The Bottom Line: Planet Fitness, Albany and Itaconix plc

A roundup of news updates from public companies in NH and nationwide

PLANET FITNESS LAUNCHES OCTOBER FUNDRAISER

Planet Fitness has launched its annual October fundraising campaign with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to support youth development, kindness and belonging initiatives nationwide.

The campaign coincides with National Bullying Prevention Month and is part of Planet Fitness’ Judgement Free Generation, a philanthropic initiative focused on promoting kindness, inclusion and well-being. Planet Fitness, its franchisees and members have raised more than $12 million for the initiative since its launch in 2016.

Throughout October, Planet Fitness members and guests can donate at local club front desks, through inclub Vicki kiosks or online at PFGives.com. All funds raised will directly benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America and support youth programming and pro-kindness initiatives.

“Creating safe, welcoming spaces where everyone feels like they belong is at the core of who we are at Planet Fitness,” said McCall Gosselin, chief corporate affairs officer of Planet Fitness. “We’re proud to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to help create opportunities for young people to learn, grow and succeed.”

The campaign will also highlight recipients of the 2026 Judgement Free Generation Scholarship, which recognizes high school seniors for their commitment to kindness, inclusion and creating welcoming communities.

Since 2016, the partnership has established more than 50 mini Judgement Free Zones at Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide, provided specialized anti-bullying training to more than 1,100 Club staff members and awarded nearly $2 million in academic scholarships.

More information is available at planetfitness.com/JFG.

ALBANY ENGINEERED COMPOSITES AWARDED $21.2M DEFENSE CONTRACT

Albany Engineered Composites, a segment of Albany International Corp. (NYSE: AIN), has received a $21.2 million contract to advance manufacturing capabilities for hypersonic vehicles and solid rocket motors.

The 30-month contract was awarded to the company’s AEC Advanced Programs Inc. business through the U.S. government’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program for Strengthening America’s Manufacturing and Defense Industrial Base. The award was made through U.S. Army Contracting Command–Rock Island and Cornerstone Other Transaction Authority.

The project will support development of carbon-carbon composite thermal protection systems designed for extreme-environment defense applications. Albany plans to use its advanced composite manufacturing capabilities, including 3D-woven, near-net-shape preforms, Resin Transfer Molding and carbon-carbon densification.

The program will focus on establishing a vertically integrated production facility for carbon-carbon composite manufacturing, with the goal of increasing domestic capacity for cost-effective thermal protection systems used in hypersonic weapons and solid rocket motors.

Work will include engineering studies, facility planning, supplier selection, procurement and installation of manufacturing equipment, and development of production infrastructure.

Albany said the project will expand its capabilities for extreme-environment applications while strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base and supporting scalable domestic production of critical aerospace and defense technologies.

ITACONIX REVENUE JUMPS 72% IN FIRST HALF OF 2026

Itaconix plc (AIM: ITX), a maker of plant-based specialty polymers used in consumer products, reported record first-half revenue of $8.3 million, up 72% from $4.8 million during the same period last year.

Revenue from Itaconix Performance Ingredients more than doubled to $6.7 million, driven by increased orders from existing customers and two new large detergent customers in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America. Revenue from SPARX Formulated Solutions increased 3% to $1.6 million.

Gross profit rose 74% to $3 million, while the gross margin increased slightly to 35.6% from 35.1%. The company reached break-even adjusted EBITDA, compared with a $200,000 loss in the first half of 2025. Itaconix ended the period with $5.1 million in cash and investments, up from $4.4 million at the end of 2025.

“Our half year results are major milestones for our commercial progress, our revenue potential, and our use of cash,” CEO John R. Shaw said. “We generated our fourth consecutive half of growth to achieve record revenues and break-even adjusted EBITDA whilst still investing in new long-term revenue opportunities.”

The company said it continues to see growth opportunities for its plant-based polymers in detergent markets while developing applications in paints and agriculture.

Itaconix expects fiscal 2026 revenue of at least $14.8 million and a small positive EBITDA. The company is targeting $30 million in detergent revenue over the medium term through increased business with existing customers and the addition of new accounts.