Annotation. Introduction. One of the key tasks of the formation of a socially oriented economy is to ensure a high level and quality of life of the population, which implies the satisfaction of the most necessary needs of citizens in comfortable housing, energy, sanitary and technical, transport services, etc. Satisfaction of the above needs is possible only under the condition of the efficient and uninterrupted functioning of utilities, since the main task of the utilities is to provide the population with heat, water, gas, electricity and other services on which the comfort of housing, the state of human health, the constant mode of operation of enterprises, improvement districts, ecological state of settlements. The efficient operation of enterprises of communal ownership largely depends on their financial condition. Therefore, the study of the development and financial support of public utilities, the effectiveness of their activities is relevant, especially in the context of decentralization. Now, the problems of public utilities require much attention, among which their financial condition is significant. Purpose. The purpose of the work is to analyze and study the financial condition of utilities and develop proposals for its improvement. Results. The article considers, analyzes and compares such indicators of the financial condition of utility companies in some cities of Ukraine as: financial results, depreciation of fixed assets, return on assets, absolute liquidity ratio. Factors influencing the financial results of utilities have been identified. The main ways to improve the financial condition of utilities have been identified. Conclusions. According to the results of the analysis of their financial condition, the prevailing loss, high level of depreciation of fixed assets and low capital productivity of most enterprises in this industry have been determined. The reasons for this situation are the lack of effective directions of financial policy in this area, the imperfection of the regulatory framework and miscalculations in the management of financial resources. The current state of this industry gives grounds to talk about the need to improve the effectiveness of its state regulation in order to solve the basic problems of its socio-economic development.