Paper & Forest Products and Hospital & Medical Practitioners Lead Gains on Thursday

Paper & forest products shares led Thursday's trading, up 4.6% with Mativ and Suzano showing significant gains. Hospital & medical practitioners shares also rose, up 3% led by Aveanna Healthcare Holdings and U.S. Physical Therapy.

In Thursday's trading session, the paper and forest products sector led the market, with Mativ and Suzano showing significant gains. The sector as a whole surged by 4.6%, driven by positive market sentiment and operational improvements. Meanwhile, hospital and medical practitioners shares also rose, with Aveanna Healthcare Holdings and U.S. Physical Therapy leading the way, up by 3%.

International Paper (IP) faced a challenging trading day, with its stock falling by 14.77% despite a 15% sales increase to $6.767 billion in Q2 2025 [1]. The earnings report, which showed a decline to $0.14 per share from $1.41 in the same period last year, raised concerns about the company's financial health. Analysts remain divided on the outlook, with an average rating score of 3.00 [1]. Institutional investors, however, show optimism, with a 54.2% extra-large inflow ratio [1]. The technical indicators are neutral, with conflicting bullish and bearish signals urging caution until a clear price breakout emerges [1]. The CEO, Andy Silvernail, expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing the company's transformation strategy post-DS Smith merger [1].

On the other hand, Sequana Medical NV received a significant boost from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which approved an additional payment for its alfapump® system in hospital inpatient cases [2]. The New Technology Add-On Payment (NTAP) provides up to $21,450 when performed in the hospital inpatient setting, effective from October 1, 2025 [2]. This approval is a key milestone for Sequana Medical, which is focused on the treatment of drug-resistant fluid overload in liver disease, heart failure, and cancer [2]. The approval comes on the heels of successful clinical trials and FDA approval, positioning the company favorably in the market [2].

References:
[1] https://www.ainvest.com/news/stock-analysis-international-paper-outlook-mixed-signals-strategic-crossroads-2508/
[2] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/05/3127678/0/en/Press-release-CMS-Approves-Additional-Payment-for-Sequana-Medical-s-alfapump-system-in-Hospital-Inpatient-Cases.html