Acadia Healthcare rallies 25% after sudden CEO change

Acadia Healthcare

20/01/2026 15:42

Updates stock activity, adds analyst commentary

** Acadia Healthcare ACHC.O shares rally 25.4% to $14.65 early Tues after co announces sudden CEO transition

** ACHC shares on course for biggest daily pct gain since Mar 2020

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

** Hunter, who had succeeded Osteen in 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

** Jefferies, which has a 'buy' rating on the stock, says Osteen's announced return "should be viewed positively by investors given her track record in turning the business around during her previous tenure from December 2018 through March 2022"

** 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))