and executives. Abbott'sAbbott’s risk assessment is reinforced by Abbott'sAbbott’s adherence to a number of industry-leadingindustry leading best practices, including:

        Compensation Committee chaired by independent, non-employee director

        Representation from the Audit Committee on the Compensation Committee

        Review of executive compensation programs by the Compensation Committee's independent consultant

        Robust review of compensation program design elements and key performance drivers

        Detailed measurement of short- and long-term compensation elements, and related performance metrics and requirements, to ensure balance

        Review of Abbott's historical performance, peer performance and Board-approved strategic plan and related financial goals to determine appropriate incentive plan goals

        Incorporation of multiple program requirements that mitigate excessive risk-taking (e.g., recoupment policy, stock ownership and share retention guidelines, caps on incentive payouts)
      Compensation Committee chaired by independent, non-employee director
      Representation from the Audit Committee on the Compensation Committee
      Review of executive compensation programs by the Compensation Committee’s independent consultant
      Robust review of compensation program design elements and key performance drivers
      Detailed measurement of short- and long-term compensation elements, and related performance metrics and requirements, to ensure balance
      Review of Abbott’s historical performance, peer performance and Board-approved strategic plan and related financial goals to determine appropriate incentive plan goals
      Incorporation of multiple program requirements that mitigate excessive risk taking (e.g., recoupment policy, stock ownership and share retention guidelines, caps on incentive payouts)

      Based on this assessment, Abbott determined its compensation and benefit programs appropriately align employees'employees’ compensation and performance without incentivizing risky behaviors. Any riskAbbott concluded that risks arising from its compensation policies and practices isare not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Abbott or its shareholders.

      The following factors were among those considered:

      GRAPHIC 61


      Table of Contents

        Abbott's hedging policy prohibits directors and officers from entering into financial transactions designed to reduce the financial risk associated with owning Abbott shares.

        Abbott's pledging policy prohibits directors and officers from holding Abbott shares in a margin account, pledging Abbott shares, or securing obligations by assigning Abbott shares as collateral unless granted an exception by the Compensation Committee.
      Abbott’s compensation program does not include features that could encourage excessive risk taking, such as over weighting toward annual incentives, highly leveraged payout curves, uncapped incentive award payments, unreasonable thresholds, or steep payout cliffs at certain levels that may encourage short term business decisions to meet payout criteria.
      Abbott’s recoupment policy allows the Compensation Committee to seek recoupment of incentive compensation, forfeit existing awards or reduce future awards if it determines that a senior executive engaged in misconduct or failed in a supervisory capacity, resulting in a material violation of law or Abbott policy that caused significant financial harm to Abbott.
      Abbott’s hedging policy prohibits directors and officers from entering into financial transactions designed to reduce the financial risk associated with owning Abbott shares.
      Abbott’s pledging policy prohibits directors and officers from holding Abbott shares in a margin account, pledging Abbott shares, or securing obligations by assigning Abbott shares as collateral unless granted an exception by the Compensation Committee.

      This assessment was discussed with the Compensation Committee and its independent compensation consultant. The Committee and the consultant both agreed with the assessment.

      53

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      SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

      The following table summarizes compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to the named officers. The section of the proxy statement captioned, "Compensation“Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Basis for Compensation Decisions"Decisions” describes in greater detail the information reported in this table.

      Name and Principal
      Position
        Year  Salary  Stock
      Awards(2)
        Option
      Awards(3)
        Non-Equity
      Incentive Plan
      Compensation(4)
        Change in
      Pension
      Value and
      Non-qualified
      Deferred
      Compensation
      Earnings(5)
        All Other
      Compensation(6)
        SEC Total  Total
      Without
      Change in
      Pension
      Value ($)(7)
      Robert B. Ford, 2021 $1,482,692 $8,689,294 $ 8,689,978 $3,168,400 $2,755,343 $129,179 $24,914,886 $22,485,091
      Chairman of the Board
      and Chief Executive
      Officer
       2020 1,298,462 5,623,995 5,624,993 3,675,000 4,150,264 77,872 20,450,586 16,549,550
       2019 1,000,000 3,475,992 3,476,054 1,562,500 2,311,499 71,841 11,897,886 9,777,514
      Robert E. Funck, Jr., 2021 825,000 2,999,666 2,999,977 1,048,400 1,507,073 159,193 9,539,309 8,373,417
      Executive Vice President,
      Finance and Chief
      Financial Officer
       2020 813,462 2,215,867 2,216,247 1,280,800 3,100,265 173,568 9,800,209 7,069,425
                        
                        
      Hubert L. Allen, 2021 760,000 2,115,332 2,115,612 921,700 768,954 172,158 6,853,756 6,395,592
      Executive Vice President,
      General Counsel and
      Secretary
       2020 751,346 1,874,607 1,874,988 917,700 2,904,940 154,596 8,478,177 5,919,894
       2019 710,000 2,199,962 2,199,990 879,700 1,429,523 66,905 7,486,080 6,386,933
      Daniel G. Salvadori, 2021 715,539 2,388,446 2,388,734 925,700 251,604 72,276 6,742,299 6,533,923
      Executive Vice
      President and Group
      President, Established
      Pharmaceuticals and
      Nutritional Products
       2020 710,000 1,901,708 1,902,099 905,500 477,011 79,421 5,975,739 5,518,569
       2019 704,923 2,351,989 2,351,986 903,400 395,710 59,806 6,767,814 6,388,821
                        
                        
      Andrea F. Wainer, 2021 699,616 2,388,446 2,388,734 931,600 772,906 69,112 7,250,414 6,564,595
      Executive Vice President,
      Rapid and Molecular
      Diagnostics
                        
                         
      Miles D. White,(1) 2021 1,900,000 5,499,490 5,499,982 0 1,918,135 1,135,477 15,953,084 15,953,084
      Former Executive
      Chairman of the Board
       2020 1,900,000 5,998,934 5,999,997 1,250,000 3,415,343 1,264,110 19,828,384 18,799,774
       2019 1,900,000 7,562,448 7,562,499 4,405,625 5,707,836 664,409 27,802,817 24,675,423
      (1)Mr. White retired from Abbott on December 31, 2021.
      (2)In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules, the amounts in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the awards in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC Topic 718. Abbott determines grant date fair value by multiplying the number of shares granted by the average of the high and low market prices of an Abbott common share on the award’s date of grant.
      (3)In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules, the amounts in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the awards in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC Topic 718. These amounts were determined as of the option’s grant date using a Black-Scholes stock option valuation model. These amounts are being reported solely for the purpose of comparative disclosure in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules. There is no certainty that the amount determined using a Black-Scholes stock option valuation model would be the value at which employee stock options would be traded for cash. The assumptions are the same as those described in Note 8, entitled “Incentive Stock Program” of Abbott’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in Abbott’s 2021 Annual Report on Securities and Exchange Commission Form 10-K.
      (4)This compensation is earned as a performance-based incentive bonus, pursuant to the 1998 Abbott Laboratories Performance Incentive Plan. Additional information regarding the Performance Incentive Plan can be found in the section of this proxy statement captioned, “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Basis for Compensation Decisions.”
      54

       Name and Principal
      Position


      YearSalaryStock
      Awards(2)

      Option
      Awards(3)

      Non-Equity
      Incentive Plan
      Compensation(4)


      Change in
      Pension
      Value and
      Non-qualified
      Deferred
      Compensation
      Earnings(5)






      All Other
      Compensation(6)

      SEC TotalTotal
      Without
      Change in
      Pension
      Value ($)(7)




       
       Robert B. Ford,2020$1,298,462$5,623,995$5,624,993$3,675,000$4,150,264$77,872$20,450,586$16,549,550 
       President and Chief Executive20191,000,0003,475,9923,476,0541,562,5002,311,49971,84111,897,8869,777,514 
       Officer, and Director2018784,2502,691,6212,691,8971,297,500382,771279,2138,127,2527,821,493 
                  
      Robert E. Funck, Jr.,2020813,4622,215,8672,216,2471,280,8003,100,265173,5689,800,2097,069,425 
      Executive Vice President, Finance          
      and Chief Financial Officer          
                  
       Hubert L. Allen,2020751,3461,874,6071,874,988917,7002,904,940154,5968,478,1775,919,894 
       Executive Vice President,2019710,0002,199,9622,199,990879,7001,429,52366,9057,486,0806,386,933 
       General Counsel and Secretary2018706,7092,691,6212,691,897902,000205,233120,3167,317,7767,278,480 
                  
      John F. Ginascol,2020708,2691,653,6781,653,987857,3001,781,066112,7296,767,0295,208,537 
      Executive Vice President, 
      Core Diagnostics 
                  
       Daniel G. Salvadori,2020710,0001,901,7081,902,099905,500477,01179,4215,975,7395,518,569 
       Executive Vice President,2019704,9232,351,9892,351,986903,400395,71059,8066,767,8146,388,821 
       Nutritional Products2018675,0381,993,7981,993,992803,20053,668434,5145,954,2105,907,979 
                  
      Miles D. White,20201,900,0005,998,9345,999,9971,250,0003,415,3431,264,11019,828,38418,799,774 
      Executive Chairman of the Board20191,900,0007,562,4487,562,4994,405,6255,707,836664,40927,802,81724,675,423 
       20181,900,0007,499,3677,499,9964,779,6881,381,8451,193,34224,254,23824,254,238 
                  
       Brian B. Yoor,(1)2020207,8371,231,0271,231,2370781,11438,2643,489,4792,839,222 
       Former Executive Vice President,2019825,0002,449,9762,449,9871,113,8002,105,60471,3319,015,6987,031,097 
       Finance and Chief Financial Officer2018796,0572,691,6212,691,897974,600385,17873,4837,612,8367,280,548 
                  

      (1)

      Mr. Yoor retired on February 29, 2020.

      (2)
      In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules, the amounts in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the awards in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC Topic 718. Abbott determines grant date fair value by multiplying the number of shares granted by the average of the high and low market prices of an Abbott common share on the award's date of grant.

      (3)
      In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules, the amounts in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the awards in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC Topic 718. These amounts were determined as of the option's grant date using a Black-Scholes stock option valuation model. These amounts are being reported solely for the purpose of comparative disclosure in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules. There is no certainty that the amount determined using a Black-Scholes stock option valuation model would be the value at which employee stock options would be traded for cash. The assumptions are the same as those described in Note 9, entitled "Incentive Stock Program" of Abbott's Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" in Abbott's 2020 Annual Report on Securities and Exchange Commission Form 10-K.

      (4)
      This compensation is earned as a performance-based incentive bonus, pursuant to the 1998 Abbott Laboratories Performance Incentive Plan. Additional information regarding the Performance Incentive Plan can be found in the section of this proxy statement captioned, "Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Basis for Compensation Decisions."

      (5)
      The plan amounts shown below are reported in this column.

      For Messrs. Ford, Allen, Salvadori, White, and Yoor, the amounts shown alongside the officer's name are for 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. For Messrs. Funck, Jr. and Ginascol, the amounts shown are for 2020.

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        (5)The plan amounts shown below are reported in this column.
        For Messrs. Ford, Allen, Salvadori, and White, the amounts shown alongside the officer’s name are for 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. For Mr. Funck, Jr., the amounts shown are for 2021 and 2020, respectively. For Ms. Wainer, the amounts shown are for 2021.
        Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan

        R. B. Ford: $22,149 / $142,819 / $176,268 / ($37,501);$176,268; R. E. Funck, Jr.: $89,455 / $256,555; H. L. Allen: $47,024 / $184,384 / $117,142 / ($2,013); J. F. Ginascol: $142,322;$117,142; D. G. Salvadori: $19,272 / $45,483 / $41,282 / $3,413;$41,282; A. F. Wainer: $34,273; and M. D. White: ($56,525) / $34,629 / $180,690 / ($87,156); and B. B. Yoor: $94,394 / $188,095 / ($30,841).

        $180,690.

        Abbott Laboratories Supplemental Pension Plan

        R. B. Ford: $2,407,646 / $3,758,217 / $1,944,104 / $343,260;$1,944,104; R. E. Funck, Jr.: $1,076,437 / $2,474,229; H. L. Allen: $411,140 / $2,373,899 / $982,005 / $41,309; J. F. Ginascol: $1,416,170;$982,005; D. G. Salvadori: $189,104 / $411,687 / $337,711 / $42,818;$337,711; A. F. Wainer: $651,546; and M. D. White: ($2,126,024) / $993,981 / $2,946,704 / ($3,700,892); and B. B. Yoor: $555,863 / $1,796,506 / $363,129.

        $2,946,704.

        Non-Qualified Defined Contribution Plan Earnings

        The totals in this column include reportable interest credited under the 1998 Abbott Laboratories Performance Incentive Plan, the Abbott Laboratories 401(k) Supplemental Plan, and the 1986 Abbott Laboratories Management Incentive Plan (although none of the named officers currently receives awards under this plan).

        R. B. Ford: $325,548 / $249,228 / $191,127 / $77,012;$191,127; R. E. Funck, Jr.: $341,181 / $369,481; H. L. Allen: $310,790 / $346,657 / $330,376 / $165,937; J. F. Ginascol: $222,574;$330,376; D. G. Salvadori: $43,228 / $19,841 / $16,717 / $7,437;$16,717; A. F. Wainer: $87,087; and M. D. White: $1,918,135 / $2,386,733 / $2,580,442 / $1,381,845; and B. B. Yoor: $130,857 / $121,003 / $52,890.

        $2,580,442.
        (6)
        The amounts shown below are reported in this column.

        For Messrs. Ford, Allen, Salvadori, White, and Yoor,White, the amounts shown alongside the officer'sofficer’s name are for 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018,2019, respectively. For Messrs.Mr. Funck, Jr. and Ginascol,, the amounts shown are for 2020.

        2021 and 2020, respectively. For Ms. Wainer, the amounts shown are for 2021.

        Earnings on Non-Qualified Defined Contribution Plans (net of the reportable interest included in footnote 5).

        R. B. Ford: $8,148 / $8,116 / $0 / $6,125;; R. E. Funck, Jr.: $86,107 / $106,106; H. L. Allen: $95,227 / $81,695 / $896 / $52,571; J. F. Ginascol: $47,348;$896; D. G. Salvadori: $3,566 / $1,701 / $0 / $1,004;$0; A. F. Wainer: $2,162; and M. D. White: $799,031 / $926,052 / $105,715 / $638,710; and B. B. Yoor: $26,090 / $0 / $3,237.

        $105,715.

        Each of the named officers'officers’ awards under the 1998 Abbott Laboratories Performance Incentive Plan is paid in cash to the officer on a current basis. Each of the named officers havehas a grantor truststrust into which the awards may be deposited, net of maximum tax withholdings. The named officers also have grantor trusts in connection with the Abbott Laboratories 401(k) Supplemental Plan and the 1986 Abbott Laboratories Management Incentive Plan (although none of the named officers currently receives awards under the Management Incentive Plan). These amounts include the trusts'trusts’ earnings (net of the reportable interest included in footnote 5).

        Employer Contributions to Defined Contribution Plans

        R. B. Ford: $74,135 / $64,924 / $50,000 / $39,213;$50,000; R. E. Funck, Jr.: $41,250 / $40,673; H. L. Allen: $38,000 / $37,568 / $35,500; D. G. Salvadori: $35,777 / $35,500 / $35,335; J.$35,247; A. F. Ginascol: $35,414; D. G. Salvadori: $35,500 / $35,247 / $33,752;Wainer: $34,981; and M. D. White: $95,000 / $95,000 / $95,000; and B. B. Yoor: $7,139 / $41,250 / $39,803.

        $95,000.

        These amounts include employer contributions to both Abbott'sAbbott’s tax-qualified defined contribution plan and the Abbott Laboratories 401(k) Supplemental Plan. The Abbott Laboratories 401(k) Supplemental Plan permits eligible Abbott officers to contribute amounts in excess of the limit set by the Internal Revenue Code for employee contributions to 401(k) plans up to the excess of (i) 18% of their base salary over (ii) the amount contributed to Abbott'sAbbott’s tax-qualified 401(k) plan. Abbott matches participant contributions at the rate of 250% of the first 2% of compensation contributed to the plan. The named officers have these amounts paid to them in cash on a current basis and deposited into a grantor trust established by the officer, net of maximum tax withholdings.
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        Table of Contents

        Other Compensation

        Messrs. Ford'sFord’s and White'sWhite’s non-business-related flights on corporate aircraft are covered by time-sharing lease agreements, pursuant to which they reimburse Abbott for certain costs associated with those flights in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The following amounts are included in the totals in this column, which reflect Abbott'sAbbott’s incremental cost less reimbursements for non-business-related flights: R. B. Ford: $4,832;$46,419 / $4,832 / $0; M. D. White: $0 / $10,792 / $226,633 / $229,599.

        $226,633.

        Abbott determines the incremental cost for flights based on the direct cost to Abbott, including fuel costs, parking, handling and landing fees, catering, travel fees, and other miscellaneous direct costs.

        For Mr. White, the following costs associated with security less the amount reimbursed are included: $240,446 / $232,266 / $237,061 / $230,033.$237,061. Abbott determines the cost for these expenses based on its actual costs. The security is provided on the recommendation of an independent security study.

        Also included in the totals shown in the table is the cost of providing a corporate automobile less the amount reimbursed by the officer: R. B. Ford: $0 / $21,841$0 / $19,516;$21,841; R. E. Funck, Jr.: $22,661 / $20,319; H. L. Allen: $27,613 / $28,666 / $25,509 / $23,600; J. F. Ginascol: $ 24,017;$25,509; D. G. Salvadori: $21,933 / $26,773 / $24,559 / $27,727;$24,559; and B. B. Yoor: $35 / $20,081 / $20,443.

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        Table of Contents

          A. F. Wainer: $20,969.

        For Messrs. Funck, Jr., Allen, Ginascol,and Salvadori and Yoor,Ms. Wainer, the following costs associated with financial planning are included: R. E. Funck, Jr.: $8,175 / $6,470; H. L. Allen: $10,000 / $6,667 / $5,000 / $8,810; J. F. Ginascol: $5,950;$5,000; D. G. Salvadori: $15,447$10,000 / $0$15,447 / $0; and B. B. Yoor: $5,000 / $10,000 /A. F. Wainer: $10,000. For Mr. Salvadori, the 2020 amount includes payments made for services incurred in 2020 and 2019.

        The totals shown in the table include other miscellaneous benefits in 2021: R. B. Ford: $477; R. E. Funck, Jr.: $1,000; H. L. Allen: $1,318; D. G. Salvadori: $1,000; A. F. Wainer: $1,000; and M. D. White: $1,000.
        The named officers are also eligible to participate in an executive disability benefit described on page 78.

        65.
        (7)
        To demonstrate how year over year changes in pension value impact total compensation, as determined under SEC rules, we have included this column to show total compensation without pension value changes. The amounts reported in this column are calculated by subtracting the change in pension value reported in the Change in Pension Value and Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings column, as described in footnote 5 to this table, from the amounts reported in the SEC Total column. The amounts reported in this column differ from, and are not a substitute for, the amounts reported in the SEC Total column.

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        2020 GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

           Estimated Future
        Payouts Under
        Non-Equity
        Incentive Plan
        Awards(1)





        Estimated
        Future
        Payouts
        Under
        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards







        All Other
        Option
        Awards:
        Numbers of
        Securities
        Underlying






        Exercise
        or Base
        Price of
        Options




        Closing
        Market
        Price on



        Grant Date
        Fair Value
        of Stock
        and




         
         Name

        Grant
        Date


        Target
        ($)


        Maximum
        ($)


        Target
        (#)(2)(3)


        Options
        (#)(4)


        Awards
        ($/Sh.)


        Grant
        Date


        Option
        Awards


         
         R. B. Ford2/21/2020  64,124   $5,623,995(5) 
          2/21/2020   390,896$87.72$87.455,624,993(6) 
        R. E. Funck, Jr.2/21/202025,2652,215,867(5)
        2/21/2020154,01387.7287.452,216,247(6)
         H. L. Allen2/21/2020  21,374   1,874,607(5) 
          2/21/2020   130,29887.7287.451,874,988(6) 
        J. F. Ginascol2/21/202018,8551,653,678(5)
        2/21/2020114,94087.7287.451,653,987(6)
         D. G. Salvadori2/21/2020  21,683   1,901,708(5) 
          2/21/2020   132,18287.7287.451,902,099(6) 
        M. D. White2/21/202068,3995,998,934(5)
        2/21/2020416,95687.7287.455,999,997(6)
         B. B. Yoor2/21/2020  14,036   1,231,027(5) 
          2/21/2020   85,56287.7287.451,231,237(6) 
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        2021 GRANTS OF PLAN BASED AWARDS

             Estimated Future
        Payouts
        Under Non-Equity
        Incentive Plan
        Awards(1)
         Estimated
        Future Payouts
        Under Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards
         All Other
        Option Awards:
        Numbers of
        Securities
        Underlying
         Exercise or
        Base Price
        of Options
         Closing
        Market
         Grant Date Fair
        Value of Stock
        Name Grant
        Date
          Target
        ($)
          Maximum
        ($)
          Target
        (#)(2)(3)
          Options
        (#)(4)
          Awards
        ($/Sh.)
          Price on
        Grant Date
          and Option
        Awards
        R. B. Ford 2/19/2021     70,058       $8,689,294(5) 
          2/19/2021       359,090 $124.04 $123.04 8,689,978(6) 
        R. E. Funck, Jr. 2/19/2021     24,185       2,999,666(5) 
          2/19/2021       123,966 124.04 123.04 2,999,977(6) 
        H. L. Allen 2/19/2021     17,055       2,115,332(5) 
          2/19/2021       87,422 124.04 123.04 2,115,612(6) 
        D. G. Salvadori 2/19/2021     19,257       2,388,446(5) 
          2/19/2021       98,708 124.04 123.04 2,388,734(6) 
        A. F. Wainer 2/19/2021     19,257       2,388,446(5) 
          2/19/2021       98,708 124.04 123.04 2,388,734(6) 
        M. D. White 2/19/2021     44,340       5,499,490(5) 
          2/19/2021       227,272 124.04 123.04 5,499,982(6) 

        (1)
        During 2020,2021, each of the named officers participated in the 1998 Abbott Laboratories Performance Incentive Plan, an annual, non-equity incentive plan. The annual cash incentive award earned by the named officer in 20202021 under the plan is shown in the Summary Compensation Table under the column captioned, "Non-Equity“Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation." No future payouts will be made under the plan's 2020plan’s 2021 annual cash incentive award. The Performance Incentive Plan is described in greater detail in the section of the proxy statement captioned, "Compensation“Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Basis for Compensation Decisions."

        (2)
        These are performance-based restricted stock awards that have a 3-year term and vest upon Abbott reaching a minimum return on equity target, with no more than one-third of the award vesting in any one year. In 2020,2021, Abbott reached its minimum return on equity target and one-third of each of the awards made on February 21, 202019, 2021 vested on February 26, 2021.28, 2022. The equity targets are described in the section of the proxy statement captioned, "Compensation“Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Basis for Compensation Decisions."

        (3)
        In the event of a grantee'sgrantee’s death or disability, these awards are deemed fully earned. The treatment of these awards upon a change in control is described in the section of the proxy statement captioned, "Potential“Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control—Equity Awards." Outstanding restricted shares and restricted stock units receive dividend payments at the same rate as all other shareholders.

        (4)
        Options with respect to one-third of the shares covered by these awards are exercisable after one year; two-thirds after two years; and all after three years. The options vest in the event of the grantee'sgrantee’s death or disability. The treatment of these awards upon a change in control is described in the section of the proxy statement captioned, "Potential“Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control—Equity Awards." Under the Abbott Laboratories 2017 Incentive Stock Program, these options have an exercise price equal to the average of the high and low market prices (rounded-up to the next even penny) of an Abbott common share on the date of grant.

        (5)
        Abbott determines the grant date fair value of stock and stock unit awards by multiplying the number of restricted shares or restricted stock units granted by the average of the high and low market prices of a common share on the grant date.

        (6)
        These values were determined as of the option'soption’s grant date using a Black-Scholes stock option valuation model. The model uses the assumptions described in Note 9,8, entitled "Incentive“Incentive Stock Program"Program” of Abbott'sAbbott’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8, "Financial“Financial Statements and Supplemental Data"Data” in Abbott's 2020Abbott’s 2021 Annual Report on Securities and Exchange Commission Form 10-K.

        66      GRAPHIC


        Table of Contents

        2020 OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

        The following table summarizes the outstanding equity awards held by the named officers at year-end.
        57


        Table of Contents

             Option Awards(1)(2)  

         Stock Awards(2)  

          Name Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Options (#)
        Exercisable






        Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Options (#)
        Unexercisable






        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Unearned
        Options
        (#)










        Option
        Exercise
        Price
        ($)




        Option
        Expiration
        Date



          Number
        of Shares
        or Units of
        Stock That
        Have Not
        Vested
        (#)







        Market
        Value of
        Shares or
        Units of
        Stock That
        Have Not
        Vested
        ($)








        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Number of
        Unearned
        Shares, Units
        or Other
        Rights That
        Have Not
        Vested
        (#)











        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Market or
        Payout Value
        of Unearned
        Shares, Units
        or Other
        Rights That
        Have Not
        Vested
        ($)












         
          R. B. Ford                 14,970 $1,639,065  
                            30,531 3,342,839  
                            64,124 7,020,937  
            45,492     $39.1200 02/20/24            
            56,933     41.1400 06/30/24            
            127,436     47.0000 02/19/25            
            14,243     48.9000 05/31/25            
            285,388     38.4000 02/18/26            
            151,869     44.4000 02/16/27            
            164,642 82,321   59.9400 02/15/28            
            80,019 160,040   75.9000 02/21/29            
              390,896   87.7200 02/20/30            

        See footnotes on page 74.

