Shares of Fu Shou Yuan International Group Ltd (01448.HK) plunged 8.82% in early trading on Wednesday, following the company's announcement of an expected substantial loss for the first half of the year. The sharp decline reflects investor concerns over the funeral service provider's financial performance.

According to a statement released by Fu Shou Yuan, the company anticipates a loss ranging between RMB 235 million and RMB 265 million for the first half of the year. This stark reversal in financial fortunes has caught the market off guard, triggering a significant sell-off in the stock.

The company attributed the expected loss primarily to increased tax expenses incurred by its subsidiaries, among other factors. This unexpected financial setback has raised questions about Fu Shou Yuan's operational efficiency and its ability to navigate the current economic landscape. As investors digest this news, market analysts are likely to closely scrutinize the company's upcoming detailed financial report for further insights into its performance and future outlook.