Lengthy post - 3 questions - forecast, trend, income statement, multiple lines, efficiency

[shakethingsup]

Hi - this is going to be a lengthy post. I've been researching the forecast and trend function.

I have 3-4 questions numbered below:

1. Several other websites have indicated that the trend and forecast function generate the same results. Yet I haven't been able to. Am I doing something wrong? It's quite close but not exact. Can someone point me in the right direction? I am using "forecast sheet", confidence 95%, seasonality 12 (12 months).

2. I'd like to forecast each line item in my income statement for the remaining months (period 4 to period 6). I'd then like to chart the net operating income for the remaining months but i'm running into issues. What's the most efficient way to forecast period 4 to period 6 in columns E to G for all rows?

Option 1: Use the forecast sheet function - this creates a new worksheet and seems to only work with one line item. I could have a bazillion sheets created which is not practical.

Option 2: Use trend function - but in order to do this, I have to put the formula in cell H to J. =TREND($B$2:$D$2,$B$1:$D$1,E1:G1) - this is inconvenient because I need to chart the results from period 1 to period 6. Could I not some how populate E to G? I think it creates a circular reference.

Option 3: Use forecast function - but it only forecasts 1 at a time. I need to forecast for 3 periods.

3. Eventually, I'd like to build a model with forecast and adjusted for certain assumptions. I'm trying to think ahead in how dynamic I want my workbook/worksheets to be. Any recommendations? Assumptions would include but not limited to:

a. increase or decrease by a certain %.
b. the increase or decrease can include compounded growth
c. one time adjustments

 

[shakethingsup]

AH - I also just learned about the growth function for exponential growth line items. Anyway still have questions about the above.