        GRAPHIC 67


        Table of Contents2021 OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR END

        The following table summarizes the outstanding equity awards held by the named officers at year end.

          Option Awards(1)(2) Stock Awards(2)
        Name  Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Options (#)
        Exercisable
          Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Options (#)
        Unexercisable
          Equity
        Incentive
        Plan
        Awards:
        Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Unearned
        Options
        (#)
          Option
        Exercise
        Price
        ($)
          Option
        Expiration
        Date
          Number
        of Shares
        or Units of
        Stock That
        Have Not
        Vested
        (#)
          Market
        Value
        of Shares
        or Units of
        Stock That
        Have Not
        Vested
        ($)
          Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Number of
        Unearned
        Shares, Units
        or Other
        Rights That
        Have Not
        Vested
        (#)
          Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Market or
        Payout Value
        of Unearned
        Shares, Units
        or Other
        Rights That
        Have Not
        Vested
        ($)
        R. B. Ford               15,265 $2,148,396
                        42,749 6,016,494
                        70,058 9,859,963
          45,492     $ 39.12 02/20/24        
          56,933     41.14 06/30/24        
          127,436     47.00 02/19/25        
          14,243     48.90 05/31/25        
          285,388     38.40 02/18/26        
          151,869     44.40 02/16/27        
          246,963     59.94 02/15/28        
          160,039 80,020   75.90 02/21/29        
          130,298 260,598   87.72 02/20/30        
            359,090   124.04 02/18/31        
        R. E. Funck, Jr.               7,781 $1,095,098
                        16,843 2,370,484
                        24,185 3,403,797
          55,097     $ 47.00 02/19/25        
          48,831     44.40 02/16/27        
          110,146     59.94 02/15/28        
          81,578 40,789   75.90 02/21/29        
          51,337 102,676   87.72 02/20/30        
            123,966   124.04 02/18/31        
        H. L. Allen               9,661 $1,359,689
                        14,249 2,005,404
                        17,055 2,400,321
          157,421     $ 47.00 02/19/25        
          189,788     38.40 02/18/26        
          167,056     44.40 02/16/27        
          246,963     59.94 02/15/28        
          101,288 50,645   75.90 02/21/29        
          43,432 86,866   87.72 02/20/30        
            87,422   124.04 02/18/31        
        58

        Table of Contents

          Option Awards(1)(2) Stock Awards(2)
        Name  Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Options (#)
        Exercisable
          Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Options (#)
        Unexercisable
          Equity
        Incentive
        Plan
        Awards:
        Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Unearned
        Options
        (#)
          Option
        Exercise
        Price
        ($)
          Option
        Expiration
        Date
          Number
        of Shares
        or Units of
        Stock That
        Have Not
        Vested
        (#)
          Market
        Value
        of Shares
        or Units of
        Stock That
        Have Not
        Vested
        ($)
          Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Number of
        Unearned
        Shares, Units
        or Other
        Rights That
        Have Not
        Vested
        (#)
          Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Market or
        Payout Value
        of Unearned
        Shares, Units
        or Other
        Rights That
        Have Not
        Vested
        ($)
        D. G. Salvadori               10,329 $1,453,703
                        14,455 2,034,397
                        19,257 2,710,230
          23,771     $ 38.40 02/18/26        
          75,591     44.40 02/16/27        
          49,611     50.72 07/20/27        
          182,935     59.94 02/15/28        
          108,286 54,144   75.90 02/21/29        
          44,060 88,122   87.72 02/20/30        
            98,708   124.04 02/18/31        
        A. F. Wainer               3,035 $ 427,146
                        3,989 561,412
                        9,050 1,273,697
                        19,257 2,710,230
          8,226     $ 47.00 02/19/25        
          5,000     38.40 02/18/26        
          53,271     44.40 02/16/27        
          64,449     59.94 02/15/28        
          31,825 15,913   75.90 02/21/29        
          41,816 20,909   76.12 06/02/29        
          27,585 55,172   87.72 02/20/30        
            98,708   124.04 02/18/31        
        M. D. White               33,212 $4,674,257
                        45,599 6,417,603
                        44,340 6,240,412
          727,699     $ 39.12 02/20/24        
          937,031     47.00 02/19/25        
          1,198,630     38.40 02/18/26        
          638,629     44.40 02/16/27        
          688,073     59.94 02/15/28        
          348,181 174,091   75.90 02/21/29        
          138,985 277,971   87.72 02/20/30        
            227,272   124.04 02/18/31        

        2020 OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END (CONTINUED)

             Option Awards(1)(2)  

         Stock Awards(2)  

          Name Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Options (#)
        Exercisable






        Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Options (#)
        Unexercisable






        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Unearned
        Options
        (#)










        Option
        Exercise
        Price
        ($)




        Option
        Expiration
        Date



          Number
        of Shares
        or Units of
        Stock That
        Have Not
        Vested
        (#)







        Market
        Value of
        Shares or
        Units of
        Stock That
        Have Not
        Vested
        ($)








        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Number of
        Unearned
        Shares, Units
        or Other
        Rights That
        Have Not
        Vested
        (#)











        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Market or
        Payout Value
        of Unearned
        Shares, Units
        or Other
        Rights That
        Have Not
        Vested
        ($)












         
          R. E. Funck, Jr.                 6,677 $731,065  
                            15,562 1,703,883  
                            25,265 2,766,265  
            31,325     $39.1200 02/20/24            
            55,097     47.0000 02/19/25            
            48,831     44.4000 02/16/27            
            73,431 36,715   59.9400 02/15/28            
            40,789 81,578   75.9000 02/21/29            
              154,013   87.7200 02/20/30            

        See footnotes on page 74.

        68      GRAPHIC


        Table of Contents

        2020 OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END (CONTINUED)

             Option Awards(1)(2)  

         Stock Awards(2)  

          Name Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Options (#)
        Exercisable






        Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Options (#)
        Unexercisable






        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Unearned
        Options
        (#)










        Option
        Exercise
        Price
        ($)




        Option
        Expiration
        Date



          Number
        of Shares
        or Units of
        Stock That
        Have Not
        Vested
        (#)







        Market
        Value of
        Shares or
        Units of
        Stock That
        Have Not
        Vested
        ($)








        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Number of
        Unearned
        Shares, Units
        or Other
        Rights That
        Have Not
        Vested
        (#)











        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Market or
        Payout Value
        of Unearned
        Shares, Units
        or Other
        Rights That
        Have Not
        Vested
        ($)












         
          H. L. Allen                 14,970 $1,639,065  
                            19,323 2,115,675  
                            21,374 2,340,239  
            107,793     $39.1200 02/20/24            
            157,421     47.0000 02/19/25            
            285,388     38.4000 02/18/26            
            167,056     44.4000 02/16/27            
            164,642 82,321   59.9400 02/15/28            
            50,644 101,289   75.9000 02/21/29            
              130,298   87.7200 02/20/30            

        See footnotes on page 74.

        GRAPHIC 69


        Table of Contents

        2020 OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END (CONTINUED)

             Option Awards(1)(2)  

         Stock Awards(2)  

          Name Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Options (#)
        Exercisable






        Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Options (#)
        Unexercisable






        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Unearned
        Options
        (#)










        Option
        Exercise
        Price
        ($)




        Option
        Expiration
        Date



          Number
        of Shares
        or Units of
        Stock That
        Have Not
        Vested
        (#)







        Market
        Value of
        Shares or
        Units of
        Stock That
        Have Not
        Vested
        ($)








        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Number of
        Unearned
        Shares, Units
        or Other
        Rights That
        Have Not
        Vested
        (#)











        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Market or
        Payout Value
        of Unearned
        Shares, Units
        or Other
        Rights That
        Have Not
        Vested
        ($)












         
          J. F. Ginascol                 2,344 $256,645  
                            4,856 531,683  
                            7,978 873,511  
                            18,855 2,064,434  
            45,709     $47.0000 02/19/25            
            25,779 12,890   59.9400 02/15/28            
            12,730 25,460   75.9000 02/21/29            
            20,908 41,817   76.1200 06/02/29            
              114,940   87.7200 02/20/30            

        See footnotes on page 74.

        70      GRAPHIC


        Table of Contents

        2020 OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END (CONTINUED)

             Option Awards(1)(2)  

         Stock Awards(2)  

          Name Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Options (#)
        Exercisable






        Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Options (#)
        Unexercisable






        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Unearned
        Options
        (#)










        Option
        Exercise
        Price
        ($)




        Option
        Expiration
        Date



          Number
        of Shares
        or Units of
        Stock That
        Have Not
        Vested
        (#)







        Market
        Value of
        Shares or
        Units of
        Stock That
        Have Not
        Vested
        ($)








        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Number of
        Unearned
        Shares, Units
        or Other
        Rights That
        Have Not
        Vested
        (#)











        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Market or
        Payout Value
        of Unearned
        Shares, Units
        or Other
        Rights That
        Have Not
        Vested
        ($)












         
          D. G. Salvadori                 11,089 $1,214,135  
                            20,658 2,261,844  
                            21,683 2,374,072  
            71,313     $38.4000 02/18/26            
            138,049     44.4000 02/16/27            
            49,611     50.7200 07/20/27            
            121,957 60,978   59.9400 02/15/28            
            54,143 108,287   75.9000 02/21/29            
              132,182   87.7200 02/20/30            

        See footnotes on page 74.

        GRAPHIC 71


        Table of Contents

        2020 OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END (CONTINUED)

             Option Awards(1)(2)  

         Stock Awards(2)  

          Name Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Options (#)
        Exercisable






        Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Options (#)
        Unexercisable






        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Unearned
        Options
        (#)










        Option
        Exercise
        Price
        ($)




        Option
        Expiration
        Date



          Number
        of Shares
        or Units of
        Stock That
        Have Not
        Vested
        (#)







        Market
        Value of
        Shares or
        Units of
        Stock That
        Have Not
        Vested
        ($)








        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Number of
        Unearned
        Shares, Units
        or Other
        Rights That
        Have Not
        Vested
        (#)











        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Market or
        Payout Value
        of Unearned
        Shares, Units
        or Other
        Rights That
        Have Not
        Vested
        ($)












         
          M. D. White                 41,709 $4,566,718  
                            66,424 7,272,764  
                            68,399 7,489,007  
            302,500     $27.0336 02/16/22            
            980,000     34.9400 02/14/23            
            727,699     39.1200 02/20/24            
            937,031     47.0000 02/19/25            
            1,198,630     38.4000 02/18/26            
            638,629     44.4000 02/16/27            
            458,715 229,358   59.9400 02/15/28            
            174,090 348,182   75.9000 02/21/29            
              416,956   87.7200 02/20/30            

        See footnotes on page 74.

        72      GRAPHIC


        Table of Contents

        2020 OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END (CONTINUED)

             Option Awards(1)(2)  

         Stock Awards(2)  

          Name

        Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Options (#)
        Exercisable






        Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Options (#)
        Unexercisable






        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Number of
        Securities
        Underlying
        Unexercised
        Unearned
        Options
        (#)










        Option
        Exercise
        Price
        ($)




        Option
        Expiration
        Date



          Number
        of Shares
        or Units of
        Stock That
        Have Not
        Vested
        (#)







        Market
        Value of
        Shares or
        Units of
        Stock That
        Have Not
        Vested
        ($)








        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Number of
        Unearned
        Shares, Units
        or Other
        Rights That
        Have Not
        Vested
        (#)











        Equity
        Incentive
        Plan Awards:
        Market or
        Payout Value
        of Unearned
        Shares, Units
        or Other
        Rights That
        Have Not
        Vested
        ($)












         
          B. B. Yoor                 14,970 $1,639,065  
                            21,519 2,356,115  
                            14,036 1,536,802  
              82,321   $59.9400 02/15/28            
              112,799   75.9000 02/21/29            
              85,562   87.7200 02/20/30            

        See footnotes on page 74.

        GRAPHIC 73


        Table of Contents

        Footnotes to 2020 Outstanding Equity Awards At Fiscal Year-End table:

        (1)
        Except as noted, these options are fully vested.

        59

        Table of Contents

        (2)
        The vesting dates of outstanding unexercisable stock options and unvested restricted stock awards at December 31, 20202021 are as follows:
             Option Awards  

         Stock Awards(a)  
          Name

        Number of
        Unexercised
        Shares
        Remaining
        from
        Original
        Grant







        Number of
        Option Shares
        Vesting—Date
        Vested 2021




        Number of
        Option Shares
        Vesting—Date
        Vesting 2022




        Number of
        Option Shares
        Vesting—Date
        Vesting 2023




         Number of
        Restricted
        Shares or
        Units




        Number of
        Restricted
        Shares or
        Units
        Vesting—
        Date
        Vested 2021







         
          R. B. Ford 82,321 82,321 - 2/16       14,970 (b)  
            160,040 80,020 - 2/22 80,020 - 2/22     30,531 (c)  
            390,896 130,298 - 2/21 130,299 - 2/21 130,299 - 2/21   64,124 (d)  
         R. E. Funck, Jr. 36,715 36,715 - 2/16    6,677 (b)  
          81,578 40,789 - 2/22 40,789 - 2/22   15,562 (c)  
          154,013 51,337 - 2/21 51,338 - 2/21 51,338 - 2/21  25,265 (d)  
          H. L. Allen 82,321 82,321 - 2/16       14,970 (b)  
            101,289 50,644 - 2/22 50,645 - 2/22     19,323 (c)  
            130,298 43,432 - 2/21 43,433 - 2/21 43,433 - 2/21   21,374 (d)  
         J. F. Ginascol 12,890 12,890 - 2/16    2,344 (b)  
          25,460 12,730 - 2/22 12,730 - 2/22   4,856 (c)  
          41,817 20,908 - 6/3 20,909 - 6/3   7,978 (e)  
          114,940 38,313 - 2/21 38,313 - 2/21 38,314 - 2/21  18,855 (d)  
          D. G. Salvadori 60,978 60,978 - 2/16       11,089 (b)  
            108,287 54,143 - 2/22 54,144 - 2/22     20,658 (c)  
            132,182 44,060 - 2/21 44,061 - 2/21 44,061 - 2/21   21,683 (d)  
         M. D. White 229,358 229,358 - 2/16    41,709 (b)  
          348,182 174,091 - 2/22 174,091 - 2/22   66,424 (c)  
          416,956 138,985 - 2/21 138,985 - 2/21 138,986 - 2/21  68,399 (d)  
          B. B. Yoor 82,321 82,321 - 2/16       14,970 (b)  
            112,799 56,399 - 2/22 56,400 - 2/22     21,519 (c)  
            85,562 28,520 - 2/21 28,521 - 2/21 28,521 - 2/21   14,036 (d)  
        follows.
                  Option Awards    Stock Awards(a)
        Name Number of
        Unexercised Shares
        Remaining from
        Original Grant
            Number of
        Option Shares
        Vesting—Date
        Vested 2022
            Number of
        Option Shares
        Vesting—Date
        Vesting 2023
            Number of
        Option Shares
        Vesting—Date
        Vesting 2024
         Number of
        Restricted
        Shares or
        Units
            Number of
        Restricted
        Shares or Units
        Vesting—Date
        Vested 2022
        R. B. Ford 80,020 80,020 - 2/22     15,265 (b)
          260,598 130,299 - 2/21 130,299 - 2/21   42,749 (c)
          359,090 119,696 - 2/19 119,697 - 2/19 119,697 - 2/19 70,058 (d)
        R. E. Funck, Jr. 40,789 40,789 - 2/22     7,781 (b)
          102,676 51,338 - 2/21 51,338 - 2/21   16,843 (c)
          123,966 41,322 - 2/19 41,322 - 2/19 41,322 - 2/19 24,185 (d)
        H. L. Allen 50,645 50,645 - 2/22     9,661 (b)
          86,866 43,433 - 2/21 43,433 - 2/21   14,249 (c)
          87,422 29,140 - 2/19 29,141 - 2/19 29,141 - 2/19 17,055 (d)
        D. G. Salvadori 54,144 54,144 - 2/22     10,329 (b)
          88,122 44,061 - 2/21 44,061 - 2/21   14,455 (c)
          98,708 32,902 - 2/19 32,903 - 2/19 32,903 - 2/19 19,257 (d)
        A. F. Wainer 15,913 15,913 - 2/22     3,035 (b)
          20,909 20,909 - 6/3     3,989 (e)
          55,172 27,586 - 2/21 27,586 - 2/21   9,050 (c)
          98,708 32,902 - 2/19 32,903 - 2/19 32,903 - 2/19 19,257 (d)
        M. D. White 174,091 174,091 - 2/22     33,212 (b)
          277,971 138,985 - 2/21 138,986 - 2/21   45,599 (c)
          227,272 75,757 - 2/19 75,757 - 2/19 75,758 - 2/19 44,340 (d)
        (a)
        The equity targets are described in the section of the proxy statement captioned, "Compensation“Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Basis for Compensation Decisions."

        (b)
        These are the restricted shares that remained outstanding and unvested on December 31, 2020, from an award made on February 16, 2018. The award has a 3-year term with no more than one-third of the original award vesting in any one year upon Abbott reaching a minimum return on equity target, measured at the end of the relevant year. In 2020, Abbott reached its minimum return on equity target and these shares vested on February 26, 2021.

        (c)
        These are the restricted shares that remained outstanding and unvested on December 31, 2020,2021, from an award made on February 22, 2019. The award has a 3-year term with no more than one-third of the original award vesting in any one year upon Abbott reaching a minimum return on equity target, measured at the end of the relevant year. In 2020,2021, Abbott reached its minimum return on equity target and half of these shares vested on February 26, 2021.

        28, 2022.
        (d)(c)
        These are the restricted shares that remained outstanding and unvested on December 31, 2020,2021, from an award made on February 21, 2020. The award has a 3-year term with no more than one-third of the original award vesting in any one year upon Abbott reaching a minimum return on equity target, measured at the end of the relevant year. In 2020,2021, Abbott reached its minimum return on equity target and half of these shares vested on February 28, 2022.
        (d)These are the restricted shares that remained outstanding and unvested on December 31, 2021, from an award made on February 19, 2021. The award has a 3-year term with no more than one-third of the original award vesting in any one year upon Abbott reaching a minimum return on equity target, measured at the end of the relevant year. In 2021, Abbott reached its minimum return on equity target and one-third of these shares vested on February 26, 2021.

        28, 2022.
        (e)
        These are the restricted shares that remained outstanding and unvested on December 31, 2020,2021, from an award made on June 3, 2019. The award has a 3-year term, with no more than one-third of the original award vesting in any one year upon Abbott reaching a minimum return on equity target, measured at the end of the relevant year. In 2020,2021, Abbott reached its minimum return on equity target and half of these shares will vest on June 3, 2021.

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        2020 OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

        2022.

        The following table summarizes for each named officer the number of shares the officer acquired on the exercise of stock options and the number of shares the officer acquired on the vesting of stock awards in 2020:
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            Option Awards  

         Stock Awards  

          Name

        Number of Shares
        Acquired on Exercise
        (#)






        Value Realized
        on Exercise
        ($)



          Number of Shares
        Acquired on Vesting
        (#)



        Value Realized
        on Vesting
        ($)



         
          R. B. Ford 0 $0   37,556 $2,974,060  
         R. E. Funck, Jr. 120,033 8,128,936  16,813 1,331,421 
          H. L. Allen 0  0   32,684 2,588,246  
         J. F. Ginascol 135,298 8,418,723  10,688 899,955 
          D. G. Salvadori 42,479  2,755,188   30,464 2,460,001  
         M. D. White 0 0  105,702 8,370,541 
          B. B. Yoor 694,131  26,927,604   32,318 2,559,262  

        2021 OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

        The following table summarizes for each named officer the number of shares the officer acquired on the exercise of stock options and the number of shares the officer acquired on the vesting of stock awards in 2021:

          Option Awards Stock Awards
        Name    Number of Shares
        Acquired on Exercise
        (#)
             Value Realized
        on Exercise
        ($)
            Number of Shares
        Acquired on Vesting
        (#)
             Value
        Realized on
        Vesting
        ($)
        R. B. Ford  0  $0  51,611  $6,274,865
        R. E. Funck, Jr.  31,325   2,613,132  22,880   2,781,750
        H. L. Allen  203,393   17,225,354  31,757   3,861,016
        D. G. Salvadori  110,000   10,526,252  28,646   3,482,781
        A. F. Wainer  79,000   7,112,661  15,457   1,820,704
        M. D. White  1,282,500   130,073,916  97,721   11,880,919

        PENSION BENEFITS

        PENSION BENEFITS

        During 2020, the named officers participated in two Abbott-sponsored defined benefit pension plans: the Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan, a tax-qualified pension plan; and the Abbott Laboratories Supplemental Pension Plan, a non-qualified supplemental pension plan. The Supplemental Pension Plan also includes a benefit feature Abbott uses to attract officers who are at the mid-point of their careers. This feature provides an additional benefit to officers who are mid-career hires that is less valuable to officers who have spent most of their careers at Abbott. Except as provided in Abbott's change in control agreements, Abbott does not have a policy granting extra years of credited service under the plans. These change in control agreements are described on pages 78 and 79.

        During 2021, the named officers participated in two Abbott sponsored defined benefit pension plans: the Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan, a tax qualified pension plan; and the Abbott Laboratories Supplemental Pension Plan, a non-qualified supplemental pension plan. The Supplemental Pension Plan also includes a benefit feature Abbott uses to attract officers who are at the mid-point of their careers. This feature provides an additional benefit to officers who are mid-career hires that is less valuable to officers who have spent most of their careers at Abbott. Except as provided in Abbott’s change in control agreements, Abbott does not have a policy granting extra years of credited service under the plans. These change in control agreements are described on pages 66 and 67.

        The compensation considered in determining the pension payable to the named officers is the compensation shown in the “Salary” and “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” columns of the Summary Compensation Table on page 54.

        The compensation considered in determining the pension payable to the named officers is the compensation shown in the "Salary" and "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation" columns of the Summary Compensation Table on page 63.

        ANNUITY RETIREMENT PLAN

        The Annuity Retirement Plan covers eligible employees in the United States who are age 21 or older, and provides participants with a life annuity benefit at normal retirement equal to A plus the greater of B or C below.

        A.
        1.10% of 5-year final average earnings multiplied by years of benefit service after 2003.

        B.
        1.65% of 5-year final average earnings multiplied by years of benefit service prior to 2004 (up to 20); plus 1.50% of 5-year final average earnings multiplied by years of benefit service prior to 2004 in excess of 20 (but no more than 15 additional years); less 0.50% of the lesser of 3-year final average earnings (but not more than the social security wage base in any year) or the social security covered compensation level multiplied by years of benefit service.

        C.
        1.10% of 5-year final average earnings multiplied by years of benefit service prior to 2004.

        The benefit for service prior to 2004 (B or C above) is reduced for the cost of preretirement surviving spouse benefit protection. The reduction is calculated using formulas based on age and employment status during the period in which coverage was in effect.

        Final average earnings are the average of the employee's 60 highest-paid consecutive calendar months of compensation (salary and non-equity incentive plan compensation). The Annuity Retirement Plan covers earnings up to the limit imposed by Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a)(17) and provides for a maximum of 35 years of benefit service.

        Participants become fully vested in their pension benefit upon the completion of five years of service. The benefit is payable on an unreduced basis at age 65. Participants hired after 2003 who terminate prior to age 55 with at least 10 years of service may choose to commence their benefits on an actuarially reduced basis as early as age 55. Participants hired prior to 2004 who terminate prior to age 50 with at least 10 years of service may choose to commence their benefits on an actuarially reduced basis as early as age 50. Participants hired prior to 2004 who

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        Table of Contents

        terminate prior to age 50 with less than 10 years of service may choose to commence their benefits on an actuarially reduced basis as early as age 55.

        The Annuity Retirement Plan offers several optional forms of payment, including certain and life annuities, joint and survivor annuities, and level income annuities. The benefit paid under any of these options is actuarially equivalent to the life annuity benefit produced by the formula described above.

        Participants who retire from Abbott prior to their normal retirement age may receive subsidized early retirement benefits. Participants hired after 2003 are eligible for early retirement at age 55 with 10 years of service. Participants hired prior to 2004 are eligible for early retirement at age 50 with 10 years of service or age 55 if the employee's age plus years of benefit service total 70 or more. As of December 31, 2020, Messrs. White, Funck, Jr., Allen, and Ginascol were eligible for early retirement benefits under the plan.

