The portfolio payouts and actual returns serve two different purposes. The payout refers to the income or distribution paid to the investors. On the other hand, the actual portfolio returns reflect the total performance, including both income (like dividends or interest) and capital appreciation or depreciation (rise or fall in the value of investments).

There can be situations where the investments may have given higher dividends (contributing to the payout) but might have decreased in their market value, affecting the total return. Conversely, an investment might appreciate in value but might not distribute much income.