JPMorgan Chase reported a net loss of $0.4 billion for the third quarter of 2013, compared with net income of $5.7 billion in the third quarter of 2012. Revenue1 for the quarter was $23.9 billion, compared with $25.9 billion in the prior year.

The bank said third-quarter results included legal expense in Corporate of $9.2 billion ($7.2 billion after-tax), and a benefit from reserve releases of $1.6 billion ($992 million after-tax). Excluding these items, third-quarter net income would have been $5.8 billion, or $1.42 per share.

Jamie Dimon, chairman and chief executive officer, commented on the Company’s results: “While we had strong underlying performance across the businesses, unfortunately, the quarter was marred by large legal expense. We continuously evaluate our legal reserves, but in this highly charged and unpredictable environment, with escalating demands and penalties from multiple government agencies, we thought it was prudent to significantly strengthen them. While we expect our litigation costs should abate and normalize over time, they may continue to be volatile over the next several quarters.”

Dimon continued: “The board continues to seek a fair and reasonable settlement with the government on mortgage-related issues – and one that recognizes the extraordinary circumstances of the Bear Stearns and Washington Mutual transactions, which were undertaken at the request or encouragement of the U.S. Government.”

To read the JPMorgan Chase news release click here.