        The subsidized early retirement reductions applied to the benefit payable for service after 2003 (A above) depend upon the participant's
        61


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        Final average earnings are the average of the employee’s 60 highest paid consecutive calendar months of compensation (salary and non-equity incentive plan compensation). The Annuity Retirement Plan covers earnings up to the limit imposed by Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a)(17) and provides for a maximum of 35 years of benefit service.

        Participants become fully vested in their pension benefit upon the completion of five years of service. The benefit is payable on an unreduced basis at age 65. Participants hired after 2003 who terminate prior to age 55 with at least 10 years of service may choose to commence their benefits on an actuarially reduced basis as early as age 55. Participants hired prior to 2004 who terminate prior to age 50 with at least 10 years of service may choose to commence their benefits on an actuarially reduced basis as early as age 50. Participants hired prior to 2004 who terminate prior to age 50 with less than 10 years of service may choose to commence their benefits on an actuarially reduced basis as early as age 55.

        The Annuity Retirement Plan offers several optional forms of payment, including certain and life annuities, joint and survivor annuities, and level income annuities. The benefit paid under any of these options is actuarially equivalent to the life annuity benefit produced by the formula described above.

        Participants who retire from Abbott prior to their normal retirement age may receive subsidized early retirement benefits. Participants hired after 2003 are eligible for early retirement at age 55 with 10 years of service. Participants hired prior to 2004 are eligible for early retirement at age 50 with 10 years of service or age 55 if the employee’s age plus years of benefit service total 70 or more. As of December 31, 2021, Mr. Funck, Jr., Mr. Allen, and Ms. Wainer were eligible for early retirement benefits under the plan.

        The subsidized early retirement reductions applied to the benefit payable for service after 2003 (A above) depend upon the participant’s age at retirement. If the participant retires after reaching age 55, the benefit is reduced 5 percent per year for each year that payments are made before age 62. If the participant retires after reaching age 50 but prior to reaching age 55, the benefit is actuarially reduced from age 65.

        The early retirement reductions applied to the benefit payable for service prior to 2004 (B and C above) depend upon age and service at retirement:

          In general, the 5-year final average earnings portions of the benefit are reduced 3 percent per year for each year that payments are made before age 62 and the 3-year final average earnings portion of the benefit is reduced 5 percent per year for each year that payments are made before age 62.

          Employees who participated in the plan before age 36 may elect "Special Retirement"“Special Retirement” on the last day of any month after reaching age 55 with age plus Seniority Service points of at least 94 or "Early“Early Special Retirement"Retirement” on the last day of any month after reaching age 55, provided their age plus Seniority Service points would reach at least 94 before age 65. Seniority Service includes periods of employment prior to attaining the minimum age required to participate in the plan. If Special Retirement or Early Special Retirement applies, Seniority Service is used in place of benefit service in the formulas. The 5-year final average earnings portions of the benefit in B above are reduced 12/31⅔ percent for each year between ages 59 and 62 plus 21/2 percent for each year between ages 55 and 59. The 3-year final average earnings portion of the benefit is reduced 5 percent per year for each year that payments are made before age 62. Benefit C is payable on an unreduced basis at Special Retirement and is reduced 3 percent per year for each year that payments are made before age 62, if Early Special Retirement applies.
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          Table of Contents

          SUPPLEMENTAL PENSION PLAN

          With the following exceptions, the provisions of the Supplemental Pension Plan are substantially the same as those of the Annuity Retirement Plan:

            Officers'
            Officers’ 5-year final average earnings are calculated using the average of the 5 highest years of base earnings and the 5 highest years of payments under Abbott's non-equityAbbott’s non equity incentive plans.

            The Annuity Retirement Plan does not include amounts deferred or payments received under the Abbott Laboratories Deferred Compensation Plan in its calculation of a participant'sparticipant’s final average earnings. To preserve the pension benefits of Deferred Compensation Plan participants, the Supplemental Pension Plan includes amounts deferred by a participant under the Deferred Compensation Plan in its calculation of final average earnings. Beginning in the year following their election as an officer, Abbott officers are no longer eligible to defer compensation under the Deferred Compensation Plan.

            In addition to the benefits outlined above for the Annuity Retirement Plan, participating officers are eligible for a benefit equal to 0.6% of 5-year final average earnings for each year of service for each of the first 20 years of service occurring after the participant attains age 35. The benefit is further limited by the maximum percentage allowed under the Annuity Retirement Plan under that plan'splan’s benefit formulas (A, B, and C above). The portion of this additional officer benefit attributable to service prior to 2004 is reduced 3 percent per year for each year that payments are made before the plan'splan’s unreduced retirement age. The portion attributable to service after 2003 is reduced 5 percent per year for each year that payments are made before the plan'splan’s unreduced retirement age if the participant is at least age 55 at early retirement. If the participant is under age 55 at retirement, the portion attributable to service after 2003 is actuarially reduced from age 65.

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            Table of Contents

            The Supplemental Pension Plan provides early retirement benefits similar to those provided under the Annuity Retirement Plan. The benefits provided to Abbott'sAbbott’s officers under the Supplemental Pension Plan are reduced from the plan'splan’s unreduced retirement age, unless the benefit is being actuarially reduced from age 65. As of December 31, 2020, Messrs. White,2021, Mr. Funck, Jr., Mr. Allen, and GinascolMs. Wainer were eligible for early retirement benefits under the plan.

            Vested plan benefits accrued under the Supplemental Pension Plan may be funded through a grantor trust established by the officer. Consistent with the distribution requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and its regulations, those officers who were elected prior to 2009 may have the entire amount of their vested plan benefits funded through a grantor trust. Officers elected after 2008 may only have the vested plan benefits that accrue following the calendar year in which the officer is first elected funded through a grantor trust. Vested plan benefits accrued through December 31, 2008, to the extent not previously funded, were distributed to the participants'participants’ individual trusts and included in the participants'participants’ income.

            Benefits payable under the Supplemental Pension Plan are offset by the benefits payable from the Annuity Retirement Plan, calculated as if benefits under the plans commenced at the same time. The amounts paid to an officer's Supplemental Pension Plan grantor trust to fund plan benefits are actuarially determined. The plan is designed to result in Abbott paying the officer's Supplemental Pension Plan benefits to the extent assets held in the officer's

            Benefits payable under the Supplemental Pension Plan are offset by the benefits payable from the Annuity Retirement Plan, calculated as if benefits under the plans commenced at the same time. The amounts paid to an officer’s Supplemental Pension Plan grantor trust to fund plan benefits are actuarially determined. The plan is designed to result in Abbott paying the officer’s Supplemental Pension Plan benefits to the extent assets held in the officer’s trust are insufficient.

            63

            2020 PENSION BENEFITS

              Name

            Plan Name

            Number Of
            Years
            Credited
            Service
            (#)





            Present
            Value of
            Accumulated
            Benefit ($)(1)




            Payments
            During
            Last Fiscal
            Year ($)




             R. B. FordAbbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan24$682,422$0 
              Abbott Laboratories Supplemental Pension Plan247,883,470298,329(2) 
             R. E. Funck, Jr.Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan331,694,2820
             Abbott Laboratories Supplemental Pension Plan338,053,119368,136(2)
             H. L. AllenAbbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan15586,4540 
              Abbott Laboratories Supplemental Pension Plan155,623,414208,869(2) 
             J. F. GinascolAbbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan371,948,5340
             Abbott Laboratories Supplemental Pension Plan375,485,168183,896(2)
             D. G. SalvadoriAbbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan6143,7740 
              Abbott Laboratories Supplemental Pension Plan61,094,2000(2) 
             M. D. WhiteAbbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan361,717,9300
             Abbott Laboratories Supplemental Pension Plan3639,771,5102,530,729(2)
             B. B. YoorAbbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan23691,55124,430 
              Abbott Laboratories Supplemental Pension Plan234,604,0781,169,843(2) 
            Table of Contents

            2021 PENSION BENEFITS

            Name Plan Name   Number
            of Years
            Credited
            Service
            (#)
               Present Value
            of Accumulated
            Benefit
            ($)(1)
               Payments
            During Last
            Fiscal Year
            ($)
             
            R. B. Ford Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan 25 $704,571 $0 
              Abbott Laboratories Supplemental Pension Plan 25  10,291,116  667,730(2) 
            R. E. Funck, Jr. Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan 34  1,783,737  0 
              Abbott Laboratories Supplemental Pension Plan 34  9,129,556  1,272,406(2) 
            H. L. Allen Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan 16  633,478  0 
              Abbott Laboratories Supplemental Pension Plan 16  6,034,554  1,742,441(2) 
            D. G. Salvadori Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan 7  163,046  0 
              Abbott Laboratories Supplemental Pension Plan 7  1,283,304  50,339(2) 
            A. F. Wainer Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan 19  644,033  0 
              Abbott Laboratories Supplemental Pension Plan 19  2,779,623  275,528(2) 
            M. D. White Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan 37  1,661,405  0 
              Abbott Laboratories Supplemental Pension Plan 37  37,645,486  2,852,203(2) 
            (1)
            Abbott calculates these present values using: (i) a 2.9%3.17% discount rate for the Annuity Retirement Plan and a 2.8%3.07% discount rate for the Supplemental Pension Plan, the same effective discount rates it uses for Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC Topic 715 calculations for financial reporting purposes; and (ii) each plan'splan’s unreduced retirement age. The present values shown in the table reflect post-retirement mortality, based on the Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC Topic 715 assumption (the Pri-2012 Healthy Annuitant table with projected mortality improvements), but do not include a factor for pre-retirement termination, mortality, or disability.

            (2)
            Consistent with the distribution requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and its regulations, vested Supplemental Pension Plan benefits, to the extent not previously funded, were distributed to the participants'participants’ individual grantor trusts and included in the participants'participants’ income. Amounts held in the officer'sofficer’s individual trust are expected to offset Abbott'sAbbott’s obligations to the officer under the plan. During 2020,2021, the amounts shown, less applicable tax withholdings, were deposited in such individual trusts established by the named officers. Grantor trusts are described in greater detail in the section of the proxy statement captioned, "Compensation“Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Benefits and Perquisites." For Mr. Yoor, the amount shown also includes unfunded Supplemental Pension Plan benefits paid to him upon his retirement in 2020.

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            POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL

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            Table of Contents

            POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION—GENERALLYTERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL

            Abbott does not have employment agreements with its named officers.

            The following summarizes the payments that the named officers, other than Mr. Yoor, would have received if their employment had terminated on December 31, 2020. Earnings would have continued to be paid to the named officer's Performance Incentive Plan, Management Incentive Plan, and Supplemental 401(k) Plan grantor trusts, until the trust assets were fully distributed. The amount of these payments would depend on the period over which the trusts' assets were distributed and the trusts' earnings. If the trusts'

            POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION—GENERALLY

            Abbott does not have employment agreements with its named officers.

            The following summarizes the payments that the named officers, other than Mr. White, would have received if their employment had terminated on December 31, 2021. Earnings would have continued to be paid to the named officer’s Performance Incentive Plan, Management Incentive Plan, and Supplemental 401(k) Plan grantor trusts, until the trust assets were fully distributed. The amount of these payments would depend on the period over which the trusts’ assets were distributed and the trusts’ earnings. If the trusts’ assets were distributed over a ten-year period and based on current earnings, the named officers would receive the following average annual payments over such ten-year period:

              R. B. Ford, $345,588

              $483,418
              R. E. Funck, Jr., $361,709

              $423,203
              H. L. Allen, $331,279

              J. F. Ginascol, $222,176

              $386,119
              D. G. Salvadori, $19,223

              M. D. White, $2,030,151
              $79,870
              A. F. Wainer, $132,867

              In addition, the following one-time deposits would have been made under the Abbott Laboratories Supplemental Pension Plan for the following named officers:

                R. B. Ford, $1,072,368 $1,335,692


                R. E. Funck, Jr., $1,096,421 $477,491


                H. L. Allen, $1,678,916 $207,073


                J. F. Ginascol, $528,045

                D. G. Salvadori, $228,021

                If the termination of employment was due to disability, then the following named officers also would have received, in addition to Abbott's$59,592

                A. F. Wainer, $609,540

                If the termination of employment was due to disability, then the following named officers also would have received, in addition to Abbott’s standard disability benefits, a monthly long-term disability benefit in the amount of:

                  R. B. Ford, $183,750

                  $158,420
                  R. E. Funck, Jr., $64,040

                  $52,420
                  H. L. Allen, $45,885

                  J. F. Ginascol, $42,865

                  $46,085
                  D. G. Salvadori, $45,275

                  M. D. White, $62,500
                  $46,285
                  A. F. Wainer, $46,580

                  This long-term disability benefit would continue for up to 24 months following termination of employment. It ends if the officer retires, recovers, dies, or ceases to meet eligibility criteria.

                  In addition, if the employment of these named officers had terminated due to death or disability, the officer’s unvested stock options and restricted shares would have vested on December 31, 2021 with values as set forth below in the section captioned, “Equity Awards.”

                  As a retired Chairman and CEO, Mr. White will continue to have use of an office and administrative support. The estimated annual cost of this benefit is approximately $150,000 to $200,000.

                  In addition, if the employment of these named officers had terminated due to death or disability, the officer's unvested stock options and restricted shares would have vested on December 31, 2020 with values as set forth below in the section captioned, "Equity Awards."

                  POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON CHANGE IN CONTROL

                  Mr. White does not have a change in control agreement with Abbott.

                  Abbott has change in control arrangements with other key members of its management team, in the form of change in control agreements for Abbott officers and a change in control plan for certain other management personnel. The agreements with Messrs. Ford, Funck, Jr., Allen, Ginascol, and Salvadori are described below.

                  Each change in control agreement continues in effect until December 31, 2022, and can be renewed for successive two-year terms upon notice prior to the expiration date. If notice of non-renewal is given, the agreement will expire

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                  on the later of the scheduled expiration date and the one-year anniversary of the date of such notice. If no notice is given, the agreement will expire on the one-year anniversary of the scheduled expiration date. Each agreement also automatically extends for two years following any change in control (see below) that occurs while the agreement is in effect.

                  The agreements provide that if the officer is terminated other than for cause or permanent disability or if the officer elects to terminate employment for good reason (see below) within two years following a change in control of Abbott, the officer is entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to three times the officer's annual salary and annual incentive ("bonus") award (assuming for this purpose that all target performance goals have been achieved or, if higher, based on the average bonus for the last three years), plus any unpaid bonus owing for any completed performance period and the pro rata bonus for any current bonus period (based on the highest of the bonus assuming achievement of target performance, the average bonus for the past three years, or in the case of the unpaid bonus for any completed performance period, the actual bonus earned). If the officer is terminated other than for cause or permanent disability or if the officer elects to terminate employment for good reason during a potential change in control (see below), the officer is entitled to receive a lump sum payment of the annual salary and bonus payments described above, except that the amount of the bonus to which the officer is entitled will be based on the actual achievement of the applicable performance goals. If the potential change in control becomes a "change in control event" (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code), the officer will be entitled to receive the difference between the bonus amounts the officer received upon termination during the potential change in control and the bonus amounts that would have been received had such amounts instead been based on the higher of the officer's target bonus or the average bonus paid to the officer in the preceding three years. Bonus payments include payments made under the Performance Incentive Plan. The officer will also receive up to three years of additional employee benefits (including welfare benefits, outplacement services and tax and financial counseling, and the value of three more years of pension accruals).

                  If change in control-related payments and benefits become subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, payments under the agreement will be reduced to prevent application of the excise tax if such a reduction would leave the executive in a better after-tax position than if the payments were not reduced and the tax applied. The agreements also limit the conduct for which awards under Abbott's incentive stock programs can be terminated and generally permit options to remain exercisable for the remainder of their term.

                  For purposes of the agreements, the term "change in control" includes the following events: any person becoming the beneficial owner of Abbott securities representing a specified percentage of the outstanding voting power (not including an acquisition directly from Abbott and its affiliates); a change in the majority of the members of the Board of Directors whose appointment was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the incumbent directors; and the consummation of certain mergers or similar corporate transactions involving Abbott. A "potential change in control" under the agreements includes, among other things, Abbott's entry into an agreement that would result in a change in control. Finally, the term "good reason" includes: a significant adverse change in the executive's position, duties, or authority; Abbott's failure to pay the executive's compensation or a reduction in the executive's base pay or benefits; or the relocation of Abbott's
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                  POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON CHANGE IN CONTROL

                  Abbott has change in control arrangements with other key members of its management team, in the form of change in control agreements for Abbott officers and a change in control plan for certain other management personnel. The agreements with Messrs. Ford, Funck, Jr., Allen, and Salvadori and Ms. Wainer are described below.

                  Each change in control agreement continues in effect until December 31, 2022, and can be renewed for successive two year terms upon notice prior to the expiration date. If notice of non-renewal is given, the agreement will expire on the later of the scheduled expiration date and the one-year anniversary of the date of such notice. If no notice is given, the agreement will expire on the one-year anniversary of the scheduled expiration date. Each agreement also automatically extends for two years following any change in control (see below) that occurs while the agreement is in effect.

                  The agreements provide that if the officer is terminated other than for cause or permanent disability or if the officer elects to terminate employment for good reason (see below) within two years following a change in control of Abbott, the officer is entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to three times the officer’s annual salary and annual incentive (“bonus”) award (assuming for this purpose that all target performance goals have been achieved or, if higher, based on the average bonus for the last three years), plus any unpaid bonus owing for any completed performance period and the pro rata bonus for any current bonus period (based on the highest of the bonus assuming achievement of target performance, the average bonus for the past three years, or in the case of the unpaid bonus for any completed performance period, the actual bonus earned). If the officer is terminated other than for cause or permanent disability or if the officer elects to terminate employment for good reason during a potential change in control (see below), the officer is entitled to receive a lump sum payment of the annual salary and bonus payments described above, except that the amount of the bonus to which the officer is entitled will be based on the actual achievement of the applicable performance goals. If the potential change in control becomes a “change in control event” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code), the officer will be entitled to receive the difference between the bonus amounts the officer received upon termination during the potential change in control and the bonus amounts that would have been received had such amounts instead been based on the higher of the officer’s target bonus or the average bonus paid to the officer in the preceding three years. Bonus payments include payments made under the Performance Incentive Plan. The officer will also receive up to three years of additional employee benefits (including welfare benefits, outplacement services and tax and financial counseling, and the value of three more years of pension accruals).

                  If change in control related payments and benefits become subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, payments under the agreement will be reduced to prevent application of the excise tax if such a reduction would leave the executive in a better after-tax position than if the payments were not reduced and the tax applied. The agreements also limit the conduct for which awards under Abbott’s incentive stock programs can be terminated and generally permit options to remain exercisable for the remainder of their term.

                  For purposes of the agreements, the term “change in control” includes the following events: any person becoming the beneficial owner of Abbott securities representing a specified percentage of the outstanding voting power (not including an acquisition directly from Abbott and its affiliates); a change in the majority of the members of the Board of Directors whose appointment was approved by a vote of at least two thirds of the incumbent directors; and the consummation of certain mergers or similar corporate transactions involving Abbott. A “potential change in control” under the agreements includes, among other things, Abbott’s entry into an agreement that would result in a change in control. Finally, the term “good reason” includes: a significant adverse change in the executive’s position, duties, or authority; Abbott’s failure to pay the executive’s compensation or a reduction in the executive’s base pay or benefits; or the relocation of Abbott’s principal executive offices to a location that is more than thirty-five miles from the location of the offices at the time of the change in control.

                  If a change in control had occurred on December 31, 2020 immediately followed by one of the covered circumstances described above, Messrs. Ford, Funck, Jr., Allen, Ginascol, and Salvadori would have been entitled to receive the following payments and benefits under the change in control agreements:

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                  If a change in control had occurred on December 31, 2021 immediately followed by one of the covered circumstances described above, Messrs. Ford, Funck, Jr., Allen, and Salvadori and Ms. Wainer would have been entitled to receive the following payments and benefits under the change in control agreements:

                  Name Cash
                  Termination
                  Payments
                      Additional
                  Supplemental
                  Pension Plan
                  Benefits
                      Welfare
                  and Fringe
                  Benefits
                  R. B. Ford $15,543,400 $1,894,488 $94,364
                  R. E. Funck, Jr.  6,368,900  2,156,830  62,853
                  H. L. Allen  5,901,100  1,698,288  51,242
                  D. G. Salvadori  6,021,200  189,288  87,613
                  A. F. Wainer  5,511,100  3,888,988  74,152

                  EQUITY AWARDS

                  Under Abbott Laboratories’ Incentive Stock Programs, upon a change in control, the surviving company may assume, convert, or replace awards to executive officers on an equivalent basis. If the surviving company does not do so, then the awards vest. If the surviving company does assume, convert, or replace the awards on an equivalent basis, then the awards vest if the officer’s employment is terminated without cause or the officer resigns for good reason during the period six months prior to and through two years after a change in control. The term “good reason” has the same definition as in the change of control agreements.

                  If a change in control had occurred on December 31, 2021, and the surviving company did not assume, convert, or replace the awards, then the named officers, other than Mr. White, would have vested in the following options, restricted shares, and restricted stock units:

                     Unvested Stock Options           Restricted Shares/Units
                  Name Number of
                  Option Shares
                   Value of
                  Option Shares
                    Number of
                  Restricted
                  Shares/Units
                        Value of
                  Restricted
                  Shares/Units
                  R. B. Ford  699,708      $25,002,206   128,072   $18,024,853
                  R. E. Funck, Jr.  267,431   10,158,873   48,809   6,869,379
                  H. L. Allen  224,933   9,349,404   40,965   5,765,414
                  D. G. Salvadori  240,974   9,831,349   44,041   6,198,330
                  A. F. Wainer  190,702   6,956,582   35,331   4,972,485

                  The value of stock options shown is based on the excess of the closing price of a common share on December 31, 2021 over the exercise price of such options, multiplied by the number of unvested stock options held by the named officer. The value of restricted shares shown is determined by multiplying the number of restricted shares that would vest as of December 31, 2021 and the closing price of a common share on December 31, 2021.

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                  CEO PAY RATIO

                  In 2021, we compared CEO pay to that of our median employee. To identify our median employee, we first excluded all 4,035 employees who are employed in Bolivia (198), Georgia (12), Indonesia (650), Kazakhstan (168), Pakistan (1,508), and Philippines (1,499), representing less than 5% of our global workforce of 112,060 employees as of October 1, 20211. We then examined the 2021 base salary of all remaining employees globally, excluding our CEO, who were employed by us on October 1, 2021. We annualized the base salary of all permanent employees who were hired in 2021, but did not work for the entire year. The base salary for employees outside of the U.S. was converted to U.S. dollars.

                  After identifying the median employee, we collected annual total compensation for this employee using the same methodology we use for our named executive officers as disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table on page 54 and then added the cost of medical and dental benefits ($13,214) in the calculation of annual total compensation for the median employee and CEO.

                  The annual total compensation of our median employee was $97,952, resulting in a ratio of 254:1.

                  The above ratio and annual total compensation amount are reasonable estimates that have been calculated using methodologies and assumptions permitted by SEC rules.

                  Name

                  Cash
                  termination
                  payments



                  Additional
                  Supplemental
                  Pension Plan
                  benefits




                  Welfare and
                  fringe benefits


                  R. B. Ford

                  $15,225,000$2,437,080$93,884 

                  R. E. Funck, Jr.

                  4,937,0832,138,52860,029

                  H. L. Allen


                  5,994,600

                  1,627,907

                  49,207
                   

                  J. F. Ginascol


                  5,436,800


                  2,477,186


                  68,653


                  D. G. Salvadori


                  5,485,000

                  168,302

                  87,581
                   

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                  EQUITY AWARDS

                  Under Abbott Laboratories' Incentive Stock Programs, upon a change in control, the surviving company may assume, convert, or replace awards to executive officers on an equivalent basis. If the surviving company does not do so, then the awards vest. If the surviving company does assume, convert, or replace the awards on an equivalent basis, then the awards vest if the officer's employment is terminated without cause or the officer resigns for good reason during the period six months prior to and through two years after a change in control. The term "good reason" has the same definition as in the change of control agreements.

                  If a change in control had occurred on December 31, 2020, and the surviving company did not assume, convert, or replace the awards, then the named officers, other than Mr. Yoor, would have vested in the following options, restricted shares, and restricted stock units:

                     Unvested Stock Options

                  Restricted Shares/Units

                   Name

                  Number of
                  Option
                  Shares



                  Value of
                  Option
                  Shares



                   Number of
                  Restricted
                  Shares/Units



                  Value of
                  Restricted
                  Shares/Units



                   
                   R. B. Ford633,257$17,964,556 109,625$12,002,841 
                  R. E. Funck, Jr.272,3067,912,29647,5045,201,213
                   H. L. Allen313,90810,317,891 55,6676,094,979 
                  J. F. Ginascol195,1075,391,57834,0333,726,273
                   D. G. Salvadori301,4479,536,422 53,4305,850,051 
                  M. D. White994,49632,137,254176,53219,328,489

                  The value of stock options shown is based on the excess of the closing price of a common share on December 31, 2020 over the exercise price of such options, multiplied by the number of unvested stock options held by the named officer. The value of restricted shares shown is determined by multiplying the number of restricted shares that would vest as of December 31, 2020 and the closing price of a common share on December 31, 2020.

