** Acadia Healthcare ACHC.O shares rally 24.7% to $14.57 early Tues after co announces sudden CEO transition

** Behavioral healthcare services provider says former CEO Debbie Osteen replaces current chief Chris Hunter effective immediately

** Hunter, who had succeeded Osteen in Apr 2022, is departing ACHC and its board

** “As Acadia continues to take decisive steps to optimize its growth investments and existing portfolio amidst ongoing macro headwinds facing many healthcare providers, the Board believes now is the right time to transition leadership," board chairman Reeve Waud said in the statement

** "Debbie is the right person to step into the CEO role while the Board conducts a comprehensive search for a long-term successor..." Waud added

** Co reaffirms its 2025 guidance and continues to expect rev of $3.28-$3.3 bln, adj EBITDA of $601-$611 mln and adj EPS of $1.94-$2.04

** Franklin, Tennessee-based ACHC came under pressure last year from activist investors pushing for changes, including a potential sale, citing poor performance and governance failures

** ACHC shares shed 64% in 2025 following 49% drop in 2024

(Lance Tupper is a Reuters market analyst. The views expressed are his own)

((lance.tupper@tr.com 1-646-279-6380))