A roundup of news updates from public companies in NH and nationwide
PLANET FITNESS RANKED TOP FITNESS BRAND
Planet Fitness, one of the world’s largest and fastestgrowing fitness center franchisors, has been recognized as a top-ranked franchise in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500. The company ranked No. 16 overall and was named the leading brand in the fitness category among the 500 franchises evaluated.
The Franchise 500 recognizes brands for performance across key areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, operational and marketing support, and brand power.
“We are thrilled to be recognized in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and to represent the leading brand in the fitness category,” said Colleen Keating, CEO of Planet Fitness. “This achievement underscores the strength of our brand and the dedication of our franchisees and team members as we continue to grow a welcoming fitness community.”
Planet Fitness’ recognition comes amid strong operating performance. As of Dec. 31, 2025, the company reported approximately 20.8 million members and a 6.7% increase in system-wide same-club sales for the full year. In 2025, Planet Fitness opened 181 new clubs, including 23 corporate-owned locations, bringing its total system-wide footprint to 2,896 clubs.
ITACONIX POSTS RECORD FY 2025 REVENUES ABOVE $10M
Itaconix plc (AIM: ITX; OTCQB: ITXXF), a Stratham-based developer of plant-based specialty polymers, reported record unaudited revenues for the year ended December 31, 2025, exceeding $10 million for the first time.
FY 2025 revenues rose 59% year-on-year to $10.3 million (FY 2024: $6.5 million), driven by strong customer momentum and a third consecutive record half year. Second-half revenues reached $5.5 million, up from $4.8 million in H2 2024.
Growth was generated across both existing and new customers, spanning key applications and geographies. Demand continued to increase for the company’s patented plant-based polymers as global consumer product manufacturers adopt more sustainable, high-performance ingredients for detergent, hygiene and beauty products. The improved commercial traction has enabled Itaconix to increase investment in demand generation and customer support ahead of 2026.
The board said it remains optimistic about the outlook for 2026, citing a growing customer pipeline, wider product adoption and a scalable, capital-efficient operating model that supports continued revenue growth.
CEO John R. Shaw said 2025 marked a “milestone year” for the company, reflecting accelerating commercial momentum and growing customer validation of its technology. He added that Itaconix is entering 2026 “from a position of strength,” supported by a deepening revenue pipeline and disciplined execution.
Further details on FY 2025 performance and the outlook for 2026 will be provided with the company’s full-year results, expected in late March 2026.
ASTRIS AI, AEC PARTNER TO ADVANCE AI IN AEROSPACE MANUFACTURING
Astris AI, a Lockheed Martin company, and Albany Engineered Composites, Inc. (AEC) has announced a strategic collaboration to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across AEC’s advanced aerospace manufacturing operations. AEC, a leading producer of 3D-woven composite components for defense and aerospace applications headquartered in Rochester, NH, is the first supplier to undertake a structured AI modernization program with Astris AI, establishing a model for strengthening the U.S. defense supply chain.
Under the agreement, Astris AI will deploy its defense-grade AI Factory platform within AEC’s environment. The platform will support development of an enterprise-wide AI road map spanning supply chain operations, production planning and finance, while establishing secure governance frameworks that meet stringent defense compliance requirements. The collaboration will also focus on building AI surrogate models to predict composite material properties for complex 3D-woven geometries using existing simulation and test data.
“Integrating Astris AI’s AI Factory platform into our operations places AEC at the forefront of advanced composite manufacturing innovation,” said Chris Stone, president at AEC. “When combined with our proprietary 3D weaving design and process simulation capability, we expect that Astris AI will significantly accelerate our mission to deliver proven 3D-woven composite replacements for critical titanium structures, adding strength and resilience to the domestic defense supply chain.”
The effort marks the first phase of Astris AI’s broader supplier modernization initiative, with expansion to additional key suppliers planned through 2026.