                  CEO PAY RATIO

                  In 2020, we compared CEO pay to that of our median employee. To identify our median employee, we first excluded all 2,579 employees who are employed in Egypt (348), Indonesia (631), Israel (138), and Pakistan (1,462), representing less than 5% of our global workforce of 108,275 employees as of October 1, 2020. We then examined the 2020 base salary of all remaining employees globally, excluding our CEO, who were employed by us on October 1, 2020. We annualized the base salary of all permanent employees who were hired in 2020, but did not work for the entire year. The base salary for employees outside of the U.S. was converted to U.S. dollars.

                  After identifying the median employee, we collected annual total compensation for this employee using the same methodology we use for our named executive officers as disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table on page 63 and then added the cost of medical and dental benefits ($12,619) in the calculation of annual total compensation for the median employee and CEO.

                  Robert Ford became Abbott's CEO on March 31, 2020. In accordance with SEC rules, in determining our CEO annual total compensation for this calculation, we annualized Mr. Ford's base salary, company matching contributions, and pension accruals, which resulted in 2020 total CEO compensation of $20,639,568.

                  The annual total compensation of our median employee was $77,594, resulting in a ratio of 266:1.

                  The above ratio and annual total compensation amount are reasonable estimates that have been calculated using methodologies and assumptions permitted by SEC rules.


                  1
            Total U.S. employees: 33,743;35,087; total non-U.S. employees: 74,532.76,973.
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            RATIFICATION OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS AUDITORS
            (ITEM 2 ON PROXY CARD)

            Abbott's By-Laws provide that the Audit Committee shall appoint annually a firm of independent registered public accountants to serve as auditors. In October 2020, the Audit Committee appointed Ernst & Young LLP to act as auditors for 2021. Ernst & Young LLP has served as Abbott's auditors since 2014.

            Although the Audit Committee has sole authority to appoint auditors, it would like to know the opinion of the shareholders regarding its appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as auditors for 2021. For this reason, shareholders are being asked to ratify this appointment. If the shareholders do not ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as auditors for 2021, the Audit Committee will take that fact into consideration, but may, nevertheless, continue to retain Ernst & Young LLP.

            The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as auditors for 2021.

            Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will be given the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so. They will also be available to respond to appropriate questions.

            AUDIT FEES AND NON-AUDIT FEES

            The following table presents fees for professional audit services by Ernst & Young LLP for the audit of Abbott's annual financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and fees billed for other services rendered by Ernst & Young during these periods.

             

             
            2020


            2019

             

            Audit fees:(1)

             $24,474,000 $23,960,000  

             

            Audit related fees:(2)

             1,158,000 1,029,000 

             

            Tax fees:(3)

              5,944,000  6,668,000  

             

            All other fees:(4)

             99,000 149,000 

             

            Total

             $31,675,000 $31,806,000  
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            RATIFICATION OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS AUDITORS
            (ITEM 2 ON PROXY CARD)

            Abbott’s By-Laws provide that the Audit Committee shall appoint annually a firm of independent registered public accountants to serve as auditors. In October 2021, the Audit Committee appointed Ernst & Young LLP to act as auditors for 2022. Ernst & Young LLP has served as Abbott’s auditors since 2014.

            Although the Audit Committee has sole authority to appoint auditors, it would like to know the opinion of the shareholders regarding its appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as auditors for 2022. For this reason, shareholders are being asked to ratify this appointment. If the shareholders do not ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as auditors for 2022, the Audit Committee will take that fact into consideration, but may, nevertheless, continue to retain Ernst & Young LLP.

            The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as auditors for 2022.

            Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will be given the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so. They will also be available to respond to appropriate questions.

            AUDIT FEES AND NON-AUDIT FEES

            The following table presents fees for professional audit services by Ernst & Young LLP for the audit of Abbott’s annual financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and fees billed for other services rendered by Ernst & Young during these periods.

               2021     2020
            Audit fees:(1) $24,709,000  $24,474,000
            Audit related fees:(2)  1,615,000   1,158,000
            Tax fees:(3)  6,216,000   5,944,000
            All other fees:(4)  91,000   99,000
            Total  $32,631,000   $31,675,000
            (1)
            Audit fees include amounts billed or to be billed for professional services rendered for the audit of Abbott'sAbbott’s annual financial statements, the review of Abbott'sAbbott’s financial statements included in Abbott'sAbbott’s quarterly reports, and the audits of Abbott'sAbbott’s internal control over financial reporting, statutory and subsidiary audits, the review of documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and certain accounting consultations in connection with the audits.

            (2)
            Audit related fees include: accounting consultations and audits in connection with proposed acquisitions and divestitures, and audits of certain employee benefit plans'plans’ financial statements.

            (3)
            Tax fees consist principally of professional services rendered for tax compliance and tax planning and advice including assistance with tax audits and appeals, and tax advice related to mergers and acquisitions.

            (4)
            All other fees include regulatory and technical education services, participation in industry surveys, and a required compliance assessment associated with Abbott'sAbbott’s hosting of certain health data.

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            POLICY ON AUDIT COMMITTEE PRE-APPROVAL OF AUDIT AND PERMISSIBLE NON-AUDIT SERVICES OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR

            The Audit Committee has established policies and procedures to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services performed by the independent auditor and its related affiliates.

            Prior to engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm for the next year's
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            POLICY ON AUDIT COMMITTEE PRE-APPROVAL OF AUDIT AND PERMISSIBLE NON-AUDIT SERVICES OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR

            The Audit Committee has established policies and procedures to pre-approve all audit and permissible non audit services performed by the independent auditor and its related affiliates.

            Prior to engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm for the next year’s audit, management will submit a schedule of all proposed services expected to be rendered during that year for each of four categories of services to the Audit Committee for approval.

            Prior to engagement, the Audit Committee pre-approves these services by category of service. The fees are budgeted and the Audit Committee requires the independent registered public accounting firm and management to report actual fees versus the budget periodically by category of service. During the year, circumstances may arise when it may become necessary to engage the independent registered public accounting firm for additional services not contemplated in the original pre-approval. In those instances, the Audit Committee requires specific pre-approval before engaging the independent registered public accounting firm.

            The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of its members. The member to whom such authority is delegated must report any pre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

            REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

            Management is responsible for Abbott's internal controls and the financial reporting process. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for performing an audit of the consolidated financial statements and expressing an opinion on the conformity of those financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, as well as expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. The Audit Committee reviews these processes on behalf of the Board of Directors. In this context, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements contained in the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K with Abbott's management and its independent registered public accounting firm.

            The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

            The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent registered public accounting firm's communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the firm's independence. The Audit Committee has also considered whether the provision of the services described on page 81 under the caption "Audit Fees and Non-Audit Fees" is compatible with maintaining the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm.

            Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in Abbott's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

            Audit Committee

            E. M. Liddy, Chair
            M. A. Kumbier
            N. McKinstry
            J. G. Stratton
            G. F. Tilton

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            SAY ON PAY—AN ADVISORY VOTE ON THE APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (ITEM 3 ON PROXY CARD)AUDIT COMMITTEE

            Shareholders are being asked to approve the compensation of Abbott's named officers, as disclosed under Securities and Exchange Commission rules, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables, and related material included in this proxy statement.

            Abbott's sustained strong performance has resulted in total shareholder return (TSR) significantly exceeding the peer median and major market indices on a one-, three-, and five-year basis.

            Abbott's three-year TSR of 101.7% is more than twice that of the peer group median and the broader Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) and more than three times that of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) market index. These consistent above-market returns are driven by the strength of our diversified business model with leadership positions in some of the largest and fastest growing markets in healthcare and innovative product portfolios across our businesses.

            Abbott delivered strong returns for shareholders in 2020, despite the global market challenges from COVID-19, and achieved or exceeded the financial targets that were set before the pandemic in January 2020. Abbott's one-year TSR was 28.0%, more than three times the peer median TSR, and significantly above major market indices, a testament to the strength of our diversified business model and ability to innovate and deliver in this challenging environment.


            GRAPHIC


            GRAPHIC


            GRAPHIC

            Management is responsible for Abbott’s internal controls and the financial reporting process. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for performing an audit of the consolidated financial statements and expressing an opinion on the conformity of those financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, as well as expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. The Audit Committee reviews these processes on behalf of the Board of Directors. In this context, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements contained in the 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K with Abbott’s management and its independent registered public accounting firm.

            The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

            The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent registered public accounting firm’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the firm’s independence. The Audit Committee has also considered whether the provision of the services described on page 69 under the caption “Audit Fees and Non-Audit Fees” is compatible with maintaining the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm.

            Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in Abbott’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

            Audit Committee

            N. McKinstry, Chair

            P. Gonzalez

            M. A. Kumbier

            M. F. Roman

            J. G. Stratton

            G. F. Tilton

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            SAY ON PAY—AN ADVISORY VOTE ON THE APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (ITEM 3 ON PROXY CARD)

            Shareholders are being asked to approve the compensation of Abbott’s named officers, as disclosed under Securities and Exchange Commission rules, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables, and related material included in this proxy statement.

            Abbott’s sustained strong performance has resulted in total shareholder return (TSR) exceeding the peer median and major market indices on a one-, three-, and five-year basis.

            Abbott’s three-year TSR of 104% is more than twice that of the peer group median, and Abbott’s five-year TSR of 300% is more than four times that of the peer median. These consistent top-tier returns are driven by strong execution, an effective governance structure, and the strength of our diversified business model with leadership positions in some of the largest and fastest growing markets in healthcare and innovative product portfolios across our businesses.

            Abbott delivered strong returns for shareholders in 2021, despite the continued global impact and uncertainty of COVID-19, and exceeded the financial targets that were set at the beginning of the year. Abbott’s one-year TSR was 31%, more than two and a half times the peer median TSR, a testament to the strength of our diversified business model and ability to innovate and deliver in this challenging environment.

            In addition to delivering significant shareholder returns, Abbott continued to take important steps to position the Company for long-term, sustainable growth.

              AchievedROBUST INNOVATIONPIPELINE

              ● Steady stream of important product approvals in 2020 across our businesses that will be significant contributors to growth in the coming years.

              INVESTING FOR

              FUTURE GROWTH

              ● Increased manufacturing scale and capabilities across several important products, including significant investmentproducts.

              ●  Nearly $2 billion invested in COVID-19 diagnostic test capacity to help meet immediate global testing needs and further accelerate Abbott's leadership positioninternal capital projects in diagnostic testing. the past year.

              SHAREHOLDER

              RETURNS

              ●  Returned $2.6 billion50% of operating cash flow to shareholders through dividends in 20202021 and announced a 25% increase to the 50th year of consecutive dividend payable in 2021,increases, demonstrating Abbott'sAbbott’s financial strength and commitment to shareholder returns.

              GLOBAL LEADER IN

              COVID-19 TESTING

              Launched our 2030 Sustainability Plan focused on Abbott's greatest opportunities

              ● Delivered 1 billion tests in 2021 to make an impact: creating new life-changing technologieshelp meet global testing needs.

              ● Abbott’s rapid response and products, expanding thesignificant scale have allowed for broad access to testing and affordability of this innovation, and breaking down barriers that prevent people from getting the care they need.

              further positioned Abbott as a global leader in diagnostics.

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              Our compensation program is market-based and produces outcomes that directly link to both Company and officer performance. The vast majority of compensation for our executive officers is performance-based and objectively determined. Long Term Incentives (LTI), which comprise the largest percentage of compensation for our executive officers, are directly linked to shareholder returns. Our annual incentive plan links officer compensation to the metrics which ensure financial success for the short-term and position the Company for growth in the future as well.

              The Compensation Committee, with the counsel of its independent consultant, concluded that the compensation reported herein was earned and appropriate. The specific details of the executive compensation program and compensation paid to the named executive officers are described on pages 28 through 51 of this proxy statement.

              While this vote is advisory and non-binding, the Board of Directors and Compensation Committee value the opinion of the shareholders and will review the voting results and take into account the results and our ongoing dialogue with shareholders when future compensation decisions are made.

              Accordingly, the Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the approval of the named officers’ compensation.

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              SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

              Five shareholder proposals have been received and will be voted upon at the annual meeting only if properly presented by or on behalf of the proponent. Abbott is advised that the proposals will be presented for action at the Annual Meeting. The proposed resolutions and the statements made in support thereof, as well as the Board of Directors’ statements in opposition to the proposals, are presented on the following pages.

              The Board of Directors recommends that you vote AGAINST the proposals.

              Shareholder Proposal on Special Shareholder Meeting Threshold
              (Item 4 on Proxy Card)

              John Chevedden, 2215 Nelson Avenue, No. 205, Redondo Beach, California 90278, has informed Abbott that he intends to present the following proposal at the Annual Meeting and that he owns no fewer than 50 Abbott common shares.

              PROPONENT’S STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL

              Special Shareholder Meeting Improvement - Proposal 4

              Shareholders ask our board to take the steps necessary to amend the appropriate company governing documents to give the owners of a combined 10% of our outstanding common stock the power to call a special shareholder meeting. This includes that each shareholder shall have an equal right per share to formally participate in the calling for a special shareholder meeting.

              Currently it takes a theoreticall 20% of all shares outstanding to call for a special shareholder meeting. This theoreticall 20% of all shares outstanding translates into 26% of the shares that vote at our annual meeting.

              It would be hopeless to think that shares that do not have time to vote would have the time to go through the special procedural stops to call for a special shareholder meeting.

              A more reasonable shareholder right to call for a special shareholder meeting to could be used to elect a new director. It could also be an incentive for our directors to take their jobs more seriously. The following directors received a substantial number of negative votes at our 2021 annual meeting:

              Glenn Tilton74 million negative
              Roxanne Austin87 million negativeChair of Management Pay Committee
              Miles White130 million negative23-years long-tenure
              William Osborn182 million negativeChair of Governance Committee
              Nancy McKinstry297 million negative

              The number of negative votes increased compared to 2020 for each above director.

              This is a best practice governance proposal in the same spirit as the 2020 simple majority vote proposal to reform our undemocratic 67% shareholder voting thresholds that won our 84% support and was adopted in 2021.

              Shareholder votes for shareholder proposals are having a positive impact.

              Please vote yes:

              Special Shareholder Meeting Improvement - Proposal 4

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              BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT IN OPPOSITION TO THE
              SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL ON SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING THRESHOLD

              (Item 4 on Proxy Card)

              The Board of Directors recommends that you vote AGAINST the proposal.

              Abbott’s annual meeting provides its shareholders with a regular, predictable opportunity to weigh in on its directors and other matters of importance to shareholders – ensuring shareholders’ ability to exert this critical influence at least once a year. If matters come up that cannot wait until an annual meeting, the Chairman and CEO or Abbott’s Board is empowered to call a special meeting, subject to the same notification requirements for a regular annual meeting. Likewise, a single shareholder or group owning at least 20% of Abbott’s outstanding shares may call a special meeting and put a matter up for vote.

              The proponent takes issue with the 20% threshold, saying it should be lower so investors can invoke this safeguard more easily. Abbott’s Board believes 20% is the appropriate place to set the line. It is worth noting that many S&P 500 companies require an even higher threshold – at least 25% of outstanding shares – to call a special meeting. A “special” meeting is, by its nature, an extraordinary event that should be called rarely and regarding only time-sensitive, significant issues that cannot be postponed until the next annual meeting. The ability to convene a special meeting carries with it the power to impose potentially significant costs on the Company and divert attention of Abbott’s Board, its officers, and its employees from the Company’s business objectives. To avoid waste or expense of corporate resources in addressing narrowly supported concerns, the Board believes the appropriate threshold for this special meeting is 20%.

              Further, in the context of Abbott’s overall corporate governance policies and practices, a further reduced threshold is unnecessary to ensure shareholders’ ability to express concerns on important issues.

              Proxy Access: A shareholder (or group) who meet certain ownership requirements may nominate and have included in Abbott’s proxy materials director nominees constituting up to 20% of the Board, provided that the shareholder(s) and the nominee(s) satisfy the requirements in Abbott’s By-Laws.
              Written Consent: Shareholders can act by written consent in place of a meeting as a means for shareholders to raise important matters outside the normal annual meeting cycle.
              Shareholder Proposals: Under the proxy rules and Abbott’s By-Laws, shareholders may submit proposals for inclusion in the future as well.

              company’s proxy statement, nominate directors for election, and present matters from the floor at the annual meeting.

              Director Election: Each of Abbott’s directors serves a one-year term and stands for re-election at the annual meeting. The Compensation Committee, with the counsel of its independent consultant, concludedCompany’s By-Laws also provide that the compensation reported herein was earned and appropriate. The specific details of the executive compensation program and compensation paid to the named executive officers are described on pages 33 through 60 of this proxy statement.

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              While this vote is advisory and non-binding, the Board of Directors and Compensation Committee value the opinion of the shareholders and will review the voting results and take into account the results and our ongoing dialogue with shareholders when future compensation decisions are made.

              Accordingly, the Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the approval of the named officers' compensation.

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              APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO ELIMINATE STATUTORY SUPERMAJORITY VOTING STANDARDS (ITEM 4 ON PROXY CARD)

              Shareholders are being asked to approve and adopt amendments to Abbott's Articles of Incorporation (the "Articles") to replace and supersede certain supermajority voting standards set forth in the Illinois Business Corporation Act (the "IBCA") with majority voting standards. The proposed amendments todirectors must be approved by the shareholders are set forth in Items 4(a) and 4(b) below (each, a "Proposed Amendment"), and will be voted on separately. Approval and adoption of one Proposed Amendment is not conditioned upon approval and adoption of the other Proposed Amendment.

              PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

              At the 2020 Annual Meeting, shareholders approved a shareholder proposal requesting that each provision in Abbott's governing documents requiring a two-thirds vote of outstanding shares under the IBCA be replacedelected by a majority vote in an uncontested election.

              Simple Majority Voting: Further, Abbott explicitly implemented simple-majority voting in its By-Laws for all extraordinary transactions like mergers and amendments to Abbott’s articles of outstanding shares. incorporation.
              Shareholder Engagement: As discussed below, underdescribed in this proxy statement, Abbott promotes open communication between shareholders and the IBCA, approval by at least two-thirds of the shares entitled to voteBoard, and it routinely seeks investor input on a matter is required to amend the Articlesvariety of topics, including corporate governance, executive compensation, sustainability, and to approve certain extraordinary transactions. After considerationother strategic matters. Further, Abbott engaged with shareholders representing over 60% of shareholder input, including the approved shareholder proposal in 2020, the Board is recommending that shareholders approve and adopt the Proposed Amendments to supersede and replace the relevant IBCA supermajority voting standards with majority voting standards.

              Item 4(a): Implement Majority Voting Standard for Amendments of the Articles of Incorporation and Effect Other Ministerial Changes

              Currently, the Articles do not specify a voting standard for amendments to the Articles. As a result, the vote required to amend the Articles is determined by the provisions of the IBCA. Section 10.20 of the IBCA provides that an amendment of a corporation's articles of incorporation requires the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes ofAbbott’s outstanding shares and that this voting standard may be superseded in the corporation's articles of incorporation by a smaller requirement of not less than a majority of outstanding shares. Item 4(a) proposes to amend the Articles, by adding a new Article R-X, to provide that any amendment to the Articles subject to a vote of the shareholders under Section 10.20 of the IBCA shall require the affirmative vote of at least a majority of outstanding shares entitled to vote on such proposed amendment. The voting standard set forth in Article R-X, if adopted, would supersede the two-thirds voting standard set forth in Section 10.20 of the IBCA.

              Item 4(a) also proposes ministerial changes to the Articles to (i) update the name2021 proxy season, and address of Abbott's registered agent (Article R-II), (ii) update the capitalization of Abbott and remove references to a previous stock split (Article R-VII), and (iii) remove references to a prior restatement of the Articles (Article R-VIII).

              Item 4(b): Implement Majority Voting standard for Certain Extraordinary Transactions

              Currently, the Articles do not specify a voting standard for the following transactions:

                A proposed plan of merger, consolidation or exchange,

                A sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition of all, or substantially all, the property and assets, with or without the good will, of the corporation, if not made in the usual and regular course of its business, and

                A voluntary dissolution of the corporation.

              As a result, the vote required for such transactions is determined by the relevant provisions of the IBCA. The IBCA provides that each such transaction requires the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes of the shares entitled to vote on the transaction. The IBCA also provides that this voting standard may be superseded in each case, in the corporation's articles of incorporation, by a smaller requirement of not less than a majority of outstanding shares.

              Item 4(b) proposes to amend the Articles, by adding a new Article R-XI, to provide that each of the above transactions subject to a vote of the shareholders under the corresponding section of the IBCA shall require the affirmative vote of at least a majority of outstanding shares entitled to vote on such transaction. The voting

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              standard set forth in Article R-XI, if adopted, would supersede the two-thirds voting standard set forth in the IBCA for each of the above described transactions.

              VOTE REQUIRED

              The affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the vote of the outstanding Abbott common shares is required to approve each of Item 4(a) and Item 4(b). Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, have the same effect as votes against these Items.

              ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

              The full text of the amended and restated Articles implementing the Proposed Amendments is set forth in Exhibit B. Additions and deletions implementing the Proposed Amendments are indicated, respectively, by underlining and strike-outs. The general description of the Proposed Amendments set forth above is qualified in its entirety by reference to the amended and restated Articles implementing the Proposed Amendments, which is attached as Exhibit B.

              If shareholders approve either of the Proposed Amendments by the requisite vote, Abbott will file Articles of Amendmentnone expressed concern with the Secretary of State ofcurrent 20% threshold or their ability to engage or raise issues with the State of Illinois to implement each of the Proposed Amendments that was approved and restate the Articles, as amended by each Proposed Amendment that was approved, in its entirety. Each Proposed Amendment that was approved will become effective upon the filing of the Articles of Amendment by the Secretary of State of the State of Illinois. For any Proposed Amendment that does not receive the requisite vote, that Proposed Amendment will not be implemented and the respective IBCA voting standard or provision in the Articles (in the case of Item 4(a)) will remain in place.Board.

              For these reasons, the Board of Directors recommends that Abbott’s shareholders vote AGAINST this proposal.

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              The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the approval of the proposed amendments to Abbott's Articles of Incorporation.

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              SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

              INTRODUCTION

              Three shareholder proposals have been received and will be voted upon at the annual meeting only if properly presented by or on behalf of the proponent. Abbott is advised that the proposals will be presented for action at the Annual Meeting. The proposed resolutions and the statements made in support thereof, as well as the Board of Directors' statements in opposition to the proposals, are presented on the following pages.

              The Board of Directors recommends that you vote AGAINST the proposals.

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              THE PROPOSALS

              Shareholder Proposal on Lobbying DisclosureIndependent Board Chairman
              (Item 5 on Proxy Card)

              The Unitarian Universalist Association, 24 Farnsworth Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, has informed Abbott that it

              Kenneth Steiner, 14 Stoner Avenue, 2M, Great Neck, New York 11021, has informed Abbott that he intends to present the following proposal at the Annual Meeting and that he owns no less than 200 Abbott common shares.

              PROPONENT’S STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL

              Independent Board Chairman - Proposal 5

              The shareholders request that the Board of Directors adopt an enduring policy, and amend the governing documents as necessary in order that 2 separate people hold the office of the Chairman and the office of the CEO as follows:

              Selection of the Chairman of the Board The Board requires the separation of the offices of the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer.

              Whenever possible, the Chairman of the Board shall be an Independent Director.

              The Board has the discretion to select a Temporary Chairman of the Board who is not an Independent Director to serve while the Board is seeking an Independent Chairman of the Board.

              The Chairman shall not be a former CEO of the company.

              This proposal topic won 52% support at Boeing and 54% support at Baxter International in 2020. Boeing then adopted this proposal topic in June 2020. The roles of Chairman and CEO are fundamentally different and should be held by 2 directors, a CEO and a Chairman who is completely independent of the CEO and our company.

              This proposal topic won 33%-support at our 2021 annual meeting. This 33%-support likely represented 40+%-support from the shares that have access to independent proxy voting advice.

              The role of the CEO and management is to run the company.

              The role of the Board of Directors is to provide independent oversight of management and the CEO.

              Thus there is a potential conflict of interest for a CEO to have the oversight role of Chairman.

              A CEO serving as Chair can result in excessive management influence on the Board and weaker oversight of management. The CEO becomes his own boss. With the current CEO serving as Chair this means giving up a substantial check and balance safeguard that can only occur with an independent Board Chairman. A lead director is no substitute for an independent board chairman.

              A lead director cannot call a special shareholder meeting and cannot even call a special meeting of the board. A lead director can delegate most of his lead director duties to the office of the CEO and then the lead director can simply rubber-stamp it.

              The lack of an independent Board Chairman is an unfortunate way to discourage new outside ideas and an unfortunate way to encourage the CEO to pursue pet projects that would not stand up to effective oversight.

              In an example from a company whose share price went from $130 to $200 in 10 months, the 2020 Lowe’s annual meeting proxy said Lowe’s independent directors determined that having a separate Chairman and Chief Executive Officer allows the Chairman to devote his time and attention to Board oversight and governance.

              Please vote yes:

              Independent Board Chairman - Proposal 5

               

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              BOARD OF DIRECTORS�� STATEMENT IN OPPOSITION TO THE
              SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL ON INDEPENDENT BOARD CHAIRMAN

              (Item 5 on Proxy Card)

              The Board of Directors recommends that you vote AGAINST the proposal.

              Abbott’s Board believes that the Board is in the best position to determine its structure in light of circumstances at a given moment and mindful of its obligations to shareholders to effectively oversee the management of the company and maximize return to shareholders.

              Abbott’s Board consists of former and current leaders from business, medicine, academics, and public service who combined have decades of corporate board and other experience and are capable to oversee the management of the company. At present, the Board believes that the current structure is in the best interests of Abbott and its shareholders, as it provides cohesive leadership and direction for the Board and executive management, as well as clear accountability and unified leadership in the execution of strategic initiatives and business plans. Still, the leadership of the Chair is balanced by a fully independent board which is organized in a manner that has and will lead to effective oversight.

              Abbott’s current board structure and corporate governance practices provide strong independent oversight of a combined Chair and CEO.

              As detailed in the 2022 Proxy Statement, apart from the Chair and CEO, Abbott’s Board is composed entirely of independent directors who are elected by shareholders annually. These independent directors comprise the Board’s principal committees – Audit, Compensation, Nominations and Governance, and Public Policy – and oversee key matters such as the integrity of Abbott’s financial statements, executive compensation, the nomination of directors, the selection of independent auditors, oversight of regulatory compliance, the evaluations of the Board and each of its members, including the Chair and CEO, and the evaluation of the CEO’s performance objectives.

              Abbott’s Board leadership consists of:

              A Lead Independent Director who is selected by and from the independent members of the Board. Created by the Board in 2005, the Lead Independent Director position has significant authority and responsibilities. As detailed above in this Proxy, the Lead Independent Director presides at regularly conducted executive sessions of the independent directors and provides feedback to the Chair and CEO and other senior management. The Lead Independent Director also communicates regularly with the Chair and CEO regarding appropriate agenda topics and other Board related matters; confers with the Nominations and Governance Committee and the Chair and CEO regarding management succession planning; leads the annual performance reviews of individual directors, the full Board, and each of its Committees as well as overseeing the process for identifying and evaluating director candidates. Also, the Lead Independent Director consults and engages with major shareholders as necessary.
              Fully independent committees, which engage with management to review and discuss the strategic planning for Abbott’s businesses, including operating and financial plans, strategic business priorities and key risks and opportunities. The independent directors spend a significant time with Abbott’s senior management to understand global dynamics, challenges, and opportunities.
              Committee chairs who are recommended to the Board by the Nominations and Governance Committee and approved by the full Board.
              Executive Sessions of the independent directors, led by the Lead Independent Director generally take place at each regularly scheduled Board meeting at the option of the independent directors.
              Annual Meetinganonymous evaluations of each director, including the Chair and that it owns 2,783CEO, led by the Lead Independent Director, and conducted by all directors to provide further oversight.
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              The Board including the Lead Independent Director have repeatedly demonstrated independence from and oversight of management. In the last several years, the Board has strengthened its recoupment policy, increased targets for vesting of performance shares several times over the last several years, adopted a share-retention policy, and increased share-ownership guidelines for executives and directors. Unquestionably, Abbott’s Board exercises independent oversight of the Chair and CEO and Abbott’s management.

              Abbott shareholders are best served by preserving the Board’s flexibility to determine the appropriate leadership structure for the Company.

              The Board regularly and carefully considers the merits of separating or combining the Chair and CEO positions, including whether an independent director should be chair. The Board believes that it is important to retain the flexibility to allocate the responsibilities of the offices of the Chair and CEO in the manner that it determines to be in the best interests of Abbott and its shareholders. Adopting a singular approach without the flexibility to adapt to company-specific circumstances would compromise the Board’s ability to assess and implement the optimal oversight framework.

              Historically, the current structure has greatly benefited Abbott and its shareholders. Under a combined CEO and Chair, Abbott was strategically reshaped into one of the world’s leading health technology companies, with the creation of $220 billion in shareholder value and a total return of 575%.1 Abbott’s strong performance has resulted in total shareholder return (TSR) exceeding the peer median and major market indices on a one-, three-, and five-year basis.

              The Board believes that it should be able to select the leadership the Company needs to fit the moment.

              For these reasons, the Board of Directors recommends that Abbott’s shareholders vote AGAINST this proposal.

              1Includes the combined market capitalization of Abbott, common shares.AbbVie and Hospira.
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              PROPONENT'S STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALShareholder Proposal on Rule 10b5-1 Plans
              (Item 6 on Proxy Card)

              Whereas, we believe

              The Comptroller of the City of New York, One Centre Street, 8th Floor North, New York, New York 10007, as custodian and a trustee of the New York City Employees’ Retirement System and custodian of the New York City Board of Education Retirement System (together, the “Systems”), has informed Abbott that it intends to present the following proposal at the Annual Meeting and that the Systems own an aggregate of 891,927 Abbott common shares.

              PROPONENT’S STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL

              RESOLVED: shareholders urge the Board of Directors of Abbott Laboratories (“Abbott”) to adopt a policy for Rule 10b5-1 plans (“Plan” or “Plans”) requiring:

              1.A “Cooling Off Period” of at least 120 days between Plan adoption and initial trading under the Plan.
              2.An “Overlapping Plan Prohibition” preventing an individual/entity from having multiple Plans simultaneously.
              3.Named Executive Officers and Directors to disclose on the Company’s proxy statement the number of shares subject to a Plan.
              4.Whenever a Section 16 corporate officer or director adopts, modifies, or cancels a Plan, a Form 8-K disclosure indicating the name of the affected individual, the number of shares covered, and the date of adoption, modification, or cancellation of the Plan.
              5.Disclosure on Form 4 of whether a trade was made under a Plan, and the Plan’s adoption or modification date.

              Supporting Statement

              With proper safeguards, Plans allow company insiders to sell stock without fear of prosecution for insider trading.

              However, Abbot does not require several important safeguards: there is no required “cooling off period” between Plan adoption and initial trading; participants can have multiple, overlapping Plans simultaneously; and various Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) disclosures that would shed light on the adoption and use of Plans (thereby making abuse of the Plans less likely) are not required.

              Commission Chair Gary Gensler has placed 10b5-1 plan reform on the Commission’s rulemaking agenda. The proposed policy is consistent with the initial recommendations of the Commission’s Investor Advisory Committee. (https://www.sec.gov/ spotlight/investor-advisory-committee-2012/draft-recommendation- of-the-iao-subcommittee-on-10b5-1-plans-082621.pdf)

              A 2021 analysis, which examined over 20,000 plan adoption dates and trades, identified several “red flags” associated with opportunistic use of 10b5-1 plans, which this proposal addresses. (https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/ sites/default/files/publication-pdf/cgri-closer-look-88-gaming-the-system.pdf)

              According to Professor Daniel Taylor, one of the study’s authors, “Pharmaceutical companies tend to use the rules much more aggressively than other sectors…because there’s much more of an opportunity for material non-public information.” (Grant’s Interest Rate Observer, March 19, 2021).

              Since 2019, Abbott executives adopted at least a dozen 10b5-1 plans where the first trade occurred within a month of Plan adoption and the trade avoided a stock price decline in the ensuing 30 days.

              For example:

              Former CEO Miles White adopted a Plan on March 15, 2019 and sold $47 million in fullstock the next day; Abbott’s share price fell more than 7 percent in the 30 days following the sale. (https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/ data/1800/000117911019004117/xslF345X 03/edgar.xml)
              Former CFO Brian Yoor adopted a Plan on January 27, 2020 and sold $46 million in stock on the next day; Abbott’s share price fell 12 percent in the 30 days following the sale (https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/ data/1800/000117911020000889/xslF345X03/edgar.xml)
              EVP Andrea Wainer adopted a Plan on March 2, 2021 and sold 755,000 dollars in stock the next day at $121.79 per share; the day after the sale, Abbott’s share price closed at $116.01, 5% below Wainer’s sale price. (https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1800/000141588921001357/xslF345X 03/form4-03052021_040351.xml)

              The proposed policy would ensure that Abbott 10b5-1 plans are properly safeguarded from potential abuse.

              We urge shareholders to support this proposal.

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              BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT IN OPPOSITION TO THE
              SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL ON RULE 10B5-1 PLANS

              (Item 6 on Proxy Card)

              The Board of Directors recommends that you vote AGAINST the proposal.

              The proposal is unnecessarily restrictive and burdensome in light of the pending SEC rules relating to Rule 10b5-1 and Abbott’s protections against insider trading. Abbott should not have Rule 10b5-1 plan-related obligations that go beyond the pending SEC rules and which would impose obligations not required of other publicly traded companies.

              After the proposal was submitted to Abbott, the SEC proposed rules regarding the use of Rule 10b5-1 plans that largely cover what the proposal requests, including:

              a 120-day cooling-off period,
              a prohibition on overlapping plans,
              quarterly disclosure of Abbott Laboratories' ("Abbott")plan adoption, activity, and terms, and
              10b5-1 plan disclosure on Forms 4.

              The SEC proposed rules also have additional requirements beyond the proposal, including limits on single-trade 10b5-1 plans, disclosure around option grants made within 14 days of material news releases, and operation of the proposed 10b5-1 plans in good faith.

              The shareholder’s proposal would impose additional restrictions on Abbott that go beyond the proposed SEC rules, imposing burdens on Abbott without providing shareholders with meaningful benefit, and would also put Abbott on unequal footing with other publicly traded companies. Specifically, the proposal would require Abbott to file a Form 8-K disclosure each time an officer or director adopts, modifies, or cancels a plan, as well as annual proxy disclosure of the number of shares subject to 10b5-1 plans entered into by named executive officers and directors. Disclosure of this information is already covered in the SEC proposed rules through enhanced 10b5-1 plan quarterly disclosure requirements in companies’ Form 10-Qs and Form 10-Ks. To impose different and additional Form 8-K reporting and proxy disclosure obligations on Abbott would be redundant and an inefficient use of company resources.

              Abbott has existing, procedures around trading in its securities which addresses concerns about the misuse of material non-public information. Abbott permits its officers to adopt Rule 10b5-1 plans to schedule trades in Abbott securities – but only within the confines of Abbott’s protections, prohibitions, restrictions, and limitations already in place to guard against the risk of insider trading. For example:

              Abbott’s insider-trading policy prohibits any direct andor indirect lobbying activities and expenditures to assess whether Abbott's lobbying is consistent with its expressed goals andtrading in the best interestsCompany’s securities while directors or officers are in the possession of stockholders.

              Resolved,material, non-public information.

              Abbott’s policies and practices prohibit all director or officer transactions in Abbott securities during specified “blackout” periods, including transactions pursuant to 10b5-1 plans.
              Abbott’s policies and practices require obtaining preapproval through an expansive process designed to avoid execution of transactions during a time where there may be material non-public information.
              All base terms of any plan must be pre-approved by Abbott.
              Amendments to plans are limited, and Abbott requires a 30-day cooling-off period between plan adoption (or change) and any trading.
              Abbott notes whether a trade was pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan on Form 4 and Form 144 filed with the stockholders of Abbott request the preparation of a report, updated annually, disclosing:SEC.

              Abbott’s existing protections concerning trading in its securities coupled with the fact that the proposal goes beyond the pending SEC rules on this topic make this shareholder proposal unnecessary.

              The Board of Directors recommends that Abbott’s shareholders vote AGAINST this proposal.

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                Shareholder Proposal on Lobbying Disclosure
                (Item 7 on Proxy Card)

                The Unitarian Universalist Association and additional proponents have informed Abbott that they intend to present the following proposal at the meeting. Abbott will provide the proponents’ names and addresses to any shareholder who requests that information and, if provided by a proponent to Abbott, the number of Abbott common shares held by that proponent.

                PROPONENT’S STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL

                Whereas, we believe in full disclosure of Abbott’s lobbying activities and expenditures to assess whether Abbott’s lobbying is consistent with its expressed goals and in stockholder interests.

                Resolved, the stockholders of Abbott request the preparation of a report, updated annually, disclosing:

                1.
                Company policy and procedures governing lobbying, both direct and indirect, and grassroots lobbying communications.

                2.
                Payments by Abbott used for (a) direct or indirect lobbying or (b) grassroots lobbying communications, in each case including the amount of the payment and the recipient.

                3.
                Abbott's
                Abbott’s membership in and payments to any tax-exempt organization that writes and endorses model legislation.

                4.
                Description of management'smanagement’s decision-making process and the Board'sBoard’s oversight for making payments described in section 2 above.

                For purposes of this proposal, a "grassroots lobbying communication" is a communication directed to the general public that (a) refers to specific legislation or regulation, (b) reflects a view on the legislation or regulation and (c) encourages the recipient of the communication to take action with respect to the legislation or regulation. "Indirect lobbying"

                For purposes of this proposal, a “grassroots lobbying communication” is a communication directed to the general public that (a) refers to specific legislation or regulation, (b) reflects a view on the legislation or regulation and (c) encourages the recipient of the communication to take action with respect to the legislation or regulation. “Indirect lobbying” is lobbying engaged in by a trade association or other organization of which Abbott is a member.

                Both “direct and indirect lobbying” and “grassroots lobbying communications” include efforts at the local, state, and federal levels.

                The report shall be presented to the Public Policy Committee and posted on Abbott’s website.

                Supporting Statement

                Abbott spent $41,810,000 from 2010 – 2020 on federal lobbying. This figure does not include state lobbying, where Abbott also lobbies but disclosure is uneven or absent. For example, Abbott lobbied in 19 states in 2020 and spent $1,018,489 on lobbying in California from 2010-2020.

                Abbott fails to disclose its third-party payments to trade associations and social welfare organizations, or the amounts used for lobbying, to shareholders. Companies can give unlimited amounts to third party groups that spend millions on lobbying and often undisclosed grassroots activity, and these groups may be spending “at least double what’s publicly reported.”1 Grassroots lobbying does not get reported at the federal level, and disclosure is uneven or absent in states.

                Abbott belongs to the Business Roundtable, National Association of Manufacturers and Chamber Commerce, which together spent $108,148,000 on lobbying for 2020 and have drawn attention for launching a “massive lobbying blitz” against raising corporate taxes to pay for infrastructure.2 Abbott also supports social welfare groups like the Alliance for Aging Research, which lobbies and ran Facebook ads opposing drug pricing legislation.3

                We believe Abbott’s lack of disclosure presents reputational risk when its lobbying contradicts company public positions or takes controversial positions. For example, Abbott believes in addressing climate change, yet the Chamber opposed the Paris climate accord. Abbott is committed to diversity and inclusion, yet the Chamber lobbied against protecting voting rights.4 And while Abbott has drawn scrutiny for avoiding federal income taxes,5 its trade associations are lobbying against raising corporate taxes to fund infrastructure.

                Both "direct and indirect lobbying" and "grassroots lobbying communications" include efforts at the local, state and federal levels.

                The report shall be presented to the Public Policy Committee and posted on Abbott's website.

                Supporting Statement

                Abbott spent $36,700,000 from 2010 – 2019 on federal lobbying. This figure does not include state lobbying, where Abbott also lobbies in 37 states
                1 but disclosure is uneven or absent. For example, Abbott spent $896,284 on lobbying in California from 2010 – 2019.

                Abbott sits on the board of the Chamber of Commerce, which has spent over $1.6 billion on lobbying since 1998, and the boards of the Advanced Medical Technology Association and the Medical Device Manufacturers Association, which together spent $9,300,408 on lobbying for 2018 and 2019 and have drawn scrutiny for lobbying to weaken mandatory disclosure of medical device incidents.

                https://theintercept.com/2019/08/06/business-group-spending-on-lobbying-in-washington-is-at-least-double-whats-publicly-reported/.
                2 Abbott does not disclose its payments to trade associations and social welfare organizations, or the amounts used for lobbying.


                1
                https://publicintegrity.org/state-politics/here-are-the-interests-lobbying-in-every-statehouse/

                www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2021/08/31/business-lobbying-democrats-reconciliation/.
                23
                https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-care/medical-device-makers-spend-millions-lobbying-loosen-regs-d-c-n940351.

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                We are concerned that Abbott's lack of lobbying disclosure presents significant reputational risk when its lobbying contradicts company public positions. For example, Abbott publicly supported COVID-19 relief efforts, but the Chamber directly lobbied against using the Defense Production Act for production of personal protective equipment for workers.3 Abbott supports the World Health Organization's goal of increasing breast-feeding rates, its lobbying on attracted scrutiny after the Trump administration blocked a World Health Organization resolution encouraging breastfeeding.www.prwatch.org/news/2020/01/13525/ex-pharma-lobbyist-embedded-white-house-tanked-drug-pricing-bill-while-his-former.

                4 And Abbott drew attention and ultimately cut ties with one of its lobbyists over his controversial statements about Black Lives Matter.https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/21/business/voting-rights-chamber-of-commerce/index.html.
                5

                We believe the reputational damage stemming from these misalignments harms long-term value creation by Abbott. Thus, we urge Abbott to expand its lobbying disclosure.


                3
                https://corporatereformcoalition.org/chamber-dpa.

                www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/pfizer-merck-and-j-j-shifting-profits-to-avoid-billions-tax-payments-each-year-report.
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                BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT IN OPPOSITION TO THE SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL ON LOBBYING DISCLOSURE

                (Item 7 on Proxy Card)

                The Board of Directors recommends that you vote AGAINST the proposal.

                Abbott is transparent about its lobbying activities. Preparing and maintaining the annual report this proposal requests would add cost and consume resources, but without increasing any shareholder value or transparency. As the Board laid out last year, Abbott already provides transparency around the categories of disclosure sought by this proposal, enabling shareholders to assess whether Abbott has any undue corporate influence over initiatives with which they may disagree. Abbott’s political disclosure and accountability policies continue to be recognized as top tier among S&P 500 companies, according to the 2021 CPA-Zicklin Index of Corporate Political Disclosure and Accountability report.1 The categories of disclosure called for by this proposal continue to be publicly available and are updated semiannually.

                4
                https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2018/07/the-epic-battle-between-breast-milk-and-infant-formula-companies/564782/.

                5
                https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-campaign-begins-paying-matt-schlapp-as-his-lobbying-clients-flee

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                Board of Directors' Statement in Opposition to the
                Shareholder Proposal on Lobbying Disclosure

                (Item 5 on Proxy Card)

                The Board of Directors recommends that you vote AGAINST the proposal.

                This same proposal has come before Abbott's shareholders at least four times, most recently last year, when Abbott shareholders rejected it by more than 80%. Abbott was then and still is transparent about its lobbying activities. Preparing and maintaining the annual report this proposal requests would add cost and consume resources, but without increasing any shareholder value. Indeed, as the Board laid out last year, Abbott already provides transparency around the categories of disclosure sought by this proposal, enabling shareholders to assess whether Abbott has any undue corporate influence over initiatives with which its investors disagree. Further, Abbott's political disclosure and accountability policies continue to be recognized as top tier among S&P 500 companies.1 The categories of disclosure called for by this proposal continue to be publicly available and are updated semiannually.

                  Policies and Procedures Governing Lobbying.Abbott provides its policies and procedures governing lobbying year-round on its website. This year, Abbott has updated its website to enhance disclosures around lobbying including clarifying the scope of advocacy activities managed by its Vice President of Government Affairs and detailing how participation in trade associations and lobbying related expenditures are assessed and managed. Furthermore, Abbott has detailed how this Public Policy Committee of the Abbott Board of Directors is responsible for oversight of Abbott’s government affairs function and public policy issues that could affect Abbott’s business performance and public image. The Public Policy Committee reviews and evaluates Abbott’s governmental affairs and political participation, including advocacy priorities, political contributions, lobbying activities, and trade association memberships. (https://www.abbott.com/investors/governance/corporate-political-participation.html) Also, annually in Abbott’s Global Sustainability Report, the Company also discloses the key principles that guide its participation in politicalpublic policy engagement (including lobbying), the decision-making process surrounding that engagement, and advocacy activities, the decisionmaking process, and board oversight of those activities on its websiteby the Board, the Public Policy Committee, and annually in Abbott's Global Sustainability Report. Abbott’s Vice President of U.S. Government Affairs.


                Payments Used for Lobbying.  In compliance withOn its website, Abbott provides links to the Lobbying Disclosure Act, Abbott files a quarterly report thatUS House of Representatives Office of Clerk website and the US Senate office of Public Records website where it discloses the Company'sCompany’s total federal lobbying expenditures (paid directly and through trade associations), the name of any legislation, or its subject that was the topic of communication, the individuals who lobbied on behalf of Abbott, and the legislative body or executive branch contacted. That report can be found on the U.S. Senate Office of Public Records website or the U.S. House of Representatives Office of the Clerk website. Similarly, any indirect contribution (e.g., payments for events honoring covered elected officials), is disclosed as part of mandatory filings available on the Senate's and House's website.same websites. Payments Abbott makes for outside lobbying services are disclosed by the outside firms as well and are also available and searchable on the same websites. For shareholder ease, links to these sites are found on the Abbott website at (https://www.abbott.com/investors/governance/corporate-political-participation.html). These disclosures are reported quarterly in compliance with the lobbying disclosure website of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.Lobbying Disclosure Act. Regarding state activity, in states where Abbott has a registered lobbyist, reports are filed consistent with state law and are publicly available at the appropriate state agency or on the state'sstate’s public website. Abbott does not currently make direct expenditures toward grassroots lobbying communications to the general public.



                1
                Decisionmaking(https://www.politicalaccountability.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2021-CPA-Zicklin-Index.pdf)
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                Decision-making and Oversight for Lobbying-Related Payments.  Abbott's decisionmakingAbbott’s decision-making and oversight process for lobbying-related payments is already available to Abbott'sAbbott’s shareholders. As described on Abbott'sAbbott’s website, its Government Affairs office is responsible for advocacy activities with Congress and the other branches of the federal government, andas well as at the state level.and local levels. This responsibility extends to all manner of public policy engagement, including advocacy priorities, political contributions, lobbying activities, and trade association memberships. These activities are managed by theAbbott’s Vice President of U.S. Government Affairs, who makes the decision regarding advocacy activities, in consultation with senior management of relevant business units. He then reports to senior management and annually to the Board'sBoard’s Public Policy Committee. For additional information regarding Abbott’s Public Policy Committee, please refer to the Committee’s charter here: https://dam.abbott.com/en-us/documents/pdfs/investors/Public-Policy-Committee-Charter.pdf, and page 23 of this proxy statement.


                Tax-Exempt, Lobbying Organizations.Abbott is a member of various U.S. trade organizations that engage in lobbying and other political activityactivities to champion and protect Abbott, our industry, and the people who rely on our products to achieve goodbetter health. For years, Abbott's websiteAbbott has listed on its website the trade organizations to which Abbott pays a significant amount of dues of $50,000($50,000 or more. And, everymore), and each year, the Board'sBoard’s Public Policy Committee reviews a report of Abbott'sAbbott’s major trade association memberships, the amount of dues, and the amount used for lobbying.

                Abbott already discloses the information the shareholder

                Abbott already discloses substantially all the information the proposal seeks. Repeated reporting of existing disclosures would waste corporate resources and would not be in the best interests of Abbott or its shareholders.

                The Board recommends you vote AGAINST this proposal again.

                The Board of Directors recommends that Abbott’s shareholders vote AGAINST this proposal.

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            1
            Center for Political Accountability, "2020 CPA-Zicklin Index of Corporate Political Disclosure and Accountability," pg. 42 (Oct. 13, 2020), https://politicalaccountability.net/hifi/files/2020-CPA-Zicklin-Index.pdf.

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            Shareholder Proposal on Antimicrobial Resistance Report on Racial Justice
            (Item 68 on Proxy Card)

            The Shareholder Commons has informed Abbott that it intends to present the following proposal at the annual meeting on behalf of the Jan McMillan Montgomery Generation Skipping Trust U/A DTD 05/20/2011 (the “Trust”), 65 3rd Street, Suite 22, P.O. Box 1270, Point Reyes Station, California 94956, and that the Trust owns at least $2,000 in market value of Abbott common shares.

            PROPONENT’S STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL

            RESOLVED, shareholders ask that the Board of Directors commission and publish a report on (1) the public health costs created by Company decisions not to invest additional resources in slowing the growth of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), (2) market barriers to such additional investment, and (3) the manner in which increasing AMR may affect financial market returns available to its diversified shareholders.

            Supporting Statement:

            AMR is the phenomenon of pathogens becoming resistant to antibiotics, antifungals, and other antimicrobial drugs over time. Resistance can be accelerated by the overuse, misuse, or unavailability of antimicrobials and by manufacturing processes that do not protect the surrounding environment from contamination. AMR is a serious and growing problem: at least 700,000 people die annually from drug-resistant illnesses and AMR is on track to kill up to 10 million people a year by 2050, with a cumulative cost to the global economy of more than US$80 trillion.1

            The Antimicrobial Resistance Benchmark (“ARB”), a respected program that rates major pharmaceutical companies on measures taken to slow AMR, recently scored our Company as having achieved 21 of 40 possible points, leaving room for considerable additional investment in prevention.2 The ARB lists numerous opportunities for the Company to do more, including ensuring supply in countries where access to medicine is limited, expanding its environmental risk strategy, decoupling sales incentives for antimicrobials, and improving its brochures and packaging.3

            However, in its most recent earnings call, the Company did not discuss AMR at all, focusing instead on reducing manufacturing costs and increasing sales, in contrast to the ARB’s recommendations to preserve antimicrobial efficacy by spending more on mitigating environmental contamination and reducing antimicrobial sales incentives.4

            This narrow focus on improving Company financial metrics in the face of the AMR crisis does a disservice to our shareholders: the effect of Company practices on public health is more important to its mostly diversified investors than are its profit margins. (More than 20 percent of the Company’s shares are held by Vanguard, BlackRock, and State Street—investment managers with indexed or otherwise broadly diversified investors.) Such shareholders and beneficial owners lose financially when companies in their portfolios boost internal returns with practices that lower broad economic performance, because equity market values rise and fall in proportion to GDP.5

            While the Company may profit by ignoring externalized costs such as AMR, diversified shareholders ultimately pay these costs, and they have a right to ask what they are. A study would help shareholders determine whether to seek a change in corporate direction, structure, or form to better serve their interests.

            Please vote for: Report on public health costs of antimicrobial resistance – Proposal 8

            Handlery Hotels, Inc., 180 Geary Street, Suite 700, San Francisco, California 94108, has informed Abbott that it intends to present the following proposal at the annual meeting and that it owns 2,694 Abbott common shares.

            PROPONENT'S STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL

            Whereas: In the wake of the George Floyd murder by police officers on May 25, 2020 a majority of Russell 1000 corporations made public statements expressing their plans to address racial justice, thereby taking the first step to becoming antiracist organizations. Antiracism is the practice of identifying, challenging, and changing the values, structures, and behaviors perpetuating systemic racism.1 Abbott issued a statement, on its "corporate newsroom" website page, supporting racial justice and the elimination of systemic racism. The statement provides only a generalized overview of Abbott's plans to further this effort. It did not provide measurable targets, goals, or quantifiable outcomes.

            Numerous studies cite material corporate benefits associated with adopting corporate policies promoting racial justice:

              A McKinsey study shows companies with the strongest racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to outperform their industry medians2

              Companies with the most ethnically/culturally diverse boards worldwide are 43% more likely to experience higher profits3

              For every 10% increase in racial and ethnic diversity among senior executives, EBIT rises 0.8%4

            However, inequities in the workplace continue:

              People of Color comprise 33% of entry level positions, but only 13% of the C-suite5

              Among companies in the Russell 3000, Black individuals accounted for only 4.1% of board members versus 13.4% of the U.S. population6

              "Failure to adopt inclusion practices translates into a loss of customers and reduces profitability"7

            Abbott can play a critical role in ending systemic racism by promoting racial justice.

            The need for action is underscored by Abbott's 40% score on a recent Racial Justice Scorecard. This score is significantly below peers AbbVie Inc. and Boston Scientific, which both scored above 60%. Abbott's low score is due to its lack of publicly accessible diversity and inclusion targets and lack of disclosed data concerning hiring, retention, and promotion rates of people of color within the Company. Given heightened awareness around racism, failing to act and disclose policies and quantifiable data raises the material risk of revenue loss and reduced brand value.

            Resolved: Shareholders request that Abbott Labs publish a report, at reasonable expense and excluding proprietary information, disclosing the Company's plan, if any, to promote racial justice.


            1
            Ontario Anti-Racism Secretariat, "Anti-Racism Defined", 2020 Retrieved from Alberta Civil Liberties Research Center: http:
            https://www.aclrc.com/antiracism-defined

            www.globalpointofcare.abbott/en/knowledge-insights/viewpoints/antimicrobial-resistance.html
            2
            McKinsey & Company, "Delivering through Diversity", January 2018
            https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/business%20functions/org anization/our%20insights/delivering%20through%20diversity/delivering-through-diversity_full-report.ashx

            accesstomedicinefoundation.org/amr-benchmark/report-cards/abbott-laboratories
            3
            Ibid.

            https://accesstomedicinefoundation.org/amr-benchmark/report-cards/abbott-laboratories#opportunities
            4
            Ibid.

            https://www.marketbeat.com/earnings/transcripts/65172/
            5
            McKinsey & Company, "Women
            https://www.unepfi.org/fileadmin/documents/universal_ownership_full.pdf
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            BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT IN OPPOSITION TO THE SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL ON ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE REPORT

            (Item 8 on Proxy Card)

            The Board of Directors recommends that you vote AGAINST the proposal.

            The Board believes that commissioning a study to track and evaluate larger societal costs of antimicrobial resistance would be an inefficient use of the Company’s resources and a diversion of management’s time, without providing any meaningful benefit to shareholders.

            Abbott is a very small player in the global anti-infective market. Abbott’s established pharmaceuticals business focuses on branded generic medicines, which are commercialized in emerging countries only. Abbott does not design or develop new anti-infectives. Abbott ranks 31 overall in global anti-infective sales; and, by value, Abbott’s sales of anti-infectives represent 0.6% total global sales of anti-infectives across all companies. Sales of anti-infectives represent 0.5% of Abbott’s total global sales.

            Nonetheless, Abbott is taking significant steps to do its part to slow the growth of antimicrobial resistance. These standards and programs have been recognized by the independent Access to Medicine Foundation as part of its 2021 Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Benchmark report, which designated Abbott as a “leader among generic medicine manufacturers, taking steps to combat overselling of antimicrobials.”1 Abbott’s score in the latest 2021 AMR Benchmark report was 31 out of a total 45 points, ranking second in the overall generics category.

            At least three key components of Abbott’s standards and programs are worth highlighting here. First, to minimize the environmental impact from manufacturing, the concentration of anti-infective molecules emitted from Abbott’s manufacturing facilities meets industry standards set by the AMR Industry Alliance, one of the largest private sector coalitions dedicated to measuring and driving the life-sciences industry’s progress to curb antimicrobial resistance. Further, as captured in the 2021 AMR Benchmark, Abbott is one of the first companies to report setting discharge limits consistent with AMR standards at its third-party suppliers’ manufacturing sites.2

            Second, Abbott offers important diagnostic tools to help doctors make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics. Abbott provides products to help accurately diagnose lower respiratory tract infections (Afinion CRP), influenza (ID NOW), MRSA (PBP2a SA Culture Colony), and malaria (SD BIOLINE), to name just a few. Abbott also funded and is now a member of VALUE-Dx, an initiative by a multidisciplinary consortium of diagnostic companies and non-industry partners to combat antimicrobial resistance. VALUE-Dx generates evidence on the medical, economic, and public health value of leveraging diagnostics tools to help health care professionals make educated treatment decisions in the context of antimicrobial resistance. Further, Abbott’s Test Target Treat initiative (www.testtargettreat.com), is designed to fight antimicrobial resistance by educating healthcare professionals on the importance of using diagnostics to make more targeted treatment decisions and reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics. To fund that initiative, Abbott provided an unrestricted educational grant to the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics.

            Last, even though Abbott’s antibiotic medicines account for less than one percent of the antibiotics sold worldwide, Abbott seeks to provide safe, effective, and affordable antibiotics for people who need them in emerging countries. To ensure responsible promotional practices for these products, Abbott regularly trains its commercial teams on sensitivities around antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance. Abbott also provides healthcare professionals with in-country events designed specifically to educate them on antimicrobial resistance.

            1The Access to Medicine Foundation, “Antimicrobial Resistance Benchmark,” pg. 7, 138 (2021), available at https://accesstomedicinefoundation.org/amr-benchmark/2021-benchmark#.
            2The Access to Medicine Foundation, “Antimicrobial Resistance Benchmark,” pg. 7, 47 (2021), available at https://accesstomedicinefoundation.org/amr-benchmark/2021-benchmark#.
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            For instance, through an unrestricted educational grant to a third party, Abbott engaged healthcare professionals in more than 90 countries on antibiotic use and resistance when treating upper respiratory tract infections. In Colombia, Abbott reached more than 1,000 healthcare professionals with its “Rational Use Antibiotics” campaign intended to educate those professionals on the correct usage of antibiotics. In India, since 2019, Abbott has been pioneering its use of the ARISE program, which captures data on resistance to certain antibiotic strains across the country to help healthcare professionals understand resistance patterns and antimicrobial sensitivity. There are more than 28,000 physicians registered on the platform.

            With respect to patients, since 2020, Abbott has adapted packaging of several antibacterial medicines to account for adherence to treatment, literacy, and pediatric use and to facilitate the appropriate use of such medicines by patients. The 2021 AMR Benchmark highlighted these efforts in its high ranking of Abbott’s stewardship efforts.3

            The Board of Directors recommends that Abbott’s shareholders vote AGAINST this proposal.

            3The Access to Medicine Foundation, “Antimicrobial Resistance Benchmark,” pg. 16 (2021), available at https://accesstomedicinefoundation.org/amr-benchmark/2021-benchmark#.
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            ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

            SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

            The table below reflects the number of Abbott common shares beneficially owned as of January 31, 2022 by (i) each director nominee, (ii) the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, and the other current and former executive officers listed in the Summary Compensation Table (collectively, the “named officers”), and (iii) all directors and executive officers as a group. It also reflects the number of stock equivalent units held by non-employee directors under the Abbott Laboratories Non-Employee Directors’ Fee Plan and restricted stock units held by non-employee directors, named officers, and executive officers.

            NameShares
            Beneficially
            Owned(1)(2)
                 Stock Options
            Exercisable
            Within 60 Days of
            January 31, 2022(3)
                 Stock
            Equivalent
            Units
            H. L. Allen158,038 1,029,166 0
            R. J. Alpern33,879 0 8,591
            R. S. Austin41,542 64,718 0
            S. E. Blount29,739 0 0
            R. B. Ford292,061 1,548,676 0
            R. E. Funck, Jr.227,165 480,438 0
            P. Gonzalez0 0 323
            M. A. Kumbier8,795 0 0
            D. W. McDew3,473 0 0
            N. McKinstry27,139 63,391 0
            W. A. Osborn96,996 29,567 29,356
            M. F. Roman1,499 0 705
            D. G. Salvadori100,430 615,361 0
            D. J. Starks7,022,156 0 0
            J. G. Stratton12,114 0 7,216
            G. F. Tilton44,876 0 33,678
            A. F. Wainer49,782 308,573 0
            M. D. White3,128,722 5,066,061 0
            All directors and executive officers as a group(4)(5)9,243,102 7,548,907 79,869
            (1)This column includes shares held in the Workplace 2018", https://womenintheworkplace.com/

            6
            Cydney Posner, "Will companies accede to calls for actions to improve racial and ethnic diversity in hiring and promotion?",July 2020 https://cooleypubco.com/2020/07/15/calls-for-actions-racial-ethnic-diversity/

            7
            Neesha-ann Longdon, Dimitri Henry, Caitlin Harris, "Diversity And Inclusion As A Social Imperative", August 2020 https://www.spglobal.com/ratings/en/research/articles/200803-environmental-social-and-governance-diversity-and-inclusion-as-a-social-imperative-11573860

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            Supporting statement: Investors seek quantitative, comparable data to understand if and how the Company is promoting a commitment to Racial Justice. Proponents suggest the report include:

              Potential policies the company could adopt to promote Racial Justice in its corporate workplaces and operations

              Detailed quantitative information on diversity and inclusion, including recruitment, hiring, and retention policies and outcomes

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            Board of Directors' Statement in Opposition to the
            Shareholder Proposal on Report on Racial Justice

            (Item 6 on Proxy Card)

            The Board of Directors recommends that you vote AGAINST the proposal.

            The shareholder's proposal is premised on Abbott's purported "score" on a "Racial Justice Scorecard." But this "Scorecard" (put out by the proponent itself) does not accurately reflect Abbott's commitment and work to date on racial justice, or the Company's intentions moving forward. Rather, Abbott's current disclosures in its Global Sustainability Report and 2030 Sustainability Plan depict Abbott's robust commitment to racial justice, diversity, and inclusion, which were not included by the proponent when creating their "scorecard." Further, going forward, Abbott will publish a Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) report, which will enhance these disclosures as well as provide a consolidated EEO-1 report that provides a summary of Abbott employees by race, gender, and job category. Thus, the proposal's new called-for report is unnecessary.

            As captured in Abbott's existing disclosures and will be discussed further in its forthcoming D&I report, Abbott has had a long-lasting commitment to diversity, inclusion, and racial justice. First, for years, Abbott has been dedicated to building a pipeline of diverse talent. Nearly three decades ago, Abbott helped found the nonprofit group Advancing Minorities' Interest in Engineering, which develops partnerships among industry, government, and universities to achieve diversityofficers’ accounts in the engineering workforce. Abbott remains a partner today. Since 2006, Abbott has been building a pipeline of diverse talent through its science, technology, engineering,Laboratories Stock Retirement Trust as follows: R. E. Funck, Jr., 18,015; M. D. White, 35,870; and math (STEM) programs. Since that time, more than 6,000 Abbott scientists, engineers, and other employees have shared their expertise to support programs that advance STEM education around the world, reaching more than 325,000 students. Even further, Abbott has operated a STEM internship program for U.S. high-school students since 2012, and Abbott hosts hundreds of college students for paid internships. In 2020, 71% of the high-school and 39% of college students participating in those programs were minorities. By 2030, Abbott aims to create opportunities in STEM programs for more than 100,000 young people, including 50% from underrepresented groups.

            Second, Abbott recruits job candidates through partnerships with historically black universities and colleges, Hispanic-serving institutes, and other organizations, such as the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting, the National Society of Black Engineers, and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, to name a few.

            Third, Abbott has, for years, been dedicated to the retention and advancement of historically disenfranchised groups. Abbott facilitates ten employee affinity groups, including groups appealing to African Americans, Latinos, LGTBQ members, and women to expand opportunities for these historically underrepresented groups. Each group is supported by a corporate officer. Nearly 10,000 Abbott employees participate in these groups—an accomplishment that did not happen overnight. And,all executive officers as a result of all these efforts, today, one third of Abbott's front-line leadership roles are held by minority talent.

            As the proposal mentions, since the events of this summer, Abbott reaffirmed its commitment to promote racial justice. But, omitted from the proposalgroup, 55,454. Each officer has shared voting power and its "scorecard," is that after the events of this summer, Abbott's CEO communicated with Abbott employees to understand their concerns and ideas about how Abbott could further support racial justice. Abbott held numerous sessions with employees on this topic, surveyed employees about diversity and inclusion, named a Divisional Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, offered a match to employees for donations to organizations promoting racial justice, and issued a statement on its digital and social channels denouncing racism, the killing of George Floyd and others, and requested the parties responsible be brought to justice.

            Abbott's achievementssole investment power with respect to racial justicethe shares held in his or her account.

            (2)This column includes restricted stock units held by the non-employee directors and workplace diversitypayable in stock upon their retirement from the Board as follows: R. J. Alpern 33,879; R. S. Austin, 41,542; S. E. Blount, 27,139; M. A. Kumbier, 5,714; D. W. McDew, 3,473; N. McKinstry, 27,139; W. A. Osborn, 35,796; M. F. Roman, 1,499; D. J. Starks, 12,096; J. G. Stratton, 8,659; G. F. Tilton, 37,526; and inclusionall directors as a group, 234,462.
            (3)This column also includes 25,193 restricted stock units held by all executive officers as a group that will be payable in stock within 60 days of January 31, 2022.
            (4)Certain executive officers of Abbott are fiduciaries of several employee benefit trusts maintained by Abbott. As
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            such, they have been recognizedshared voting and/or investment power with respect to the common shares held by third parties for years.

              Abbott has earnedthose trusts. The table does not include the shares held by the trusts. As of January 31, 2022, these trusts owned a place on DiversityInc magazine's listtotal of 29,147,838 (1.7%) of the "Top 50 Companies for Diversity" every year since 2004.

              Abbott's efforts to create a woman-friendly workplace have seen Abbott recognizedoutstanding shares of Abbott. None of the directors, named officers, or executive officers has pledged shares.
            (5)No director or executive officer beneficially owns more than one percent of the outstanding shares of Abbott. Excluding the shared voting and/or investment power over the shares held by the 2020 Women on Boards grouptrusts described in footnote 4, the directors and the National Association for Female Executives, which has named Abbott among the "Top 50 Companies for Executive Women" each year since 2009.

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              DiversityPlus magazine listed Abbottexecutive officers as a 2019 "Top 10 Champion of Diversity" in recognition of its efforts with suppliers.

              This past year, Forbes listed Abbott on its list of Best Employers for Diversity and for Veterans. And Vault ranked Abbott's internship No. 11 for diversity and for veterans. No other healthcare companies even made Vault's top 30.

            Ultimately, the shareholder proposal is based on a flawed premise and erroneously seeks a new report of existing or planned disclosures based on that premise.

            For all these reasons, the Board recommends voting AGAINST this proposal.

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            Shareholder Proposal on Independent Board Chairman
            (Item 7 on Proxy Card)

            Mr. Kenneth Steiner, 14 Stoner Avenue, 2M, Great Neck, New York 11021, has informed Abbott that he intends to present the following proposal at the Annual Meeting and that he owns nogroup beneficially own less than 500 Abbott common shares.

            PROPONENT'S STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL


            Proposal 7—Independent Board Chairman

            The shareholders request the Board of Directors to adopt as policy, and amend the bylaws as necessary, to require the Chairone percent of the Boardoutstanding shares of Directors, whenever possible, to be an independent member of the Board. This policy could be phasedAbbott.

            INFORMATION CONCERNING SECURITY OWNERSHIP

            The table below reports the number of common shares beneficially owned as of December 31, 2021 by BlackRock, Inc. and The Vanguard Group (directly or through their subsidiaries), the only persons known to Abbott to beneficially own more than 5% of Abbott’s outstanding common shares.

            Name and Address of Beneficial OwnerShares
            Beneficially
            Owned
                 Percent of
            Class
            BlackRock, Inc.(1)137,155,602 7.8%
            55 East 52nd Street   
            New York, NY 10055   
            The Vanguard Group(2)149,152,264 8.4%
            100 Vanguard Blvd.   
            Malvern, PA 19355   
            (1)The information shown was provided by BlackRock, Inc. in for the next CEO transition.

            If the Board determines that a Chair who was independent when selected is no longer independent, the Board shall select a new Chair who satisfies the requirements of the policy within a reasonable amount of time. Compliance with this policy is temporarily waived if in the unlikely event no independent director is available and willing to serve as Chair.

            This proposal topic won 52% support at Boeing and 54% support at Baxter International in 2020. Support for this proposal topic jumped from 34% to 52% in one-year at Boeing.

            Support for this proposal topic received 17% higher support at U.S. companies in 2020. Since management performance setbacks often result in higher support for this proposal topic, the mere submission of this proposal may be an incentive for our Chairman of the Board to perform better leading up to the 2021 annual meeting.

              The role of the CEO and management is to run the company.

              The role of the Board of Directors is to provide independent oversight of management and the CEO.

              There is a potential conflict of interest for a CEO to have the oversight role of Chairman.

            Shareholders are best served by an independent Board Chair who can provide a balance of power between the CEO and the Board. The primary duty of a Board of Directors is to oversee the management of a company on behalf of shareholders. Schedule 13G/A CEO serving as chair can result in excessive management influence on the Board and weaker oversight of management. We urge the Board to take the opportunity to appoint a new independent Board Chair.

            It is also important to have an independent board chairman to be the shareholder watchdog and help make up for the 2020 silencing of shareholders at shareholder meetingsit filed with the widespread substitution of online shareholder meetings using the pandemic as an easy steppingstone. Online meetings, which are a shareholder engagementSecurities and shareholder outreach wasteland, are so easy for management that management will never want to return to in-person shareholder meetings.

            With tightly controlled online shareholder meetings everything is optional. For instance management reportingExchange Commission on the status of the company is optional. Also answers to questions are optional even if management misleadingly asks for questions. And it was easy for Abbott Laboratories to cover up that Ms. Nancy McKinstry received 21% in negative votes at the 2020 online Abbott meeting.

            For instance Goodyear management hit the mute button right in the middle of a formal shareholder proposal presentation at its 2020 online shareholder meeting to bar constructive criticism.

            Please see:
            Goodyear's virtual meeting creates issues with shareholder
            https://www.crainscleveland.com/manufacturing/goodyears-virtual-meeting-creates-issues-shareholder

            Please vote yes:
            Independent Board Chairman—Proposal 7

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            Table of Contents

            Board of Directors' Statement in Opposition to the
            Shareholder Proposal on Independent Board Chairman

            (Item 7 on Proxy Card)

            The Board of Directors recommends that you vote AGAINST the proposal.

            As stated in Abbott's governance guidelines, "[t]he board of directors believesFebruary 1, 2022. BlackRock reported that it is important to retainhas sole voting power over 121,108,038 of these shares and sole dispositive power over all of these shares.

            (2)The information shown was provided by The Vanguard Group in a Schedule 13G/A it filed with the flexibility to allocate the responsibilities of the offices of chairman of the boardSecurities and chief executive officer in any mannerExchange Commission on February 9, 2022. Vanguard reported that it determines to be in the best interestshas shared voting power over 2,882,749 of Abbott."1 The need for that flexibility has never been more apparent than this past year, when Abbott transitioned to a new CEO. The Board's current guidelines provided the Board with the flexibility necessary to adopt the leadership structure in the best intereststhese shares, sole dispositive power over 141,949,846 of Abbottthese shares, and its shareholders during this transition.

            Indeed, every year, the Board reviews its leadership structure to ensure the appropriate levelshared dispositive power over 7,202,418 of oversight, independence, and responsibility. The Board continues to believe that flexibility coupled with a strong Lead Independent Director is best for Abbott and its shareholders. Abbott's Lead Independent Director is selected from among the ranks of independent directors. In that role, the Lead Independent Director consults directly with major shareholders on Abbott business. The Lead Independent Director oversees the Board evaluation process. The Lead Independent Director is empowered to call meetings of the independent directors, if necessary. And the Lead Independent Director can review and approve agenda items, the Board's schedule, and, where appropriate, information provided to other Board members.these shares.

            Not only would the shareholder's proposal handcuff the Board when deciding on the best leadership structure for the Company, it misleadingly suggests there is a trend among S&P 500 companies to do so. The shareholder's proposal confuses the existence of a separate and independent board chair among S&P 500 companies with the adoption of a policy mandating, in all circumstances, the separation and independence of a company's board chair. A number of companies do have separate and independent board chairs, but the actual number of S&P 500 companies that have adopted an inflexible policy mandating the chair and CEO be separate, no matter the situation, is miniscule.2 The sort of rigidity this proposal calls for does not serve every company. It does not even serve most S&P 500 companies. And it does not serve Abbott's interests or its shareholders, as demonstrated with this recent leadership transition.

            This is the fifth time this shareholder has submitted this same proposal. Abbott shareholders have consistently voted against this proposal by significant margin, and should do so again here.

            The Board of Directors recommends that you vote AGAINST the proposal.


            1
            https://www.abbott.com/investors/governance/governance-guidelines.html.

            2
            See Spencer Stuart U.S. Board Index, pg. 20 (2015) (finding that only 4% of S&P 500 companies adopt a policy mandating separate and independent board chairs and CEOs).

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            APPROVAL PROCESS FOR RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

            It is Abbott's

            It is Abbott’s policy that the Nominations and Governance Committee oversee, review, and Governance Committee review, approve or ratify any transaction in which Abbott participates and in which any related person has a direct or indirect material interest if such transaction involves or is expected to involve payments of $120,000 or more in the aggregate per fiscal year. Related person transactions requiring review by the Nominations and Governance Committee pursuant to this policy are identified in:

              Questionnaires annually distributed to Abbott'sAbbott’s directors and officers,


              Certifications submitted annually by Abbott officers related to their compliance with Abbott'sAbbott’s Code of Business Conduct, or


              Communications made directly by the related person to the Chief Financial Officer or General Counsel.

              In determining whether to approve or ratify a related person transaction, the Nominations and Governance Committee will consider the following items, among others:

                The related person'sperson’s relationship to Abbott and interest in the transaction,

                The material facts of the transaction, including the aggregate value of such transaction or, in the case of indebtedness, the amount of principal involved,

                The benefits to Abbott of the transaction,
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                If applicable, the availability of other sources of comparable products or services,

                An assessment of whether the transaction is on terms that are comparable to the terms available to an unrelated third party or to employees generally,

                Whether a transaction has the potential to impair director independence, and


                Whether the transaction constitutes a conflict of interest.

                This process is included in the Nominations and Governance Committee's written charter, which is available in the corporate governance section of Abbott's investor relations website (www.abbottinvestor.com). The spouse of one of our former executive officers, Jaime Contreras, was employed by Abbott. During 2020, her

                This process is included in the Nominations and Governance Committee’s written charter, which is available in the corporate governance section of Abbott’s investor relations website (www.abbottinvestor.com). The son of one of our former executive officers, Roger Bird, is employed by Abbott. During 2021, his total compensation exceeded the foregoing threshold.

                GRAPHIC 97


                ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                INFORMATION CONCERNING SECURITY OWNERSHIP

                The table below reports the number of common shares beneficially owned as of December 31, 2020 by BlackRock, Inc. and The Vanguard Group (directly or through their subsidiaries), the only persons known to Abbott to beneficially own more than 5% of Abbott's outstanding common shares.

                    Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

                Shares
                Beneficially
                Owned



                Percent of
                Class


                   BlackRock, Inc.(1)
                55 East 52nd Street
                New York, NY 10055
                 133,426,810 7.5%  
                   The Vanguard Group(2)
                100 Vanguard Blvd.
                Malvern, PA 19355


                 
                147,272,920 8.3% 
                (1)
                The information shown was provided by BlackRock, Inc. in a Schedule 13G/A it filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 29, 2021. BlackRock reported that it has sole voting power over 117,661,786 of these shares and sole dispositive power over all of these shares.

                (2)
                The information shown was provided by The Vanguard Group in a Schedule 13G/A it filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 10, 2021. Vanguard reported that it has shared voting power over 2,954,299 of these shares, sole dispositive power over 139,509,311 of these shares, and shared dispositive power over 7,763,609 of these shares.

                DATE FOR RECEIPT OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2022DATE FOR RECEIPT OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2023 ANNUAL MEETING PROXY STATEMENT

                Shareholder proposals for presentation at the 2022 Annual Meeting must be received by Abbott no later than November 12, 2021 and must otherwise comply with the applicable requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission to be considered for inclusion in the proxy statement and proxy for the 2022 meeting.

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                PROCEDURE FOR RECOMMENDATION AND NOMINATION OF DIRECTORS AND TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS AT ANNUAL MEETING

                Proxy Access: A shareholder, or a group of up to 20 shareholders, owning continuously for at least three years Abbott common shares representing an aggregate of at least 3% of the voting power entitled to vote in the election of directors, may nominate and have included in Abbott's proxy materials director nominees constituting up to 20% of the Board, provided that the shareholder(s) and the nominee(s) satisfy the requirements in Abbott's By-Laws.PROXY STATEMENT

                Shareholder proposals for presentation at the 2023 Annual Meeting must be received by Abbott no later than November 18, 2022 and must otherwise comply with the applicable requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission to be considered for inclusion in the proxy statement and proxy for the 2023 meeting.

                Nominating shareholders are permitted to include in Abbott's proxy statement a 500-word statement in support of their nominee(s). Abbott may omit any information or statement that it, in good faith, believes is materially false or misleading, omits to state a material fact, or would violate any applicable law or regulation.

                Other Nominations of Directors or Proposals to Transact Business:PROCEDURE FOR RECOMMENDATION AND NOMINATION OF DIRECTORS AND TRANSACTION OF A shareholder may also recommend persons as potential nominees for director by submitting the names of such persons in writing to the Chair of the Nominations and Governance Committee or the Secretary of Abbott. Recommendations should be accompanied by a statement of qualifications and confirmation of the person'sBUSINESS AT ANNUAL MEETING

                Proxy Access: A shareholder, or a group of up to 20 shareholders, owning continuously for at least three years Abbott common shares representing an aggregate of at least 3% of the voting power entitled to vote in the election of directors, may nominate and have included in Abbott’s proxy materials director nominees constituting up to 20% of the Board, provided that the shareholder(s) and the nominee(s) satisfy the requirements in Abbott’s By-Laws.

                Nominating shareholders are permitted to include in Abbott’s proxy statement a 500-word statement in support of their nominee(s). Abbott may omit any information or statement that it, in good faith, believes is materially false or misleading, omits to state a material fact, or would violate any applicable law or regulation.

                Other Nominations of Directors or Proposals to Transact Business: A shareholder may also recommend persons as potential nominees for director by submitting the names of such persons in writing to the Chair of the Nominations and Governance Committee or the Secretary of Abbott. Recommendations should be accompanied by a statement of qualifications and confirmation of the person’s willingness to serve. A nominee who is recommended by a shareholder following these procedures will receive the same consideration as other comparably qualified nominees.

                A shareholder entitled to vote for the election of directors at an Annual Meeting and who is a shareholder of record on:

                  the record date for that Annual Meeting,


                  the date the shareholder provides timely notice to Abbott, and

                  the date of the Annual Meeting

                  may directly nominate persons for director, or make proposals of other business to be brought before the Annual Meeting, by providing proper timely written notice to the Secretary of Abbott.

                  Notice Requirements:    The notice submitted by a shareholder must include certain information required by Article II of Abbott's By-Laws, including information about the shareholder, any beneficial owner on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is being made, their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them, and any proposed director nominee.
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                  Notice Requirements: The notice submitted by a shareholder must include certain information required by Article II of Abbott’s By-Laws, including information about the shareholder, any beneficial owner on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is being made, their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them, and any proposed director nominee.

                  For each matter the shareholder proposes to bring before the Annual Meeting, the notice must also include a brief description of the business to be discussed, the reasons for conducting such business at the Annual Meeting, any material interest of the shareholder in such business and certain other information specified in the By-Laws. In addition, in the case of a director nomination, including through proxy access, the notice must include a completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement of the nominee addressing matters specified in the By-Laws.

                  To be timely, written notice either to directly nominate persons for director, including through proxy access, or to bring business properly before the Annual Meeting must be received at Abbott’s principal executive offices not less than ninety days and not more than one hundred twenty days prior to the anniversary date of the preceding Annual Meeting. If the Annual Meeting is called for a date that is not within twenty-five days before or after such anniversary date, notice by the shareholder must be received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which such notice of the date of the Annual Meeting was mailed or made public in a press release or in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, whichever occurs first. To be timely for the 2023 Annual Meeting, this written notice must be received by Abbott no later than January 29, 2023.

                  In addition, the notice must be updated and supplemented, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided is true and correct as of the record date for the Annual Meeting and as of the date that is ten business days prior to the meeting. Any such update or supplement must be delivered to the Secretary of Abbott at Abbott’s principal executive offices not more than five business days after the record date for the Annual Meeting, and not less than eight business days before the date of the Annual Meeting in the case of any update or supplement required to be made as of ten business days prior to the Annual Meeting.

                  In addition to satisfying the foregoing requirements under Abbott’s By-Laws, to comply with the universal proxy rules once they become effective, shareholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than Abbott’s nominees must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, no later than February 28, 2023.

                  For each matter the shareholder proposes to bring before the Annual Meeting, the notice must also include a brief description of the business to be discussed, the reasons for conducting such business at the Annual Meeting, any material interest of the shareholder in such business and certain other information specified in the By-Laws. In addition, in the case of a director nomination, including through proxy access, the notice must include a completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement of the nominee addressing matters specified in the By-Laws.

                  To be timely, written notice either to directly nominate persons for director, including through proxy access, or to bring business properly before the Annual Meeting must be received at Abbott's principal executive offices not less than ninety days and not more than one hundred twenty days prior to the anniversary date of the preceding Annual Meeting. If the Annual Meeting is called for a date that is not within twenty-five days before or after such anniversary date, notice by the shareholder must be received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which such notice of the date of the Annual Meeting was mailed or made public in a press release or in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, whichever occurs first. To be timely for the 2022 Annual Meeting, this written notice must be received by Abbott no later than January 23, 2022.

                  In addition, the notice must be updated and supplemented, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided is true and correct as of the record date for the Annual Meeting and as of the date that is ten business days prior to the meeting. Any such update or supplement must be delivered to the Secretary of Abbott at Abbott's principal executive offices not more than five business days after the record date for the Annual Meeting, and not less than eight business days before the date of the Annual Meeting in the case of any update or supplement required to be made as of ten business days prior to the Annual Meeting.

                  GRAPHIC 99


                  GENERAL

                  GENERAL

                  It is important that proxies be returned promptly. Shareholders are urged, regardless of the number of shares owned, to vote their shares. Most of Abbott's

                  It is important that proxies be returned promptly. Shareholders are urged, regardless of the number of shares owned, to vote their shares. Most of Abbott’s shareholders may vote their shares by telephone or using the Internet. Shareholders who wish to vote by mail should sign and return their proxy card in the enclosed business reply envelope. Shareholders who vote by telephone or using the Internet do not need to return their proxy card.

                  The 2022 Annual Meeting will be held virtually to enable broader and more convenient shareholder participation and to support the health and safety of Abbott’s shareholders, employees, and communities during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. There will not be a physical location for the meeting, and shareholders will not be able to attend the meeting in person. Please see pages 90 to 91 for information on how to attend and participate in the Annual Meeting.

                  By order of the Board of Directors.

                  HUBERT L. ALLEN

                  Secretary

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                  INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING

                  NOTICE AND ACCESS

                  In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s “Notice and Access” rules, Abbott mailed a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) to certain shareholders in mid-March of 2022. The Notice describes the matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting and how the shareholders can access the proxy materials online. It also provides instructions on how those shareholders can vote their shares. If you received the Notice, you will not receive a print version of the proxy materials, unless you request one. If you would like to receive a print version of the proxy materials, free of charge, please follow the instructions on the Notice.

                  HOW TO ATTEND THE MEETING ON THE VIRTUAL MEETING PLATFORM

                  Shareholders can attend, vote their shares, and submit questions during the Annual Meeting at meetnow.global/ ABT2022. Shareholders may log into the Annual Meeting beginning at 8:15 a.m. Central Time on April 29, 2022. The Annual Meeting will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. Central Time.

                  To be admitted to the Annual Meeting, shareholders will be required to enter a 15-digit control number.

                  Registered Shareholders. If you are a registered holder (i.e., you received your proxy materials from Abbott through Abbott’s transfer agent, Computershare), you may attend the Annual Meeting without advance registration. Your 15-digit control number is provided on your proxy card, email, or Notice. Please follow the instructions on your proxy card, email, or Notice to attend the meeting. If you no longer have these documents, please contact Computershare at 1-888-332-2268.

                  Beneficial Shareholders. If you are a beneficial holder (i.e., you received your proxy materials from your broker, bank, or other agent), you must register in advance to receive a 15-digit control number and attend the Annual Meeting. To register, you must submit your name, email address, and one of the following registration materials to Computershare:

                  A copy of the voter instruction form contained in the proxy materials mailed to you from your broker;
                  A copy of a broker statement evidencing that you are an Abbott shareholder; or
                  A legal proxy from your broker reflecting your ownership of Abbott shares.

                  Please send your registration materials to Computershare at legalproxy@computershare.com, with “Legal Proxy” in the subject line. Registration requests must be received by Computershare no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, April 26, 2022.

                  Requests for registration can also be submitted by mail to:

                  Computershare
                  Abbott Legal Proxy
                  P.O. Box 43001
                  Providence, RI 02940-3001

                  You will receive a confirmation of your registration by email from Computershare, along with a 15-digit control number needed to be admitted to the Annual Meeting. If you have questions, please contact Computershare at the telephone support line provided on the virtual meeting platform at meetnow.global/ABT2022.

                  HOW TO ATTEND THE MEETING BY PHONE

                  Shareholders who wish to attend the Annual Meeting by phone should contact Abbott representatives at 224-668-7238 or abbottshareholders@abbott.com to obtain the meeting telephone number in advance of the meeting. Shareholders participating by phone will be able to listen to the meeting but will not have the ability to vote or submit questions during the meeting. If you would like to vote your shares or submit questions during the meeting, please follow the instructions above in “How to Attend the Meeting on the Virtual Meeting Platform.”

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                  WHO CAN VOTE

                  Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 2, 2022 will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. As of January 31, 2022, Abbott had 1,763,482,267 outstanding common shares, which are Abbott’s only outstanding voting securities. All shareholders have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors and one vote per share on all other matters.

                  HOW TO VOTE

                  Whether or not you plan to virtually attend the Annual Meeting, Abbott strongly urges you to submit your proxy or vote your shares in advance of the Annual Meeting.

                  Registered Shareholders. Registered shareholders may vote by mail by signing and promptly returning their proxy in the enclosed envelope. Abbott’s By-Laws provide that a shareholder may authorize no more than two persons as proxies to attend and vote at the meeting. Registered shareholders may also vote their shares:

                  by telephone (1-800-652-VOTE (8683)), or
                  or on the Internet at www.investorvote.com/abt.

                  If you vote by telephone or using the Internet, you do not need to return your proxy card. The instructions for voting can be found with your proxy card or on the Notice.

                  Registered shareholders who have not voted their shares in advance of the meeting may do so at the Annual Meeting by clicking the “Cast Your Vote” link on the meeting center site.

                  Beneficial Shareholders. Beneficial shareholders should refer to the voting instructions provided by their broker, bank, or other agent to direct the voting of their shares in advance of the meeting.

                  Beneficial shareholders may vote their shares at the Annual Meeting if they obtain a legal proxy from their broker, bank, or other agent giving the shareholder the right to vote such shares at the Annual Meeting. Please follow the instructions provided above in “How to Attend the Meeting on the Virtual Meeting Platform.”

                  Shareholders participating by phone will not be able to vote their shares at the Annual Meeting.

                  HOW TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS

                  Following conclusion of the business items on the agenda for the Annual Meeting, Abbott will hold a live question and answer session where questions pertinent to meeting matters will be answered, as time permits. Shareholders participating in the meeting on the virtual meeting platform can submit questions during the Annual Meeting by clicking on the message icon in the upper right-hand corner of the page on the meeting center site. Questions that are substantially similar may be grouped together in a single response to avoid repetition and to allow more time for other questions.

                  Shareholders participating in the meeting by phone will not be able to submit questions during the meeting.

                  TECHNICAL SUPPORT

                  If you experience technical difficulties accessing the Annual Meeting, a technical support telephone number and additional support information will be available on the virtual meeting platform at meetnow.global/ABT2022.

                  The virtual meeting platform is fully supported across browsers (Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Chrome and Safari) and devices (desktops, laptops, tablets and cell phones) running the most up to date version of applicable software and plugins. Participants should ensure that they have a strong WiFi connection wherever they intend to participate in the Annual Meeting.

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                  REVOKING A PROXY

                  You may revoke your proxy by voting in person at the Annual Meeting or, at any time prior to the meeting:

                  by delivering a written notice to the Secretary of Abbott,
                  by delivering an authorized proxy with a later date, or
                  by voting by telephone or using the Internet after you have given your proxy.

                  CUMULATIVE VOTING

                  Cumulative voting allows a shareholder to multiply the number of shares owned by the number of directors to be elected and to cast the total for one nominee or distribute the votes among the nominees, as the shareholder desires. Shareholders may not cumulate their votes against a nominee. If shares are voted cumulatively and there are more nominees than there are director vacancies, nominees who receive the greatest number of votes will be elected. If you wish to cumulate your votes, you must sign and mail in your proxy card or attend the Annual Meeting.

                  DISCRETIONARY VOTING AUTHORITY

                  Unless authority is withheld in accordance with the instructions on the proxy, the persons named in the proxy will vote the shares covered by proxies they receive to elect the 12 nominees named in Item 1 on the proxy card. Should a nominee become unavailable to serve, the shares will be voted for a substitute designated by the Board of Directors, or for fewer than 12 nominees if, in the judgment of the proxy holders, such action is necessary or desirable. The persons named in the proxy may also decide to vote shares cumulatively in their sole discretion so that one or more of the nominees may receive fewer votes than the other nominees (or no votes at all), although they have no present intention of doing so. The proxy holders may not cast your vote for any nominee from whom you have withheld authority to vote.

                  Where a shareholder has specified a choice for or against the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as auditors, the advisory vote on the approval of executive compensation, or a shareholder proposal, or where the shareholder has abstained on these matters, the shares represented by the proxy will be voted (or not voted) as specified. Where no choice has been specified, the proxy will be voted FOR the approval of executive compensation, FOR the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as auditors, and AGAINST the shareholder proposals.

                  Aside from matters set forth in this proxy statement, the Board of Directors is not aware of any other issue which may properly be brought before the meeting. If other matters are properly brought before the meeting, the accompanying proxy will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the proxy holders.

                  QUORUM AND VOTE REQUIRED TO APPROVE EACH ITEM ON THE PROXY

                  A majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on a matter, represented in person or by proxy, constitutes a quorum for consideration of that matter at the meeting. The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares represented at the meeting and entitled to vote on a matter shall be the act of the shareholders with respect to that matter.

                  EFFECT OF WITHHOLD VOTES, BROKER NON-VOTES, AND ABSTENTIONS

                  Shares represented by proxies which are present and entitled to vote on a matter but which have elected to withhold authority to vote for one or more directors or to abstain from voting on another matter will have the effect of votes against those directors or that matter. A proxy submitted by an institution, such as a broker or bank that holds shares for the account of a beneficial owner, may indicate that all or a portion of the shares represented by that proxy are not being voted with respect to a particular matter. This could occur, for example, when the broker or bank is not permitted to vote those shares in the absence of instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares. These “non-voted shares” will be considered shares not present and, therefore, not entitled to vote on those matters, although these shares may be considered present and entitled to vote for other purposes. Brokers and banks have

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                  discretionary authority to vote shares in the absence of instructions on matters the New York Stock Exchange considers “routine”, such as the ratification of the appointment of the auditors. They do not have discretionary authority to vote shares in absence of instructions on “non-routine” matters. The election of directors, the advisory vote on the approval of executive compensation, and shareholder proposals are “non-routine” matters. Non-voted shares will not affect the determination of the outcome of the vote on any matter to be decided at the meeting.

                  INSPECTORS OF ELECTION

                  The inspectors of election and the tabulators of all proxies, ballots, and voting tabulations that identify shareholders are independent and are not Abbott employees.

                  COST OF SOLICITING PROXIES

                  The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors on behalf of Abbott for use at the Annual Meeting.

                  Abbott will bear the cost of making solicitations from its shareholders and will reimburse banks and brokerage firms for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with this solicitation. Proxies may be solicited by mail, telephone, Internet, or in person by directors, officers, or employees of Abbott and its subsidiaries.

                  Abbott has retained Morrow Sodali LLC to aid in the solicitation of proxies at an estimated cost of $19,500 plus reimbursement for reasonable out of pocket expenses.

                  ABBOTT LABORATORIES STOCK RETIREMENT PLAN

                  Participants in the Abbott Laboratories Stock Retirement Plan will receive voting instructions for their shares held in the Abbott Laboratories Stock Retirement Trust. The Stock Retirement Trust is administered by both a trustee and an Investment Committee. The trustee of the Trust is The Northern Trust Company. The members of the Investment Committee are Mary K. Moreland, John A. McCoy, Jr., and Brian P. Wentworth, employees of Abbott. The voting power with respect to the shares is held by and shared between the Investment Committee and the participants. The Investment Committee must solicit voting instructions from the participants and follow the voting instructions it receives. The Investment Committee may use its own discretion with respect to those shares for which no voting instructions are received.

                  CONFIDENTIAL VOTING

                  It is Abbott’s policy that all proxies, ballots, and voting tabulations that reveal how a particular shareholder has voted be kept confidential and not be disclosed, except:

                  where disclosure may be required by law or regulation,
                  where disclosure may be necessary in order for Abbott to assert or defend claims,
                  where a shareholder provides comments with a proxy,
                  where a shareholder expressly requests disclosure,
                  to allow the inspectors of election to certify the results of a vote, or
                  in other limited circumstances, such as a contested election or proxy solicitation not need to return their proxy card.

                  The Annual Meeting will be held at Abbott's headquarters, 100 Abbott Park Road, located at the intersection of Route 137approved and Waukegan Road, Lake County, Illinois. In light of restrictions and guidelines on group gatherings issuedrecommended by government and public health officials regarding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and to support the health and safety of Abbott's shareholders, employees, and communities, any shareholder who wishes to attend the Annual Meeting may only attend virtually. Shareholders will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person. Please see pages 12 to 13 for information on how to virtually attend and participate in the Annual Meeting.

                  By order of the Board of Directors.

                  HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS

                  Shareholders sharing an address may receive only one copy of the proxy materials or the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, unless their broker, bank, or other intermediary has received contrary instructions from any shareholder at that address. This is known as “householding.” Shareholders wishing to discontinue householding and receive separate copies of the proxy materials or the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials should notify their broker, bank, or other intermediary.

                  HUBERT L. ALLEN
                  Secretary
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                  CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

                  This proxy statement contains statements that may be forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” variations of these words, and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Abbott cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to those risks and uncertainties identified under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of Abbott’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2021. Abbott undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as the result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law.

                  The information on Abbott’s website, including the contents of Abbott’s 2020 Global Sustainability Report, 2020 Diversity and Inclusion Report, and 2030 Sustainability Plan, is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this proxy statement or incorporated herein or into any of Abbott’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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                  EXHIBIT A

                  DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE STANDARD

                  No director qualifies as "independent"
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                  EXHIBIT A –
                  DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE STANDARD

                  No director qualifies as “independent” unless the board affirmatively determines that the director has no material relationship with Abbott or its subsidiaries (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with Abbott or any of its subsidiaries). In making this determination, the board shall consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including the following standards:

                    A director is not independent if the director is, or has been within the last three years, an employee of Abbott or its subsidiaries, or an immediate family member is, or has been within the last three years, an executive officer of Abbott or its subsidiaries.


                    A director is not independent if the director has received, or has an immediate family member who has received, during any twelve-month period within the last three years, more than $120,000 in direct compensation from Abbott or its subsidiaries, other than director and committee fees and pension or other forms of deferred compensation for prior service (provided such compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service), and other than amounts received by an immediate family member for service as an employee (other than an executive officer).


                    A director is not independent if (A) the director or an immediate family member is a current partner of a firm that is Abbott'sAbbott’s internal or external auditor; (B) the director is a current employee of such a firm; (C) the director has an immediate family member who is a current employee of such a firm and personally works on Abbott'sAbbott’s or its subsidiaries'subsidiaries’ audit; or (D) the director or an immediate family member was within the last three years a partner or employee of such a firm and personally worked on Abbott'sAbbott’s or its subsidiaries'subsidiaries’ audit within that time.


                    A director is not independent if the director or an immediate family member is, or has been within the last three years, employed as an executive officer of another company where any of the present executive officers of Abbott or its subsidiaries at the same time serves or served on that company'scompany’s compensation committee.


                    A director is not independent if the director is a current employee, or an immediate family member is a current executive officer, of a company that has made payments to, or received payments from, Abbott or its subsidiaries for property or services in an amount which, in any of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of $1 million, or 2% of such other company'scompany’s consolidated gross revenues.


                    A director is not independent if the director is an executive officer of a charitable organization that received charitable contributions (other than matching contributions) from Abbott and its subsidiaries in the preceding fiscal year that are in excess of the greater of $1 million or 2% of such charitable organization'sorganization’s consolidated gross revenues.
                    A-1

                    Table of Contents

                    INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

                    GRAPHIC       Exhibit A-1


                    FORTUNE’S MOST ADMIRED COMPANIES

                    since 1984; #1 in Medical Products from 2014-2022

                    Table of ContentsDOW JONES SUSTAINABILITY INDEX

                    EXHIBIT B

                    PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

                    A B B O T T
                    L A B O R A T O R I E S

                    AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

                    RESTATED ARTICLE R-I

                    The name of the corporation is: Abbott Laboratories.

                    The corporation was incorporated March 6, 1900 under the name: The Abbott Alkaloidal Company.

                    Subsequent corporate names and the dates of their adoption are:

                    NameDate Adopted
                    Abbott LaboratoriesMay 29, 1915


                    RESTATED ARTICLE R-II (Amended)

                    The address of its registered office in the State of IllinoisTop Industry Score, 2013-2021, 17th year on the date ofadoption offiling thisAmendmentAmended andRestatement ofRestated Articles of Incorporationwas: 14th Street and Sheridan Road, Northis: C T Corporation System, 208 South LaSalle Street, Suite 814, Chicago, Illinois,60604, County ofLakeCook, and the name of its Registered Agent at said addresswas: Laurence R. Leeis: C T Corporation.Index

                    Fast Company’s 2021 World Changing Ideas

                    Recognized three of our technologies: MUAC z-score tape, BinaxNOW, and FreeStyle Libre 2 iCGM


                    RESTATED ARTICLE R-III
                    Wall Street Journal Management Top 250 Companies

                    The duration of the corporation is: Perpetual.#23; #9 in “Sustainability Star” ranking for ESG performance


                    RESTATED ARTICLE R-IV
                    Boston Consulting Group 50 Most Innovative Companies

                    The purpose or purposes for which the corporation is organized are:

                      (1)
                      To manufacture, purchase or otherwise acquire, own, sell, mortgage, pledge, assign, convey, transfer, or otherwise dispose of, to invest, trade, deal#29 in and deal with all kinds of medicines, medicinal preparations and supplies; chemical products, pharmaceutical products, drugs, druggists' sundries, surgical instruments, dressings and supplies, dental instruments, dressings and supplies, dentifrices, preparations used by dentists, and in dentistry and oral surgery; hospital preparations and supplies; medicines, preparations and instruments used in the cure and care of animals; perfumes and perfumery, toilet preparations, and other articles generally dealt in the retail drug trade; instruments, supplies and preparations used for medicinal, sanitary and other health purposes; and in general all instruments, preparations and supplies that appertain to pharmacy, pharmacology, medicines, drugs, sanitation and health.

                      (2)
                      To own and operate laboratories for experimentation and research in the fields of chemistry, pharmacology, biology and physics, or such other fields as the corporation may engage in under its charter.

                      (3)
                      To manufacture, purchase, or in any manner acquire, own, mortgage, pledge, sell, assign, convey, transfer, or otherwise dispose of, to invest, trade, deal in and deal with, goods, wares and merchandise, and personal property of every class and description wherever situated or located.

                      (4)
                      To develop, apply for, purchase, lease, acquire, hold, use, take or grant licenses in respect of, mortgage, pledge, lease, sell, assign or otherwise dispose of, letters patent of the United States or any foreign country, patent rights, licenses, privileges, inventions, devices, improvements, and processes, formulas, copyrights, trade marks and trade names.

                      (5)
                      To purchase or otherwise acquire the whole or any part of the property, assets, business, good will and rights and to undertake or assume the whole or any part of the bonds, mortgages, franchises, leases, contracts, indebtedness, liabilities and obligations of any person, firm, association, corporation or
                    2021

                    Exhibit B-1      GRAPHIC


                    Table of Contents

                        organization, and to pay for the same or any part or combination thereof in cash, shares of the capital stock, bonds, debentures, debenture stock, notes, or other obligations of the corporation or otherwise, or by undertaking and assuming the whole or any part of the liabilities or obligations of the transferor; and to hold or in any manner dispose of the whole or any part of the property and assets so acquired, and to conduct in any lawful manner the whole or any part of the business so acquired and to exercise all the powers necessary or convenient in and about the conduct, management and carrying on of such business.

                      (6)
                      To purchase, subscribe for, acquire, own, hold, sell, exchange, assign, transfer, mortgage, pledge or otherwise dispose of shares of voting trust certificates for shares of the capital stock, or any bonds, notes, securities or evidence of indebtedness created by any other corporation or corporations organized under the laws of this state or any other state or district or country, nation or government to issue in exchange therefor shares of the capital stock, bonds, notes or other obligations of the corporation and while the owners thereof to exercise all the rights, powers and privileges of ownership including the right to vote on any shares of stock or voting trust certificates so owned; to promote, lend money to any corporation or association of which any bonds, stocks, voting trust certificates, or other securities or evidences of indebtedness shall be held by or for this corporation, or in which or in the welfare of which, this corporation shall have any interest, and to do any acts and things permitted by law and designed to protect, preserve, improve or enhance the value of any such bonds, stocks or other securities or evidences of indebtedness or the property of this corporation.

                      (7)
                      In general, to carry on any other lawful business whatsoever in connection with the foregoing or which is calculated directly or indirectly to promote the interest of the corporation or to enhance the value of its properties and to have and exercise all the rights, powers and privileges, which are now or may hereafter be conferred by the laws of Illinois, to execute, from time to time, general or special powers of attorney to persons, firms, associations or corporations either in the United States or in any other country, state or locality, and to revoke same as and when the Board of Directors may determine; and so far as law will permit, to do any or all of the things hereinbefore set forth to the same extent as natural persons might or could do, and in any part of the world, either as principal, agent, contractor, or otherwise, or through corporations of which it may own the stock or securities, or any part thereof, or otherwise, and either alone or in company with others.

                      (8)
                      To have all other powers possessed by corporations organized or operating under the general corporation law of the State of Illinois.


                    RESTATED ARTICLE R-V
                    JUST Capital

                    The aggregate number of shares which the Corporation is authorized to issue is 2,401,000,000 divided into two classes. The designation of each class, the number of shares of each class, and the par value, if any, of the shares of each class, or a statement that the shares of any class are without par value, are as follows:#74 on 2022 JUST 100 list

                    ClassSeries
                    (if any)
                    Number of SharesPar Value per Share or
                    Statement that Shares
                    are Without Par Value

                    Preferred Shares

                    Issuable in series1,000,000$1 per share

                    Common Shares

                    None2,400,000,000Without par value

                    The preferences, qualifications, limitations, restrictions and the special or relative rights in respect of the shares of each class are:Investors Business Daily 100 Best ESG Companies


                    SECTION A
                    The Preferred Shares

                    1.
                    The Preferred Shares may be issued in one or more series and with such designation for each such series sufficient to distinguish the shares thereof from the shares of all other series and classes, as shall be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of each such series adopted by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors in any such resolution or resolutions is hereby expressly authorized to divide the Preferred Shares into series and to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of the shares of any series so established as to:

                    (i)
                    The rate per annum at which the holders of shares shall be entitled to receive dividends.

                    GRAPHIC       Exhibit B-2


                    Table of Contents

                      (ii)
                      The price at and the terms and conditions on which shares may be redeemed.

                      (iii)
                      The amount payable upon shares in event of involuntary liquidation.

                      (iv)
                      The amount payable upon shares in event of voluntary liquidation.

                      (v)
                      The sinking fund provisions, if any, for the redemption or purchase of shares.

                      (vi)
                      The terms and conditions on which shares may be converted, if the shares are issued with the privilege of conversion.

                    The Board of Directors may increase the number of shares designated for any existing series by a resolution adding to such series authorized and unissued Preferred Shares not designated for any other series.

                    2.
                    All preferred Shares of any one series shall be identical with each other in all respects, except that shares of any one series issued at different times as provided in paragraph 3 of this Section A, may differ as to the dates from which dividends thereon shall be cumulative.

                    3.
                    Before any dividends#76 on the Common Shares orlist

                    U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Hall of Fame

                    Abbott was the sole 2021 inductee, one of only 9 companies recognized for sustained, positive impact on any other class or classessociety

                    SCIENCE MAGAZINE TOP 20 EMPLOYERS

                    for 18 years

                    100 BEST COMPANIES

                    Working Mother for 21 years in a row, Hall of shares of the Corporation, ranking junior to the Preferred Shares with respect to payment of dividends, shall be paid or declared or set apartFame

                    TOP 50 COMPANIES FOR DIVERSITY

                    DiversityInc, for payment, the holders of Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive when and as declared by the Board of Directors, cumulative cash dividends, out of any funds legally available for the declaration of dividends and in the case of each series at the rate per annum, and no more, for the particular series fixed in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such series of Preferred Shares, adopted by the Board of Directors, payable quarterly on such dates, in each year, as may be fixed in such resolution or resolutions. With respect to each series of the Preferred Shares, such dividends shall be cumulative from the respective dates of issue thereof. No dividends shall be paid on any series of the Preferred Shares in respect of any dividend period unless all cumulative dividends accrued prior to said dividend period with respect to all Preferred Shares of each other series shall have been paid or declared and set aside for payment.

                    4.
                    The holders of Preferred Shares shall be entitled to vote as a class and otherwise as provided by law.

                    5.
                    Preferred shares which have been redeemed or shall have been purchased, converted or otherwise acquired by the Corporation may thereafter be reissued under such terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Section A, as the Board of Directors may thereafter determine.

                    6.
                    In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, and before any distribution of the assets of the Corporation shall be made to or set apart for the holders of the Common Shares or of any other class of shares of the Corporation ranking junior to the Preferred Shares with respect to payment of dividends or upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, the holders of the shares of each series of the Preferred Shares then outstanding shall be entitled to receive payment of such amount, as shall be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issue of such series; but such holders upon receipt of such payment shall be entitled to no further payment.

                    7.
                    In case of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, if the amounts payable with respect to all series of Preferred Shares then outstanding are not paid in full, the shares of all series of the Preferred Shares shall share proportionately in accordance with the respective amounts which would be payable on said shares if all amounts payable were paid in full.

                    8.
                    A consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into one or more corporations shall not be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up within the meaning of this Section A.
                    18 consecutive years


                    SECTION B
                    The Common Shares

                    1.
                    Subject to the limitations set forth in Section A of this Restated Article R-V, the holders of Common Shares shall be entitled to dividends if, when and as the same shall be declared by the Board of Directors out of funds of the Corporation legally available thereof.

                    2.
                    The holders of Common Shares shall be entitled to vote as provided by law.

                    Exhibit B-3      GRAPHIC


                    Table of ContentsWORKPLACE LEADERSHIP


                    SECTION C
                    The Preferred and Common Shares

                    No holder of shares of any class of the Corporation shall be entitled as of right to subscribe to or purchase any additional or increased shares of any class (whether now or hereafter authorized), or obligations convertible into any class or classes of shares (whether now or hereafter authorized), or shares of any class convertible into shares of any other class or classes (whether now or hereafter authorized), or obligations, shares or other securities carrying warrants or rights to subscribe to shares of the Corporation of any class or classes (whether now or hereafter authorized), but any and all shares, bonds, debentures or other securities or obligations, whether or not convertible into shares or carrying warrants entitling the holders thereof to subscribe to shares, may be issued, sold or disposed of from time to time by the board of Directors to such persons, firms or corporations and for such consideration (so far as may be permitted by law, by the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation, and by the terms of any resolution creating any series of Preferred Shares) as the Board of Directors shall from time to time in its absolute discretion determine. Among other things the Board of Directors shall have the right at any time and from time to time to offer, sell and issue shares of any class of the Corporation, or obligations, shares or other securities carrying warrants or rights to subscribe to shares of the Corporation of any class or classes, to employees of the Corporation and to employees of subsidiaries of the Corporation without first offering the same to itsshare holdersshareholders, for such prices or considerations, and upon such terms and conditions as the Board of Directors shall from time to time determine, and upon any such issuance and sale, or plan or proposal to issue and sell, the Board of Directors may classify employees as in its discretion it may deem advisable, and may differentiate between classes, and exclude any class from participation. The fact that an employee may be a director or an officer of the Corporation, or any of its subsidiaries, shall not disqualify him from participation as an employee in any such issuance or sale to employees.more than 25 countries


                    RESTATED ARTICLE R-VI

                    1.
                    A director of the corporation shall not be personally liable to the corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its shareholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 8.65 of the Illinois Business Corporation Act, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit; provided that the foregoing provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director for any act or omission occurring before the date this provision became effective.

                    2.
                    Any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or who is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall, in the case of persons who are or were directors or officers of the corporation, and may, as to such other persons, be indemnified (and the corporation shall, in the case of persons who are or were directors or officers of the corporation, and may, as to such other persons, advance expenses incurred in defending such actions, suits or proceedings) to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by law.

                    3.
                    The foregoing right of indemnification and advancement of expenses shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

                    GRAPHIC       Exhibit B-4


                    Table of Contents


                    RESTATED ARTICLE R-VII (Amended)

                    1.    The class and number of shares issued on the date ofadoption offiling thisRestatement of theAmended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and thestatedamount of paid-in capitaland paid-in surplus as of such datewereare:1

                    ClassSeries
                    (If Any)
                    Number of
                    Shares
                    Par ValueStatedPaid-in Capital
                    with Respect Thereto

                    Common

                    None4,388,318[·]$5Without par value$41,889,395.75[·]

                    Paid-in SurplusPreferred

                    None Designated0$1$None0

                    TotalStatedPaid-in Capitaland Paid-in Surplus

                    $41,889,395.75[·]

                    2.    The class and number of shares and the stated capital and paid-in surplus set forth in paragraph 1 above are changed by this Amendment and Restatement as follows:

                      Effective as of the close of business on the date of filing this Amendment and Restatement with the Secretary of State of Illinois each of the presently issued Common Shares of $5 par value is hereby changed into three Common Shares without par value authorized by this amendment to and restatement of Articles of Incorporation. The amendment does not affect stated capital or paid-in surplus.


                    RESTATED ARTICLE R-VIII (Amended)

                    The foregoing Restated Articles R-I to R-VII are an amendment constituting a restatement of the Articles of Incorporation of Abbott Laboratories, effective as of the date of issuance of the Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation by the Secretary of State, and shall from that time supersede and stand in lieu of the Corporation's pre-existing Articles of Incorporation.[Intentionally omitted.]


                    ARTICLE R-IX

                    A majority of the directors then in office may fill one or more vacancies occurring in the board of directors arising between meetings of shareholders by reason of an increase in the number of directors or otherwise and any director so elected shall serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders, provided that at no time may the number of directors selected to fill vacancies in this manner during any interim period between meetings of shareholders exceed 331/3 percent of the total membership of the board of directors.


                    RESTATED ARTICLE R-X (Amended)

                    Any proposed amendment to this Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation subject to a vote of the shareholders pursuant to Section 10.20(c) of the Illinois Business Corporation Act ("IBCA") (or any successor thereto) shall be adopted by the shareholders of the Corporation upon receipt by the Corporation of the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on such proposed amendment (unless any class or series of shares of the Corporation is entitled to vote as a class on such proposed amendment, in which event such proposed amendment shall be adopted by the shareholders of the Corporation upon receipt by the Corporation of the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of each such class or series ofshares entitled to vote as a class on such proposed amendment and of the total outstanding shares entitled to vote on such proposed amendment). The vote requirement for shareholder approval set forth in this Restated Article R-X supersedes the two-thirds vote requirement set forth in Section 10.20(c) of the IBCA.


                    1
                    Amounts to be inserted on the date of filing Articles of Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Illinois.

                    Exhibit B-5      GRAPHIC


                    Table of Contents


                    RESTATED ARTICLE R-XI (Amended)

                    (i)Any proposed plan of merger, consolidation or exchange subject to approval by the shareholders pursuant to Section 11.20(a) of the IBCA (or any successor thereto);

                    (ii)


                    any sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition of all, or substantially all, the property and assets, with or without the good will, of the Corporation, if not made in the usual and regular course of its business, subject to approval by the shareholders pursuant to Section 11.60(c) of the IBCA (or any successor thereto); and

                    (iii)


                    any voluntary dissolution of the Corporation subject to approval by the shareholders pursuant to Section 12.15(c) of the IBCA (or any successor thereto);

                    in each case, shall be approved by the shareholders of the Corporation upon receipt by the Corporation of the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes of the outstanding shares of the Corporation entitled to vote on the applicable matter (unless any class or series of shares of the Corporation is entitled to vote as a class on such matter, in which event such matter shall be approved by the shareholders of the Corporation upon receipt by the Corporation of the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of each such class or series of shares entitled to vote as a class on such matter and of the total outstanding shares entitled to vote on such matter). The vote requirement for shareholder approval set forth in this Restated Article R-XI supersedes the two-thirds vote requirement set forth in each of the sections of the IBCA referenced above in this Restated Article R-XI.

                    GRAPHIC       Exhibit B-6


                    Table of Contents

                    Abbott Laboratories
                    100 Abbott Park Road
                    Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6400 U.S.A.

                    NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
                    OF SHAREHOLDERS
                    AND PROXY STATEMENT

                    MEETING DATE
                    APRIL 23, 2021

                    Table of Contents

                    Abbott Laboratories
                    100 Abbott Park Road
                    Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6400 U.S.A.

                    NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
                    OF SHAREHOLDERS
                    AND PROXY STATEMENT

                    MEETING DATE
                    APRIL 29, 2022
                    9:00 A.M. CENTRAL TIME

                    YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT

                    Please sign and promptly return your proxy in the enclosed envelope or vote your shares by telephone or using the Internet.

                    The 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held virtually to enable broader and more convenient shareholder participation and to support the health and safety of Abbott’s shareholders, employees, and communities during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. There will not be a physical location for the Annual Meeting, and shareholders will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person.

                    How to Attend the Meeting on the Virtual Meeting Platform. Shareholders will be able to attend, vote their shares, and submit questions during the Annual Meeting at meetnow.global/ABT2022. To be admitted to the meeting, shareholders will be required to enter a 15-digit control number. Please see page 90 of this proxy statement for instructions on how to be admitted to the Annual Meeting.

                    How to Attend the Meeting by Phone. Shareholders who wish to attend the meeting by phone should contact Abbott representatives at 224-668-7238 or abbottshareholders@abbott.com to obtain the meeting telephone number in advance of the meeting. Shareholders participating by phone will be able to listen to the meeting but will not have the ability to vote or submit questions during the meeting. Shareholders who wish to vote their shares or submit questions during the meeting should attend the meeting on the virtual meeting platform.

                       

                    ​  

                    YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
                    Please sign and promptly return your proxy in the
                    enclosed envelope or vote your shares by telephone or using the Internet.
                    ​  

                    In light of restrictions and guidelines on group gatherings issued by government and public health officials regarding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and to support the health and safety of Abbott's shareholders, employees, and communities, shareholders may only attend the Annual Meeting virtually. Shareholders will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person.

                    Table of Contents

                    How to Attend the Meeting on the Virtual Meeting Platform.    Shareholders will be able to attend, vote their shares, and submit questions during the Annual Meeting at www.meetingcenter.io/290382097. To be admitted to the meeting, shareholders will be required to enter the meeting password (ABT2021) and a 15-digit control number. Please see pages 12 to 13 of this proxy statement for instructions on how to be admitted to the Annual Meeting.

                    How to Attend the Meeting by Phone.    Shareholders who wish to attend the meeting by phone should contact Abbott representatives at 224-668-7238 or abbottshareholders@abbott.com to obtain the meeting telephone number in advance of the meeting. Shareholders participating by phone will be able to listen to the meeting but will not have the ability to vote or submit questions during the meeting. Shareholders who wish to vote their shares or submit questions during the meeting should attend the meeting on the virtual meeting platform.

                     

                     GRAPHICGRAPHIC

                    MMMMMMMMMMMM MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM C123456789 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000004 ENDORSEMENT_LINE______________ SACKPACK_____________ MR A SAMPLE DESIGNATION (IF ANY) ADD 1 ADD 2 ADD 3 ADD 4 ADD 5 ADD 6 Your vote matters – here’s how to vote!
                    You may vote online or by phone instead of mailing this card.

                     Online GIof ntoo welwewct.rinovneicstvoortviontge,.com/
                    Go to www.investorvote.com/abt delete QR code and control #
                    or scan the QR code — login details are
                    located in the shaded bar below.
                    Phone
                    Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories and Canada Save paper, time and money! Sign up for electronic delivery at www.investorvote.com/abt
                    Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. q IF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q + Save paper, time and money!
                    Sign up for electronic delivery at
                    www.investorvote.com/abt
                    2022 Annual Meeting Proxy Card

                    6IF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.6

                    AProposals – The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed in Item 1 and FOR Items 2 and 3.

                    1.Election of 1412 Directors:

                    ForAgainstAbstain
                    01 - R.J.R. J. Alpern
                    04 - P. Gonzalez
                    07 - N. McKinstry
                    10 - D. J. Starks
                    02 - S. E. Blount
                    05 - M.A.M. A. Kumbier
                    08 - W. A. Osborn
                    11 - J. G. Stratton
                    03 - R. B. Ford
                    06 - D. W. McDew
                    09 - W.A. Osborn 13M. F. Roman
                    12 - G.F.G. F. Tilton For Against Abstain
                    2.Ratification of Ernst & Young LLP asAs Auditors 02 - R.S. Austin 03 - S.E. Blount 07 - N. McKinstry 11 - D.J. Starks 04 - R.B. Ford 08 - P.N. Novakovic 12 - J.G. Stratton 06 - D.W. McDew 10 - M.F. Roman 14 - M.D. White
                    3.Say on Pay - An Advisory Vote to Approveon the Approval of Executive Compensation
                    Mark here to vote
                    FOR all nominees
                    Mark here to WITHHOLD
                    vote from all nominees 4. Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation to Eliminate Statutory Supermajority Voting Standards for: For Against Abstain
                    For All EXCEPT - To withhold authority to vote for any nominee(s), write the name(s) of such nominee(s) below. (a) Amendments to the Articles

                    The Board of Incorporation _____________________________________________________________________ (b) Approval of Certain Extraordinary Transactions ForAgainst Directors recommends a vote AGAINST Items 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

                    ForAgainstAbstain ForAgainst ForAgainstAbstainForAgainstAbstain 5.
                    4. Shareholder Proposal - Lobbying Disclosure Special Shareholder Meeting Threshold6. Shareholder Proposal - Rule 10b5-1 Plans8. Shareholder Proposal - Antimicrobial Resistance Report on Racial Justice 7.
                    5. Shareholder Proposal - Independent Board Chairman Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give full title and, where more than one is named, a majority should sign. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. MMMMMMM C 1234567890 J N T 9 0 7 5 2 MR A SAMPLE (THIS AREA IS SET UP TO ACCOMMODATE 140 CHARACTERS) MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND + 1 P C F 4 03DVJE MMMMMMMMM 7. Shareholder Proposal - Lobbying Disclosure
                    BAuthorized Signatures This section must be completed for your vote to count. Please date and sign below. The Board of Directors recommends a vote AGAINST Items 5, 6 and 7. A Proposals — The Board of Directors recommend a vote FOR all the nominees listed in Item 1 and FOR Items 2, 3 and 4. 2021 Annual Meeting Proxy Card1234 5678 9012 345

                    Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give full title and, where more than one is named, a majority should sign.

                     

                    In light of restrictions and guidelines on group gatherings issued by government and public health officials regarding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and to support the health and safety of Abbott’s shareholders, employees, and communities, shareholders may only attend the Annual Meeting virtually at www.meetingcenter.io/290382097. Shareholders will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person. To access the Annual Meeting, you must have the 15-digit control number that is printed in the circle in the shaded bar located on the reverse side of this form and the meeting password ABT2021. q IF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q + Proxy Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors for Annual Meeting - April 23, 2021 The undersigned, revoking all previous proxies, acknowledges receipt of the Notice and Proxy Statement dated March 12, 2021, in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Abbott Laboratories to be held at 9:00 a.m. on April 23, 2021, at the corporation’s headquarters, and hereby appoints Robert B. Ford and Hubert L. Allen, or either of them, proxy for the undersigned, with full power of substitution, to represent and vote all shares of the undersigned upon all matters properly coming before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof. If the undersigned is a participant in the Abbott Laboratories Stock Retirement Plan, then this card also instructs the plan’s Investment Committee to vote as specified at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and any adjournments thereof, all shares of Abbott Laboratories held in the undersigned’s plan account upon the matters indicated and in their discretion upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting. Abbott’s proxy holders reserve the right to vote shares cumulatively in their sole discretion so that one or more of the nominees may receive fewer votes than other nominees (or no votes at all). This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned shareholder. If no such directions are indicated, this proxy will be voted FOR the election of the nominees listed in Item 1, FOR Items 2, 3 and 4, and AGAINST Items 5, 6 and 7. In their discretion, the proxy holders are authorized to vote upon any other matters as may properly come before the meeting. (Items to be voted appear on reverse side) Change of Address —
                    Date (mm/dd/yyyy) – Please print new addressdate below. Comments —Signature 1 – Please print your comments below. + C Non-Voting Items Proxy — Abbott Laboratories keep signature within the box.Signature 2 – Please keep signature within the box.
                           /      /

                    03KRUJ


                    Table of Contents

                    The 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held virtually to enable broader and more convenient shareholder participation and to support the health and safety of Abbott’s shareholders, employees, and communities during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. There will not be a physical location for the Annual Meeting, and shareholders will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person.

                    How to Attend the Meeting on the Virtual Meeting Platform. Shareholders will be able to attend, vote their shares, and submit questions during the Annual Meeting at meetnow.global/ABT2022. To be admitted to the meeting, you must have the 15-digit control number printed on the reverse side of this form.

                    How to Attend the Meeting by Phone. Shareholders who wish to attend the meeting by phone should contact Abbott representatives at 224-668-7238 or abbottshareholders@abbott.com to obtain the meeting telephone number in advance of the meeting. Shareholders participating by phone will be able to listen to the meeting but will not have the ability to vote or submit questions during the meeting.

                    Small steps make an impact.

                    Help the environment by consenting to receive electronic
                    delivery, sign up at www.investorvote.com/abt

                    6IF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.6

                     

                    Proxy — Abbott Laboratories

                    Proxy Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors for Annual Meeting - April 29, 2022

                    The undersigned, revoking all previous proxies, acknowledges receipt of the Notice and Proxy Statement dated March 18, 2022, in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Abbott Laboratories to be held at 9:00 a.m. Central Time on Friday, April 29, 2022, and hereby appoints Robert B. Ford and Hubert L. Allen, or either of them, proxy for the undersigned, with full power of substitution, to represent and vote all shares of the undersigned upon all matters properly coming before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.

                    If the undersigned is a participant in the Abbott Laboratories Stock Retirement Plan, then this card also instructs the plan’s Investment Committee to vote as specified at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and any adjournments thereof, all shares of Abbott Laboratories held in the undersigned’s plan account upon the matters indicated and in their discretion upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting.

                    Abbott’s proxy holders reserve the right to vote shares cumulatively in their sole discretion so that one or more of the nominees may receive fewer votes than other nominees (or no votes at all).

                    This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned shareholder. If no such directions are indicated, this proxy will be voted FOR the election of the nominees listed in Item 1, FOR Items 2 and 3 and AGAINST Items 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

                    In their discretion, the proxy holders are authorized to vote upon any other matters as may properly come before the meeting.

                    (Items to be voted appear on reverse side)

                    CNon-Voting Items

                    Change of Address – Please print new address below.Comments – Please print your comments below.